The Moving picture world (April 1920-May 1920)

May 8, 1920 THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD 823 Polly Moran Comedies Will Be Two Heelers The Polly Moran comedies will be released as two-reelers instead of single reelers as originally planned, announces Marion H. Kohn Productions. Miss Moran is at work on the new series of "Sheriff Nell" pictures, and the first, "Sherife Nell Surrounded," has been completed. A special water set, with capacity for 5,000 gallons was constructed for this comedy, and Marion Kohn asserts this is typical of the care and expense which will be gone to to make these "slap-stick" comedies above the average. Joe Brandt reports considerable territory has been sold on this series. Marion H. Kohn Productions has been granted articles of incorpora-tion in California to produce motion pictures. Marion H. Kohn is president; D. J. Chatkin, vice-president; J. D. Letterman, secretary, and George A. Oppenheimer, treasurer. Joe Brandt is eastern representative. Interstate Photoplay Company Announces Feature Picture ''The Ninth Commandment INTERSTATE PHOTOPLAYS COMPANY, which recently announced a feature production, "The Ninth Commandment," starring Fernando R. Blizondo, is getting ready to begin on a second production in which this new star will be featured. Emil Harder, who directed the first production, will also direct this one. The actual filming of "The Ninth Commandment" is now complete and it is being cut and assembled. The picture is based on the theme "Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife," and deals with a character Zaldou, who, rebuffed in trying to gain a woman's love, sets out to revenge himself after she is happily married. He kidnaps one infant son and later tries to make away with the other one. Believing he has succeeded he again tries to win the woman's Alice Howell Films Sold for Entire Country — Print of Latest Received REELCRAFT PICTURES CORPORATION has received negative and sample print from its Chicago studio on the latest two-reel Alice Howell comedy, "Her Bargain Day." This picture was directed by Frederick J. Ireland, vice-president in charge of production for Reelcraft, and several of the scenes were filmed in the Chicago "Loop" district, in and around a prominent department store, the Chicago traffic police being used in many scenes. This is said to be the first time in several years that a picture company has taken pictures inside the "Loop." Standard Gets Rights. Rights on the series of Alice Howell comedies were recently sold to Standard Film Company, of Cincinnati, Detroit and Cleveland, and Masterpiece Pictures Company, of Philadelphia, for their respective territories. This is announced by Reelcraft as closing out the entire territory in the United States on these comedies. Pioneer Will Appoint Big Promotion Force At the recent conference of the executives of the Pioneer Co-operative Distribution System, in New York, it was decided to create a body of special representatives to visit the exchange centers and work in conjunction with the local staff. The formation of this staff is in progress, but has been somewhat delayed on account of getting the list of spring offerings in order, but it is expected that within the next few weeks the first group will be appointed. Louis Burston Presents Francis Ford in a Five-Reel Abraham Lincoln Film LOUIS BURSTON announces for early release a new Abraham Lincoln five-reel drama entitled "The Heart of Lincoln," in which Francis Ford portrays the leading role. Mr. Burston states that he made this picture because of the interest shown by exhibitors In the Lincoln pictures issued in connection with this great American's birthday, and that in this production he has attempted to show some of the lively moods of Lincoln, as well as his hours of great grief and stress. Interwoven in the picture Is a love story of a young couple whose path crossed that of the martyred president. An attractive line of advertising and exploitation matter has been prepared in connection with this picture. — o — Halbert Brown Portrays Dignified Role in Film Prominent In the cast of the Lee Francis Lybarger thought drama, "Democracy, the Vision Restored," is Halbert W. Brown, who impersonated Ambassador Gerard In "My Four Years In Germany," which was also directed by William Nigh. Mr. Brown is a native of Vermont, and in his early youth was featured in melodrama. Later he made a name in heavy and character roles. He was with Margaret Anglin for three years and also appeared in prominent roles with several other stage stars. He has also been seen in several photoplays, Including "A Perfect Lover," "The World Aflame," "Please Help Emily" and "Civilian Clothes." In the Lybarger drama he portrays the role of the doctor. — o — Many First-Run Houses Show Christie Special The latest Christie two-reeler, "Petticoats and Pants," directed by William Beaudine, is said to have registered stronger with exhibitors than any of the previous two-reelers which have played many of the best theatres. During the week of April 12, It was featured by Miller's Theatre in Los Angeles In newspaper publicity, and received excellent reviews from the five local newspapers. love, but is recognized by the son who he has kidnapped, and who succeeds in foiling his plan. Interest is added to the story by a charming love affair between the kidnapped boy and a distant relative of his mother, and the further fact that the boy, reared in luxury, when he is injured, gets his brother to pose as his double and visit his mother and Bister. Featured in this production is Mme. Halina Bruzovna, who appeared in Selznick's "The Faded Butterfly." National Film Going Right Ahead With Its Program of Increased Production HARRY M. RUBEY, president of National Film Corporation, announces that all difficulties have been adjusted and everything is now in excellent shape at the studios, and production activities will go ahead in keeping with prearranged increased program. The "Buddy" Post unit is making twenty-six two-reel comedies to be released by Goldwyn under the Capitol brand, and the various Marion Kohn units are rapidly turning out numerous subjects. Preparations for "The Son of Tarzan" serial are Hearing completion, but the company is awaiting the arrival of Joe Brandt before sailing to a South Pacific island to film the main scenes of this Edgar Rice Burroughs' novel. Roy Somerville has completed the continuity for the first three episodes, and Harry Revier, the director, announces he will in troduce several unique ideas in this serial, of which Jack Hoxie is the star. There will be a little lapse of time before production is started on the next feature to follow, "The Kentucky Colonel," due to the illness of Director William A. Seiter. Several big stories are under consideration. Brandt Optimistic. Joe Brandt, director general, is optimistic regarding his company's plans, and states that "The Confession," "Parted Curtains," "Nobody's Girl" and "The Kentucky Colonel" are representative of National's capabilities, and that future efforts will be centered on producing a small number of pictures of this calibre each year. "We expect to make each succeeding picture better, to spend more money on them, and exhibitors will find that the extra expense is justified." Jack Cohn Announces "Laughographs" A Reel of Animated Jokes and Gags CLOSELY following the announcement of "Screen Snapshots" Jack Cohn announces he is about to launch another novelty reel, which will also be issued every other week, and thus, with the "Snapshots," provide exhibitors with a weekly release. "Laughographs" is the title of this new reel. It will be composed of animated jokes and a varied assortment of quips and gags, and is said to be entirely new in its conception. For example, in the first issue a negro preacher explains to his congregation the meaning of "miracle," providing exceptional humor, it is claimed. Jack Cohn states he will have some of the best known "columnists" prepare "copy" for this reel, and that the funny side of life from all corners of the globe will be the basis of each issue. "Laughographs" will be released on the state rights market. The Trouble?— Well, the Fat Man's Wife Is Under the UmbrelU Making Love And Annette Kellerman is trying to whisper the fact to "heavy hubby." Clipped from Sol Lesser's new comedy drama with the noted swimmer as fie star.