Paramount Pep-O-Grams (1927)

Page Eight P E P-O-G RAMS PICTURES TO HAVE SOUND AS WELL AS SEX APPEAL Below is the conclusion of George W. Weeks’ article on the alliance of sound with Paramount-Christie Comedies which was published last month. Since the appearance of this article we have had the privilege of listening to, as well as seeing, the first of the Synchronized Comedies, and sincerely state that the picture is all that is claimed of it in the article. The reproduction of the Vitaphone method is as follows: The discs are set up on turntables situated in the projection booth. These turntables are hooked up to the projection machine and their revolutions are so timed as to match the speed of the projector. This is necessary because the records they carry are synchronized to the extent that an eyepiercing' shreik on the screen is given voice by the records simultaneously — you see and hear it at the same time. As the records revolve the sound is emitted from the diaphragm and carried, by means of wires, first to an amplifying device and thence to loud speakers situated back stage in the theatre, the same as those used in reproducing Movietone recordings, where it is broadcast. These, in essence, are the sound recording and reproducing methods, employed by the majority of film companies who will give you sound with pictures in the future. But to get back to our plans. Do you not think it will make for better entertainment if you are able to hear Bobby Vernon beingbawled out by his future “father-in-law?” Will vou not have more sympathy for Billy Dooley if you hear the culprit’s club meet the cranium of the Goofy Gob? We will not, however, subjugate story to hokum. Christie Comedies never depend upon slapstick as the only bid for audience j laughter. They have always been recognized as containing story value as well as hokum highlights. Therefore, in addition to hearing the pies in the air, the plunk of the club, and the swish as a body falls into the water, vou also will hear, instead of seeing on the screen. A1 Martin's wise-cracking titles. ONE YEAR FOR ‘ WINGS'’ How many Paramounteers are proudfully aware of the fact that August 12th signalized the start of the second year of “Wings” at the Criterion Theatre? Yet that is precisely what the day meant; and the fact is surely a wonderful reflection on the ability of A. Griffith Grey, in charge of Paramcunt’s Road Show department for his work in making the presentation so attractive a success, and on Blake McVeigh for his ability in keeping, through the press and otherwise, the name and fame of Paramount’s epic of the air so consistently before the eyes of the public. A MESSAGE FROM PARIS FROM MR. LUDVIGH My Dear Mr. Trotta: It was certainly very thoughtful of the Paramount Pep Club to remember our departure, and both Mr. Ludvigh and I appreciated not only the fruit, but also the work of art that accompanied it. We had a wonderfully smooth crossing. Tell the “Pep Gang” we will think of them and thank them for thinking of us. Sincerely, (sgd.) Elek John Ludvigh. PRESSURE OF BUSINESS KEEPS JOE SWEENEY FROM CLUB PRESIDENCY ANOTHER PEP-ORGAN We have just caught up with the July 17th issue of the “Rivoli Spotlight,” issued by the Rivoli Service Club of tin Rivoli Theatre. It is a twelve-page mimeograph publication and it is a mighty commendable piece of work. Contributions from the entire staff, excellent mimecgraph illustrations and snappy cartoons and some genuinely fine articles make “The Rivoli Spotlight” one of the brightest of all the Paramount publications. F. X. Kelly, C. McKnistry, A. B. Kaye, F. Z. Moynahan and L. Pressler appear as the editorial staff. SYMPATHY. The Paramount Pep Club sorrows with Loretta Tighe, of the Insurance Department who lost her greatest friend, Her Mother, on July 9th. MISSING “BRIDGE.” Mr. Leroy Furman asks that a note be inserted as a reminder to the friend who borrowed from him a copy of "The Bridge of San Luis Rev, and to tell the friend that the return of the bock would be heartily appreciated. Joseph Sweeney, Vice President of Paramount-Pep Club , is precluded from nomination for President under the next administration because of extreme pressure of business and additional home responsibilities. A letter to this effect was one of the very first communications received by the Nominating Committee ivhen it commenced its important work of selecting next years officers. Mr. Sweeney voiced the wish that in the event of his being selected, he would be obliged, despite the great honor paid him, to decline to run for office. Ever-growing responibilities in his work for Publix were advanced as his reason, and those who know Joes volume of daily work knew just hew true a reason it was.