The Film Renter and Moving Picture News (Jan-Feb 1923)

_ January I, 1923. THE FILM RENTER & MOVING PICTURE NEWS. SEVEN WELSHPEARSON RELEASES FOR 1923. A Combination,of Production and Artistic Genius. (By T. A. WELSH, Chairman and Managing Director of Welsh-Pearson, Ltd.) E have an ambitious program for release next year. Three successful pictures have already been cempleted, the first of which is ‘‘ Mord Em’ly,’’ that delightful story by the well. known author, Pett Ridge, the wonderful screen possibilities of which were realised: by George Péarson.’ “‘ Mord Em’ly ”’ ‘ig due for release on February 19, 1923. This story, the screen adaptation of which was made by Eliot Stannard, might have been specially written for the inimitable charm of our ‘British screen-star, Betty Balfour. It is full of human sympathy and humour, with a thousand possibilities of which Miss Balfour takes full advantage. In this, as: in ‘all ‘her work, this brilliant actress carries all before her, and this picture will add yet another. link to her already long chain of admirers. March 26 will see the release of ‘‘ A Sailor Tramp,’” ‘produced by F. Martin Thornton. This picture shows Mr. Thornton at his best.’ The protagonist is Victor MacLaglen, who has made the title réle a living character and one that will win its way into the hearts of all who see it. Hugh E. Wright is priceless as ‘‘ The Cockney.” The story was adapted from the book by. Bart Kennedy, and the scenario is to the credit of Eliot Stannard. ‘ Wee. MacGreegor’ s Sweetheart ’’ is another George Pearson. production —the scenario was written by. Mr. Pearson in collaboration with J..J. Bell. This is an exceptionally good vehicle for the art of Betty Balfour. She has a sympathetic réle and makes the bonniest wee Scotch lass. This picture is for release on April 30. During August we shall release ‘‘ The Romany,” another production by ¥F. Martin Thornton. This, too, is set amidst the most beautiful and romantic Scottish scenery, and is a powerful story that will grip from ‘the first reel'to the last. The story and scenario are by Eliot Stannard, and Victor MacLaglen i is featured in a part peculiarly suited to him. There are thrills and romance in this production, and Victor MacLaglen is.n fascinating gipsy leader, whose heroic personality has full scope in a dramatic fire and storm scene which is admirably handled by Mr. Thornton. In this Picture Miss Irene Norman will make her screen début. The next production for release in September is a charming story, written and directed by George Pearson; a beautiful theme; sympathetically told and admirably acted, the bright. and particular star again being Betty Balfour. It has the mysterious title of ‘* Tip-Toes.’’ This is a production after George Pearson’s own heart, one throbbing with emotion, gripping you with tears one moment, only to be banished the next by unrestrained laughter evoked by the sheer genius of Betty Balfour. The characters live and the sincerity of the production will ensure its success. When ‘“ Tip-Toes ’’ is completed, the Welsh Pearson -Company will devote their energies to an historical drama: entitled ‘‘ Nell Gwyn ”’ or ‘‘ The = Duchess of Drury Lane,’’ from a scenario by Alicia Ramsay. The-romantic T. A. WELSE. and beloved figure of Nell Gwyn will be played by ‘Betty Balfour, and that little heroine, the Cockney Orange Girl, who fired the imagination and won the devotion of a King of England, will dance her way to the hearts of 1928 audiences. ©The production will be in the hands of George Pearson, who, with his staff, will give meticulous care to the settings and costumes of that period, and these will “make a fitting background for one of England’ s most dramatic and intriguing life stories. Although it was not originally intended to make another ‘‘ Squibs ’’. picture, the demand. from the British exhibitors has been so strong and so persistent that we have decided to present Betty Balfour i in ‘‘ Squibs, M.P.”’ This will be released in November. The very thought of ‘‘ our Queen of Comedy ’’ taking her place in the dignified precincts of ‘‘ The House ’’ is sufficient to bring a smile of happy anticipation to her millions of admirers ae ew ae to welcome her. Fred Groves, Hugh E. Wright, and all the old favourites will appear in ce qui 8, >? The production of a picture is necessarily the work of many brains and. hands—from those of the producer to ‘those of the property man, and it is impossible in this limited space to give all these people the credit they deserve. However, there are three people who must be mentioned in connection with the Welsh Pearson Studio. First and foremost, is the guiding genius of Mr. George Pearson. When you first meet Mr. Pearson you are struck by his quiet and unobtrusive manner, but om closer acquaintance you see the indomitable fire and determination of the man—the burning desire, above all else, to create picturePlays that shal] contribute to the progress of kinematography as an Art. (Continued at foot of next page.) ~