Moving Picture World (Jan-Feb 1927)

January IS, 1927 MOVING PICTURE WORLD 197 Veteran of Variety Has Novel Plan Probably but a few of the present generation will recall to mind Richard Pitrot, vaudeville artist, impresario, globe trotter and amusement diplomat, but the mention of Pitrot will bring a reminiscent smile to the lips of the old-timers who remember his famous “imitaciones.” Pitrot had trouble with the word on his debut in America and his peculiar pronunciation remained the trade mark of the act long after he conquered the language. Pitrot, who is an Austrian and not an Italian, as his name might suggest, brought to this country many famous headliners and was the promoter of the famous Midget Circus at Dreamland Park, Coney Island, forerunner ot luc Sanger Midgets and other similar shows. And now the genial old-timer turns up with a new portable theatre device that is the last word in transportable amusement housing. A theatre seating 1,274, with room for 200 standees, provided with toilet rooms, a balcony, upholstered seats, iron truss construction and stamped metal sheathing, can be loaded upon only four wagons, which serve as dressing rooms when their contents have been discharged. Two men can handle the largest of the sectional girders, and if the show gets on the lot early in the morning, it will be complete for the evening performance. The stage, 39 feet deep by 42 feet 6 inches wide, is of the revolving type, which permits setting to be done or allows for two sets. Wampa Star Gladys McConnell, chosen as Wampas star, won her rating in “The Wedding Ring,” for Fox. “An Affair of The Follies” T T appears to be quite an affair. These are scenes from First National’s feature, “An Affair of the Follies” with Billie Dove, Lloyd Hughes and Lewis Stone. Billie’s pose on the left seems to indicate that there must be more charm in the movies than before the footlights or she would be playing “Little Old Broadway.” “Notorious Lady,” New Rork Drama, Nearing Completion SAM E. RORK’S latest production, “The Notorious Lady,” with Lewis Stone, Barbara Bedford and Ann Rork, will be completed, according to present schedule, about the middle of January for First National release early this Spring. First scenes, interiors at the First National Studios in Burbank, Cal., and on the river bottom back of the studios, were taken early in December. Then the Rork unit moved to Balboa, near Laguna, Cal. After the first of the year, the company moved to location, twenty-eight miles from Needles, Arizona. The exteriors are along the Colorado River with the mountains and desert plateau for background. “The Notorious Lady” was adapted from the stage success, “The River,” by Patrick Hastings. Jane Murfin, co-author with Jane Cowl of “Smilin’ Through,” “Lilac Time,” and other stage and screen successes, adapted “The River” and prepared the continuity for “The Notorious Lady.” King Baggot is directing. Tony Gaudio, who photographed “The Temptress” and “The Blonde Saint” is in charge of the camera. Mona Palma Cast With Gilda Gray Mona Palma, one of the Paramount Junior Stars, who had her first role as leading woman opposite Thomas Meighan in “The Canadian,” has been east for an important part in Gilda Gray’s second staring picture for Paramount, “Cabaret.” Browning About To Start Work Tod Browning, who recently completed the direction of John Gilbert’s new picture, “The Show,” a vivid melodrama of the Hungarian underworld, will start direction soon on “Alonzo the Armless.” This is an original by Browning starring Lon Chaney, who is now scoring a great success in “Tell It to the Marines,” which is playing to capacity business at the Embassy Theatre, Manhattan. Browning has already directed Chaney in three originals, “The Unholy Three,” “The Blackbird,” and “The Road to Mandalay.” Tom Moore Leads in New Picture Tom Moore is to have one of the principal roles in support of Gilda Gray in her second staring picture for Paramount, “Cabaret,” which is to be started at the long Island studio on Jan. uary 10. Associate Producer William LeBaron completed negotiations with Moore early this week. Donald Crisp Is Signed to New Contract As one of the first steps in the preparation for the coming season’s program, the De Mille Studio has signed Donald Crisp to a new long-term contract. Crisp has just completed “Nobody’s Widow,” Leatrice Joy’s latest starring feature for De Mille, and his first picture under his new contract has not yet been decided upon. Donald Crisp is one of the pioneers of the film industry and holds the double prestige of actor and director. Formerly an assistant to D. W. Griffith, he achieved early screen fame. Aside from his studio activities, Crisp is president of the Writers’ Club of Hollywood, having recently been re-elected for a second term. Another Winner Sally Phipps, one of the 1927 Baby Wampas stars, now has the lead in “Love Makes ’Em Wild,” for Fox.