The Moving picture world (October 1920)

1144 MOVING PICTURE WORLD Helene Chadwick, Russell Simpson and James Mason Have Big Roles in ''Godless Men" GOLDWYN'S new Reginald Barker production, "Godless Men," from Ben Ames Williams' sea tale, "Black Pawl," is the sort of picture that makes reputations. It can't make the director's reputation, for Mr. Barger is already among the well known directors, but Goldwyn expects it to make the reputations of three players who are cast in the leading roles. Helene Chadwick, who is featured, is already widely and favorably known among fans, but for her comedy acting mostly, in such pictures as Rupert Hughes' "Scratch My Back" and with Will Rogers in "Cupid, the Cowpuncher." But "Godless Men" gives her a strongly dramatic and emotional role in which she can "set her teeth." And how she does "set" them! With a grip that carries her straight through the picture to a rousing, heart-throbbing climax. And there are two masculine leading parts— that of Black Pawl, master of the trading schooner Deborah, and that of Red Pawl, his son, nurtured in hate and hating his father with every ounce of muscle, nerve and soul, and determined to possess the girl who had been taken aboard at a South Sea Island and was being carried back to the States. The great fight between father and son amid a hurricane at sea is one of the most sensational conflicts ever staged for the screen. In the end, Black Pawl, stabbed by a confederate of his son's, kills Red Pawl to save the girl from falling into his clutches — a climax that will hold fans on the edges of their seats. Russell Simpson was cast for the part of Black Pawl. James Mason plays Red Pawl in keeping with the high acting standards set by Miss Chadwick and Mr. Simpson. "Great Lover, "Goldwyn's First Frank Lloyd Picture, Will Soon Be Ready for Release THE first of the featured Frank Lloyd Productions, made by Goldwyn, is undergoing the finishing touches and in a short time will be ready for trade showings. It is "The Great Lover," picturized from Leo Ditrichstein's stage success, written by that star in collaboration with the Chicago playwriting family of Frederic and Fanny Locke Hatton. The role of the operatic star, Jean Paurel, gave Mr. Ditrichstein one of his most artistic and successful roles and his part is impersonated on the screen by John Sainpolis in a manner that ranks right along with Mr. Ditrichstein's own performance in dignity, in dramatic strength, in humanness and in the tenor's unconscious humor. Mr. Sainpolis is one of the stage's bright lumin aries who this season is to return to the spoken drama in David Warfield's revival of "The Return of Peter Grimm." As the young singer whom Paurel takes under his protection with flirtatious intentions, as is his custom in such cases, but with whom he falls genuinely in love, Claire Adams gives the best screen performance in which she has as yet been seen. Lionel Belmore is the operatic impressario who is driven distracted by the vagaries of his artists. Mme. Rosa Dion as Sabeatini brings such fire and vim to her part that one can almost hear her voice. Others who are in the very notable cast are John Davidson, Alice Hollister, Richard Tucker, Tom Ricketts, Frederick Vroom and Jean Corey. Selznick Scenario Staff Humming with Activity, Four New Stories Under Way THE scenario department of Selznick Enterprises is in the midst of one of the biggest and busiest seasons in its history. Four productions, in addition to those already under way, are being put into continuity form by Sarah Y. Mason, Edward Montagne, Mr. and Mrs. R. Cecil Smith and. Lewis Allen Browne. Miss Mason has just completed the second Owen Moore starring vehicle. Mr. Moore is now working on "Lend Me Your Wife," his first Selznick production since his return from Europe, under the direction of Victor Heerman, who also wrote the story. Edward Montagne, author of the scenario which will be Elaine Hammerstein's next Selznick picture, namely, "Pleasure Seekers," is now working on the script for the forthcoming Ralph Ince special, "A Man's Home," written by Anna Steese Richardson. Mr. Ince will begin production within the very near future. Mr. and Mrs. R. Cecil Smith are writing the last scenes for the second Eugene O'Brien picture, following the completion of his present starring vehicle, "Soul and Body," written by John Lynch. Lewis Allen Browne is preparing the continuity of another story to be used as a National Picture Theatres production starring Conway Tearle. The National star is at present engaged in filming "The Road of Ambition," written by Elaine Sterne, and adapted for the screen by Mr. Browne. Wil liam P. S. Earle is directing the production. Juanita Hansen Serial Is Meeting with Big Business Juanita Hansen, whose serial successes have been many, is now in her second chapter production for Pathe. Her first episodial picture, "The Phantom Foe," which is released by that organization, is said to be meeting with exceptional success. In it Miss Hansen is claimed to have one of the finest roles of her cinematographic career. While she will always be remembered for her splendid work in "The Lost City" and her previous efforts, it is believed that her achievements in "The Phantom Foe" will set a new standard for this star. Miss Hansen has been under the direction of many of the industry's biggest directors and has been starred by the leading producing companies. From her start in comedies she quickly attained stardom through the avenues of features and serials. It was in serials, however, she attained her greatest popularity and in which she did her greatest work. Kathleen Kirkham is playing one of the chief roles in King Vidor's production of "The Sky Pilot." Gloria Peyton plays opposite Sessue Hayakawa in his new picture, "East is East," being directed by Colin Campbell.