Universal Weekly (1922)

Vol. 16, No. 1 Universal Weekly 23 Lee Moran Starts Across Continent in Auto to Make Personal Appearances at Many Houses LEE MORAN has left California in his automobile en route for New York, where he will sail for Europe with Julius Stern, president of Century, in order to make a series of comedies with foreign settings. Moran is taking the trip from Hollywood to New York in his powerful car with an expert driver for the purpose of making personal appearances at first-run houses where his comedies are now playing. He is accompanied by his director, Arvid Gillstrom, and by "Brick" Enright, the Century Comedy "gag" man. They are also carrying with them the print of a new and very original comedy which is Moran's idea and in which he plays the principal part. The final editing of this film will be made after the comedian reaches New York. It is hoped that leading exhib itors along the route will contribute valuable suggestions. The first stop of the automobile party will be Denver, where Universal Exchange officials will meet them. Personal apppearances all long the route have been decided on in answer to Moran's rapidly growing popularity as attested by the exhibitors who want him to address their audiences. Gillstrom, long known as a director of note for his features with Constance Binney and other stars, has been directing Lee Moran for the past year. Enright has been his scenario writer ever since he signed his contract with Century, and the trip should help theatre owners this hot weather. Julius Stern may join the party in Denver, Colo., and accompany Moran the rest of the journey. « * °$ ¥ Theatres of West Coast Have Baby Peggy Contests THE Gore Brothers, Ramish and Sol Lesser West Coast Theatres are running the Baby Peggy Contest that is proving so popular. The idea, which originated with Sid Grauman, and was tried successfully at the latter's Million Dollar Theatre, is to find Baby Peggy's double. Fond mothers all over the country are sending in pictures of their little girls in the hope that one of them may resemble Peggy and not only win the prize, but also the chance to make a debut on the screen in Century Comedies as Peggy did. Merchants' Tie-Up The West Coast Theatres, composed of more than 75 neighborhood showhouses, are running the contest in connection with a Baby Peggy picture. Many of the houses are presenting large dolls as prizes, others wrist watches, orders for little dresses, hats, shoes and other wearing apparel. Breaking Records The biggest gathering of kiddies took place recently at the Strand, Rosebud and Circle. Each of these theatres was filled to capacity and under the careful supervision of Managing Director R. B. Grunauer the contest was a huge success and the attendance during its run broke all records. In fact, all the West Coast houses report increase in business in spite of the hot weather due to the Baby Peggy films and the contests run in connection with them. Betty May Newest Film Comedienne BETTY MAY, the new Century beauty, has been signed on a long term contract by Julius Stern. Miss May is well known for her good looks and talent. Much of her work has been done with Eastern producing companies, and though, on account of her youth, she has played mainly ingenue parts, she shows the ability to enact more ambitious roles. To Support Moran Betty, who has Marie Prevost's coloring and her deep blue eyes, will play leading lady in all of Lee Moran's pictures for Century, and will be sent abroad with him by the Stern brothers next month. Her first appearance on the screen will be in "My Horse Pal," a comedy directed by Al Herman, in which Queenie, the horse, plays a prominent part as an arranger of love affairs gone wrong. Betty May, who takes the place left vacant by Louise Lorraine when she joined Universal, has frequently posed for her head to artists in the East and is known as "the girl with the laughing eyes." Baby Peggy as Reporter Baby Peggy's newspaper comedy, formerly known as "The Scoop," has been retitled to "The Kid Reporter." This was directed by Alf Goulding with little Albert Williams supporting Peggy. Many Innovations Assure Exhibitors Film Excellence Engage Strong Cast BETTY MAY, recent addition to the rank of leading lady, is one of the prettiest girls on the screen. Although Miss May is only twentyone, she was attracting favorable comment in Eastern dramatic productions when Julius Stern signed her up for Century Comedies. Her first appearance on the screen is in Al Herman's next release, "My Horse Pal," with Queenie, the Century horse star. After that Miss May will play leads with Lee Moran. She is under long contract with Century. Enlarge Century Studio Julius Stern is enlarging the electrical plant at his Hollywood studio. The Century Comedy headquarters will be the richer by a new power plant, twelve new arc lights and twenty-two new spots. Charles Gould, formerly assistant to Joe O'Donnell, has been appointed electrical chief in his stead. He expects to put through many radical changes before Julius Stern goes to Europe. Expert Aids Moran Duke P. Kahanamoka, the Hawaiian, world's greatest swimmer, called at the Century studios recently to visit Directors Alf Gouldinjr and Arvid Gillstrom, who are old friends of his. He was asked to give some technical information on swimming for a forthcoming water picture with Betty May and Lee Moran.