The Moving picture world (January 1926-February 1926)

February 13, 1926 Moving Picture World 631 Progress Film Secures ''The Northern Code'' For Big District A STRONG Independent picture will be available for exhibitors in Maryland, Virginia, District of Columbia and Delaware through the acquisition of "The Northern Code'' by the Progress Picture Exchange of Washington, D. C. The territorial deal was closed last week by Lumas Film Corporation. "The Northern Code," as the title indicates, is a story of the Canadian Northwest, that famous district "North of 48" where the laws of man do not reach. An excellent cast is presented in this subject, the principal players being Eva Novak, Robert Ellis, Josef Swickard, Claire De Lorez, Francis McDonald, Ray Hampton and Jack Kenney. The production was directed by Leon De La Mothe from the story by Everett C. Maxwell. "The Northern Code" is a Jerry G. Mayer production. Virginia Lee Corhin Signed to Support E* E* Horton V[RGINL\ LEE CORBIN has been signed by Universal to play the feminine lead opposite Edward Everett Horton in "The Whole Town's Talking," according to to announcement from Edward Laemmle, who is to direct the production. It is one of the first real leading parts Miss Corbin has played since she returned to the screen about two years ago, following several years' absence during the period of her "growing up." Delores del Rio, famous Mexico City beauty, has been borrowed from Edwin Carewe by Universal to play the role of a stage star in this picture. Senorita del Rio thus will play in her first production away from First National, where she has scored in "Joanna" and "Heirs Apparent." This practically completes the cast of the John Emerson and Anita Loos story. June Marlowe in ^Old Soak* June Marlowe, 1925 Wampas Baby star, has just been placed under a five-year contract by Carl Laemmle, according to an announcement of Henry McRae, general manager of Universal's West Coast Studios. Miss Marlowe's contract with another producer recently expired and she was immediately signed on the new contract. Her first role will be the feminine lead in "The Old Soak," by Don Marquis, which Edward Sloman will direct as Jean Hersholt's first starring vehicle. Books 7 Qold Bonds A. H. Huot, manager of the F. B. O. exchange at Seattle, has sold "The Midnight Flyer," "When Love Grows Cold," "The King of the Turf," "The Non-Stop Flight," "Flaming Waters," "A Poor Girl's Romance," "The Isle of Retribution" and "The Adventures of Mazie" series to the American Theatre at Spokane for early showing. Universal to Re-release Big Crook Drama "Outside the Law'^ Making New Prints and Accessories for Popular Melodrama Which Broke Booking and Attendance Records Several Years Ago "O ^UTSIDE THE LAW," the record-breaking crook drama made as a UniversalJewel with Priscilla Dean in the starring role, and with Lon Chaney co-featured, is to be re-released by Universal, it is announced at the Universal home office. An insistent demand for re-bookings, on the part of exhibitors who played and cashed in handsomely with this picture during its initial release period, brought about Universal's determination to make this big box-office winner again available to theatre owners. "Outside the Law" was a sensation when it first reached the screen. It was made from a story written by the man who directed it — Tod Browning, and adapted to the screen by Lucien Hubbard. In it Priscilla Dean achieved her greatest crook role, and Lon Chaney took the part which definitely established him as a character actor of unequalled qualities. Wheeler Oakman, too, has an unusual part in this picture. The production had its New York premiere simultaneously in four legitimate theatres in the Times Square district, something that never before had been attempted in the way of moving picture exploitation and presentation. It took on right from the start, and proved one of the most popular pictures evier released. Universal reports that it played in more than 8,000 houses throughout the country, falling only a few bookings short of "The Storm." It was hailed by critics and the public as an ideal screen melodrama, with a maximum of characterization, action, suspense and thrills. It received A-I ratings from all sides and did much to establish the UniversalJewel schedule of pictures as quality pictures of top-notch box-oflice pulling power. During the past year, it is asserted by Universal execuives, many calls have come for re-bookings on this Jewel. However, prints in good condition not being available, it was though inadvisable to make new ones. However, the number of requests began to swell, until there has been pressure from every Universal exchange for new prints and accessories on the production. Facing great expenditure in recreating the entire list of posters, press book, heralds and other accessories for this picture. Universal decided to try it out. Accordingly, one new print was turned out and arrangements were made to put it into the Cameo Theatre, Pittsburgh, cold, with little or no advance advertising. The supporting cast includes Ralph Lewis, who plays Madden, E. Allyn Warren, who has an exceptionally strong role in Chang Lo, a Chinese sage ; Melbourne MacDowell and Wilton Taylor. Little Stanley Goethals created a very lovable child part in the picture. Chaney gained great fame in this picture by his double characterization. Besides playing the role of "Black Mike" he also made up for a small Chinese role and did it so expertly that few persons who saw the picture realized at first that Chaney was playing the part. "THE GREAT LOVE" an audience has for good pictures zmll he satisfied when Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer's picture of that title hits the screen. Viola Dana and Frank Currier shine.