Paramount Pep (1923)

/ IS Perhaps the most unique headquarters of any writer is the mud-chinked log cabin in our West Coast Studio where Jeanie Macpherson writes her stories for Cecil B. De Mille. Everything is carried in tune with the central motif. Even the desk where Miss Macpherson recently completed “Adam’s Rib,” her latest story for De Mille, is a huge log. Her ability to merge the feminine with the masculine taste displayed in this room is perhaps what has made Jeanie Macpherson a keen student of human nature and the most famous woman scenario writer. “Joan the Woman,” “Don’t Change Your Husband,” and “Saturday Night,” are originals of hers besides “Adam’s Rib,” while famous adaptations are "Male and Female” and “Manslaughter.” Long Island News By Wingart Sonya Levien has a manifold interest in “The Snow Bride,” Alice Brady’s latest picture, which has just been put into production under the direction of Henry Kolker. She not only is co-author with Julie Herne of the original story, but prepared the scenario, and is now writing the action continuity of the picture during the filming of it. “Lefty” Maurice B. Flynn, who is playing the leading male role opposite Alice Brady in “The Snow Bride,” is continually being asked where he acquir’d the nick-name. To settle the question once and for all and to tell the world that he is not a prizefighter or ash-can heaver, Flynn explained that the “Lefty” was tagged on him when he was twelve years old by Hobie Baker, once brilliant Princeton athlete, who died in the world war. Around Paramountown (Continued from Page 12) ! will prove decidedly attractive and the part just fits her personality. Charles Maigne is making a fine new version of this famous tale and Antonio Moreno has the supporting lead. Will M. Ritchey adapted the book by John Fox, Jr., and the play by Eugene Walter. A mountain location afforded opportunity for big feud scenes and now the company is at the Lasky ranch for more exteriors. Ernest Torrence has a big role in the picture. The hefty, jovial and altogether likable Walter Hiers is more than making good in his first star role in “Mr. Billings Spends His Dime,” directed by Wesley Ruggles. Jacqueline Logan has the featured role in support. The story abounds in thrills and humor and a bullfight with Hiers as the toreador ends in a gigantic farce which comes as a complete surprise. The love interest is not forgotten. Albert Shelby Le Vino did some mighty clever work in his adaptation of the story by Dana Burnet. When you speak of thrills mention Jack Holt in “The Tiger’s Claw,” the original story by Jack Cunningham which Joseph Henabery is directing. One thrill after another, they pile up like an avalanche until at the culminating point in the picture the spectator will be weak from suspense and excitement. Eva Novak has the leading feminine role. Holt fights a tiger weighing 750 pounds and rides a jumping horse in a mad pursuit of a runaway in which the heroine is involved. There is a strong romance and the spirit of the mysterious east is over all. William de Mille has started “Grumpy,” the compelling detective tale with its quaint central figure and the charm of a whimsical love story combined. Theodore Roberts, May McAvoy and Conrad Nagel are the three featured players and each is cast in an ideal role. Roberts plays the title part; Virginia is portrayed by Miss McAvoy and Nagel will play Ernest Heron. Casson Ferguson will be seen as the villain — Jarvis. Bertram Johns', Charles Ogle, Robert Bolder, Fred Huntley and Bernice Frank are also in the cast. A beautiful set combining an exterior and several interiors in the familiar de Mille style — one of unusual excellence — has been made ready for the start of the film on one of the big Lasky stages. The announcement by Jesse L. Lasky, first vicepresident, that George Fitzmaurice would make "The Cheat” with Pola Negri starred, Jack Holt featured and Charles De Roche supporting them as the villain, is one that will stir the memories of many film patrons, for Hector Turnbull’s picture which Cecil B. De Mille originally filmed, has never been excelled in the public’s estimation. The new version will be a slightly modified one and of course the added facilities in screen technicology will make a difference, but the plot will stand much as it was. The part which made a star of Sessue Hayakawa has been changed to a Latin type so that it will be just right for De Roche, while Miss Negri and Mr. Holt will play the wife and husband respectively. Work starts some time this month. The adaptation of the famous play by Horace Hodges and T. Wigney Percygal is by Clara Beranger.