The Moving picture world (November 1922-December 1922)

640 MOVING PICTURE WORLD December 16, 1922 News from the Producers Conducted by T. S. da Ponte "Monte Cristo" to Be Given Special London Showing To the number of Fox Film masterpieces now being shown in England will shortly be added their magnificently produced screen version of "Monte Cristo," adapted from the world-famous novel by Alexandre Dumas. According to a recent announcement, it will commence a special season at a leading London theatre in thivery near future. Some time ago this picture was presented privately at the London Alhambra to a representative gathering of the press, and the criticisms were unanimous in praising the masterly way in which the novel had been reproduced. Rawlinson Stars in "The Prisoner" The latest production of importance to go into the editorial department at Universal City is "The Prisoner," starring Herbert Rawlinson. It was adapted from 'George Barr McCutcheon's novel, "Castle Craneycrow," by E. T. Lowe, Jr. Jack Conway directed. lEileen Percy played opposite Rawlinson. To Make Plans for First Runs Following the private premiere ■of "Quincy Adams Sawyer" at the ■Grand Ball Room of the Hotel Bancroft, Worcester, Mass., Herbert Lubin left for Chicago last -week. "Quincy Adams Sawyer" is the first S-L picture to be sponsored by Associated Pictures Corporation. While in the Middle West Mr. Lubin will confer with the district supervisors of Metro Pictures Corporation exchanges in that territory, for the purpose of co-operating with Metro in the placing of certain first runs. Invited Audience Views Films Under the personal direction of S. L. Rothafel, managing director of the Capitol Theatre, New York City, "Quincy Adams Sawyer" was presented to an invited audience on Monday evening, November 27, in the grand ballroom of the Bancroft Hotel, Worcester, Mass., Herbert Lubin, of S-L Pictures, sponsored the showing, which marked the world's premiere of the initial production of Associated Pictures Corporation. Mr. Rothafel made a special trip to Worcester for the purpose of the -presentation. Distinctive Signs George MacQuarrie George MacQuarrie has been signed by Distinctive Pictures Corporation to play the role of tlie Constable of France in the French episode of "Backbone," the first all-star production of this company, which is now in the making at the Biograph Studios. Mr. MacQuarrie came to the screen from a long and successful stage career, having been leading man for Grace George, Janet Bcecher and Marie Cahill. Scenes from "Fleeced for Gold," which Pathe will release on December 17 as a one-reel special. Heavy Bookings on "Headless Horseman" Following the announcement of the booking of "The Headless Horseman," or "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," at the Capitol Theatre, New York, the Hodkinson Corporation, distributors of the production, state that many bookings have been coming in on this Washington Irving classic from all over the country. It is further stated that at the present time the majority of the contracts have been secured in the Central West and New England States, but that the South and other sections will be heard from in short order. Boston, Holyoke, Lowell and New Bedford, Mass., and Buffalo and Syracuse, N. Y., are all scheduled to play "The Headless Horseman" immediately after the Capitol showing. The Central West bookings include such cities as Minneapolis, Chillicothe, Kansas City, Springfield, Denver and Grand Rapids, all of which have contracted for this Hodkinson special, with the Pacific Coast bookings represented by Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, Berkeley and Sacramento. According to the inquiries that have been made and the amount of interest that is manifest throughout the territory in reference to the production of "The Headless Horseman," the Hodkinson organization feels that the success of this filmization of Irving's most widely read story is assured. Engages Adrian .'Vdrian, the nineteen-year-old designer, who arrived in New York from Paris two months ago to design a number of the costumes for the new edition of the Music Box Revue, has been engaged by Arthur S. Friend, head of the Distinctive Pictures Corporation, to design the costumes for the French episode of "Backbone," the all-star production which Edward Slonian is now directing for that company. Anniversary Marked by Much Joviality The second anniversary of the opening of Paramount's twomillion dollar studio on Long Island was celebrated recently during the filming of a scene for George Melford's new production, "Java Head." While the scene was staged especially for the picture, studio officials joined the merry party, between "shots," and made an anniversary celebration of it. The Paramount studio occupies an area of three square blocks in Astoria, L. I., and is said to be the largest motion picture studio under one roof in the world. Of the thirty-three productions filmed in the Eastern studio, twenty have been Paramount pictures and thirteen Realart pictures. Exhibitors Will Find in "Regional News and Gossip" all Showmen Items Worth Publishing. Complete Camera Work The camera work on "Java Head," George Melford's Paramount production of Joseph Hergesheimer's novel, has been completed at the company's Long Island studio. The final scenes to be filmed for the picture were those of the Manchu temple and the villa and garden of a Manchu nobleman, the home of Taou Yuen. This Chinese sequence added much color and beauty to the picture, which is rich in historical background of Salem, Mass., in the period of 1850, as well as strong in drama of a compelling form. Goes to R-C Studio in Los Angeles P. A. Powers, managing director, and J. I. Schnitzer, vicepresident of Film Booking Ofiices of America, left on December 2 for the R-C Studio in Los Angeles. Mr. Powers, who returned ten days ago from a six weeks' trip to Europe, will remain on the Coast for an indefinite period, where he will shape the F. B. O. production policy and line up product for the ensuing year. Curtis to Make Stills E. S. Curtis, artist-photographer extraordinary and considered the peer of all photographers of the -American Indian, was specially commissioned by Cecil B. DeMille lo secure a set of stills on the huge prcliistoric forest set which is a feature of ".Adam's Rib," Mr. De Milk'.s new Paramount picture.