The Moving picture world (February 1920-March 1920)

2134 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD March 27, 1920 tory is reputed to be one of the best on the Coast and has facilities and a working force capable of turning out 40,000 feet of film a day. The open stage is located directly across the street and is about the same size as the closed stage. It is somewhat newer than the covered stage, however, having been built about three years ago. It is fitted in such a way that canvas can be stretched over the top to protect work in progress on it. Frank Garbutt, the studio manager, has been responsible for developing the plant to its present state of efficiency. The principal members of Mr. Garbutt's staff are Will M. Ritchey, head of the production department; Mrs. Una Nixson Hopkins, art director; Jack Burrows, western traffic inanagei ; Frank Biggy, superintendent of laboratory, and Walter Hansen, stage manager. A Glimpse of the Morosco Studios in Hollywood. Kccently taken over by Kealart to be utilized by Wanda Hawlev . the company's new star. Realart Takes Over Morosco Studios; Wanda Hawley to Make First Film There THE Morosco studios in Hollywood, one of the largest and best equipped plants in the country, have been acquired by Realart Pictures Corporation. Realart will take immediate possession, and in addition will take over the present operating staff of the studio. The deal was concluded by Morris Kohn, president of Realart. Wanda Hawley, the new star recently announced by Realart, will make her first production there and is scheduled to begin work shortly. The name Morosco is to be dropped. New signs have been made to mark the change. For the present no changes are said to be contemplated in the physical aspect of the plant. Frank Garbutt, who constructed the studios about six years ago for the Bosworth Producing Company, will remain in charge under the Realart management. He has retained the staff of assistants which was previously employed there. "Guarantees Excellence of Pictures." "Exhibitors possibly will not immediately recognize the importance of this studio announcement," said J. S. Woody, general manager of Realart, "but it means a g^eat deal both to them and to us. Now that we have our own plant exhibitors will know that our pictures are more truly than ever a Realart product all the way through. The change guarantees the future excellence of Realart pictures in keeping with the reputation of quality already established. Three productions at one time can be accommodated on the inside stage alone, and there is a large outdoor stage as well." The studio buildings arc located at 201 to 211 North Occidental Boulevard, and occupy ground on both sides of the street. The buildings are all of modern steel or concrete construction and present an at tractive and most substantial appearance. The building housing the covered stage is a steel structure, covers ground area of approximately 55 by 200 feet. The dressing rooms are located in this building and are in two tiers overlooking the stage. 40,000 Feet of Film a Day. Near this building is a large carpenter shop with equipment in machinery from which material for building elaborate and large sets ran be turned out. .\ well-cquippcd laboratory, housed in a heavy concrete, fireproof building, is on the same side of the street. The labora Miss Traverse Has New Type of Vehicle in Next Fox Film ANNOUNCEMENT is made from the executive offices of Fox Film Corporation that William Fox, president of the organization, has decided to equip his star, Madlaine Traverse, with a type of role distinctly different from that in which hhe has gained an enviable distinction. The first of the new parts selected for Miss Traverse will be found in the production upon which she has just started work at the studios in Hollywood. The story is known by the working title, "The .Spirit of Good," and offers the star the role of a music hall singer. The title will probably be changed before release, but, as it sur'gests, the story deals with the uplift of the fallen, and enables Miss Traverse to draw on her versatility of character desitjn and make-up. Denison Clift will direct Miss Traverse. The principals to support Miss Traverse in her new picture include Frederick Stanton, Clo King, Dick LaReno and L. Hahn. The remainder of the cast is not yet announced. The story of "The Spirit of Good" is adapted from the original of Clifford Howard and Burke Jenkins, and the scenario is the work of Mr. Clift. Dallas Sunday Closing Movement Dies Natural Death; May Repeal Ancient Law HE Sunday closing movement in Dal T las has died "abornin'." The moving picture shows will remain open, since no overt action will be taken against their proprietors by Dallas pastors who have been seeking to make them observe the much disputed state Sunday closing law. On Monday, March 8, after a full morning of discussion, the Dallas Pastors' Association issued a report which, while urging fuller observance of Sunday, had nothing to say about Sunday amusements. The pastors' association was divided in its opinion in regard to taking action with a view to closing Dallas theatres on Sunday. The majority was against Sunday closing here, while other cities, notably Fort Worth, permitted the theatres to remain open. Dallas public opinion is strong for Sunday shows. The pastors in their report disclaimed all intention to force their beliefs in resard to Sunday, observance upon other people. They denied emphatically that they wished the joining of church and state. They said that their legal advisors had told them that the Dallas ordinance permitting Sunday picture shows as voted by the people was not legal, since it conflicted with the state law, and contented themselves with saying that laws should be obeyed by all thinking people. The theatres will not close. Fort Worth moving picture theatres were wide open Sunday, March 7, after being closed for the previous two Sundays. Business men of the city took a part in the discussions as to Sunday closing and urged that the theatres be allowed to remain open. The Fort Worth pastors receded from their stand in the matter and no prosecutions will be essayed. The repeal of the Sunday law is likely to be brought before the Texas legislature at its next session, either in January, 1921, or at any special previous meeting. Simple Souls