The Moving picture world (January 1926-February 1926)

550 Moving Picture World February 6, 1926 F» at Work on Last Three Gold Bonds of Current Season Schnitzer to Stay in Holljrwood for Several Months; To Confer with Fineman on 1926-27 Schedule; "Non-Stop Flight" Based on Big Airplane Jump WITH three of its twelve specials at the post and ready to start in the production sweepstakes the moment the barrier is sprung, the F. B. O. Studios are winding up their current schedule and completing details for next season's line-up. ' J. I. Schnitzer, vice-president of F. B. O. in charge of production is in Hollywood for a stay of several months to confer with General Manager B. B. Fineman and conclude negotiations for the launching of the 1926-27 schedule, the largest in the company's history. "The Non-Stop Flight," one of the remaininlng Gold Bonds on the current schedule, an Emory Johnson melodrama glorifying the famous hop to Hawaii by the navy seaplanes and the subsequent loss for nine days of Commander Rogers and his intrepid crew, is in process of filming; "A Poor Girl's Romance," second of the Laura Jean Libbey stories, and "The Isle of Retribution" await the starting gong. These last two specials will be begun within a few weeks, it is anticipated. Fred Thompson 'Lefty' Flynn, Evelyn Brent, Richard Talmadge, Tom Tyler and Bob Custer are finishing work on their individual output of pictures. Alberta Vaughn has finished the first episode of the new "Fighting Hearts" series. The same general type of production which was featured during the past year will compose the backbone of the forthcoming product, according to Mr. Schnitzer, but more attention will be paid during the next year to the exploitable possibilities of the productions, particularly the specials. Again there will be twelve of these, each with an outstanding "show idea. All but two have already been selected, and will be announced as soon as the list is filled. Fred Thomson will produce several pictures for 1926-27, bigger than those of last year. Evelyn Brent, 'Lefty' Flynn, Richard Talmadge, Bob Custer and Tom Tyler were also scheduled for eight productions each, and Alberta Vaughn has been added to the list in her first series of feature length starring vehicles. "Red Dice" Completed The last foot of celluloid on "Red Dice" starring Rod La Rocque clicked its way through the cameras at the De Mille Studio this week, and into the cutting room where the film is now in the process of editing. "Red Dice" is the screen version of "The Iron Chalice" by Octavus Roy Cohen. The adaptation was made by Jeanie Maspherson and Douglas Z. Doty. William K. Howard directed the picture, while Miss Macpherson as well as collaborating on the adaptation, supervised the filming of the production. ''Her Lucky Leap'* New Wanda Wiley Comedy Picture THE Stern Brothers, makers of two-reel comedies for Universal release, announce a new Wanda Riley comedy for this week. It is "Her Lucky Leap," and is the first Wanda Wiley comedy of the new year. "Her Lucky Leap" was made by Edward I. Luddy, with Whitney Raymond in the chief supporting role. In this picture Miss Wiley has ample opportunity for displaying her ability as a stunt comedienne. The action of the picture includes some thrilling motorcycle riding and an automobile accident in which Miss Wiley figures in hair-breadth escapes and reckless daring. The popular comedy star is now at work on a new series of two-reelers, "What Happened to Jane," a series which will form one of the important factors in the Stern Brothers' new' policy of high class comedy releases for the coming film season. Columbia Films Signs Lester Allen for Comedy Series THERE has been a concerted eflFort on the part of motion picture producers and theatrical producers to engage in a campaign to make the world ring with laughter. The ever-increasing demand on the part of the pubHc has brought about the signing by Columbia Pictures of Lester Allen, a clever Broadway comedian, to appear in a series of comedies they will produce. Lester Allen has created a tremendous following by his comical antics before the footlights and he will now bring to the screen a new and jovial form of entertainment. Mr. Allen will enter into active work on his motion picture productions as soon as he is finished with his present engagement in the Earl Carroll Vanities, and Columbia Pictures have already secured options on several Broadway farces and comedy stories by several well known authors. IF THESE DON'T CONVINCE YOU that Fred Thomson, in "The Tough Guy," is one of F. B. O.'s best with that popular star — you're harder boiled than we are.