The Moving picture world (November 1925-December 1925)

November 14, 1925 MOVING PICTURE WORLD 137 EDMUND LOWE AND ALMA RUBENS in the William Fox production of "East Lynne." Preview Critics Praise De Mille Engages New Production Manager James K. Aiman has been appointed production business manager of the Cecil De Mille unit at the De Mille Studio. Mr. Aiman will assume at once all business details in connection with Mr. De Mille's forthcoming production of Russian and American life, "The Volga Boatman." Mr. Aiman was chosen by Mr. De Mille because of the able and efficient way in which he staged the spectacular train-wreck in "The Road to Yesterday." For fourteen years he was Terminal Superintendent for the Union Pacific and in charge of the railroad yards at Los Angeles. Mr. Aiman is now at the Sacramento River preparing for extensive scenes, which will be made at that point. "Speed Limit" to Be Gotham's Ninth Production Immediately upon Sam Sax's arrival in California production plans for the completion of the current season's program of twelve Gotham productions were put into effect. Telegraph advice from the Coast received this week states that immediately after the final editing and titling of "The Phantom of the Forest" is finished the final series of four pictures will be put into work. Eight Gothams have already been made and two are awaiting release, the ninth Gotham it has been definitely decided will be "The Speed Limit." This is a rapid fire automobile comedy drama which a new mark for speed in every branch of the picture. Paul Kohner Appointed Executive at "U" City Carl Laemmle, president of Universal, announces the appointment of Paul Kohner as supervising executive in charge of casting at the Coast Studios. Five years ago, today, Kohner entered the service of Universal. Since then, he has held practically every position requiring\ contact with the outside world. He acquitted himself so highly that the film executive selected him to fill the important vacancy. BARBARA BEDFORD William S. {"Bill") Hart insisted on Imving dainty Miss Bedford for his leading lady in "Tumbleweeds," his first United Artists' release. Valentino PRIOR to the shipping East of the first print of Rudolph Valentino's first release for United Artists Corporation, ■'The Eagle," the picture was previewed by several of the leading film experts and newspaper critics, and their comments are given briefly as follows : George Shaf er, Chicago Tribune — "To . my mind this is the best picture Valentino ever made, not excepting 'The Four Horsemen.' He is in his element in this type, and I hope to see more Valentino pictures in this lighter vein. Summed up, my criticism would be : "Cast — perfectly balanced. Acting — excellent. Sets and atmosphere — amazingly well done. Direction — ^defies criticism. I believe this picture will be very popular with all audiences and will make a great deal of money." Monroe Lathrop, Los Angeles Evening Express — "The picture is admirably acted and directed, is full of humor and is a credit to United Artists Corporation. I did not think a picture of this atmosphere could be made in Hollywood and keep the spirit so fully." Lincoln Quarberg, United Press — "I enjoyed the picture immensely and believe it vvill be a great success. Certainly, Valentino has at last found his forte. I find no basis for adverse criticism. Fred Fox, Film Mercury — " 'The Eagle' is one of the best pictures of the year. I have not seen 'The Big Parade,' but unless I am mistaken I shall still consider 'The Eagle' the picture of the year. I believe it is invaluable to Valentino as a comeback vehicle, and will reinstate him in popular favor. 'The Eagle' is a costume picture which is not a in "The Eagle" costume picture, which I consider very high praise, indeed." A. L. Wooldridge, representing eight large metropolitan daily newspaper, including the New York World, Kansas City Star, Portland Oregonism St. Paul Dispatch, Oakland Tribune San Francisco Chronicle and the American Weekly, (Hearst Sunday Magazine) — "The picture is very good indeed. It holds the interest from the start and the costume angle is never realized. I believe it will be very good for Valentino." Edwin Schallert, Los Angeles Times — "My opinion cannot be definite because, unfortunately, I did not see all of the picture. I am anxious to see the rest of it (the first part) tliis week at the studio with Mrs. Schallert. On the whole, the picture seems to be excellent. It is a great comeback for Valentino. Miss Banky is marvelous. Brown's direction is adequate up to the finish. The scenes of 'The Eagle' in the house of his enemy, including the bedroom and the bear scenes, were very well done. I consider the audience reaction excellent. Florence Lawrence, Los Angeles Examiner — "I sincerely believe 'The Eagle' is a very good picture. I liked Valentino's work, and also that Miss Banky." Harry Carr, Los Angeles Times — "This picture is unquestionably Valentino's finest and I believe it will put him back where he belongs—at the top of the list. The action and the settings were excellent, and the direction beyond criticism. I am very enthusiastic about the picture, and believe it will be an ovrwhelming success."