Moving Picture World (Jan-Feb 1927)

January 8, 1927 MOVING PICTURE WORLD Pathe, Inc., Announces New Serial "The Crimson Flash,” an in . triguing mystery story, has been purchased by Pathe as the story ■ basis of the next serial produc' tion in the East. The author of the story is George Gray, well-known newspaper man and writer, who spent considerable time on “The Plain Dealer” in Cleveland and was later identified with the New York “World,” the “Dramatic Mirror” and other publications. Wrote Mysteries Gray wrote the stories of the True Detective Series of tworeel dramas released by Pathe, and also wrote the novelized version of “Leatherstocking,” one of the most successful Pathe -serials., and for five years edited the Pathe “Sun,” during which time he attracted widespread attention for his stirring, inspirational editorials. New Title Announced for Western “Laddie Be Good” is the title selected by Bill Cody and J. E. Storey, Assistant General Manager of West Coast production, for the first of the new series of feature-length comedy-dramas in which Cody will be starred under the rooster trademark. Production was started at the Fine Arts Studios in Hollywood' on December 27. Ben Cohn is the director. Ben Westland is production manager of the unit and Joseph Murphy is assistant director. At the cameras are Art Reve and Dave Smith. Kellerman Starred Annette Kellerman, noted diver, swimmer and dancer, appears as the star of “Sylph of the Sea,” a process camera novelty feature of Pathe Review Number 1, 1927 series. “Busy Lizzie” George Davis and Edna Marion have corripleted production work on “Busy Lizzie,” the new Educational Mermaid Comedy which will feature these favorites of laugh pictures. One of the largest casts of supporting players will aid and abet in the fun-making. The principal action of the comedy is laid in a modiste’s shop. Educational Announces List of “Laugh Month ” Comedies Life’s Humorist Robert E. Sherwood, producer of life comedies animated cartoons, released through Educational. Pathe News Presents Highlights of 1926 During the past year Pathe News has presented to the “movie” going public many spectacular features on stirring events of world-wide interest. The “News” has compiled and incorporated into issue No. 1, its initial release starting the New Year, a film review of important events shown in the reel throughout 1926 under the heading “Pictorial Highlights in The News Events of 1926.” These scenes recall all the big news events of the year just passed. Lupino Lane Wins Newspaper Praise Lupino Lane’s appearance in one of his comedies for Educational at Loew’s State, Los Angeles, resulted in the following high praise from the Los Angeles Examiner: “Lane’s films arc short, but to the point. The earlier parts of the comedy are delirious antics which brought a laugh a second from Loew’s State audience yesterday.” Jimmy Adams Starred in “Wild and Woozy”; “Howdy Duke” Presents Lupino Lane; Lloyd Hmilton’s New Opus \ N ARRAY of sure-fire laugh pictures dominates /A Educational’s program of Short Features for January— National Laugh Month. This line-up, coupled with an equally strong list of fun vehicles released in December, which also will be available for Laugh Month showing, should prove invaluable to the exhibitor in arranging his Laugh Month program. A Jimmie Adams Comedy and a Mermaid laugh treat, featuring A1 St. John open the month. Jimmie Adams will be starred in “Wild and Woozy,” which has to do with his venture in an airplane to a cannibal-infested island in search of a sacred monkey. Vera Steelman and other comedy favorites appear in the supporting cast. The picture was directed by Harold Beaudine. “High Sea Blues,” the comedy in which St. John takes the leading role, boasts such favorites as Lucille Hutton, Phil Dunham, Estelle Bradley, Clem Beauchamp, Eva Thatcher and others. It was di Box Car Beauties Gladys Harvey, Edna Marian and Rose Lane, players in Christie comedies. rected by Stephen Roberts and supervised by Jack White. “Big Boy,” three-year-old “leading man,” who has been scoring such a hit this season, will be featured in “Funny Face,” a Juvenile Comedy which sees the youngster taking the principal part in a rapid-fire fun film. Bonnie Barrett, Jack McHpgh and My Mayer have the main supporting roles. “Funny Face” was directed by Charles Lamont. Jack White had charge of the supervision of this laugh hit. Lupino Lane is starred in “Howdy Duke,” which pre-view critics have termed the funniest picture of his career. This, the second comedy of his star series this season, sees Lane playing two roles with equal agility. All the clever acrobatics and fast-moving pantomime the fans are accustomed to seeing in his comedies make this a noteworthy laugh film. Norman Taurog wrote and directed the story. Feature Neal Burns Neal Burns is featured in “Break Away,” the Christie Comedy of the month. Burns is supported by Natalie Joyce, Jack Duffy and a large cast. The picture, which shows Burns as a poor young theatrical producer, offers the opportunity to introduce a hand-picked chorus of stage beauties in several of the sequences. The picture was directed by Harold Beaudine. Edna Marion and George Davis are featured as a comedy team in “Busy Lizzie,” the second Mermaid Comedy of the month. Miss Marion has been appearing in leading feminine roles opposite Neal Burns in Christie Comedies, but was obtained to play in this comedy which offers her excellent opportunities to show as a comedienne. Typical fast-action sequences together with the usual large cast makes this comedy a real asset. Lloyd Hamilton’s new comedy, “Peaceful Oscar,” also will be released during Laugh Month. It (Continued on page 128)