The Moving picture world (November 1925-December 1925)

December 26, 1925 THE RIESENFELD GOLD MEDAL for the Most Novel Short Subject of the Year was officially presented to "The Voice of the Nightingale," a French caineo, produced by L. Starevitch, at a luncheon in the Hotel Astor, New York City, on the afternoon of December 16. Will H. Hays, president of the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, Inc., made the presentation speech. The medal was accepted by Earl W. Hammons. President of Educational Pictures, Inc., on behalf of the producer. .The distinguished token will be forwarded to Starevitch, in Paris, whose work in this one little gem has focused the eyes of the yvorld upon him and his artistry. The Riesenfeld Gold Medal for the Most Novel Short Subject of the Year will be a permanent institution in the motion picture industry. Joseph Dannenberg, as secretary of the committee of award was the toastmaster. Mr. Dannenberg introduced Mr. Hays, who spoke in praise of the little feature that has swept "hard boiled" showmen off their feet and at the same time left audiences thrilled as few big features have thrilled them. "Art is sunshine," Mr. Hays emphasized, as he reviewed the picturization of the story of the nightingale which gave its voice to a child in return for a simple act of kindness, although only until sundown was the child enabled to use this voice, at twilight the nightingale again taking up its melodious song. Through sixteen months of labor — evidently a labor of love — Starevitch worked to achieve the result that has brought such an amazing response from the press and the public. Mr. Hays said he first saw "The Nightingale" at the New York Criterion, when it was presented on the program with "Grass," the Paramount novelty feature. Mr. Hays said he was instantly struck by the beauty and appeal of the little feature. Mr. Hays expressed, to Mr. Hammons, the hope that something of the happiness which was his in making the presentation, will be felt by the producer upon receiving the Gold Medal. Mr. Hammons responded to the address by Mr. Hays, and assured the industry's moderator that the gold medal will be forwarded to Mons. Starevitch at an early date, together with ample information regarding the selection of "The Voice of the Nightingale" for the honor of winning the first Gold Medal to be offered by Dr. Hugo Riesenfeld. Mr. Hammons said that pictures of the type of "The Voice of the Nightingale" are not given the financial recognition due pictures of this high calibre, and he urged that if exhibitor* sincerely wish to build up their business and encourage the producers of short pictures of an exceptional character, they should give greater attention to bookings of this type. Dr. Riesenfeld was present and was called upon by the toastmaster. He told in his usual fascinating manner of address of how Mrs. Riesenfeld had sen the charming little picture, in Paris, and had called his attention to it, and he said he was instantly struck by the beauty of the thing. Dr. Riesenfeld told of the difficult prob MOVING PICTURE WORLD lems faced by him with an abundance of big features growing larger constantly to select from, in booking acceptable short features. It was with the thought of encouragement to the producer uppermost in his mind that he hit on the plan of offering his Medal for the little feature selected by the committee having the choice in their power. Harold B. Franklin, of the Paramount organization, and a member of the committee on award, was present. Others on this committee were Joseph L. Plunkett, Harry C. Arthur, Jr., Jack Partington, Frank L. Newman and Fred S. Meyers. About seventy guests attended the luncheon, which included the personnel of the Educational exchanges in this city, editors of the trade papers and fan magazines, and distinguished showmen. Publicity for Short Feature The "Midweek Pictorial" Devotes a Page To EducationaJ's Jungle Picture Taking for its subject "Live Cowards," an l-'ducational Pictures Laugh Month release ill the Mermaid Comedy series, the Midweek Pictorial (a New York Times pictorial publication having a world wide circulation of well over 100,000) devoted a whole page of its December 10th issue to an article headed "Among the Roaring, Snarling Jungle Actors of the Movies," and illustrated with stills of Al St. John, Phil Dunham and Virginia Vance in some of the most awe inspiring wild animal close-ups. This Short Feature contains some of the most realistic animal "shots" and perhaps the greatest number of animals ever used in a comedy. The sequences of the film are laid around the escape of numerous lions, tigers, elephants, leopards, and even a crocodile from an itinerant circus menagerie. All the comedians, including star, leading lady and cast, of this thriller have parts calling for plenty of nerve and stamina. "Live Cowards" is a Mermaid Comedy that will long stand out as an animal thriller par excellence. ^^The Voice of Returns to DR. HUGO RIESENFELD, whose Gold Medal for the Most Novel Short Subject of the Year was recently awarded to "The Voice of the Nightingale," is presenting this single-reel fantasy in color for a return showing at the Rialto Theatre, New York, this week. .Since the announcement of the award of the medal was made by the jury of six of the country's recognized showmen, chosen to pick the year's finest Short Feature, this Educational release has been in constant demand for return engagements at many of the biggest theatres in the country, and Educational has had to order a big new supply of prints from Paris, where all prints of the Fables in Color, of which this was the first release, are made and colored by hand. 799 YOU CAN SEE that in //.v / .:::nnalJimniie Adams newest laughster, "Fair But Foolish," there are situations to stimulate shouts of merriment. The laudatory editorial comments and reviews which appeared in such great numbers in the newspapers during the earlier showings of "The Voice of the Nightingale" have started to appear again since the announcement of the award. Typical of these is the comment which appeared a few days ago, set in two columns measure, in the Denver Post. "That wonder Short Subject, 'The Voice of the Nightingale,' which was recently declared to be the greatest single reel ever filmed," says the Post, "is scheduled for presentation at the State Theatre beginning next Saturday, and Managing Director H. D. McBridc is going to give the one-reeler a presentation just like a feature — for it has as much entertainment value as a feature. And I know, for I pre-viewed it recently." Gold Medal Officially Given "The Voice of the Nightingale'^ the Nightingale'^ New York's Rialto