The Moving picture world (November 1922-December 1922)

732 Newspapers Praise Arliss Picture The Distinctive Pictures Corporation production starring George Arliss was given exceptional praise by the Chicago press when it was shown at the Randolph Theatre in the Windy City during the week beginning Sunday, November 19. Rob Reel, of Chicago Evetiing American, said: "It is fair enough to say George Arliss is the most popular actor in town. . . .'The Man Who Played God' is a title intriguing enough to entice the man called by many 'the most finished of actors.' It takes an Arliss to portray a role such as this one." Genevieve Harris, of the Chicago Evening Post, wrote : " 'The Man Who Played God' is not a pretentious offering such as 'Disraeli' or 'The Devil,' his previous productions, but is a story refreshingly novel, and it is well produced." Virginia Dale, of the Chicago Daily Journal: "The altogether magnetic Mr. Arliss takes possession of the Randolph screen in 'The Man Who Played God.' One of the very few persons who transfer themselves successfully from stage to screen and back again, George Arliss has made his voiceless moments count. Not believing he knew all there was in the world about acting he sought to learn more. And, nightly, after the studio's work of the day he saw himself as others were to see him and judged himself more harshly than any one else would have done. . . . The remaining players in the picture arc good, and the direction equally so." The Observer of the Chicago Hcrald-Examiner: "One leaves the theatre after having seen 'The Man Who Phyed God' with a feeling of exhaltatinn, of being better for having seen this film, of good-will toward all mankind. It appeals to all the best there is in you without making you feel that anyone has been preaching to you. "Any picture or play in which George Arliss appears always leaves you with a gratifying sense of havmg your artistic and dramatic taste completely satisfied." MOVING PICTURE WORLD Harold Lloyd Film Is in Heavy Demand The Harold Lloyd-Associated Exhibitors super attraction, "Grandma's Boy," will furnish one of the chief holiday diversions of thousands of persons throughout the country. Associated Exhibitors says. Exhibitors, as usual, have been alert to secure for the Christmas week showing features as nearly as possible in keeping with the spirit of the season, and large numbers have hit upon "Grandma's Boy," it is stated. "Our reports show that 'Grandma's Boy' is in heavy demand in picture houses in all parts of the country as the Holiday Week fea ture," said Arthur S. Kane, president of Associated Exhibitors. "This demand is a very great tribute to this photoplay. To begin with, the autumn season of 1922 has witnessed the release of a larger proportion of outstanding features than ever were released at the outset of any previous season. The exhibitors, then, had a much wider range from which to make their Christmas selections, and that the Harold Lloyd feature should be the choice of such a large number as our contracts indicate is a recognition which we appreciate deeply." Big Circuit Books "Headless Horseman" An announcement of unusual interest has been made by the W. W. Hodkinson Corporation to the effect that "The Headless Horseman," based on "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," C. S. Clancy's production featuring Will Rogers as Ichabod Crane, has been booked to play the Crandall Circuit of theatres in Washington, D. C. It is understood that this production has made a good start in the Southern territory, and it is believed that many of the larger and better class of theatres throughout the South will follow in the footsteps of the Crandall organization. It is also stated that the Pantages Circuit in Minneapolis has also booked "The Headless Horseman." This is of particular interest inasmuch as the Pantages chain of theatres form an important nucleus in that section of the country. These are only a few of the many bookings that are swamping the home office of the Hodkinson Corporation on Washington Irvingj's famous classic. It is understood that the officials of the district organization as well as Mr. Clancy himself are very well pleased with the rapid strides forward that this production is making. December 23, 1922 Caldwells to Assist June Mathis The Goldwyn Pictures Corpor ion announces that Katharin ker and H. H. Caldwell hav been placed under a long-tern contract as personal assistants ti June Mathis, who was recent!; appointed editorial director of th< Goldwyn Studios. They will bi in charge of the film editing am art title departments. This announcement