The Moving picture world (December 1920)

December 11, 1920 MOVING PICTURE WORLD 729 Rubbernecking Sol Lesser, Western Theatre Owner, Tells on Which Side of the Fence He Stands (Continued from page 723) "The way I come to set the boat afire," Mr. Mullen told me, "was that I was really planning a bigger piece of deviltry. I was burning holes in the hero's diving helmet with one of these acetylene torches, and I set the torch against the wall without thinking, I was that intent on what I was doing, and the first thing I knew the boat was afire." "But what did you want to go and burn holes in the hero's helmet for?" I asked, not being familiar with the story. "Because, in the first place, we are rivals for The Girl, and I don't want him to discover what is in the wreck when he dives down to the bottom of the sea, and because I'd just as soon he would drown as not," he said. "Oh, I'm a sweet character, all right." "I believe you," I agreed. In New England Again When we got to Bradley Nickerson's home, I found myself in New England again. There was a typical New England house, furnished complete from "settin' room" to kitchen, from the little model of a full-rigged schooner on the mantel in the front room to the hole in the kitchen floor under the sink with a baited mouse trap close by. Howard Oliver, technical director for the Willat productions, has undoubtedly lived in New England at some period of his life. Grandma Baker's house is next door to Bradley Nickerson's, and Augusta Baker, played by Daisy Robinson, is the young lady for whose favor the young hero and the young villain are rivals. Upon emerging from Nickerson's home we found a scene in progress. Augusta came out of her grandmother's house to the gate, and spoke to Sam Hammond a few moments, then returned to the house, and Sam stalked off with a satisfied air. "Bradley and I are supposed to be away at sea while this is going on," explained J. P. Lockney to me. "And Sam is trying to steal my girl," added Jack Perrin. "But I get her in the end." On the. comedy stage Billy West and a few of his cronies were staging a game of the national sport, penny ante, and Victor A. Nulty was making photographic tests of an incipient comedy queen. Alive — and Kicking "I want your paper to take back a statement it printed about me two years ago," Mr. Nulty said to me just after he had assured me that he was glad to meet me. "The World had me down as killed in France in 1918, and I want that report corrected. It was a gross exaggeration." "I'll tell the World it was, and make 'em take it back," I promised. And Mr. Nulty promised to let me know when George Bunny gets back from location, so I can go and watch him work.. George is the son of the late John Bunny, and is just making a start as a star in the film game. Levey Appoints Chief Editor Laura Thornburgh has be,en appointed to the position of editor-in-chief for the Harry Levey Service Corporation. Miss Thornburgh has been identified during the past two years as scenario editor of the motion picture section of the Department of Agriculture, and bears the distinction of having assisted in the editing and titling of about 30,000 feet of film during t,he past eight months. Prior to her affiliation with the Department, she was editor of the Woman's Page and dramatic critic of the Knoxville, Tenn., Sentinel. Miss Thornburgh has traveled extensively abroad, and recently took a course in the University of Geneva. SOL LESSER, who, with his associates, the Gore Brothers, own and operate a chain of thirty-seven picture houses in and about Los Angeles, and who is the special representative on the Coast for the Associated First National Pictures, Inc., is in New York, and before going back to Los Angeles desires to explain exactly what his position is regarding the industry. "In recent trade papers," said Mr. Lesser, "announcement was made that my brother, Irving Lesser, and myself had split. That statement is correct. We have parted ways. But many people have approached me during my visit in New York, asking me about this anouncement, and in nearly every instance their thoughts on the matter were confused. Some of my friends hinted at the idea that I was quitting First National, and that is the chief motive for this second announcement. "I wish to go on record," continued Mr. Lesser, "that I consider First National the mightiest asset I possess. I firmly believe the franchise protection given exhibitors, the wonderful program of picture products, and the high standard and policy that is of MARGUERITE CLARK'S first independent screen production, "Scrambled Wives," is to be released through First National. This announcement is made by Associated First National Pictures, Inc., in a statement to the effect that her first production as an independent star is nearly completed. A few exterior scenes are all that is necessary to complete the picture by Christmas. Since her last production there have been rumors that Miss Clark intended to retire from the screen. That they were wholly unfounded is established by her positive statement that she never had any intention of deserting the screen, but that when her last contract expired she decided to enter the field of independent production. After a short vacation for the star the Marguerite Clark Productions Company was organized. For a considerable period prior to starting production, a search was conducted for a thoroughly suitable story to warrant the beginning of actual studio work. "Scrambled Wives," which enjoyed a run on Broadway in New York and is still running in Chicago, was selected. fered by the Associated First National Pictures is the greatest fortification an exhibitor can obtain." Mr. Lesser stated that from now on all of his motion picture activities would be concentrated in the exhibiting field and that all of his string of theatres are under a subfranchise and that a First National attraction always receives the first consideration. When asked to explain his position with the Annette Kellerman feature and his presence in New York City with George Beban, for whom he is arranging all distribution matters for the Beban "One Man in a Million" film, Mr. Lesser said: "I contracted to produce the Kellerman film and arranged with Mr. Beban, whereby I be* came interested in his production of "One Man in a Million" prior to my associating myself with First National. Naturally, after having contracted for these two products, I had to see them through, and that is the main motive for my eastern journey at this time." Mr. Lesser, with his associates, is building six new theatres in and about Los Angeles. Edward H. Griffith was secured as director, with A. F. Bernadac as assistant. Miss Clark takes the role of Mary Lucille Smith, and those in the supporting cast are Leon P. Gendron, Ralph Bunker, Florence Martin, Virginia Lee, Alice Mann, Frank Bagley, Amenca Cheddister, John Mayer, John Washburn, T. A. Bradon, Harry Fisher, Wesley Jenkins, Ada Neville and Emma Wilcox. The present agreement is for the release of one production only by Associated First National. There is no announcement as to what the next production starring Miss Clark will be, for the star does not intend to rush work on schedule. "Scrambled Wives" is from the pens of Adelaide Matthews and Martha Stanley, and the scenario was prepared by Gardner Hunting. The role of Mary Lucille Smith is of the same nature as those which made Miss Clark one of the best liked stars on the screen. To guard against "sameness" in settings she secured Walter E. Keller, William C. Menzes and David C. Flynn to originate and supervise a complete arrangement of sets for the entire picture. LAST CALL! For Space in the Special Christmas Edition of MOVING PICTURE WORLD DON'T DELAY A DAY! Circuit to Release "Scrambled Wives/9 Marguerite Clark's Independent Picture