Moving Picture World (Aug 1917)

UMl, THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD August 18, 1917 "BABBLING TONGUES" (Ivan). "Babbling Tongues," the big Ivan-Humphrey production, will be released August 13, at Loew's New York theater, Broadway and 45th street. It is booked for the entire Loew circuit. Up to date the books of the Merit Film Corporation show 421 dates in the metropolitan district alone for this exceptional production. This, of course, includes the entire Loew circuit, the U. B. O. and the Exhibitors' Board of Trade, whose representatives have viewed the film and showed their ap Scene from "Babbling Tongues" (Ivan). proval of this Ivan super photoplay by booking it for runs of two days and more. Quite an auspicious audience of critics is going to be present on August 13, and, to use the words or William Humphrey, the director of this picture, "There is no fear of anything but praise for this subtle yet powerful drama." Special advertising has been prepared. The 24-sheet especially is one of tremendous appeal. A special two-color postal card has been designed which ought to prove a business getter. Those watching any of the trade journals will be able to get an idea of the appearance of the card, for same will be the ad, reproduced to postal card size, printed in two colors, with but slight alteration. "A RURAL CAESAR" (L-KO.) In the L-Ko Comedy set for release through Universal exchanges, August 29, Phil Dunham figures as initiating his services to L-Ko as a director. He has in times past been one of the featured comedians in that series and, knowing the trick from both ends of the game, may be depended upon to give a good account of himself in his hew venture. Lucille Hutton will be the featured player with Billy Bevan playing Scene from "A Rural Caesar" (L-Ko). the name-role in "A Rural Caesar." This two-reeler will be followed September 5 by Myrtle Sterling in "Prom Ranch to Riches," directed by Vin Moore; "Walter Stevens and Gladys Varden in "The Prop's Revenge," directed by Noel Smith, September 12, and "Vamping Reuben's Millions," with Katherine Young enacting the role of the comedy vampire. These subjects, as with all L-Ko's, were supervised in their production by General Director J. G. Blystone. CHANGES IN BLUEBIRD DIRECTING STAFF. Several changes are announced for Bluebird's staff of directors, carrying with them a transfer of stars and some shifts in the stock companies employed in producing attractions for the Bluebird program. Harry Solter, one of the pioneers in the industry, has taken the screen management of Ella Hall, succeeding Jack Conway, who finished his engagement with "The Charmer," set as the Bluebird for Aug. 27. Joseph De Grasse, who brought. Louise Lovely and Dorothy Phillips to Bluebirds, will hereafter direct Franklyn Farnum. Fossibly the last Dorothy Phillips Bluebird Mr. De Grasse will produce is his screen version of Samuel Hopkins Adams' story, "Triumph," announced as Bluebird's Labor Day release. Ida May Park, who has been alternating with her husband, Mr. De Grasse, will continue as Miss Phillips' director. Franklyn Farnum, who has been Bluebirding in conjunction with Brownie Vernon, will hereafter be a lone star under Mr. De Grasse's screen management. Miss Vernon will have Herbert Rawlinson as her co-star, with Elmer Clifton doing the directing. "It's Up to You" will be Mr. Farnum's first lonestar offering, while the Rawlinson-Vernon combination, will present "Sky High." Elsie Jane Wilson has become the second woman to create Bluebirds, and her first offering will be "Hidden Treasures," in which little Zoe Rae will be the star. Like Ida May Park, who assisted her husband in directing before assuming full command, Miss Wilson has worked with Rupert Julian, who is her husband, in preparing numerous Bluebirds of earlier vintage for the screen. Mr. Julian will continue to co-star with Ruth Clifford, as well as directing his own features. This combination heads the "Bluebird Extraordinary" announcement for state right distribution, Labor Day, under the title of "Mother o' Mine," an attraction which will have Ruth La Fayette featured in the mother role. "The Face of Prentice Teller" will be their next programmed Bluebird. WELL KNOWN ACTOR MAKES SCREEN DEBUT. "Down to. Earth," the Douglas Fairbanks play released by Artcraft August 12, has as a member of its cast Gustave Von Seyfertitz, one of the best-known actors of the American speaking stage, and noted also for his abilities as a stage director. Von Seyfertitz has always been distinguished by his excellent "character" impersonations, and it is a part of this sort which he has in "Down to Earth." JACKIE SAUNDERS IN "BAB THE FIXER." Jackie Saunders is a tomboy of an entirely new, but just as fascinating sort in "Bab the Fixer," a five-reel comedy drama produced by Horkheimer, and scheduled for release by the Mutual Film Corporation August 13. "Bab" is a harum-scarum daughter of quarreling parents and declines quite firmly to fall for her mother's social ambitions. There is a dash of Wall street and some of the wild west, with a touch of Fifth avenue finishing school in the production. Sherwood MacDonald, director of "Bab the Fixer," is a director of nation Scene from "Bab the Fixer" (Mutual). wide fame, having handled several of the Saunders successes. Lee Arthur, the author, is a short story writer of some fame, having ■written several popular stories for Adventure and other magazines devoted to outdoor happenings. Mr. Arthur submitted his idea for "Bab the Fixer" to Miss Saunders several months ago, and later went into collaboration with her in preparation of the script.