The Moving picture world (November 1922-December 1922)

i December 23, 1922 MOVING PICTURE WORLD 739 Quota Exceeded "Thc Stomi," a Film That At the end of the third week of the Eschmann Sales Contest, Pathe reports that the weekly quota set for the eight weeks' period is exceeded by more than ten per cent. The Portland, Ore., branch was then leading, with Los Angeles second and Denver, Milwaukee, Newark, Salt Lake City, Spokane, Dallas, Charlotte and Memphis following in the order named. Every mail is said to load General Sales Manager E. A. Eschmann's desk with evidences of increasing enthusiasm felt by the contesting branches. Big Publicity for S-L Production Bert Ennis of S-L and Bessie Mack director of publicity for the Capitol Theatre, New York, are co-operating on an exploitation drive in the interest of "Qiiincy Adams Sawyer," the S-L special which begins an engagement in the Capitol Theatre on Sniiday, December 17. The usual advertising space taken in the New York newspapers by the Capitol management has been doubled and special publicity is being devoted to the long list of star names in the cast. Is Praised by All Nations "The Storm" is breaking world records, reports Universal. From quarters of the globe first-run houses are sending word of capacity crowds and extended engagements with the big Universal-Jewel production. It is just as popular in foreign countries as it has been in America, where it has been one of the best money-makers of the season, Universal states. Recent reports received at the Universal home office include returns from the showing in Great Britain, France, in Panama, in Tasmania, in Cuba, 'Australia, South America and in Holland. All communications acclaimed the picture for its drawing power, it is said. Universal officials see in the present vogue of "The Storm," both iri this country and elsewhere, indications that it will prove to be the most widely shown picture ever made by Universal. Its appeal has been found to be international. In London "The Storm" had a gala showing at the New Oxford Lheatre, the famous Cochran show house recently taken over for him productions by the European Motion Picture Company, Universal's British releasing agency. It created a very favorable impression in London, it is said, and was highly praised by both newespaper and trade paper reviewers. In France the big Universal feature was played at the Cine Max Linder in Paris, where it was accorded a highly successful run. When "The Storm" played in the Strand Theatre, Colon, Panama, it went over with a bang, reports state. In far-off Tasmania the picture tripled the box-office figures of the Palace Theatre, Hobart, and broke records in the Picture Theatre, Launceston. On the mainland of .\ustralia "The Storm" had its premiere in Hoyt's De Luxe Theatre. Victoria, where it made a big hit. "The Storm" has played in several South American film centers with great success, it is reported. In Holland "The Storm" opened at the Cinema De Mundt in Amsterdam, and was so successful that the run was prolonged for a second week, Gus Hager, Universal manager in the Netherlands, reported. "Minnie" Is Called Marshall Neilan's Best Had Merry Time at Entertainment The First National Club, of Associated First National Pictures, Inc., held its annual entertainment and dance last week and liad a merry time in Kismet Temple, Brooklyn. The entertainment was called "The Follies of Forty-eighth Street," and was put on under the direction of Francis G. Conklin. The impresario was Mort Blumenstock and the musical director Clive Waxman. Bob Dexter wrote a skit called "A Thousand Miles from Flome," and Mort Blumenstock a movie number, entitled "Krazy Katzenherg." Marshall Neilan has again hit the bull's-eye of fine entertainment, according to the critics who have had a pre-view of his latest First National release, "Minnie," in which Leatrice Joy and Matt Moore are featured. "Neilan has surprised us again with 'Minnie.' Real heart appeal and novel situations," declares one critic. Another writes : "Neilan has distinguished himself once more. Exceptional entertainment. Should satisfy all classes of patrons." " 'Minnie' happens to be the kind of story that brings out the Neilan best all the way through," is part of the laudatory comment of the National Board of Review. "Hats ofT to Leatrice Joy," an enthusiastic critic declares. "She was good in 'Manslaughter,' but she has arrived in this picture. As 'Minnie,' the village 'ugly duckling.' Leatrice contributes to screen literature nnc of the most human and appealing bits of character portraiture." Matt Moore also comes in for high praise. ''Matt Moore plays his part most entertainly. His makeup, clothes, manner are a clever caricature of his usual self." "Minnie" is said to be a picture for the whole family of motionpicture-goers, and it is also declared that the "high-brows" will enjoy Neilan's cleverness. S-L Pictures to Issue Booklet An appropriate Christmas remainder will be issued by Saw5'er and Lubin of S-L Pictures concerning "Quincy Adams Sawyer," their recently produced special film for Metro Pictures Corporation. It will take the form of a booklet, incorporated in which will be the unusual trade press reviews accorded "Quincy Adams Sawver." Make Film of Life of Swedish King The heroic life of Charles XII. of Sweden, in his time one of the most feared warriors of Europe, i.s now being picturized by a .Swedish corporation organized especially for this purpose. The dashing Charles ruled Sweden at the period of her political greatness, and, taking to the field in person, conquered the Russians on one hand and the Danes on the other, falling in action in 1719, at the early age of thirty-six. The film will be true to history in depicting the king's career, with the addition of a slightly fictionized romantic element. Historic Films, Ltd., is the name of the new corporation which is filming Charles XII. The president is Rear-Admiral Wachtmeister of the Swedish Navy, and the directors include a number of army officers, which augurs well for the historical sincerity and accuracy of the film. The actual taking of scenes and general studio work is being done in Sweden, Norway and Germany under a contract with a German company. It is expected that the first reels of "Charles XII" will be ready for exhibition in February or March, 1923. STARS AND PRODUCER OF FIRST NATIONAL ATTRACTION, "THE WHITE FRONTIER" Left to Right: Dorothy Phillips, William A. Orlamond, Allen Holubar, the producer; Ynez Seabury, Lewis Dayton.