The Moving picture world (July 1926-August 1926)

jRhort cjeature cMagazlne O? THoqazine within a THaqazine, devoted exdusiueltj to the Bittle Pictures ivifh the £>i(j 9unch 6dited btj Charles SdwardJfastings Julius Singer "In Conference" Julius Singer, head of Universal's short subject department, arrived at Universal City last week from New York, on his annual inspection visit. Singer is very optimistic about the coming season. An analysis of the motion picture production field indicates, he says, that the short subject is taking permament hold on movie goers and that their importance looms higher and higher in the minds of audiences all over the country, as witness the fact that almost eevry first class vaudeville house includes a short subject on its stage program. Singer will stay a week before leaving for the completion of his tour throughout the country, after a series of conferences with Scott Darling, Supervisor of Comedies ; William Lord Wright, head of the serial department, and William Crinley, Production Manager of Western subjects. "U" Comedies The return of Neely Edwards to Universal's West Coast studios brings the total of comedy units to three, excluding the "Collegians" series to be made from the stories by Carl Laemle, Jr. Arthur Lake is starring in "Sweet Sixteen" comedies under the direction of George Summerville, and Charles Puffy is working on a new series with Dick Smith at the directorial helm. Johnny Burke's Comedy Johnny Burke, Mack Sennett's recruit from big-time vaudeville, has about completed his work before the camera in his first Pathe starring vehicle with Ruth Taylor in his support. King Leading Man Charles King is leadinc; man with Wanda Wiley, in "Twin Sisters," made by Stern Bros, for Universal release. Wanda Wiley's Comedy "Twin Sisters" is Wanda Wiley's current comedy release through Universal. Sennett's S. O. S.: '^Bathing Girls Wanted" Mack Sennett has sent out an S. O. S. for bathing girls. For fifteen years Sennett bathing beauties have been an international institution. Their faces and figures have been their fortunes and Mr. Sennett is anxious to enlist new girls, new types of beauty and new talent. The Sennett studios will grant an interview to ^any girl who is interested in Mr. Sennett's offer of "a chance to try for the honors that have been awarded the bathing girls of the past." "There are just as many Gloria Swansons, Marie Prevosts, Phillis Havers and Louise Fazendas in Los Angeles as there were five and ten years ago. We want to know who they are," says Mr. Sennett. Screen tests will be given the most promising applications. The only restrictions the famous comedy producer places upon the applicants is that they must be youthful, graceful and possess personality. Production of a number of comedies in which the new bathing girls will appear will begin as soon as suitable number of new girls are enrolled. "The Fighting Marine" has been chosen as the title of the Gene Tunney serial which Spencer Bennet is directing for Pathe under the personal supervision of J. E. Storey, Assistant General Manager for Pathe. Cincinnati Applauds **The Vision" "As pretty a piece of screen work as you'll care to see is visible at the Capitol," is the way Frank Aston describes "The Vision," Educational-Romance Production, under an 8-column streamer head on the theatrical page of the Cincinnati, O., Post. Mr. Aston explains that this Technicolor production was one of the features on the program, and adds "none of the big features has attained the effects seen in 'The Vision.' This little picture shows the result of exhaustive research." Comparing "The Vision" with a Maxfield Parrish masterpiece, he says : "Here we have hue in moderation and you see figures outlined distinctly. Maxfield Parrish himself might be pleased with this colorng." The Cincinnati critic states that "such movie experts as L Libson, Jim Shevlin, Frank Chandler, C. C. Sherrill and William A. Clark, all of these environs, hope deep within their hearts that we some day shall have appropriate colors in our films." "The soft, blending colors lend this picture distinction. We have had color films before, but they were bizarre, garish creatures that dazzled the eye with their brilliant clashes. And they were disagreeable in the way they hung a misty halo around each figure. 'The Vision' chemistry does away with this metallic brightness and it eliminates also the fringe around the figures. Its colors are soothing in their softness and satisfactory in their clarity. How this is brought about is naturally something complicated." Then the writer goes on to explain the process used in obtaining the fine color effects. Creighton Hale heis been signed by Hal Roach to play the lead opposite Mabel Normand in her second two-reel comedy for Pathe release. Jerome Storm is directing Mabel. Virginia Vance has the feminine lead opposite Al St. John, of Educational-Mermaid comedies, in "Hold Your Hat," Al's f coming Edjjcational release star forth Madeline Hurlock Renews Contract Despite rumors to the effect that she was soon to desert comedies for dramatic work, Madeline Hurlock has decided to remain in the field in which she has won her success. Mack Sennett announces that Miss Hurlock had signed a long term contract and would enter upon the terms of it immediately upon the completion of her present contract this month. Meanwhile elaborate plans are being made for Miss Hurlock's future in Sennett's Pathe comedies and under the direction of Eddie Cline she has begun work on a story in which the new featured player is seen as a pseudo Russian Countess, whose beauty and title win her theatrical fame, and who, after achieving success, wishes to confess her true identity, but is prevented from doing so. In the new comedy Miss Hurlock is featured and in introducing her character also introduces an extensive wardrobe. Serial Cast Enlarged Several important additions have been made to the cast of Universal's serial "Whispering Smith Rides" staring Wallace MacDonald, under the direction of Ray Taylor. Rose Blossom will play the feminine lead while others are Clark Comstock, Henry Herbert and W. M. McCormick. Production will start shortly. Dorothy Gulliver Signed A change has been made in the cast of "The Collegians" series by Carl Laemmle, Jr. It has been decided to use Dorothy Gulliver instead of June Marlowe, who will be cast in another production. Fat Man In Serial Scot Mattwir, who tips the scales at 362 pounds, has been cast for the fat man's role in "The Return of the Riddle Rider," Universal serial starring William Desmond. Desmond in Serial William Desmond will be starred in "The Return of the Riddle Rider," Universal serial.