The Moving picture world (May 1924-June 1924)

480 MOVING PICTURE WORLD May 31, 1924 Scene; from "The Last Man on Earth," a William Fox Production Three Johnny Hines Features and "Shame Dance" from Burr ADHERING to his established policy of quality productions only, and guided by the success of his big six for 1923-1924, which includes such highpowered specials as "Three O'clock in the Morning," "The New Schoolteacher," "Restless Wives," "The Average Woman" and "Lend Me Your Husband," C. C. Burr, president of Burr Pictures, Inc., announced this week that his production schedule for 19241925 will include four big super-features. Three of these will star Johnny Hines, the first of which will be "The Speed Spook." Titles of the remaining two are not yet announced. The fourth of Burr's 1924-1925 releases will be a picturization of "The Shame Dance," by William Daniel Steele, one of the important writers of present-day fiction. The quality of "The Shame Dance" as a story is attested to by the fact that it was chosen for O'Brien's collection of the best American short stories. Mr. Steele, the author, is a frequent contributor to the Saturday Evening Post and other widely read periodicals. It is Producer Burr's intention to devote his time, energy and finances to the making of these four productions on a large scale and with a view to their absolute box-office possibilities, rather than make six or eight pictures of ordinary value with the same amount of money he intends spending on the three Hines pictures and "The Shame Dance." "The Speed Spook," with the inimitable Johnny Hines in the feature role, which goes into production shortly, provides this dynamic star with a story said to be far and above anything that Hines has done to-date. Direction of "The Speed Spook" will be under the supervision of Charles Hines and the photography in the hands of Charlie Gilson, both of whom were at the helm in the making of "Conductor 1492," Hines' latest starring vehicle, which is enjoying unusual popularity wherever it is being shown. Continuity on "The Speed Spook" has just been completed and a large force has been at work at Burr's Glendalc Studio completing the many big sets called for by this story. Harry Carey Pictures Hunt Stromberg has advised the Hodkinson Corporation that stories and definite release titles have now been selected for the entire series of Harry Carey pictures now in course of production. The present series calls for six features, two of which have been released. The third feature, "Tiger Thompson,'' is ncaring completion and this will be followed by "Roaring Rails/' "The Man from Texas" and "Soft Shoes." New Century Unit Julius Stern, president of the Century Comedies, announces the formation of a new unit at the Century lot, for the production of comedies featuring the domestic situation. The unit will be headed by Waunda Wiley, Century's new star, and Al Alt under the direction of Al. Herman. A number of stories are being prepared in the new Century script-building department, expressly for this unit. Scene from "A Self-Made Failure," a First National picture, with Lloyd Hamilton and Ben Alexander. Herman's Next Comedy Al Herman, featured director of Century Comedies, has completed cutting, "Eat and Run," featuring Harry McCoy, Al Alt and Max Davidson, and has started work on "Oh You Girls," his next for Century. "Oh You Girls," will feature Waunda Wiley, "discovered" by Julius Stern in a group of Follies girls. In her support will be Hilliard Karr, Harry McCoy and the Century Follies Girls. Start New Patheserial "Golden Panther" Commenced in East Under Directcr Seitz Another important step in the prosecution of the Pathe policy of "greater and better serials" was taken last week with the launching of a new Patheserial production at the Fort Lee Studios, New Jersey, under the working title of 'The Golden Panther." This is the fourth chapter-picture in the Pathe campaign of bigger and greater serials. A notable cast, headed by Jac c Mulhall and Edna Murphy, has been assembled by Director Seitz for the new serial. The supporting cast will include Constance Bennett, Bradley Bar'ccr, Frank Lacktecn, Thomas W. Goodwin, and Tom Blake. Warners Sign Irene Rich Irene Rich again has signed up as a member of the Warner stock company. Miss Rich was previously under a contract which expired early this year and as she had a number of prior engagements mide before the expiration of her old conrract it was necessary for the obligations to be fulfilled. Working on Big Film Harry Colin, production manager of C. B. C. at the west coast studio reports that continuity on ~"The Foolish Virgin," has been completed. The technical staff has started construction on the sets. The full cast has not been selected as yet but will be announced later. Viola Dana and Monte Blue in a scene from Metro's "Revelation."