The Moving picture world (November 1925-December 1925)

124 MOVING PICTURE WORLD November 14, 1925 THE DAZZLING "DREAM SCENE" in Gloria S-ixun^ons forthcoming Paramount picture, "Stage Struck." Gloria is an actress on an Ohio River show boat, but any aspiring girl is permitted to dream of the success tliat comes after long years of hard work. This is one of the most exquisite scenes in any Gloria Swanson picture. First National's "Classified" Praised by Big Newspapers FROM all sides come the most enthusiastic reports of the reception being accorded First National's latest Corinne Griffith production, "Classified," that is surpassing any figures heretofore set by this popular star at first run theatres. Taken from Edna Ferber's beautifully human story of New York life, it ofTers a remarkably effective combination of star, story and author. Released October 11. "Classified" has already established itself as one of the strongest pictures that an exhibitor can book, judging from reports received by First National from the key cities. Following are comments from some of the more important newspapers : The News, Cleveland : "Produced with an imagination and dexterity so sadly lacking in many a photoplay, it becomes cleaner, adroit and grown up in its every phrase. It is filled with those little subtle touches which make one remember it long after leaving the theatre." Times-Star, Cincinnati : " 'Classified,' First National's picturization of Edna Ferber's story, makes excellent screen entertainment. We do not know how closely it follows the original, but the scenario contains plenty of action well seasoned with modern romance. And best of all it has as its star Corinne Griffith, than whom there is no lovelier feminine vision on the silver sheet." Commercial Tribune, Cincinnati: "Corinne Griffith and Edna Ferber combine in making 'Classified' one of the most entertaining pictures shown here in some time. And in the matter of players — ^well, Corinne Griffith wuold make any picture in which she appeared." H. P. Lieber of the Circle Theatre, Indianapolis, wired : '"Last week we played Corinne Griffith in 'Classified' and entertained thirty-eight thousand happy patrons and when we say entertained we don't mean maybe. Everybody raved about this one. It i.s immense." The manager of the Wisconsin Theatre, Milwaukee, reports that "the picture was very well received by patrons and a remarkable business was done. Corinne Griffith is a great favorite with many. In this picture she is at her best and also has a very good supporting cast.'" ALTHOUGH a comparative newcomer to the English market, Gotham productions have scored a striking hit with the British public. The latest evidence of this being contained in a recent cablegram from Herbert Case Hoagland of Stoll Films Ltd., British distributors of the new Gotham Twelve, to Sam Sax, producer of the Gothams. Mr. Case cables : "Trade Showings First Four Gothams Great Success Everybody Enthusiastic How Many More Productions Ready Exhibitors Asking For Immediate Bookings." The four productions referred to in the cablegram being : "The Overland Limited," "The Police Patrol," "A Little Girl In A Big City" and "His Master's Voice." The British trade press also gave these New Rayart Pictures Johnston Announces Completion of Four Big Production* — Five Others in Works W. Ray Johnston, president of Rayart Piclures, who is in Los Angeles in the interest of his firm, announces the completion of the following features during his vacation in California. "The Fighting Thoroughbreds," a race track fight story with Billy Sulivan; "The Midnight Limited," a melodrama with Gaston Glass, Wanda Hawley and Richard Holt. "'Hold Everything" (temporary title) starring Billy West; and "Racing Romance," starring Reed Howes, with Virginia Browne Faire as leading lady. The following pictures are now being prepared for immediate production : "The High Flyer," an aeroplane story starring Reed Howes; "The Windjammer," a circus story starring Billy Sullivan ; "The Salseman," a feature comedy starring Billy West; and "Bride and Gloomi" a Butterfly Comedy starring Gloria Joy. While in California, Mr. Johnston will also select casts for the next melodrama of the Rayart series which will probably be "The Last Alarm." Mr. Johnston also announced the signing last week of a contract for Jack Perrin to be retained on the Rayart program for the season of 1926-7 during which season he will make eight pictures from published stories. The picture will be semi-western in nature and production will start in April. Perria still has two pictures to make for the current season's program for Rayart. Lubitsch Seeks Citizenship Ernst Lubitsch, the Warner Bros, director, is to become a full-fledged American citizen. He has taken out his first papers and is eagerly awaiting the day when he will officially proclaimed a genuine member of Uncle Sam's household. In introducing Lubitsch to President Coolidge at the White House, last week Jack Connolly, who represents the Hays organization at the capital, mentioned the director's eagnerness to become a citizen, and Lubitsch was certain he received a firmer pressure of the hand and a broader smile from the Chief Executive as Mr. Coolidge wished him "the best of luck in this country." productions very favorable reviews and the same points of excellence that appealed in the critics and the public in the U. S. also were favored in England. When Stoll Films Ltd. arranged for the British distribution of the Gotham Product with the Inter-Film Co., who control all distribution rights outside the U. S. and Canada, it was the intention of the British organization to make the first Gotham release for next March. So quickly did the British exhibitors acclaim the production, however, that an immediate release was decided upon. Prints of tlie second four in the Gotham twelve, "The Part Time Wife," "One of the Bravest," "The Shadow on the Wall" and "The Phantom of the Forest" are being forwarded to Europe now with the final four to he delivered within the next few weeks. Gotham Productions Score Big Success with British PubHc