Moving Picture World (Nov-Dec 1927)

MOVING PICTURE WORLD HOLLYWOOD OFFICE 25 December 24, 1927 WINFIELD R. SHEEHAN, tireless Fox Film Executive, who signed a contract with Fred Miller of the Carthay Circle, whereby the latter will play four big Fox Special. DE LACY READY FOR “BIG STUFF” Robert De Lacy, “ace” director for FBO, has started production on his final Tom Tyler Western. With the completion of this he will no longer be associated with the “horse operas” but will settle down to thoughtful study of next year’s program at FBO, which finds him listed to direct four of the biggest specials on that company’s 1928 roster. Fie will finish his current production a day or two before Christmas and with its final cutting will set about preparing his first story under the new order of things. His recent production, “Red Riders of Canada,” convinced F. B. O. officials that De Lacy possesses a subtle sense of direction and a finely attuned appreciation of screen values. He is one of the younger directors in Hollywood. Christie Comedies Ready for Release A1 Christie, comedy producer, will start the New Year off right by shooting a flock of completed two reelers through Paramount for release. He has one that is rather unique, in that Anne Cornwall is seen as a prize-fighting Miss in “Fighting Fanny.” She stages an honest-to-goodness prize fight with Lorraine Eddy. Jack Duffy, Jimmie Harrison and Virginia Sale are also in the cast. Jimmie Adams is featured in a wild mountain climbing comedy called “Swiss Movements,” supported by Doris Dawson, Billy Engle and others. Bobby Vernon’s New Year bow will be made in an architectural frenzy called “Save the Pieces.” Neal Burns is appearing in a new comedy, “Just the Type.” Bill Dooley is starred in “Water Bugs” and Jack Duffy is the small town fire chief in “Long Hose.” Carthay Circle Signs With Fox Films; Books Four “Supers” For Two Years AFTER CORNERING the screen of the Carthay Circle for a year with his specials, a contract signed this week whereby that theatre, for the next two years, will play four million dollars worth of additional Fox product, has given rise to reports that William Fox now has complete control of Fred Miller’s theatre and will make it "the 'Roxy' of the West.” A general denial is made at the Fox West Coast headquarters that the producer has any financial interest in the theatre. It is pointed out, however, that Fox has a large interest in the West Coast group, which was also included when the Far West Theatres were taken over by that organization. Despite the merger at the time, it is generally known that Miller has been able to operate the Carthay Circle independent of the parent organization. The contract for additional Fox Super Specials was signed by Miller and Winfield R. Sheehan, Vice-President and General Manager of Fox Films, just before James R. Grainger, general sales manager, left for New York. The pictures included in the contract are said to represent production budgets calling for the expenditure of four million dollars. The pictures are: “Four Sons,” directed by John Ford; F. W. Murnau’s "The Four Devils';" Frank Borzage’s “Lady Christilinda” and Lawrence Stalling's new soldier story, “The Cock-eyed World.” Under the terms of the contract, as described in an official announcement, each of these pictures will have an average run of six months. “Four Sons” will follow "Sunrise,” which is now entering its fourth week at the Carthay. In its first two weeks at that theatre "Sunrise” did a bigger business at the box office than any of the preceding Fox pictures for the same length of time. Miller has placarded “Sunrise” to such an extent that it very easily out-numbers in billboard space and posters, any picture that has ever been shown in Los Angeles. Fox Specials, which have enjoyed long runs at the Carthay, include “What Price Glory,” which ran for six months ; "Seventh Heaven” for six months and "Loves of Carmen,” for approximately six weeks. The latest contract establishes, for Miller, the unique position of being one exhibitor in the film industry who is sure of his product for the next two years. “Abie’s Irish Rose’’ Cast Now Completed The casting for the Paramount picturization of Anne Nichols’ “Abie’s Irish Rose,” has been completed. Jean Hersholt plays Solomon Levy, the father of