The Moving picture world (December 1920)

896 MOVING PICTURE WORLD December 18. 1920 Cecil B. DeMille Succeeds in Filming Scene in "Forbidden Fruit, " Paramount Picture, Under Plate Glass Inclosure WHEN it was announced that Cecil B. DeMille would film one important episode — the Cinderella fairyland vision — of "Forbidden Fruit" in a stage setting built completely of plate glass, there were many who said it couldn't be done. However, DeMille thought it could and so did his production manager, Howard Higgin and his photographer, Alvin Wyckoff. Theodore Kosloff, to whom was entrusted the task of designing the unique costumes and drilling the dancers, likewise agreed that it was possible. The objectors pointed out that it would be impossible to light such a ret satisfactorily; that the halation from the glass would make the screen results worthless; that the cost would be prohibitive, and that it just wasn't possible to build and film a set built of plate glass. Plans Made Nevertheless plans to do it were made. The first matter to be settled was the choice of a location for this set. It was decided that the studio tank would serve as a foundation. Inasmuch as a number of fountains, a waterfalls beneath the wide glass stairway and two large large shallow pools with black swans swimming about were included in the plans, this selection of the tank as the foundation came as a matter of course. At this point, Production Manager Howard Higgin called into consultation the best show case construction men obtainable. It was agreed that work should start at once and that the task of assembling sufficient plate glass for the purpose should be pushed forward with the greatest possible •peed. Plate Glass Walls Following the usual procedure on set construction, plans were drawn by the Lasky studio art department. Working from these drawings, a huge force of carpenters prcceeded to completely floor the tank and much of the surrounding studio space. Plate glass walls twenty feet in height were set in place along two sides of this "room," the stairway forming a third side and the remaining side serving as a gateway for the cameras. In the middle of this wide expanse of plate glass an opening approximately twelve feet in diameter was left. This opening was equipped with a cover of glass which could be lowered into the dry tank below, thus permitting an antique, bronzefigured clock to rise through the opening to the level of the floor. This mechanism made its appearance on the stroke of tvelve and the bronze men who formed a part of this episode struck the twelve counts on the gong at the base of the clock. . ... Beneath the transparent stairway with its wide sweep of steps, a complicated system of lighting and waterfalls was instal.cd in such a way as to provide a striking pic ture of flickering lights playing on the water beneath the glass steps. Beautiful Costumes When the set was in readiness, Theodore Kosloff marshaled his ballet of four-score players. Customs rivalling in opulent beauty anything ever seen on the screen or off had been provided for every mimic guest at the fairyland ball. The principals of the cast — Agnes Ayrcs, Forrest Stanley, Kathlyn Williams, Shannon Day, Julia Faye and Theodore Kosloff — appeared in the costumes specially designed. It required two days and the greater portion of one night to film this episode of the story, but the results more than justified the time and labor expended, it is said. All this activity registered in celluloid will flash across the silver screen in approximately three minutes. Weeks of work, plarning and tremendous expense were expended on it, according to reports. inthefhadow of X theDomes 7 -jm S A David G. Fischer Production MJT 't RAIL) Ut LUk t Mae Marsh comes back to the screen in "The Little 'Fraid Lady," being released by Robertson-Cole President Smith, of Vitagraph, Back from Coast with Negative of "Black Beauty ALBERT E. SMITH, president of Vitagraph, arrived in New York this week on a trip which mostly concerns his newest big production, "Black Beauty." The negative of "Black Beauty" was brought East by Mr. Smith and editing the features has been commenced at the Brooklyn studios of Vitagraph under the persona! supervision of Lillian and George Randolph Chester. Resident of West During the last trip to the Los Angeles studios Mr. Smith established a residence in the Southern California city. He will maintain his country estate at Oyster Bay as his summer residence and will continue to make frequent trips between New York ard Los Angeles. "Black Beauty," the final scenes of which Mr. Smith supervised on his recent stop in the West, is expected to be Vitagraph's biggest production. It will be the fourth of the new series of specials offered by the company. Breaks Records It follows "The Courage of Marge O'Doone," "Trumpet Island" and "Dead Men Tell No Tales." The first .named has already broken all booking records in the quarter century of Vitagraph history. The other two are following closely, and when on the market for the same length of time may surpass the popular Curwood picture. David Smith, the man who made "The Courage of Marge O'Doone," also directed "Black Beauty." He has interpreted accurately the quaint, homely story of the simple, wholesome characters in Anna Sewall's great book, and "Black Beauty" is expected to be his masterpiece. Director Smith has built the picture with deep regard for detail and the result is a beautiful story for persons of all ages. Jean Paige Plays Jean Paige will be seen in her greatest characterization, that of the little oldfashioned Jessie Gordon, who will be remembered by all who have read the book. James Morrison plays opposite Miss Paige and George Webb as the heavy portrays a perfectly drawn character. The remainder of the cast is made up of the best artists obtainable, all of national renown. American Succeeding uith New Sales Plan C. A. Stimson, general sales manager of the American Film Company, reports the success of the sales plan which he inaugurated several months ago. Each branch office is run on a cost plan and the income of each man is proportionate to the actual earnings of his office after overhead is deducted. Recent specials on which many of the American's salesmen have been making successful records during the past few months are: "A Live Wire Hick," "The Week End," Peggy Rebels, "The House of Toys" and "A Light Woman." New Rolin Comedy Listed "Park Your Car" is the title of the new Rolin comedy, to be released by Pathe December 19, dealing with the trials and tribulations of a motorist. "Snub" Pollard is featured and aided in his amusing antics by Marie Mosquini, Hughie Mack, "Sunshine Sambo," the little colored actor, and the Rolin comedy comedians. The play is built around a comedy automobile which provides many uproarious situations. DOWN WITH THE SOUR SUNDAY