The Moving picture world (July 1923-August 1923)

170 M V V I N G f I C T U K E W U KLU juiy it, iy^.o Melford Cutting "Salomy Jane" Gorge Melford is now engaged in double duties at the Paramount West Coast Studio. The first is the cutting of his last production, "Salomy Jane," featuring Jacqueline Logan-, George Fawcett and Maurice Flynn. The second is preparation for his next picture, "The Light That Failed," which F. McGrew Willis is adapting from Rudyard Kipling's memorable story. No cast announcement is ready for this picture but it is given out by stadio officials that the policy of the Famous PlayersLasky Corporation to secure the best talent to be had will be followed to the letter. Newspapers Praise Preferred Picture Walker Engaged By Emory Johnson Johnnie Walker is one of the busiest young actors in Hollywood today what with starring in his own production of the "The Worm" for F. B. O. release; just finishing a long engagement with Goldwyn in "Red Lights, one with Frank Borzage in "Children of Dust" and in "Broken Hearts of Broadway." He has just been signed by Emory Johnson to play the role of the son in the producer's next big box office attraction tor Film Rooking Offices. It is tentatively called "The Mail Man" and, like Mr. Johnson's previous recordmaking successes, will dramatize a body of public servants — this time the mail men of the nation. The New York motion picture critics, reviewing "Daughters of the Rich," the Preferred Picture which S. L. Rothafel chose as his feature film for Anniversary Week at the Capitol, were high in their praise of the film and rated it as a great box office card. The Daily News said : "Here, then, is your audience picture, big, expensive, beautifully photographed, wallowing in luxury." "This production is distinctly out of the common run of film," said the American. The Evening Journal : "This picture holds the attention. Its development is not along the lines of the obvious and it possesses a certain richness of texture that is to Gasnier's credit." The Evening World said : "We liked 'Daughters of the Rich.' The picture, with its long list of capable screen players, was most decidedly interesting." The Herald said : "The picture was produced in the most acute corner of the box office angle." The Mail : " 'Daughters of the Rich' is just about at the head of the list and should prove a moneygetter for exhibitors." The Telegraph : "Showed every dramatic adventure which may befall a daughter of the rich." The Sun: "A society story that overlooks nothing." "An absorbing story, lavishly mounted and entertainly told," is the Telegram's verdict. The Tribune hands the laurels to Miriam Cooper, saying: "She is nice and pretty, and sincere." The World : "One of the reasons this picture play has attracted wide attention is that it was directed by Gasnier." The Times: "Eleborate sets and dresses, together with elaborations in the story, mark 'Daughters of the Rich,' the photoplay which is enjoying distinction by being displayed at the Capitol this week, with an eye to photography and fashions, beauty and complications." Ruggles to Make Specials for Famous Wesley Ruggles, who has just recently completed production of Agnes Ayers' starring vehicle, "The Heart Raider," for Paramount, has been added to the list of directors who will make specials for Famous at the Long Island studio. Coincident with the release of "The Heart Raider" it was announced that Charlie Ruggles, famous comedian brother of the director, makes his first screen appearance in Miss Ayers' latest picture. Charlie has been a popular comic on Broadway for five years under the direction of A. H. Woods and gives promise of developing into a first-class screen funster. "Broadway Gold ' for September Release "Desire" Has Cast of Noted Actors The cast of "Desire," the forthcoming Louis Burston special for Metro, includes among the players John Bowers, David Butler, Estelle Taylor, Marguerite De La Motte, Ralph Lewis, Edward Connelly, Frank Currier, Nick Cogley, Walter Long, Noah Beery, Hank Mann, Chester Conklin, Russell Simpson, Lucille Hutton and a number of others. Blaine Hammerstein in "Broadway Gold" is scheduled for release to the franchise holders of the Truart product in September, 1923. It will be followed by the release of an additional production every three weeks, the second of which is "The Unknown Purple," Roland West's version of his own successful stage-play which is being made for Truart by Carlos Productions. Following this will be two attractions with stars of national reputation which will be announced shortly by Truart. Following this will be Larry Semon's Kenma Making a New Kennedy Film Kenma Corporation is in the midst of its second production with Madge Kennedy as its star. Filming began on Monday at the Famous Players-Lasky studio at Astoria, where elaborate sets have gone up on both the upper and the lower stages. The working title of the story is "Beyond the Salt Frontier." "Against the Grain" Title of Film Arthur H. Jacobs, producer of Frank Borzage productions, has selected the title, "Against the Grain," for his new picture which has just been started at the United Studios for First National release. It is an adaptation of Dixie Wilson's novel. Merry Go Round" Has Premiere at Rivoli and Delights Critics Hailed as a "super picture" by press and .public, "Merry-GoRound," Universal's big Super Jewel production of life, love and adventure in Vienna, had its world's premiere this week in the Rivoli Theatre, New York City. Besides establishing a precedent in that it is the first super-production to be presented in a regular Broadway screen theatre, rather than in a specially converted legitimate house at legitimate prices, it also marks the first appearance on the Rivoli screen of a Universal feature production. Moreover, the premiere of "Merry-Go-Round" definitely established a new face in the screen's stellar firmament. .It is that of Mary Philbin, the young "find" to whom Carl Laemmle entrusted the leading feminine role of the all-star picture. The "Merry-Go-Round" premiere was a noteworthy event. The Rivoli was crowded with film folks. Carl Laemmle received the congratulations of many of his film friends after the showing. Universal offers "Merry-Go-Round" as the best thing that company has done to date. Certain reviewers adjudge it as the equal of any of the German spectacular productions, and others state that its foreign atmosphere is perfect, and that it gives no intimation that it was made at Universal City rather than in Vienna. It was given unstinted praise by the New York Herald, The Times and New York American. "Merry-Go-Round" was directed by Rupert Julian with a cast of prominent players. Will Distribute "Othello" The Export and Import Film Co., Inc., on behalf of Ben Blumenthal and David P. Powell, will distribute "Othello" for the independent market. First National of New York has already contracted to distribute "Othello" for Greater New York and New York State. Emil Jannings plays 'Othello." He played in "Passion," "Deception," "The Loves of Pharoah" and others of the largest film importations. first feature-comedy under the $3,000,000 contract recently signed. Included in the 1923-24 series of Truart films, which are being franchised on the independent market, will be four pictures in addition to "Broadway Gold" starring Elaine Hammerstein, three feature comedies starring Larry Semon, three special productions by Calos Productions, Inc., and from four to six specials with well-known stars whose acquisition will shortly be announced by Truart. Cruze Begins New Paramount Film James Cruze's Paramount production of Harry Leon Wilson's story, "Ruggles of Red Gap," has been started at the Lasky studio. Included among the featured players are Edward Horton, who will be seen in the title role; Ernest Torrence, Lois Wilson. Fritzi Ridgway, Charles Ogle and Louise Dresser. "Going Up" on Way to New York After having undergone successfully the test of five successive previews in Los Angeles suburban theatres, the film of "Going Up," Douglas MacLean's first independent starring vehicle, is now on the way from the studios to the New York offices of Associated Exhibitors, which will release the feature. Playgoers Pictures to Handle It A contract was closed this week for the distribution by Playgoers Pictures of "Tipped Off," a thrilling drama of the crook type. The producer is Harry A. McKenzie of San Francisco. It is expected the release will be in August. Noah Beery, Tom Santschi, Arline Pretty and Stuart Holmes have the principal roles. Frederick Reel, Jr., directed. Carewe Starts Film Edwin Carewe begins praduction next week of 'The Bad Man,' Porter Emerson Brpwne's successful stage comedy of the Mexican border.