The Moving picture world (January 1924-February 1924)

February 23, 1924 MOVING PICTURE WORLD 643 MARION DAVIES As Princess Mary of Burgundy in the Cosmopolitan Production, "Yolanda." George Walsh to Rome George Walsh, the Goldwyn player, who was selected to act the title role in that company's film version of Lew Wallace's novel, "Ben-Hur," left the west coast studios last Sunday, February 10, for New York. He was accompanied by Aubrey Scotto, film editor of Goldwyn studios, who will be the film editor on "Ben-Hur." Mr. Walsh and Mr. Scotto will sail on the S. S. President Van Buren for Rome. Two on Broadway Two Warner Bros, productions were represented on Broadway last week, when "The Marriage Circle" had its eastern premiere showing at the Mark Strand and "Tiger Rose," was the feature at Loew's State. It is interesting to note that though both productions differ widely in theme, setting, direction, technique and every other angle, still in both theatres enthusiastic approval and delight was the decision handed down by the audiences. Succeeds Miss Lindner Ralph J. Rossiter succeeds Miss Esther Lindner as publicity writer for C. B. C. Film Sales Corporation, that company announces. Miss Lindner resigned after making known her betrothal to Ralph H. Hess. UniversaVs "Signal Tower" Ready for Distribution WORD comes from Universal City that "The Signal Tower," Virginia Valli's next Universal-Jewel production, is ready to be shipped East for distribution. It will be the second big Jewel starring Miss Valli, and also the second Jewel made by its director, Clarence L. Brown. "The Signal Tower" was adapted by Wadsworth Camp and is reported to have lavish sets and the great mob scenes. It is set in the Sierra Mountains and most of its action takes place between five or six characters. Opposite Virginia Valli is Rockliffe Fellowes in the role of a railroad signal tower operator. Miss Valli plays the role of his wife. It is in the signal tower and in their little mountain dwelling that most of the action takes place. Wallace Beery is the "heavy" in the role of an assistant signalman, and the following players complete the small cast: Frankie Darrow, James O. Barrows, J. Farrell MacDonald and Dot Farley. "The Signal Tower" was filmed near Fort Bragg, in Northern California, along the line of the Northwestern railroad. Explaining the great advantage of the natural settings, Clarence Brown asserts : "In a big story like 'The Signal Tower,' lavish scenery and a great ca>t of famous players would be superfluous, and might even detract from the interest of the central theme." Hepworth Has 6 Productions Ready and 5 Listed for Fall THE Hepworth Productions, Inc., through its local executives, R. T. Cranfield, president, and Jos. DiLorenzo, vicepresident and general manager, announce that six big Hepworth productions are now ready for immediate release, while at least five more are scheduled for release next September. Among the Hepworth productions marked for present release are : "Lily of the Alley," "Speak No Evil," "The Pipes of Pan," "John Forrest Finds Himself," "The Amazing Quest" and "Mist in the Valley," the films being turned out to exhibitors in the order named. Those listed for later release are : "Comin' Thro' the Rye," a Hepworth super-production that will, be given a special Broadway premiere; "Strangling Threads," "Tit for Tat," "Borden's Boy" and "The Naked Man." Each of these productions were produced and directed by C. M. Hepworth, now in London. He is expected to come to New York in the spring to attend the Broadway presentation of "Comin' Thro' the Rye." Another Hepworth feature is "Justice Raffles," which in all probability will be released about the middle of next August. In this picture, the principal players will be Gerald Ames and Eileen Dennes. "Lily of the Alley" is a Henry Edwards production and its featured players are Henry Edwards and Chrissie White. The story, scenario and direction are by Mr. Edwards, with the titles by Donald Buchanan. In the supporting cast appear Frank Stenmore, Campbell Gullan, Lionel D'Aragon and Mary B rough. In "Comin' Thro' the Rye," produced and directed by C. M. Hepworth, the cast comprises Alma Taylor, Shayle Gardner, Eileen Dennes and Gwynne Herbert, the screen story being written by Helen Mathers. Both Mr. Edwards and Chrissie White are co-featured in "John Forrest Finds Himself." With the exception of "Mist in the Valley," all of these Hepworth Inc. specials are five reels long. F. P.-L. Declares Dividend At a meeting February 11, the Board of Directors of Famous Players-Lasky Corporation declared the regular quarterly dividend of $2.00 per share on the common stock, payable April 1, 1924, to stockholders of record at the close of business on March 15, 1924. The books will not close.