Abie, which role is being essayed by Charles Rogers. Nancy Carroll will be Rosemary Murphy, and J. Farrell Macdonald, plays the Irish father, Patrick Murphy. The role of the rabbi is in the hands of Camillus Pretal, a newcomer to the screen, while Nick Cogley, veteran character actor, is Father Whalen. Rose Rosanova plays Sarah, the deaf housekeeper, and Betty May, Esther Garcia, Linda Lorado, Marie Janess, Marie Stapleton and Jean Stewart are the bridesmaids. The parts of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Cohen are being played by Bernard Gorcey and Ida Kramer, who created the roles during the five and a half year run of “Abie” in New York. Miss Nichols is personally supervising the production, which Victor Fleming is directing. Jules Furthman did the scenario, and Harold Rosson is chief cameraman. ★ Studio Row ★ ALICE WHITE has the leading feminine role in “Headlined" with Chester Conklin in Robert Kane’s latest production for First National. The original story was from the pen of Ben Hecht. ^ ijs >}: ETHEL JACKSON, a little "extra” girl, believes in Santa Claus. As a Christmas present, Irving Thalberg, M-G-M executive, has cast her for an important role in Norma Shearer’s latest production. Frank Currier, Polly Moran, Leon Holmes and Lillian Leighton are in the cast. REGINALD DENNY and WILLIAM SEITER, director, are back together again. They are to make their ninth Universal comedy, “Be Yourself." Dorothy Gulliver plays the feminine supporting role. * * * RALPH DOUGLAS, world's champion parachute jumper, has been signed by the Caddo Company for stunt flying in “Hell’s Angeles,” with James Hall, Ben Lyon and Greta Nissen. MARIE DRESSLER has left for New York for the Christmas holidays. She was accompanied by Hedda Hopper. ijc WITH THE COMPLETION of “Midnight Madness” for De Mille, Jacqueline Logan will next make “Fire Mountain” for the same company, according to reports. NORMAN KERRY and PAULINE STARKE head a strong cast in Universal’s screen version of Arthur Somers Roche’s “Fallen Angels.” 5*C “THE GEEZER,” an original story by Damon Runyon, celebrated newspaper sports authority, goes into production at Universal this week. ;jc nfc :{« EDDIE CLAYTON has the juvenile lead in “The Mad Hour,” First National production. * * * RAYMOND HATTON is back in Hollywood from a short business trip to his Mussel Rock home. r GEORGE K. ARTHUR, co-star with Karl Dane in M-G-M’s excruciatingly funny feature comedies, takes his young women in hand in a somewhat gentle style, as both register alarm. The Arthur-Dane comedies are catching like wildfire everywhere. The Escape Fox Picture Virginia Valli is back at the Fox studio and making preparations to start on her next starring production. "The Escape” has been selected as her next story and she is now busy arranging her wardrobe. For a time it was rumored that D. W. Griffith would remake the picture which first served to make Blanche Sweet a screen celebrity. However, now that Fox is to make it, Richard Rosson will direct. He is now busy selecting his cast. Farrell MacDonald Becomes A Fox Star J. Farrell MacDonald, Fox player, has been rewarded for his consistently excellent work by being elevated to stardom. He signed his new starring contract last week and it will be of five years’ duration. His first starring vehicle will get under way soon after he completes his present characterization in F. W. Murnau’s “Four Devils.” Incidentally, he will drop the “J.” from his name in future and will be known simply as Farrell MacDonald. Harry Carr Reminiscences Harry Carr, author, editor and newspaper columnist, was the principal speaker at the regular monthly meeting of the Catholic Motion Picture Guild of America held at the Hollywood Columbus Club last week. His subject was ; “Stories Out of My Newspaper Life.” John W. Considine, Jr., president of the guild, presided. Johnny Hines was master of ceremonies. Sally Blane was the hostess. “Gaucho” Song Ready George Turner, writer, publicist and composer, has completed a song which he has dedicated to Douglas Fairbank’s “The Gaucho.” This is called “The Gaucho Moon Song” and Sid Grauman is using it in the presentation of his prologue at the Chinese Theatre. Turner expects the song to be published in time to be available with the general release of the Fairbanks’ picture.