The Moving picture world (November 1922-December 1922)

iDecember 23, 1922 MOVING PICTURE WORLD 729 F. B. O. Production "Thelma" Meets Demand for High Class Society Film Jane Novak's Most Pretentious Picture Is Based on Marie Corelli's Novel The accomplishment of Chester Bennett in producing "Thelma" has been acclaimed, in the few weeks it has been before the trade and the public, as one of the best examples of a combination of dramatic values with pictorial beauty. The consensus of opinion is unanimous— "Thelma" definitely establishes Jane Novak as a high grade actor, and places its director, Mr. Bennett, among the ranks of the screen's greatest directors. Mr. Bennett, si.x months ago, first announced that he had acquired the screen rights to "Thelma," Marie Corelli's most famous novel, and the book which first brought her world-wide prominence. The book had a circulation on its first printing which exceeded at that time anything ever given a novel. Its daring and vivid characterizations immediately caused a maelstrom of discussion, and later, when dramatized, "Thelma" was one of the stand-bys of stock companies throughout the country. It is proI)able that every town that has ever housed a stock or repertoire company has seen "Thelma" enacted on the stage at least once every two years. The locale of the story is in a Norwegian village and in London. This diversity of settings permits Miss Novak to appear first as a Norwegian peasant maid, and later as the favorite of London society. For the first sequence an entire village, extending for several blocks, was especially built. It was constructed near the Pacific Ocean, several miles north of Santa Monica, where the scene strongly resembles that of Norway. Boats of special Norwegian design were also built for the ocean scenes of the production. The many readers of the book will find that Miss Novak is the "Thelma" of Marie Corelli's novel in every way. Her long blonde hair, which braided, reaches below her waist, and her fair complexion, makes her an ideal type for the part. It was, in fact, her personal fitness for the role that induced Mr. Bennett to select this story for picturization. When Antony Anderson, a well known painter and art critic, ^rst met Miss Novak a year ago, he stated that her exquisite coloring and tall, regal beauty represented the exact type necessary to properly envision a daughter of the old Nrrwegian Viking kings. This hint to Mr. Bennett resulted in a painstaking search for a suitable screen story representing a Norwegian heroine, which ended with the purchase of "Thelma." The second sequence, which is laid in London, was taken advantage of by Mr. Bennett, who incorporated in it one of the most elaborate fashion displays ever seen on the screen. This was a distinct innovation in a Jane Novak picture inasmuch as she has heretofore appeared most often in Northwest and outdoor pictures of all descriptions. Miss Novak found the magnificent sets depicting a Parisian modiste establishment and a London drawing room in distinct contrast to her usual log cabin. The most gorgeous and beautiful creations that could be found with a valuation of more than $25,000 were secured to make Miss Novak's first appearance before the camera in beautiful gown really an auspicious event. Arrangements were made with Vogue, foremost Pacific Coast stylist, for the loan of their most costly up-to-date and exclusive patterns of women's wear from Paris to be worn by the members of Miss Novak's company during tihe society scenes; while Miss Novak wore her own latest creations and importations. Willard George, furriers to the few of unlimited means, furnished the furs, including a Hudson seal cape, a squirrel cape and a Beige fox, the total of which alone represented more than $1.S,000. Several plain-clothes detectives were engaged to keep guard over the gowns and furs day and night while the scenes were being filmed. In speaking of the fitness of Afiss Novak for the role, the Moving Picture World reviewer stated: "It is doubtful if a better choice than Jane Novak could have been made for the flowerlike role of Thelma; in fact, she seems the embodiment of the author's idea. Bert Sprotte gives a striking performance as Olaf, her proud old father, a vigorous man who is proud of his descent from a line of Norse kings and still worships their god, Odin." In conclusion, the reviewer states: "The fact that this production is based on a standard book which for a number of years has been very widely read all over the world, is an exploitation point which the exhibitor should not overlook as there are a large number of persons in every town who will want to see the ftory in its film form." Lillian Gale in the Motion Picture News wrote : "From a production standpoint, 'Thelma' will win new friends, since necessary background and appropriate sets have been provided in addition to the well balanced cast selected. Jane Novak delivers a splendid characterization of the old fashioned Norwegian girl and assumes the role of Lady Errington with admirable poise. The direction and photography are above the average and in view of the mass of detail identified with the original story it may be said that "Thelma" is a splendid screen version of Marie Corelli's popular novel. The Film Daily reviewer said, under the heading of "You can please a good majority" that Director Bennett secured many ideal shots for his exteriors are very well done. Excellent photography is another good feature of the picture, stated the reviewer. Many reports of big bookings on "Thelma" are now reaching the F. B. O. home office and branch managers everywhere state that the two previous Chester Bennett productions, "The Snow Shoe Trail" and "Colleen of the Pines," have greatly increased the star's following. Big Cast Supports Jane Novak in "Thelma" A cast that is far stronger than those generally known as "allstar" casts supports Jane Novak in "Thelma," her third production for Film Booking Offices of America, produced under the direction of Chest Bennett production. Every role in the play is filled by a player established standing and popular appeal. In the leading male role, opposite the star, Vernon Steele appears to excellent advantage. Barbara Tennant, one of the most beautiful leading women of the screen, appears as "Britta," an important role. The other outstanding members of the cast, all of whom are well known in the picture world, are Wedgewood Nowell, Harry Lounsdale, June Elvidge, Harvey Clark, Bert Sprotte, Gordon Mullen, Jack Rollens and Peter Burke. Little Virginia Novak completes the cast. Scenes from F. B. O. Bigf Production, "Thelma," based on Marie Corelli's famous novel of the same name. The attraction ctars Jane Novak and was produced by Chester Bennett.