The Moving picture world (January 1926-February 1926)

254 MOVING PICTURE WORLD January 16, 1926 "Laugh Month^' Material Edited hy Charles Edward Hastings I ■ Pathe and Mack Sennett Sign Contract Involving Big Two-Reel Comedy Schedule A MEMORABLE step in the production and distribution of "greater and better short-feature comedies" was taken this week in the closing of an important contract between Pathe Exchange, Inc., and the Mack Sennett Studios. Involving two outstanding factors in the short-comedy field in the person of Mack Sennett, the veteran comedy producer, and Pathe, the leading short-feature distributor of the industry, the new contract holds a special significance for the entire trade, affecting, as it will, the ELMER R. PEARSON Vice-President and General Manager of Pathe Exchange, Inc. future programs of thousands of theatres throughout the country. The contract just consummated provides for the production and release of 52 two-reel comedies per year over a period of several years. This schedule calls for substantial increases in production costs to assure the highest-calibre talent and material available in the way of stories, direction, cast and production effects. The plans under way promise to transcend all previous efforts to provide exhibitors with two-reel comedies of quality entertainment and definite boxoffice power. In his statement announcing the new contract, Elmer R. Pearson, vice-president and general manager of Pathe Exchange, Inc., strikes the keynote of Pathe's campaign to establish its short-comedy output on a plane of quality with the finest feature productions on the screen, as instanced by its recent contract with the Hal Roach and the deal just closed with Mack Sennett. "The production cost under the new contract is increased by from 25 per cent, to, SO per cent, over our previous arrangement," states Mr. Pearson in commenting on the new Mack Sennett contract. "The entire transaction involves several hundred productions and several millions of dollars. "It has been the aim of Pathe and Mack Sennett to produce comedies that for sheer excellence of entertainment and box-office drawing power will rival that of the best feature-length pictures on any exhibitor's program. While, heretofore, rental grosses have not permitted all the production latitude the new arrangement gives the producer ample elbow room on this score, and if the plans now in hand are carried out a real treat is in store for the Pathe customers and motion picture fans all over the world." The return of Ben Turpin in a series of two-reelers is a highlight of the announcement just released, as is also the inauguration of a series of domestic comedies depicting the diverting mishaps of the "Smith Family," with Raymond McKee and Ruth Hiatt as Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Another important point is the listing of several Harry Langdon comedy specials which promise to be box-office attractions of the highest type. Five series of two-reel comedies as well as the Harry Langdon specials are listed under the terms of the new agreement which becomes effective at once. In addition to the Turpin and Smith Family series referred to above, the Alice Day and Ralph Graves starring series as well as the Mack Sennett brand of two-reelers will be continued. The inimitable Ben Turpin will be seen again in the type of starring vehicles which have endeared him to the movie-goers of the world. Those who recall Turpin's work in such Pathe funfilms as "Three Foolish Weeks," "The Reel Virginian," "Romeo and Juliet" and "Yukon Jake" know what is in store for those who see the new Turpin comedies. Alice Day, the vivacious young star of the series bearing her name, has won a permanent place in the hearts of the public. She is the first girl to be starred by Mack Sennett since the days of Mabel Normand, which bespeaks her ability as a comedienne. Some of her recent two-reel comedies are "Tea for Two," "Hotsy Totsy," "Hot Cakes for Two," and "The Soapsuds Lady." As in the past, she will be supported by such capable players as Danny O'Shea, Ruth Taylor, Eddie Quillan, and Joseph Young. Alice Day is certainly destined to be one of the biggest of screen stars. Domestic comedies always appeal to audiences. It was in this type of vehicle that the late Mr. and Mrs. Sidney Drew attained MACK SENNETT Who has signed to continue releasing his comedies through Pathe. world-wide fame and provoked the laughter of millions. The new Mack Sennett series is of course played in much broader vein than the Drew comedies but the domestic element predominates in the plots. Ruth Hiatt and Raymond McKee, who appear as the Smiths, are one of the best comedy teams ever cast in a family spat. Mary Ann Jackson, the little freckled-face youngster who always lures a smile and a laugh, plays the Smith baby, and "Cap," grandson of the noted canine actor "Teddy," also plays an important part in the comedy proceedings. (Continued on Following Page)