Picture Play Magazine (Mar-Aug 1927)

66 Hollywood High Lights group comprises Richard Arlen, James Hall, Louise Brooks, Sally Blane, and Nancy Phillips. In our opinion, some of these have already made good. Paramount has placed some interesting restrictions upon their lives for the period of probation. For instance, they are forbidden to drive automobiles at more than thirty miles an hour. They are forbidden to fly in airplanes. They are told to avoid anything that might make them the subjects of gossip or scandal. In return for adhering to these rules and regulations, they are to be made famous as quickly as possible by being cast in the best possible roles. James Hall and Louise Brooks are the best known of the quintet. Hall had the male lead in several Bebe Daniels pictures as well as in "Hotel Imperial," with Pola Negri, while Louise has played important parts in "The Show Off,'' "Love 'Em and Leave 'Em," "Evening Clothes," and several other films. Arlen is said to do excellent work in "Wings." The Case of Charlie Chaplin. "Charlie Chaplin works by inspiration — other stars by perspiration." Thus spoke Joseph Schenck, president of United Artists, during his testimony in the Chaplin divorce case, which is taking as much time to reach completion as one of Charlie's own pictures. Schenck was called to testify regarding Chaplin's financial status. He mentioned, among other things, that "The Gold Rush" had netted about $2,250,000, of which more than $1,500,000 had gone to the comedian himself. He also remarked that Charlie was like no other artist in films, in that time meant nothing to him. If United Artists had to pay him for his time, he said, they would go bankrupt. On the same day of the trial, Lita Grey Chaplin was awarded a temporary alimony of $1,500 per month, as well as some additional expense money. She had asked for $4,000, testifying that her household expenses per month were more than that amount. The Death of an Old Favorite. The passing of Earle Williams was a saddening event. He had had a long and very active association with pictures. Williams was one of the few players from the "good old days" who succeeded in staying on the screen, accommodating himself to changing conditions. Though recently he had not been appearing regularly in big pictures, he was at work most of the time. Moreover, he was a great favorite, socially, and he and his wife entertained frequently. Williams had a delightful, gentlemanly manner. He was a very quiet type, thoroughly schooled in acting, and had been in the theater for about "Is it cated Hi nes twenty-five years. He was a comparatively young man, being only forty-seven. He started his picture career during the days when Arthur Johnson, John Bunny, Florence Lawrence, King Baggot, and others were reigning screen favorites. He became an idol, and was starred for a long time in Vitagraph films. What a Birthday Gift! Just before Tom Mix's wife went to Europe, she had a birthday, and to celebrate this occasion Tom gave her $25,000 for her trip, and then handed her a check for $100,000 as extra spending money. There had been rumors that the Mixes might separate, but Tom's gifts to his wife quite definitely put a stop to such gossip. Raymond Griffith on His Own. Raymond Griffith is going to make his pictures independently from now on. Ray secured an amicable release from his contract with Paramount, though for some time there had been rumblings of disagreements. Griffith at one time had his own production organization, and managed his own affairs without interference, but has in recent years been working under studio supervision. He probably found that this cramped his style. It might be remarked that comedians generally seem to prefer to work independently — Harold Lloyd and Douglas MacLean, for instance. Though their pictures are released through Paramount, they have their own studios. Griffith may branch out very successfully under the new plan. His more recent pictures for Paramount have not been as successful as they might have been. They're Here to Stay. The Duncan sisters plan to stay in the movies. They have instituted a new style of film entertainment — the production starring a feminine comedy team. We hear that "Topsy and Eva," their first film, has all the elements of a big popular success. There is a possibility that the Duncans may make several pictures of especial appeal to children. These may include "Babes in the Wood" and "Hansel and Gretel." The Duncan girls are really singularly gifted, and they can always be depended on to provide fun at parties in the colony. Between making pictures, going to -parties, and broadcasting over the radio, they are kept pretty busy. They are on hand for every charitable event, and give without stint of their talent. Two Kid Brothers. This must be the heyday for younger brothers. Cleve Moore, Colleen's kid brother, and Winston Miller, Patsy Ruth's brother, both are cast in "The O.K., Bozo?" The e dagoose who supports Johnny "White Pants Willie" salary check the onceover