The Moving picture world (January 1921-February 1921)

January 8, 1921 MOVING PICTURE WORLD 191 Cecil B. DeMille Chooses "Five Kisses" as Picture Name for "Affairs of Anatol 99 FIVE KISSES" is the title selected for Cecil B. DeMille's forthcoming production founded on Arthur Schnitzler's famous play, "The Affairs of Anatol." This announcement was made by the Paramount producer at the Lasky studio, where he is now in the midst of production work on his adaptation of the Schnitzler play. Brevity and fitness are the chief reasons for the selection of this title. The photoplay story as it has been developed by Cecil B. DeMille and his stellar scenario staff is adequately told by the new title and "Five Kisses" has a decided preference over "The Affairs of Anatol" in point of brevity, Paramount believes. The fact that the Schnitzler story has been translated into an American background with American characters is yet another reason for the change in title. Steadily the roll of stellar players appearing in this special production — the biggest ever attempted at the Lasky studio — grows as production work progresses. The latest addition announced by the producer is Monte Blue, the versatile young leading man who made a pronounced success in "Everywoman," Cecil B. DeMille's "Something to Think About" and George Melford's "The Jucklins." To him has been assigned an important role in the current production in recognition of his excellent work in a wide variety of roles. Another celebrity to be added is Raymond Hatton, the versatile character actor. Mr. Hatton, who for many years was associated with -productions bearing the Famous Players-Lasky imprint, is remembered particularly for his work in "Joan the Woman," "The Whispering Chorus," "The Woman God Forgot" and "Male and Female," all Cecil B. . DeMille pictures. He is at present under contract with the Goldwyn organization, but was loaned to the DeMille forces for this production. He will play the character role of an old schoolmaster. The all-star cast, probably the greatest ever assembled in one production, include Wallace Reid, Gloria Swanson, Elliott Dexter, Theodore Roberts, Wanda Hawley, Bebe Daniels, Monte Blue, Theodore Kosloff, Agnes Ayres, Dorothy Cumming, Raymond Hatton and Julia Faye. This stellar quality extends throughout every department connected with the production. The scenario has been entrusted to the most talented writers on the staff of the Famous Players-Lasky organization. Stage settings are the work of M. Paul' Tribe, famous French artist, designer and decorator, working in collaboration with Howard Higgin. Alvin Wyckoff and Karl Struss are responsible for the photography and Cullen Tate is Cecil B. DeMille's assistant. Directors Body to Hold Election on January 5 At the regular meeting of the Motion Picture Directors Association on the evening of December 21 the nominations for officers to be elected for 1921 were announced. On the regular ticket: Charles F. Miller, director; Ashley Miller, assistant director; Robert G. Vignola, technical director; Charles M. Seay, scenarist; C. Jay Williams, treasurer; Robert Ellis, inner guard; George A. Lessey, outer guard; James Vincent, trustee for three years. Opposition ticket: George B. Seitz, direc tor; S. E. V. Taylor, assistant director; George Archainbaud, technical director; William F. Haddock, scenarist; C. Jay Williams, treasurer; Robert Ellis, inner guard; John J. Harvey, outer guard; George Irving, trustee for three years. The election is to be held on the evening of January 4. Owing to the popularity of the contestants it promises to be quite spirited around the polls on that occasion. January 4 is not only election day but also the date of the annual meeting. The reports to be read on that date will show the great progress the organization has made during the past twelve months. A number of highly complimentary letters were read from distinguished guests who were present at the Fourth annual dinner at the Biltmore on December 7, expressing their appreciation and thanks for a most delightful evening of pleasant surprises. M. H. Hoffman, of Pioneer, Is Optimistic Regarding Film Industry During 1921 IN a forceful New Year's message to the managers of all exchanges of the Pioneer Film Corporation from Maine to California, General Manager M. H. Hoffman sounds a note of optimism for 1921. Mr. Hoffman's message predicts prosperity for the industry despite the reported depression in other fields. "Thanks to the loyalty, ability and conscientious efforts on the part of our men throughout the country," says Mr. Hoffman, "the Pioneer Film Corporation has tripled its business through 1920, and all indications point to an era of unprecedented expansion and progress on the part of our company during the coming year. "Without taking away any credit from the splendid selling ability of our immense organization, you must bear in mind that our success is due to the careful selection of subjects for release. Quality, not quantity, is our paramount thought. Fewer pictures, but better ones is the slogan we have before us, and we are backing up these ideas by always exercising extraordinary effort to put forth the proper exploitation and presentation of our productions. "With subjects such as the Nick Carter series, the 'Mystery Mind,' 'The Barbarian,' 'Eternal Mother,' 'In Society,' 'Beyond the Crossroads,' 'Crimson Cross' and a score or more productions of unusual merit with which to start the New Year, the Pioneer will live up to its reputation." Levey Company Makes New Year Resolve to Call Screen Advertising by Its Name THE Harry Levey Corporation announces that the New Year will see the realization of several of its most cherished plans. Mr. Levey states that from the inception of advertising films, he has felt that the theatre-going public did not want to be fed sugar-coated pictures. In other words, they did not want to pay admission to a theatre expecting to see a good comedy or dramatic offering, only to find that a certain amount of advertising had been sandwiched into it. Therefore, beginning with the first release of 1921, all pictures containing advertising produced by the Harry Levey Service Corporation will have incorporated in their first title the plain, unvarnished fact that the following film, although made with prominent and experienced players, and the same sort of settings and care in production that is given to all Truth Productions, contains a certain amount of advertising appeal incorporated in such a manner that it does not detract in any way from the high entertainment value of the picture. An appeal will also be made to the audience for suggestions and comment on the production. Mr. Levey says further that the exhibitor should be paid for his screen; that it is the only fair method of doing this sort of business. a million dollars, has booked to show the Selznick News weekly, to round out the feature program. The latest issue of these pictorial news items ranges from scenes of Plymouth Rock, commemorating the 300th anniversary of the landing of the Pilgrims, to pictures of little kiddies holding a milk party. Other screen items are views of President Dartiguinaire, of Haiti, reviewing the U. S. Marines on the palace grounds of Haiti, the arrival of a Siamese Prince, a brilliant military wedding in London, and close up views of an opera rehearsal inside the huge auditorium at Chicago. Watch the World Selznick News Weekly Has Diversified Scenes What is said to be one of the finest theatres in the United States, namely the New Howard Theatre, Atlanta, Ga., which was recently completed at a cost of more than