The Moving picture world (November 1925-December 1925)

December 19, 1925 MOVING PICTURE WORLD 651 Charles Chaplin Genuine ANNOUNCEMENT comes from the Charlie Chaplin studio that he is getting ready to make a circus picture as his next offering to the motion picture screen. The picture will go into production under the title "The Circus," and it is reported that the Chaplin studios at Hollywood now closely resemble the permanent headquarters for a big circus. The 'big top' and the 'blues' are up, the sawdust and tanbark rings are in place, while the performers and the animals face a busy winter season. The interior stage has been transformed into a circus gymnasium, where Chaplin and his co-workers daily go through a routine of trick stunts. The circus story for the forthcoming picture, conceived by Chaplin, is woven about a series of ludicrous situations. Built for laughter it is Chaplin's intention to turn out a low-brow comedy for the highbrow, and a picture that will satisfy the most exacting critic, as well as the entire movie public. While the film may contain a few whimsical ingredients, as well as a dash of love interest, the story will be entirely devoid of either extreme pathos or tragedy. In no way, it is stated, will "The Cir to Make Circus Pictures cus" resemble the story of "The Clown," of which previous mention has been made by Mr. Giaplin and others from time to time; and, while the action will center around the "big tops," Chaplin will not appear in the usual garb of the circus funny man, or the usual clown of the sawdust ring, but will be seen again in his own peculiar and well known habiliments — the baggy trousers, the trick hat and cane, the big shoes and the little mustache. Actual camera work on "The Circus" has not been started as yet, but tests have been made, and it is expected that within a few days all will be in readniess to begin shooting. Rollie Totheroh and Jack Wilson, who have been the Chaplin cameramen for the last ten years, will again be chief photographers. Georgia Hale, the Girl in the current Chaplin release, "The Gold Rush," is cast in a similar role in "The Circus" and will be seen as a dancer and equestrienne. Henry Bergman will again be seen in the cast of "The Circus" in the role of the ring master. In addition to his normal permanent stafif Chaplin has for this forthcoming picture Harry Crocker and Milt Gross, who will aid jn the creation of comedy situations. No Production Slump At Metropolitan Studio THE slump in production activity that usually strikes the West coast studios about this time of the year, will not be felt at the Metropolitan Studio this season. The Metropolitan Studio is working at top speed at the present time, and the production schedule is so heavy that a new covered stage and various studio improvements are under way in order to keep step with the demand for "shooting" pace. Filming on "Rocking Moon" is nearing completion. The George Melford company is making interior scenes at the studio to add to the colorful sequences secured during their five-weeks location trip to Sitka, Alaska. Barrett Willoughby, the author of "Rocking Moon," is now at the studio conferring with Melford. Lilyyan Tashman, John Bowers, R-Ockchfl^e Fellowes, Laska Winter, Luke Cosgrave and Eugene Pallette have the leading roles in "Rocking Moon." Director Scott Sidney is using his comedy experience to inject an undercurrent of broad humor into "The Million Dollar Handicap," the race track thriller with a new twist, in which Vera Reynolds, Edmund Burns, Ralph Lewis, Clarence Burton, Ward Crane and Tom Wilson have leading parts. "The Danger Girl," Priscilla Dean's initial Metropolitan picture, is now well under way, with Edward Dillon at the megaphone. This is an adaptation of the play, "The Bride," in which Peggy. Wood starred on Broadway The supporting cast includes John Bowers, Cissy Fitzgerald, Arthur Hoy, Gustave Von Seyffertitz and Clarence Burton. To Exhibit "Ben Hur" Chariots In Connection with Production THE twelve chariots used in the great race scene of the Antioch Circus sequence of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer production of "Ben Hur," are to be shown to the public throughout the United States and Canada. These examples of ancient art and workmanship are the result of vast study and research. Men scoured libraries, ruins and museums in Italy, Egypt, Palestine and elsewhere to make sure these replicas would be as near exact and historically correct as possible. The carved figures on each represent matters of historic import and the design of each vehicle is as near the right period and national aspect as it was possible to make them. The twelve chariots in the great "Ben Hur race are representative of a dozen distinct and different nationalities, as the race of Antioch, according to the best au %Z! ZZu '^^""^ ""'^"^'^ international affair of the time. The harness for the horses of each char;^ IS uitterent. HEART THROBS AND TENSE MOMENTS predominate in the current Universal Jewel release, "The Storm Breaker," in which House Peters, one of the greatest of screen stars, is capably supported fey Ruth Clifford, herself a star of the first magnitude.