The Moving picture world (January 1926-February 1926)

February 13, 1926 MOVing PiCtUrC WoHd DAINTY COLLEEN HAS "EVERYTHING" IN "IRENE," which First National experts assert will stand at the top of the list as her "best work." The role permits Colleen wide latitude for all of the cute little bits of "personality" stuff that made her famous, and Al Green, her director, has managed to extract a few extra touches from the limitless hoard of things feminine that Colleen has packed away in her storehouse of the silent art. A superb cast assists the star, ct'cry player being in the "big, electric-light"class. NO picture released by First National in many months has aroused greater advance interest than the special production of "Irene," starring Colleen Moore and presented by John McCormick. With the announcement of the completion of this picture requests for early showings have, been received from first run exhibitors in all parts of the country who appreciate First National's policy in making a genuine special of this calibre available for first showings i npicture theatres at reasonable prices. Signs Chester Conklin Following his slogan of "A star for every important role," Robert T. Kane signed Chester Conklin to play the principal comedy part in "The Wilderness Woman,'' on which the producer will start work the first week in February. It will be a First Nalional release. Judging from present prospects, the picture will be presented in upwards of one "hundred and fifty theatres the week of February 21, backed by an extensive advertising campaign covering all angles of publicity and ■exploitation. One of the tie-ups that will be of direct benefit to exhibitors was made with some three hundred department stores which will receive "Irene" gowns to be displayed in conjunction with the showing of the picture. These stores will arrange fashion shows which will be liberaly publicized in local newspapers. It is recognized that "'Irene ' is peculiarly well suited to exploitation of this description. The fashion sequences in the film, shown in color, are said to be the most beautiful of the kind ever Jone on the screen. An idea of the magnificence of the picture is given in a special ■delux trailer running three hundred feet. Another exploitation tie-up of value to al! •exhibitors will be the radioized version of the story broadcast by WJZ on the Thurs■daV preceding the week of national release. Reports from the Coast where "Irene" was previewed before representative audiences in Los Angeles theatres, state that the picture far surpasses any of Miss Moore's earlier starring productions in popular appeal. It ofifers a leading character replete with opportunities for comedy and pathos in the interpretation. Needless to say, Miss Moore takes full advantage of the possibilities of the character of "Irene." The picture was directed by Al Green and includes in the cast Lloyd Hughes, George K. Arthur, Kate Price, Charlie Murray, Lawrence Wheat, Maryon Aye, Edward Earle, Eva Novak and Betty Francisco. ''Skyrocket'' Held Over Due the unusually successful showing at the box-office, Peggy Hopkins Joyce's big Associated Exhibitors' special, "The Skyrocket," has been held over for a second week at B. S. Moss' Colony Theatre, Broadway, N. Y. Key to Our Service DepartmenU I Better Projection 672 Looking Them Over — With Gray Stridor 622 Quick Reference Picture Chart 624 Selling the Picture to the Public 646 Short Feature Magazine 652 Straight From the Shoulder Reports 661 Switching the Spotlight to the Exhibitor 658 The Theatre of Today 666 I Through the Box-Offiice Window 655 I Your Equipment 069 rilllUllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllilllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll^