Moving Picture World (Jan-Feb 1927)

12U MOVING PICTURE WORLD January 8, 1927 The Plea Of A Married Man tjrxON’T TELL THE WIFE” is the title of the Warner Brothers picture starring Irene Rich, which was directed by Paul E. Stein. In the basket-like chair are Huntley Gordon and Lilyan T ashman in a most comfortable position, while on the right above, Director Stein luxuriates among some girls in the cabaret scene. Below, Irene Rich and Huntley Gordon in a close-up. George O’Brien Assigned To Striving For Fortune” An Excellent Picture Louis Sherwin Titling Kane “Is Zat So?” Alfred E. Green, who has just completed “The Auctioneer” for Fox Films, begins a new screen offering, “Is Zat So?” which scored so notably in New York and has been going on to win new laurels as a road show. Its success in London was as sensational as that in America. George O’Brien, one of the leading players in “Sunrise,” directed for Fox Films by F. W. Murnau, plays the role of Chick Gowan, the dumb but willing boxer in “Is Zat So?” Kathryn Perry is cast in the feminine leading role. Arthur Housman, who has been screamingly funny in many Fox offerings, will portray the wise-cracking, smooth mannered and versatile fight manager. O’Brien is playing the role created by Richard Taber on the stage and Housman has the part originated by James Gleason, the other half of the successful playwright-actor combination. Rowland Announces Changes in Titles The title of the forthcoming Ken Maynard super-western for First National will be known as “Somewhere in Sonora” instead of “Somewhere South of Sonora,” it was announced by Production Manager Richard A. Rowland. George Fitzmaurice’s first production for First National featuring Billie Dove and Ben Lyon, formerly titled “The Tender Hour,” will hereafter be known as “Beauty in Chains.” “O TRIVING FOR FOR ^ TUNE,” the newest production in the series George Walsh is starring is for Excellent Pictures Corporation, will be made available for national release the end of this month. It is the third in the group of six, following “The Kick-Off” and “A Man of Quality.” The picture graphically illustrates the modern American idea of success. It presents in photoplay form the idea that forms the basis of .so much successful literature in the present day. The newsstands and the and the book-stalls are crowded with all kinds of “success literature” and the public reads it all avidly, because success is almost a religion witn the public nowadays. The same thought has formed the theme of “Striving for Fortune,” and its producers expect to crowd the theatres where the picture plays in the same manner as they crowd to buy books and magazines which dwell on the theme of success. George Walsh enacts his best role; the dominant, suretosucceed, valiant, courageous, fearless young chap, an inspiration. The story is set amidst powerful big business ; a shipbuilding plant employing tens of thousands of workers. It is as realistic as it is romantic; best described in the slogan of the posters, “a romance of men and ships.” A splendid cast aids the star, including Beryl Roberts, Louise Carter, Joe Burke, Brian Donlevy and Dexter McReynolds. Navy Special Louis Sherwin has been signed by Robert Kane to write the titles for his elaborate Navy picture, now in the cutting room under the title of “The Song of the Dragon.” Kane, Joe Boyle, who directed, and Leland Hayward, producing manager of the Kane Enterprises, are assisting Paul Maschke in cutting the picture, which deals with the Navy’s participation in the World War. Dorothy Mackaill, Lowell Sherman, Lawrence Gray, Buster Collier, Ian Keith and Jack Ackroyd are featured with an impressive supporting cast. First National will release the picture early in the year. Blystone Directing Madge Bellamy and Lawrence Gray have just started their appearances in the leading roles in “Ankles Preferred,” by James Hamilton, J. G. Blystone is directing it as his thirty-ninth production at Fox Films West Coast Studios. Others in the cast are J. Farrell Macdonald, Barry Norton, Marjorie E-eebe and Allan Forrest. Dix’s Next Lucia Backus Seger is to be Richard Dix’s mother in his next Paramount picture, “Knockout Reilly,” scheduled to go into production this week at the Long Island studio. Other members of the cast thus far chosen are Mary Brian and Jack Renault, the well known boxer. Marian Nixon Leading Lady in “Let It Rain” MARIAN NIXON will appear opposite Douglas MacLean in the comedian’s next Paramount picture. By ararngement with Universal, Miss Nixon affixed her signature to the contract whereby she wins the coveted role in “Let It Rain,” and the same document specifically permits the actress to make whatever changes in her appearance MacLean may consider essential. It is probable that the first of the changes will involve a visit to the barber shop and the sac rifice of Miss Nixon’s long hair. In the past this talented young actress has specialized in picturing the demure maid. In “Let It Rain” she will portray a snappy, vivacious “Miss 1927,” boasting a boyish bob in place of her former sleek coiffure and she will carry this change throughout. Because of his belief in her ability to make this new personality convincing, MacLean delayed the starting date of “Let It Rain” in order to secure Miss Nixon’s services. Eddie Cline will direct.