The Moving picture world (February 1920-March 1920)

1056 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD February 14, 1920 Mary Anderson Stars in Pioneer's sparl<ling production, "Bubbles." FVeuler in New York to Place State Right Films SINCE the resignation of John R. Freuler from the Mutual Fihn Corporation in 1918 and his affiliation with the American Film Company, Inc.. little has been heard of him and his presence in the film center of New York the past week aroused more or less curiosity and some speculation as to what he was doing here, .\fter locating iiim and a few minutes' conversation with him it was learned that he plans for exploitation in the state rights mar3<et, picfires in which he is financially interested and for which the open market has created a fresh demand. Mr. Freuler still retains his interest in the American Film Corporation, management of which is entirely in the Tnands of S. S. Hutchinson, his business ■associate. Mr. Freuler is more particularly interested in the theatrical end of the industry. He holds a large interest in theatres in Kansas City, Milwaukee ■and in many other cities west of Chicago. He is planning the erection of many new theatres this spring. He says lie will make an announcement soon that involves the production and presentation of some special features, which are in course of preparation. "Hall Rooms" to Be Better Than Ever. Reports from Harry Cohn, who is in California to supervise the production of Hall Rom Boys Comedies, are to the effect that new releases of this series, produced under his direction, will be tnuch improved over early releases. He says: "I am gathering together, as far as it is possible, a brand new supporting company. It is my aim to make tliem of a class and distinction which will be marked by every exhibitor." IVtcConville Wrote Kellerman Story. 'Bernard McConville is the author of ♦he story for the first production in which Annette Kellerman will appear ainder the Sol Lesser's management. Iklr. McConville has to his credit such adaptations as "Heart 'o the Hills" and "The Hoodlum" for Mary Pickford. Arrow to Handle Steiners Series of Twelve Five-Reel Detective Stories WILLIAM STEINER, well-known to exhibitors for his continued connection with the film industry since its earliest days, as a producer, anounces the completion of an unusually big deal in the independent field. He will make a series of twelve fivereel pictures under the general title of "Tex, Elucidator of Mysteries," the world rights to which have been secured by Arrow Film Corporation, of which W. E. Shallenberger is president. Mr. Steiner is very enthusiastic over these pictures, and explains that they are up-to-the-minute detective stories, written by popular authors, and that exhibitors will be able to contract at once for the entire series, to be released one a month. The first three, "Circumstantial Evidnce," "The Wall Street Mystery" and "The Scrap of Paper," are already complete, and work is progressing on the fourth. The role of "Tex" is portrayed by Glen White, and the cast includes such players as Leo Delaney, Jane McAlpine, David Wall, Alfred Warman, Robert Tabor, Alex F. Frank, Joseph M. L. Striker, Joseph Sullivan, Charles Graham and Marie Treador. Several state rights buyers have viewed the first picture and contracted for the series, according to an announcement from Arrow. The series will be advertised extensively, and a big twocolor press book is now in the hands of the printers, while other papers are being prepared. One of the novelties will be a one-sheet on which will appear four or five different scenes, while a number of other unique aids are being prepared. After Seventeen Months in Making **Lost City*' Serial Is Now Complete WARNER BROTHERS, who have the distribution rights of Selig's animal serial, "The Lost City," received a wire from Colonel Selig that the production is now complete and negatives of the final episodes are en route to New York. Announcement of distribution details will be made later. Owing to the nature of the animals that took part in this serial and the difficulty of finding suitable locations, it is announced that seventeen months was necessary to complete the serial. "Time cannot be figured," says an official of the company, "in dealing with wild animals, as often it requires a week or more to get a scene in which several animals take part. Then there is always an element of danger, as no one can tell when a beast, in spite of his training, will attack. "E. A. Martin, who directed the serial, on one occasion passed through an enclosure where several leopards were loose without noticing the sign of warning. The leopards, coming from behind a large rock, began crawling in his direction, when Juanita Hansen, featured in the serial, shouted to him. Just in time, he dived into a moat of water which had been provided for just such an emergency, and in which there is a cage which offers protection from the attacks of the animals. The leopard's dislike for water saved him, as it is said that none of the cat family, tiger, lion, panther, puma or jaguar, will follow a victim into the water." National Reproduced Entire Town for Read's ''The Kentucky Colonel THAT one-third of the cost of the National Film Corporation of America production of Opie Read's "The Kentucky Colonel" was spent to construct a replica of the village of Emeryville, Ky., with its mansions, business district, race track, stables and authentic properties, was contained in a letter received by Joe Brandt, the National's Eastern representative, from I. Bernstein, production manager on the West Coast. According to the letter, this photoplay, which the National states IS that firm's greatest cinema achievement, cost over $150,000, not including overhead. In order not to have the picture conflict with the book it was found necessary to build sets in keeping with the real atmosphere of the novel. After a long search, Mr. Bernstein hit upon Sunland, Cal., in the heart of the coast range mountains. Negotiations resulted in a permit to reconstruct the town facing Sunland's grove of live oaks. M. J. Caldwell, the National's technical and art director, who was born in Kentucky, is in a great measure responsbile for the transformation of Sunland, a town founded by the Spanish padres, to "Emeryville, Ky." It required 200 carpenters, masons and laborers. Price and Clark-Cornelius Get Big Spectacular Film THE Clark-Cornelius Corporation, and C. B. Price and Co., Inc., have jointly purchased a big spectacular production presented by an allstar cast. The name of the picture has not yet been divulged, however. Mr. Price announces that it will create a sensation and arouse a big demand for bookings. A big advertising and exploitation campaign will be launched, with a full line of paper and exploitation aids. The picture will be sold on state right basis, and it is said will be a big money-getter. It portrays some historical episodes of American history, and is said to embody some of the most beautiful and elaborate episodes ever screened. There are also some thrilling hand to hand encounters.