Moving Picture World (Jan-Feb 1927)

350 MOVING PICTURE WORLD January 29, 1927 “Finger Prints” At Preview Wins Praise A review of “Finger Prints.” Louise Fazenda’s initial starring vehicle, was marked by expressions of the keenest enthusiasm from the home office executives of Warner Brothers. “Finger Prints” is an unusually funny mystery drama, with Louise Fazenda in the role of a detective disguised as a slavey. In support of Miss Fazenda appear John T. Murray, Helene Costello, George Nichols, Martha Mattox, Franklin Pangborn, William Demarest, Robert Perry, Ed Kennedy, Jerry Miley, Warner Richmond and Lewis Harvey. Lloyd Bacon directed from the story by Arthur Somers Roche. Viola Dana’s Next “Nice and Wicked,” originally scheduled for a Vaughn vehicle will serve Viola Dana for her fourth starring picture of the 1926-27 series, after the completion of “Salvation Jane.” Phil Rosen of the Film Booking Offices regular staff will direct. Claire Windsor of M.-G.-M., called the most perfectly dressed woman of the screen, is in “The Little Journey.” A Sweet Peach in “Bitter Apples ” Myra Loy, leading Lady for Monte Blue in “Bitter Apples,” for Warner Bros. Miss Johnston Asserts Women “Will Make Good” U / OMEN DIRECTORS are ’ ’ destined to make their mark in the motion picture industry, according to Agnes Christine Johnston, the Metro-Goldwyn Mayer scenarist, who spent several days in New York last week following her return from Europe with her husband, Frank Dazey, and their two-month-oldchild. “I’m absolutely for women directors,” declared Miss Johnston, when quizzed as to her opinion of the future of women in the film industry. “I should like to try this myself just as soon as possible.” “I see no reason why women shouldn’t make very good directors. They may not be quite as good at inserting spectacular touches, but for photoplays of intimate characterization — and these usually mean the best drama— they should easily equal or surpass men.” The great success achieved by so many women in motion picture work, notably in the scenario field, is due to their ability to handle detail, according to Miss Johnston. Warner Bros. Rushing Six Films to Showmen T HE NEW YEAR FINDS six new pictures rapidly completion on the Bros.’ lot in Holly nearing Warner wood. Preparatory work on “A Million Bid,” starring Dolores Costello, is now under way. Alan Crosland has been assigned the megaphone for this production. The “Bitter Apple’s” company has returned from a week’s ocean voyage during which day and night scenes were shot aboard the ship. One particular scene in which Myrna Loy, Monte Blue’s leading woman, dives from the rail and is rescued by Monte, will provide the high light of the film. “The Gay Old Bird” is away to a flying start this week. Louise Fazenfla, the star, enacts the part of a maid, and interiors, depicting the home of a newly married couple, played by John T. Murray and Jane Winton, were shot all week. The production is directed by Herman Ravmaker, from the scenario of Edward Clark. “What Every Girl Should Know,” Patsy Ruth Miller’s initial starring vehicle, was started last week. The film is based on an original story by Charles F. Reisner, who is also directing the picture. Rin Tin Tin’s next starring vehicle, “Hills of Kentucky,” is rapidly nearing completion. Howard Bretherton, recently signed to a long term contract by Warner Bros., is directing. “Don’t Tell the Wife,” starring Irene Rich, has been completed. Paul L. Stein, famous European director, wielded the megaphone. In support of Miss Rich appear Huntly Gordon, Lilyan Tashman, William Demarest and Otis Harlan. C. P. C. Listed Dramas That Fitted January Drama was the keynote of Columbia Pictures Corporations’ two offerings for the first month of 1927, but it is drama of the human interest type, liberally relieved by humorous situations. “Stolen Pleasures” portrays the complications ensuing from a wife’s efforts to buy her husband a birthday present. Dorothy Revier and Harlan Tucker, and Helene Chadwick and Gayne Whitman are the two couples involved. Phil Rosen directed the photoplay, which is from a story by Leah Baird. “Wandering Girls,” released January 20th, deals with the pitfalls that menace the over-confident flapper. Mildred Harris is the other girl. Robert Agnew is a dashing hero. Both pictures met with unusual success instantly. Signs Revelle Hamilton Revelle has been added to the cast of Herbert Brenon’s next Paramount picture. The featured players in this story of politics will be Holbrook Blinn, Alice Joyce, Warner Eaxter and Neil Hamilton. In the supporting cast are Hale Hamilton and William E. Shay. Marie Prevost in P. D. C.’s “Man Bait.”