Universal Weekly (1923-1925)

Vol. 19, No. 26 Universal Weekly 23 Under The Spreading Century Plant PRODUCERS ANGLE FOR WANDA WILEY EVER since "Her Fortunate Face," first Century comedy, starring Wanda Wiley, latest "discovery" of Julius Stern, president of the Century Film Corporation, has been seen by the trade, producers on the coast as well as in the east have been pressing her with attractive offers to play in their forthcoming productions. However, Mr. Stern foresaw this possibility several weeks ago and signed her up for a long term, so that Wanda Wiley will star in Century comedies for some little time to come. Wanda Wiley's work in "Her Fortunate Face" was highly praised by film critics, both in the east and on the coast. The critics said: "Clever comedienne," "work amusing and clever," "fast becoming one of the foremost fun-makers in the short subject field" and "work full of action and clean comedy." Wanda Wiley's present schedule calls for six two-reelers, three of which have already been completed; they are "Her Fortunate Face," "Sweet Dreams" and "The Trouble Fixer." She is now at work on "Some Tomboy," on the completion of which she will get busy on "The Cute Little Devil" and "Snappy Eyes." After completing work on "Some Tomboy," her latest staring vehicle for Century Comedies, Wanda Wiley left Hollywood for a much-needed rest. Since coming to the Century lot, Wanda Wiley has made ten comedies, four of which she has starred in. "Her Fortunate Face," "Sweet Dreams," "Snappy Eyes" and "Some Tomboy." Wanda Wiley will spend her vacation in Texas. 'LOST CONTROL" FULL OF FUN TWO RING STARS MEET J Two scenes from recent Century release. CENTURY PLANS A WILEY SERIES IT was learned today that officials up at the office of the Century Film Corporation had cabled to Julius Stern, president, spending a vacation in Europe, regarding the purchase of several short stories in series form for starring vehicles for Wanda Wiley, new Centuiy star. Wanda Wiley's work in Century comedies so far is reported to be unusually fine and worthy of a specially written series. It is hoped that a well known humorist can be secured to write some stories which will be suitable to Wanda Wiley's personality and ability. Jack Dempsey, "Fight and Win" star, spars with Galli-Ctvrci, of Niebellung Ring fame. HARRY McCOY BACK ON JOB HARRY McCOY, star of Century comedies, is back on the Century lot after spending the last two weeks away because of the death of his mother. He has completed his part in "Sweet Dreams," the production starring Wanda Wiley and which was interrupted when the news of McCoy's mother's death arrived. McCoy is now working in support of Wanda Wiley in her latest starring vehicle for Century, "Some Tomboy." STERNS ANNOUNCE AUTUMN RELEASES JULIUS and Abe Stern, president and vice-president of Century Comedies, are enjoying a well earned vacation period in Europe. Before leaving they had their product for next season all lined up and most of it completed or in production, all of which insures them a vacation free from the cares and worry of their organization. With the pictures scheduled for release 'way into the winter months completed, an advance announcement of September releases was decided on, and Julius Stern wired instructions to his New York office to issue it. There will be four pictures, one for every week, with Hari-y McCoy, Buddy Messinger, Al Alt, "Pal" the wonder dog of the screen, and Bessie Welsh as the stars. The famous Century Follies girls will also be seen in one of the September releases. The four pictures are "Traffic Jams," "Mind the Baby," "Low Bridges" and "Sahara Blues." They will be released weekly in the order named beginning Septermber 3. "Traffic Jams" is reported to be a decidedly humorous picturization of the perils encountered with the heavy traffic in large cities, and suggests several ways of overcoming them. Harry McCoy, Hilliard Karr and Bessie Welsh are the featured players. "Mind the Baby," in which "Pal" has the starring honors, was especially written for the dog star and gives him numerous opportunities to exhibit his almost human intelligence. "Low Bridges" is one of the Century Kid Pictures with Buddy Messinger as the star, supported by "Bubbles," Martha Sleeper and Eddie Hughes. "Sahara Blues" features the Century Follies Girls with Al Alt. picture of the hour! me real thing!