The Moving picture world (April 1920-May 1920)

298 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD April 10, 1920 Selznick Presents William Faversham as Star in "The Man Who Lost Himself' William Faversham Who will become a star under Myron Selznick banner "The Duchess of Suds" To Be Next Pickford "Big Four" THE name of the forthcoming Mary Pickford production which will follow her first release of "Pollyanna" through United Artists Corporation, will be called "Tlie Duchess of Suds," according to the announcement issued by Hiram Abrams. of that organization, this week. "The Duchess of Suds" is based upon the international dramatic success made doubly famous through the efforts of Maude Adams, "Op O' Me Tluini," from the pen of Frederick Fenn and Richard Bryce. The production of Miss Pickford's second "Big Four" picture is progressing with rapidity, and from the reports that have come from the Pickford studio it is gleaned that this story has ofifered Miss Pickford far more opportunities for the display of her inimitable ability than any other picture she has done, for it is the type of story that eats at the heart strings and lends itself to a wonderful variety of accomplishments, and has that measure of humor and pathos that is inseparable from its realism. There is a great deal of human interest, fun and feeling in this production. There is quaint comedy, proud humility, meek resignation, passionate protest, gay and grave incidents, in the story; in fact, it runs the entire gamut of human emotions. Hiram Abrams announces that the production will soon be ready for release. Marie Shotwell with Thomas Meighan. .Marie Shotwell, last seen in support of Benny Leonard in "The Evil Eye" and costarring with Edmund Breese in "Chains of Evidence," has returned from Havana, Cuba, where she has been with Thomas Meighan starring in the screen version of Oliver Morosco's stage success, "Civilian Clothes," in which Thurston Hall starred last season. "Civilian Clothes" is being produced by Famous Players under the direction of Hugh Ford. Miss Shotwell will be remembered by lovers of the speaking drama as Shirley in the original production of "The Lion and the Mouse," and in chief support of James K. Hackett in "The Prisoner of Zenda." WILLLAM FAVERSHAM has been engaged by Myron Selznick, president of Selznick Pictures, to appear in star productions. Mr. Faversham adds to the Selznick forces, which have already been brought to a high point in motion picture production, a personality that has packed theatres for years. His record of successes in "Who's Who in the Theatre" occilpies two full columns and the favorable criticisms of productions in which he has appeared have filled many hundreds of columns in the press of this country and abroad. Mr. Faversham is considered an actor pre-eminent, whose screen abilities and personality are equal to his stage presence and talents. The first production in which Mr. Faversham will star is already well on its way to completion. It is called "The Man Who Lost Himself," from the widely read story of the same name by Ernest Stackpole. The combination of story and star is augmented b)' the capable direction of George D. Baker, who has produced for the screen some of ;he subjects whi.:h have taken rank will; the best. Among these is mentioned "Revelition," whose bo.x office value was seconded only by the satisfaction it gave to those who saw it. Mrs. DeWolf Hopper Plays Opposite. Prominent in the cast of the Favershan' production is Mrs. DeWolf Hopper, who has the role opposite the star. Her appeal in this part is said to be irresistible, and it is confidently expected by Selznick officials that she will capture individual honors in "The Man Who Lost Himself." The initial Faversham subject for Selznick is described as an absorbing drama with comedy touches. It concerns an .American young man who finds himself stranded in England, dejected and unknown. The manner in which he extricates himself from his predicament affords Mr. Faversham the same splendid opportunity for the characterization that won for him a pre-eminent position among the great actors of the American stage. The work he does in "The Man Who Lost Himself" is similar in character and treatment to that which he gave the theatre-goers of this country in "Lord and Lady Algy," the biggest comedy hit of its time. -As an exponent of high-class, refined drawing room comedy, it can be said that there are few actors who compare with Mr. Faversham. Phil Ryan Now with Associated Exhibitors PHIL RYAN, who recently resigned his position as feature sales manager for Pathe Exchange, Inc., has become connected with Associated Exhibitors, with which organization he assumes duties under General Manager F. C. Quimby, which will bring him into intimate touch with the holders of franchises and sub-franchises in the association. Mr. Ryan is known personally to thousands of exhibitors throughout the United States and Canada, and his knowledge of their needs and problems in general proves of inestimable value to the organization — particularly in its connection with the application of the sub-franchise part of the Associated Exhibitors' plans. It is with the holders of sub-franchises that Mr. Ryan will be concerned most directly. In his new connection Mr. Ryan will work in close association with Mr. Quimby, with whom he also progressed while both men were with Pathe. Under Mr. Ryan's supervision the feature sales of Pathe swelled to extremely complimentary proportions. Mr. Ryan has been in the motion picture business for quite a number of years. He joined Pathe on his return from France, where he served in the A. E. F. Previous to his joining the army Mr. Ryan was district sales manager for Universal in Kansas City, St. Louis and Omaha, during which period he established enviable records. .'\fter that he was responsible for the promotion of several successful motion picture ventures. First National Now Reveals Secret of "Don't Ever Marry" FOR the past month the First National Exhibitors' Circuit has been saying "Don't Ever Marry" in page advertisements in the trade papers. Considerable interest has been created around the trade as to why, what and how, no further information being available at the First National headquarters or exchanges. Now the secret is out. "Don't Ever Marry" is the title of Marshall Neilan's second independent production to be released via First National, following "The River's End," the well known and justly popular screen hit. The second Neilan offering is an adaptation from Edgar Franklin's story, which created wide interest when it ran as a serial in the All Story Magazine. Every exploitation opportunity available in connection with this striking title will be taken advantage of in what is conceded to be one of the most extensive and novel campaign ever prepared for a motion picture. "Don't Ever Marry" was adapted to the screen by Marion Fairfax, whose work in connection with "The River's End" attracted great interest in and out of the trade. The story is one in which the hero, played by Matt Moore, is a victim of circumstances throughout. The picture is now finished and will receive its final treatment at the Rothacker laboratory within the next week. A finished print is expected in New York within the next two weeks and prints will be available for review at the First National exchanges throughout the country. Fay Tincher Plays in Next Christie Two-Reel Comedy FOLLOWING the release of "Petticoats and Pants," the latest Christie tworeel comedy featuring Bobby Vernon, which, by the way, is Vernon's first appearance at the head of a cast in one of the Christie's two-reel specials. Fay Tincher will start work in a new two-reel fun film, production of which will begin within a week at the Hollywood studio. -After casting about for over a month to find a proper type of story in which the comedienne can appear to best advantage, a story titled "Belinda's Bluff" has been secured from Maie B. Havey, a scenarist of prominence, which will furnish the basis for the next Christie two-reel offering. W. Scott Darling is now writing the continuity of Miss Havey's original story, while William Beaudine has been assigned to the direction. The story is a farce comedy, not unlike the comedy roles in which Miss Tincher first appeared on the screen in the D. W. Griffith company. Earl Rodney, Helen Darling, Jimmic Harrison and others of the Christie company of stock players will also appear in the new comedy. Of the twelve two-reel Christie comedies produced last year. Miss Tincher appeared in six.