Moving Picture World (Nov-Dec 1927)

December 17, 19 27 17 Little Pictures 1* Big W ALLOP HAMMONS ANNOUNCES STRONG EDUCATIONAL JANUARY LIST WITH VARIED PROGRAM of comedy and novelty subjects including the first of the new series of Bowers Comedies, Educational is offering an attractive line-up of one and two-reel releases for the month of January. There are six two-reel comedies eight one-reel comedies, novelty and scenic pictures and teen Kinograms releases on the month’s program. “There It Is,” the first comedy Charley Bowers has made with his magic process for Educational, will be released on January 1. It shows Bowers in the leading role — that of a burlesque Scotland Yard sleuth. In addition, there is an inanimate character called McGregor, and “It,” a strange type, portrayed by Buster Brody ; Kathryn McGuire is the leading lady, while Melbourne McDowell plays the heavy. Using some of the various tricks he has in his bag, Bowers has made a rather elaborate and intensely interesting laugh picture. He and his staff have installed all the machinery needed to make these remarkable pictures at the Educational Studios, and the result is to be found in this remarkable comedy. H. L. Muller photographed and directed the production. On the same date, Larry Semon’s new comedy, “Dummies,” also is to be released. Semon, with a large and capable cast, has built a comical story around the adventures of an entertainer in a medicine show. He is seen as the entertainer and hero of the many thrilling exploits. Semon also directed the picture. A1 St. John, long a favorite with comedy lovers over the world, returns after a brief vacation in “Racing Mad,” a Mermaid Comedy which, as the title indicates, is a story of automobile racing. A1 is cast as the heroic racing driver who overcomes all obstacles (even if he has to fly over them) to win the race and the girl — Estelle Bradley. The principal supporting roles are played by Phil Dunham, Glen Cavender and Spencer Bell. Dorothy Devore portrays one of her favorite characters in “Cutie,” her new starring vehicle for the month. The petite comedienne is shown as a young bride who dresses up like the baby sister of her husband in an effort to prevent his disinheritance during the visit of a wealthy uncle. Earl McCarthy is her leading man while Kathryn McGuire plays one of the principal feminine roles. Norman Taurog directed. Johny Arthur Comedy “Wildcat Valley,” the new Tuxedo Comedy featuring Johnny Arthur, presents the former stage comis, in one of his typically fine characterizations. He is shown as a spineless mountain youth in the hills of old Tennessee where the tough neighborhood boys and rival clansmen make life miserable for him. His change from a spi riteless mollycoddle to a fighting mountaineer forms the basis of the story. Charles Lamont directed. “High Strung,” another Mermaid Comedy, featuring Jerry Drew in a thrilling fast-action comedy having to do with a society burglar, a hypnotist and a slightly unsteady pleasure seeker. Estelle Bradley is the leading lady. Robert Graves plays the villain. Mark Sandrich directed. Three Cameo Comedies are on the month’s program. Monte Collins is featured in “Fall In,” a travesty on Indians and gold prospectors, and also in “Wedding Slips,” a thrilling tale of gypsies, an ape and a wild automobile ride. Wallace Lupino has the feature role in “All Set,” a funny tale of married life and a troublesome brother-in-law. Felix the Cat Cartoons Two Felix the Cat animated cartoon comedies from the famed Sullivan Studios will be released during the month. “Felix the Cat in the Smoke Scream” and “Felix the Cat Draggin’ the Dragon” are the titles of these two highly interesting and imaginative cartoon comedies. Johnny Arthur Up In The Air; Is A Pilot! Johnny Arthur, who is featured in Educational-Tuxedo Comedies, has become one of Hollywood’s most rabid aviation fans during the past summer, and this week saw him at the “stick” in his first solo flight. The comedian became interested in flying a few months ago, when he flew from Los Angeles to San Francisco during the run of his play, “I Love You,” in the bay city. Since then, Johnny has flown over most of the commercial air routes out of Los Angeles and has taken a course in aviation instruction which fitted him for his first flight alone. Arthur expects to continue his studies until he is granted a pilot’s license. The new Lyman H. Howe’s Hodge-Podge subject, “Recollections of a Rover,” is up to the high standard maintained in this series. “Dog Days” “The Sun and the Rain,” the Robert C. Bruce Outdoor Sketches, gives a most entertaining close-up of two dogs at play at various seasons of the year together with an excellent view of the effect of the sun on rain clouds. “New York’s Sweetheart,” the Curiosities release compares the present-day scenes, habits, fire department, and other well-known New York objects with those of twenty or more years ago. The extremely interesting subject matter has been handled with skill and rare judgment. Kinograms news reel will have two releases twice each week. fc.. W. Hammons, President of Educational, who has mapped out a splend'd showmanship line-up for next month. Mintz Re-signs With Paramount CHARLES B. MINTZ, head of the Chas. B. Mintz Producing Company, making tworeel featurettes for distribution through Paramount, has signed a fresh contract, it was learned yesterday, under the terms of which he will continue to deliver to, and release his featurettes through Paramount, for a further period of one year following the ending of the present contract. Under the existing contract it is understood that Mr. Mintz has four more pictures to deliver. This settles a rumor that has been current for several days, to the effect that Mintz has been far from satisfied with his Paramount contract. It is understood that Mr. Mintz is en route to Hollywood to take up details of production with his production heads on the Coast, but a definite statement that no difficulties had arisen between the producer and the distributor seems now to be in order. A Hal Roach Comedy Charley Chase’s next Hal Roach comedy, under the M-G-M trade mark, has been titled “All For Nothing.” In this, which is said to be one of the brightest offerings of his career, Chase is supported by Priscilla Dean and Edna Marian. James Parrott directed, under the supervision of Leo McCarey. Viola Richard Cast Viola Richard has been cast in the leading feminine role in Hal Roach’s next Max Davidson comedy, yet untitled. Spec O’Donnell is also of the supporting cast. Hal Yates is directing. Leo McCarey supervising.