The Moving picture world (December 1920)

892 MOVING PICTURE WORLD December 18, 192t> Barrymore Finishes One and Begins on Another Lionel Barrymore has completed "The Great Adventure," the third production in a series of four in which he is to be starred by the Whitman Bennett Productions Company, for distribution by Associated First National Pictures, Inc., and has already started on the fourth, "Jim, the Penman." The cutting and assembling of the former will take but a short time, according to announcement from the studio, and the finished print probably will be delivered to the distributing association within the next two weeks. Mr. Bennett and Kenneth Webb, who directed the production, as well as the star himself, are well gratified with result of the decision to star Mr. Barrymore in a comedy. "The Great Adventure" is said to be genuine humor straight through, but to give the same opportunity for characterization afforded by his two previous productions, "The Master Mind" and "The Devil's Garden." Among those in the cast supporting Mr. Barrymore in the production are Thomas A. Braidon, Octavis Brooke, Doris Rankin, Ivo Dawson, Charles Lane, Jed Prouty, Katherine Stewart, E. J. Ratcliffe, Paul Kelly, Arthur Rankin and Maybeth Carr. "Blue Moon" Given Many Return Votes by Houses "The Blue Moon," American Special picturized from David Anderson's novel, is having very successful bookings and in the case of many theatres is playing return dates. Released November IS, it has set a pace for American for long runs at big prices in high class theatres, and a compilation of booking figures collected from the various American branches places the production far ahead of all "Flying A" releases to date. It has been booked heavily in all parts of the country and its showings have been bringing in glowing reports from exhibitors in every section of the United States. Unusual Photoplay "The Blue Moon" is a photoplay full of universal appeal with a blend of romance, adventure and revenge that is of a different character from the usual run of plays, for it is neither of a society, western, semi-Oriental or old home type, but tells the lives of the pearl hunters of the Upper Wabash and the Indiana flatwoods. The drama has a strong C3.H : Pell Trenton and Elinor Field in the leading roles, supported by players of note, including Herbert Standing, Margaret McWade and Harry Northrup. A David G. Fischer Production United States Army Books Pathe Film of Jack Dempseyin "DaredevilJack" DAREDEVIL JACK." starring Champion Jack Dcmpsey, is reported from l'atlie's Seattle branch to have been booked by the United States Army for exhibition a; Fort Oregon, Camby Barracks, Vanccuver Barracks, Fort Columbia and Fort Stevens, army posts in the state of Washington. This, it is believed, is the first time a serial picture has played to soldier audiences at army posts. The Brunton production has been engaged for its fifteen weeks' run. The booking is said to be in response to an insistent demand by the soldiers. Jack Dempsey's prominence and the especially important position he maintains with the followers of sports is an asset to the commercial value of the Pathe serial. Furthermore, the production was of such quality, it is said, that Pathe officials accepted it as a standard for serials and announced their future offerings would be produced according to that standard. W. S. Van Dyke, who directed the film, was later assigned to direct Charles Hutchison in "The Double Adventure." However, the star in this picture was injured and then the director went over to the Ruth Roland company, which is now producing "The Avenging Arrow." "The Double Adventure" is now completed and its release date will be announced. Nazimova Stars and Charles Bryant Has Big Part in "Billions," a Metro Release THE Metro Pictures Corporation has scheduled the release of "Billions," Nazitnova's most recent starring vehicle, for December 6. This adaptation from a celebrated French drama follows close on the heels of "Madame Peacock," in which Nazimova also starred. "Billions" is the romance of a Russian princess and a Washington Square poet wherein billions are lost and a world of love is won. It was adapted from a French stage success. Charles Bryant, leading man in the production, scenarioized it. Others who perform in the capable supporting cast are William J. Irving, Victor Potel, John Steppling, Mariam Skinner, Bonnie Hill, Emmett King and Eugene H. Klum. One of the striking sets is a scene in a street of old Russia, showing several hundred mounted Cossacks riding amid a mob in front of the Czar's palace, and near the Greek Cathedral. Ray C. Smallwood directed the production. R. J. Bcrgquist is responsible for the photography. Robbins Buys DeLuxe Theatre in Utica; Company Has Grown Fast in Four Years ANNOUNCEMENT was made on Wednesday, December 1, by Nathan Robbins, president and general manager of the Robbins Amusement Company, Inc., of Utica, N. Y., that his company has secured the DeLuxe Theatre at Oneida Square, Utica, and will take possession on December 12. The best that can be procured in screen plays will be shown at the DeLuxe because Mr. Robbins is responsible in a great measure for the big stride which has been made during the past four years in administering to the wants of the theatregoers. When the policy of the DeLuxe under the direction of Mr. Robbins is announced, Rae B. Candee, who has been manager of the Avon Theatre, another link in the Robbins chain, will assume the management of the new enterprise. Ever since the initial opening of the DeLuxe five years ago it has been operated by the Alhambra Amusement Company, of which Harry G. Lux is president and general manager. Rapid Progress Four years ago Mr. Robbins secured a lease on the Majestic Theatre in Utica, and after proving himself a successful manager of that playhouse he organized the Robbins Amusement Company. He also formed the Robbins Film Company, of which he is also the general manager. Soon after the Robbins Amusement Company was formed, negotiations were made and the Avon Theatre, one of the most beautiful showhouses in Central New York, was purchased for a large sum. Almost coincident with the change of ownership came the change of policy as concerned the conducting of the playhouse and presentation of the best in motion pictures. In acquiring the DeLuxe further evidence is given of the wonderful growth of the company. One reason for the success that has followed Mr. Robbins' efforts is that of the untiring energy of those who are connected with him. Besides Mr. Candee, who has been house manager of the Majestic and who will have charge of the DeLuxe, Mr. Robbins is assisted by Barney Lumberg, the house manager of the Majestic. Henry Coram, manager of the Robbins Film Exchange, is also chief auditor for the theatres. The DeLuxe Theatre is located in one of the best residential districts of Utica and in the center of a well-patronized business district. It is modern in every way. It is fireproof, with ample entrances and exits, steam heat, forced ventilation and a vacuum cleaning system. The building is 68 feet front, 120 feet deep and about 50 feet in height. The house seats about 1,200 persons. Harry H. Buxbaum, of the Famoui Players-Lasky exchange and Arthur Hammerstein, won the double handball championship at the Van Kelton Stadium, New York defeating Stadelberger and Lusch. DOWN WITH THE SOUR SUNDAY