The Moving picture world (May 1922)

Itoy 6, 1922 MOVING PICTURE WORLD 59 Keeping in Personal Touch % fritz; tidden THREE novels with moving picture life as backgrounds have been published recently — ■ "Merton of the Movies," by Harry Leon Wilson, and from the presses of Doubleday, Page; "Souls for Sale," by Rupert Hughes, and distributed by Harper, and "Linda Lee, Inc.," which the Buttons are publishing for Louis Joseph Vance. To date the Wilson book is the only one we have read ; when it was published in serial form in the Satevepost. It is our personal opinion that it is a masterpiece, and up to this time we have never encountered such a vivid or truthful picture of the life on the big lots out on the coast. It is tragic comedy, and the story is told with that kindly sympathetic smile of understanding that few men of our generation outside of Harry Leon Wilson display. If ever it is done, it presents a difficult proposition for film translation. Rupert Hughes' novel, "Souls for Sale," has only been out for a few days so we haven't got around to it as yet. We are extremely anxious to read it because we know of no authors who are in closer touch, in closer sympathy or have a fairer attitude toward the moving picture industry or its folks that Hughes. Or are more enthusiastic concerning its possibilities or more bitter against its berators, either. * * * How come that no enterprising producer does not star Creighton Hale? A number of years ago he played featured parts more frequently than he does today, but his work in small roles in several recent big films displays he has more qualifications than many of the male luminaries winning the female hearts. He can act. * * * Hiram Abrams is back in town. * * * Within easy memory, "The Way of a Maid" has zvon for her terms that range from fish to birds. They have been called broilers, squabs, chickens and flappers. Pretty near time for a film titled "Girls Will Be Girls." * * * Lois Weber returned from Europe the latter part of last week. * * * Kirk L. Russell, chief of the Bureau of Information, Post Office Department, is to join the Motion Picture Producers and Distribirtors. Inc., as publicity director. * ♦ * W. Burt McDonough, well-known to the trade in the Middle West, ha; left the industry for the auiomobilc accessory business. * * * C. L. Dixon, formerly with R-C Pictures, has been made director of advertising and publicity of International. He replaces Leo Pollock, who resigned to become radio editor of the New York Evening JoiiDial, and James F. Sayles, who also resigned. Francis Marion has returned to the United Studios, Los Angeles, from New York, and has commenced preparing the scenario for "East Is West." * * >t< Marshall Neilan sailed for Europe last Saturday. In his party are David Kesson, cameraman, and Frank Urson, an associate director. * * * Speaking of Neilan, a queer coincidence seems to have occurred concerning his affiliations. It appears that no matter where he goes he all of a sudden finds himself back in the First National fold. He broke away from F. N. to join Associated Producers, who became amalgamated with the former only a short time after Neilan left them. Then he lined up with Goldwyn, whereupon that organization planned to have its features released by First National. We will now rise and sing to the appropriate music, "And the Cat Came Back." * * * Mary Miles Minter, Paramount star, and her grandmother, Mrs. Julia Miles, are on their way from Honolulu to their Los Angeles home. According to a cablegram received by her mother, Mary has had a wonderfully good time during her stay at the Islands, and is returning refreshed for the resumption of her work before the camera. * * * With "Reckless Youth'' "Reckless Love" and "Reckless Chances" among the new films it would seem that the titters have thrown caution to the zvinds. * * * Four little coffins — all in a row ! Their disposal confronted Jack Coogan, Sr., at United Studios. They had been used in Jackie's forthcoming "Oliver Twist" picture. What the heck good is a coffin unless one is dead? "Give 'em to charity," said Arthur Bernstein, production manager. "Nope — afraid I might insult somebody," said the elder Coogan. Then dawn arrived. Four neat little black cards were ordered and on each coffin one was tacked. They bore the inscriptions of HAZEL LI N D S LEY She will appear in Warren A. Newcombe's forthcoming one-reel picture, "Sea of Dreams," which will be a combination of paintings and live figures, as was his recent success, "The Enchanted City." It is Miss Lindsley's first appearance on the screen Adolph Ramish, A. L. Gore, Sol Lesser and Mike Gore. The four coffins were then ordered sent to the executive offices of the West Coast Theatres, Inc., with the following message : "If we all die in our attempt to make 'Oliver Twist' the greatest of all screen productions, at least we have our coffins ready." (Signed) Jack Coogan, Sr. * ♦ * Louis Brock, formerly foreign representative of Selznick-Select, has been engaged by Joseph M. Schenck, to assist in foreign affairs relating to the distribution of the Norma Talmadge, the Constance Talmadge, the Richard Barthelmess and the Buster Keaton First National Pictures. * * * Thomas N. Miranda has been engaged by Max Linder to title and edit his burlesque on "The Three Musketeers." * * * During the summer months the Criterion Theatre will effect a change of its policy, in that pictures will play but a week instead of remaining for an extended run. It is planned that the house will take the features the week following a Rialto or Rivoli run. In the fall the Criterion will revert to its usual policy. * * * "Whispering Devils" is a film dedicated to folks who get vocal with the sub-titles. * * * An open letter to J. D. Williams : Mr. J. D. Williams, Associated First National Pictures, Inc., 6-8 West Forty-eighth St,, New York City. My Dear J. D. : We are in receipt of your kind invitation to the opening of the J. D. Williams Amusement Company's new theatre at Dallas, Texas. We regret that we will not be able to be present, through no fault of our own. The boss won't give us the week off. Not because he thinks we are so darn valuable and all that sort of thing, but he says he likes to see the help around, anyway. I haven't been in Dallas since I trouped with a minstrel show when T was but a big, ingenious boy. It wasn't Dallas's fault that the show was a frost, so I don't bear any hard feelings, even though I found the streets rather dirty. You see I'm a little feller and the small guys are always out in front in the parade. I kicked more dirt aside to make it clean walking for the big fellows than I thought there were horses in the world. I'd like to be with you at the opening of the theatre. And I wish you success as far as thought can reach. Sincerely, TOUCHER. * * * M. D. Gardner, production assistant to Vice President Lehr at the Goldwyn studios, has been nomi