Universal Weekly (1922)

18 Universal Weekly December 16, 1922 Short Product for Use in Joy Week A Six and a Three-Sheet from the Second Series of Harry Carey Reissues, and a Six-Sheet from one of the Fish Patrol Stories — Paper That Will Sell Pictures. Interesting Experiment Completed (Sample of Special Story Sent Out by Universal Publicity Department Every Week— See That Your Paper Gets It.) THE weakest point of the screen when subjected to various forms of attack by self-seeking reformers has always been the serial. With the advent of Will Hays in the motion picture industry a new era of development and attainment has started. The Universal Pictures Corporation decided to revolutionize this weakest link in the chain, the serial. It has already produced three historicaleducational serials which have created a keen interest in educational circles, as well as proving profitable in their own field. "Winners of the West," "With Stanley in Africa" and "In the Days of Buffalo Bill" each had its own particular appeal. "The Radio King" also proved successful on account of its departure from the old-time movie serial. So did "The Adventures of Robinson Crusoe." This same company is now looking forward with a great deal of interest to another experiment, that of putting a well-known novel into production as a serial. The novel chosen was "The Social Buccaneer," by Frederic S. Isham. This tale was typically romantic, with plenty of adventure, but lacking any of the newer elements of serial technique which Universal for the last two years has been building up. Furthermore, it became necessary to broaden and lengthen the plot of Isham's story in order to make a twenty-reel chapter play out of it. "The Social Buccaneer" is now completed at Universal City under the direction of Robert F. Hill and Jack Mulhall in the name part. Its screen life will be watched with interest, to see if the swing back to the typical serial can safely be made. Baby Peggy Recovers BABY PEGGY, the youngest star in the world, who has just celebrated her fourth birthday by recovering from what was nearly a fatal illness, has presented her parents with a new fifteen-room house in Beverly Hills, a fashionable residential district where the foremost film stars have their homes. The earnings of tiny Baby Peggy have not only provided for her future, but also have given her and her parents a very comfortable, and luxurious living. Peggy, whose home was in Owensmouth, will be nearer the film center and the homes of those distinguished members of her profession with whom she deserves to rank. The cast of "Grandma's Girl," Baby Peggy's next picture, is well on its way. Besides Jimmy Kelly as the grandfather, Florence Lee has been engaged. Miss Lee is one of the finest portrayers of grandmothers on the screen. Others in the cast are Hazel Deane, Babe Jose and Captain Cullinan. Goulding, the author of "Grandma's Girl," continues to direct the littlest star, who has reappeared on the lot again. Baby Peggy's last picture, "The Senorita," has had its title changed to "Sunny Smiles" as being more of a Peggy title. Proceeds to Charity DAVENPORT, la., (Special) Nov. 25. — A potato or an apple will be the price of admission to a special show featuring Baby Peggy in "Circus Clowns," to be given for the children of Davenport, at the Family Theatre this morning, Chris G. Behrens, manager of the theatre, announced today. The show, which will start at 9 o'clock and run continuously until noon, will be given for the benefit of the Ladies' Industrial Relief Society. The potatoes and apples which are paid for admission will be turned over to the Society to be used to feed the poor. To the child who brings the largest potato or apple, Mr. Behrens will give as a prize, two tickets for any show next week. All of the potatoes and apples will be weighed at the door. A Timely Novelty ONE of the most remarkable pictures from the booking standpoint that Universal has put out in years is "Going Straight." Thousands of exhibitors have booked this unique Mary Pickford release to follow Miss Pickford's more recent releases or to give a dash of Pickford to a program which was playing opposition to her latest releases. The Loew Circuit is featuring this single-reel novelty with unusual prominence in all of its theatres this week. Don't fail to get a booking on "Going Straight" for Joy Week.