follows th( signing of Eric von Stroheim Frances Marion and other celeb rities. Mrs. Hilliker and Capt. Cald well, who are in private life Mr and Mrs. Caldwell, have just arrived from New York. Th'ey art accompanied by their sevenmonths-old son, H. H. Caldwell Jr., w-ho was born since their last visit to California and who ii their proudest production to date Mrs. Hilliker first made hei reputation by the clever titles which she wrote for the Chester scenics. By the introduction oi humor into these films she inaugurated a new school of travel pictures. Since that time she has titled many notable features, including "Passions" and "Theodora." Since the formation of the matrimonial and literary alliance of Hilliker & Caldwell they have written the titles for "The Glorious Adventure," "Free Air," "Rembrandt," and "The Dancer." Bigger Demand Noted for American Films Gloria Swanson in "Prodigal Daughters" Glorious Gloria in the role of a girl of today who has revolted against the time-honored social conventions and ideals of conduct governing the feminine sex — that's "Prodigal Daughters," a Sam Wood production. The theme of the novel by Joseph Hocking, which was adapted by Monte M. Katterjohn, is the revolt of modern woman. A modern home is disrupted through the reckless whims of its members, who include three women who have cast aside the rigid traditions of propriety. A flapper, a salamander and a socially ambitious mother are caught in a web of unrest and discontent of their own weaving. There is a terrific punch in this picture when Gloria is rescued by airplane from a runaway locomotive. Theodore Roberts and Ralph Graves are in the supporting cast. The demand for American films and the business of the film industry generally in France, Belgium and Italy is improving. So reports Maurice Gaillot, who represents Pathe Exchange, Inc., in those countries. Mr. Gaillot sailed for France on the Aquitania recently after a short visit to this country, during which he exchanged ideas with officials at the Pathe home office regarding prospects of export of standard and new product. "In France," said Mr. Gaillot, "the picture business has been poor for some time past, reflecting conditions of general ljusiness. Latterly there has been improvement in an encouraging degree, which seems likely to continue, as it appears to be the effect of familiarity with the disturbed financial situation due to unstable rates of exchange and more experience in dealing with this disadvantage." "The Trail of the Lonesome Pine" Mary Miles Minter is the star of this picture, which is a screen version of the immortal story of the feul country by John Fox, Jr., read and loved by millions. The scenario is based upon the stage adaptation by Eugene Walters, who wrote "Paid in Full" and "The Easiest Way," and Charles Maigne is the director. Miss Minter, being a Southern girl, is at home in the type of rugged role in which this picture presents her, and it will be recalled that her greatest success was in "A Cumberland Romance," a story similar in general type. \ great supporting cast, headed by Antonio Moreno, former Vitagraph star, was chosen and the production promises to be one of the outstanding hits of the year. Picture Is Set for December 24 Release W ith release set for December 24, the feature coming as a Christmas gift to the public from Associated Exhibitors, uncommon interest has been aroused among e.xhibitors, it is stated, in "A Bill of Divorcement," in which Constance Binney is starred. As a stage production "A Bill of Divorcement," with Allen Pollock -•-^--■•prr plaved at Xh" Times Squire Theatre, New York, during the entire 1921-22 season, and proved one of the outstanding hits of recent years. Since the close of its long run in the metropolis it has continued its successes in a tour of the country, and is now drawing packed houses in Chicago. The adaptation to the screen is said to have been made with remarkable fidelity to the rri^iral. Hughes Making Film for Goldwyn Rupert Hughes has begun photographing for Goldwyn his screen version of his novel of motion picture life at Hollywood, "Souls for Sale." After shooting on the Goldwyn lot for a week he will take the company of seventy-five persons to Palm Springs, Calif., where the desert scenes will be filmed. Dale Fuller has been added to the cast. Marshall Neilan is greatly pleased with the exteriors for "Tess of the D'Urbervilles," which his assistant, Frank Urson, and cinematographer David Kcsson "shot" in England. Thomas Hardy advised with them on locations so that the scenes were filmed on the exact spots named in the novc' 1