The Moving picture world (November 1926-December 1926)

November 27, 1926 MOVING PICTURE WORLD 217 Xmas Release Of Fox Film a Timely Present By way of a Christmas gift at the box office, Fox Films on December 26th will release "SumiTier Bachelors," directed by Allan Dwan from Warner Fabian's novel. Before that date there will be approximately 200 newspapers throughout the country running Summer Bachelors" serially This avenue of publicity, in addition to the publication of the story in McClure's and the widespread sale of the novel, constitutes an advance canip;iign sure to bring extra money at the box office. An estimate of ten million readers through these three channels is conservative. More than 300,000 copies of the book have been sold. Madge Bellamy in the le.iding role proved conclusively in "Sandy" that she is a distinct help to exhibitors for the accumulation of bank deposits. In order to assure etl'ective cooperation between the F'ox home office and exhibitors, James R. Grainger, general ;,ales manager, has appointed Roger Ferri to handle all work in connection with the release of "Summer Bachelors." A "Beau Knot Hawks to Direct "Cradle Snatchers" Fox Films announces that the; screen version of "Cradle Snatchers," the Broadway hit, will be made in Hollywood instead of in the East, as originally planned. Howard Hawks will direct the production. He is now engaged in selecting his cast. Kathleen Collins and Ken Maynard in "The Unknown Cavalier," for First National. Fontaine La Rue ties a bow for Charles Cruze in the Preferred picture, "His New York Wife." Cody Has Fine Cast in ffis "lOng of the Saddle" T N "KING OF THE SADDLE" A Bill Cody's new Associated Exhibitors' Western feature production now being distributed by Pathe, the popular star is supported by a cast which for talent and teamwork should gladden the hearts of every exhibitor. Every player is gifted with that subtle charm which makes for screen personality, and every one has an enviable record of previous successes, that has obtained for them a strong following among Western picture enthusiasts. Joan Meredith, charming leading lady for Cody in "King of the Saddle," has stepped her smiling way up the ladder of fame since she was chosen one of the Wampas Baby Stars in 1925. Miss Meredith has enjoyed unusual success playing leads with Universal, F. B. O., and a number of independent producers. Fontaine La Rue, lovely brunette schemer in the story, hails from France, where she has played leads and character heavy roles in several big French productions. Her Hollywood career has been a prominent one, having done some excellent work with the DeMilles and MetroGold wynMayer. John Barrymore Stars In "Manon" for Warners WARNER BROS, announce that the title of the new John Barrymore screen production will be "Manon." "Manon" is based on L'Abbe Prevost's novel of the same name, which furnished the basis for the opera by Massenet and the one by Puccini. Warner Bros, have striven to make the new Barrymore picture one of the most artistic productions that has come out of their Hollywood studios. L'Abbe Prevost's hero is an ideal role for Barrymore. It will be remembered that the chief character in the story is the youth who renounces everything in the world for the woman he loves. Dolores Costello has the name role in the production. The role is almost of stellar importance and is the biggest and most important one that has been entrusted to the attractive -young actress. One of the outstanding features of "Manon" will be its Vitaphone musical accompaniment. First National Releases Four For December Richard A. Rowland, general manager of First National Pictures, who has just returned from a European tour, announces the release of four productions by First National during December, as follows : "The Blonde Saint," December 5; "The White Black Sheep," December 12; "Just Another Blonde," December 19; and "Ladies at Play," December 26. Sam Rork, the producer, made "The Blonde Saint" for First National. Lewis Stone and Doris Kenyori are featured, with Mr. Rork's daughter, Ann, in an important support role. "The White Black Sheep" represents Barthelmess' last production for Inspiration according to the terms of his recent agreement with First National. This is the story of a reckless Englishman who tries to end his life fighting in the foreign service and wins life and love. Alma Rubens Plays Lead in Wells' Story With the return of Alma Rubens, to Hollywood after a vacation of two months in the East, Fox Films announces that Miss Rubens has been cast to p'ay the leading role in the screen version of H. G. Wells' celebrated novel, "Marriage," released under the title "Wedlock." Miss Rubens' splendid performance in her last picture, "Marriage License?" probably the finest acting of her career, identified the Fox star with a type of role that fitted her perfectly and W. R. Sheehan, vice president of Fox Films, immediately began a search for a character that would ^-ive Miss Rubens an equal dramatic opportunity. William F'ox and Mr. Sheehan decided that "Marriage" was the proper vehicle. John Gilbert and Eleanor Boardman in "Bardelys the Magnificent," a Metro-Goldwjm-Mayer picture.