The Moving picture world (April 1921)

856 MOVING PICTURE WORLD April 23, 1921 Pathe Serial Activities on the Increase to Meet Greatest Exhibitor Demand Yet IN response to the widest serial demand in the course of its long career as "the house of serials," Pathe's activities during the present year, as outlined by Paul Brunet, present encouraging evidences of the healthy and prosperous condition of the picture industry. Besides two big productions lately completed and ready for release, two others of equal importance and containing, it is promised, exceptional elements of interest, are in the making. Within less than a year from now exhibitors will see the substantial catalogue of Pathe serials expanded by a total of four new examples representing the highest development yet reached of the essentials which give this form of fiction and motion picture its remarkable hold on public favor. Preparations for this program had been decided on by Mr. Brunet months before Elmer Pearson, Pathe director of exchanges, presented his recently published box office proof of unprecedented serial patronage at all classes of picture houses throughout the United States. The president's foresight had anticipated the director of exchanges' statement that "serials constitute the backbone of several programs per week at 60 per cent, of America's theatres." The enthusiastic reception given Ruth Roland's latest picture, "The Avenging Arrow," released early in March, served to confirm other evidences of big and increasing business for the best type of serial. This picture not only was booked at houses that had never before used serials, but was selected as the opening attraction for several of the finest new theatres in the country. A considerable number of important houses in different sections welcomed "The Avenging Arrow" with which to inaugurate the policy of a regular weekly "serial day," on which the current serial instalment would be the real feature of the program. Advance exhibitor inquiries for "The Sky Ranger" and "The Yellow Arm," both completed but not yet released, show the same character of interest. "The Sky Ranger," in which June Caprice and George B. Seitz are starred, supported by Harry Semels. Peggy Shanor and other capable principals, creates high anticipations owing to the EVIDENTLY PROHIBITION HASN'T HIT THE MOVIES Gloria Summon, in making her debut as a Paramount star in "The Great Moment," samples some extra dry rather startling excursion it makes into the fields of science and invention. The love story revolves about a duel to the death between a space-annihilating super-airplane and a searchlight ray capable of destroying any sort of material with which it comes in contact. The struggle for possession of the latter is declared to produce some thrilling spectacles with "locations" of sky, land and sea involved in catastrophes which constantly threaten the hero and the heroine. "The Yellow Arm," whose release date presently will be announced, affords Warner Oland one of the finest opportunities he has enjoyed for the display of his forceful and dominating characterizations in a story which involves a New England family in an Oriental dynastic revolution. The production accordingly presents the widest possible scenic contrasts, as well as sharp contrasts of character. Over all broods the mystery and terrors belonging to Oriental intrigue, fanaticism and heartlessness. Juanita Hansen, Marguerite Courtot and William Bailey have roles which call for their best work. "The Golden Canyon" is the working title of the new Ruth Roland serial, upon which production has been begun. That title reflects the central scenic scheme of the story, many of whose most important scenes are laid in the Grand Canyon of the Colorado, which is celebrated for the grandeur and beauty of its natural wonders. It goes without saying that the characters and action of the production are in keeping with the impressive qualities of the main location. The hero role is played by Earl Metcalf, who appears in the leading part of Associated Exhibitors feature, "What Women Will Do." Mr. Metcalf also appeared as the handsome, tall and active leading man figure in the features, "While New York Sleeps" and "The Garden Girl." Ruth Roland probably never has had abler support than surrounds her in "The Golden Canyon" production. It will interest exhibitors and their patrons everywhere to know that Charles Hutchison is just now beginning work on ANOTHER step in the co-operative plan to bring the exhibitor into direct contact with actual studio production, thereby further insuring the exhibition value of its product, has been taken by Realart. This move comes to light with the announcement that Aubrey Stauffer, manager of many road companies and more recently manager of large theatres at Santa Barbara and Bakersfield, Cal., has been engaged to read submitted photoplay material and to assist in titling finished productions at Realart's Hollywood studios. Explaining this appointment, Elmer Harris, supervising director for Realart, said : "In the past there has been criticism of some producing units on the ground that, isolated in their studios, they have been unaware of the actual condition confronting the exhibitor; have failed, in fact, to provide him with the material which will most convincingly appeal to his public. "Realart has always had the exhibitor directly in mind in making its pictures, and it is to further guarantee that our judgment is correct that we have secured Mr. Stauffer to assist us in getting the theatre man's direct viewpoint. his new serial tentatively named "One Chance in a Million" which intimates truthfully that the "stellar stunt man" takes just that sort of chance all through the picture. Many of the locations are ideal for the effects in view, being in and about Ausable Chasm, where Mr. Hutchinson heretofore is credited with "saying the last word" in dangerous and thrilling physical stunts." His supporting company of principals is one of the strongest ever engaged for a serial. It includes Warner Oland, leading heavy; beautiful and athletic Lucy Fox, leading woman with Ann Hastings — not less attractive — to engage with her in a veritable "battle of the beauties," while the ever popular "bad man," Harry Semels, accomplishes everything in that line that may be overlooked by Mr. Oland — and "some more." OLD HOME WEEK* No, a scene from "Keeping Up •with Lizzie," a Rockett film to be released by Hodhinson "We believe that he is bringing with him that direct contact with problems of the exhibitor which is desired by every motion picture producer. He is extremely well qualified for his position, having had, in addition to a long experience in exhibiting pictures, a wide musical, dramatic and vaudeville training, combined with extensive studies in Paris and other Continental centres of art. During the war he was prominent in the work of establishing Liberty theatres at Camps Beauregard, Taylor and Kearney." Mr. Stauffer is already at work at the West Coast studios, his new duties calling for the careful inspection of manuscripts submitted as material for Wanda Hawley, Bebe Daniels and Mary Miles Minter. . To Choose Censor The Citizens League for Better Motion Pictures, of Baltimore, Md., now wants a person appointed to the Censor Board of Maryland who will give his full time to the job. Governor Albert C. Ritchie has invited the league to search for a person. A committee of eight was appointed. Realart Engages Former Exhibitor to Aid in Selecting and Titling Pictures