Universal Weekly (1923-1925)

34 Universal Weekly August 30, 1924 Under The Spreading Century Plant A Qallery of Century Stars Hilliard Karr, the fat jnan of Century Comedies. Julius Stern Now In Paris JULIUS STERN, president of Century Comedies, is in Paris, according to cables received from there today, looking over the musical-comedy field for new starring material for Century comedies. When Mr. Stem left New York several weeks ago, it was announced that he was going to try and secure one of the leading beauties of the Follies Bergere to head his newly organized Century Follies Girls, as well as several stories of the French comedy school to be used as vehicles for Century stars. The vacation part of Mr. Stem's trip is apparently over and he is now getting down to business. Because of the many novelties which the Sterns have introduced in their two-reel comedies, in the past, it is expected that Julius Stern will have at least one or two startling announcements to make regarding his future productions when he returns early in the Fall. Abe Stem is still in Carlsbad, where he is enjoying a much needed and well earned vacation. It is expected that he will return to New York with his brother. The Century studios in Hollywood are now being put in shape for the rush of activities expected just prior to the return of the Messrs. Stem. Because the product for release during the next four months is already in the Universal exchanges, the Century studio was closed for a few weeks. During this time Wanda Wiley, Harry McCoy, Buddy Messinger, Hilliard Karr and other Century stars availed themselves of the opportunity to take a vacation. Now they are returning to the studios for work in new stories. Wanda Wiley says "Hou-dc-do." Wanda Wiley As a Soldier WANDA WILEY, the youthful comedienne who rose to stardom in Century Comedies after little more than a year on the screen, is soon to be seen in the role of a soldier. Edward I. Luddy, who has directed most of the Wanda Wiley Century Comedies, is soon to start production on "On Duty," the picture in which Wanda will enact the role of a soldier. Opposite her, as her sweetheart and the soldier who has to go home to visit his sick mother, will be Al Alt. Wanda Wiley in this picture, dons her sweetheart's uniform and takes his place in the ranks in order that he may go. Hilliard Karr will play the role of captain. "On Duty" will be on the release schedule for early next year. Al Alt, the handsome hero of Centuries Japan Still Likes Slapstick Comedy IN a letter to Julius Stem, president of Century Comedies, discussing the film situation in the Orient, Prouse Knox, Universal's representative in Japan, points out that the Japanese fans still prefer to take their film laughs from the old slap-stick, trick photography, beauty girls and animal comedies. Century Follies Girls and Century animal pictures are very popular in Japan, Mr. Knox states and further adds that comedies as a whole are more appreciated in the Orient than in other parts of the world. He mentions particularly the fact that Buddy Messinger Comedies are exceptionally popular with the Japanese people. They get many a hearty laugh out of them and ask for more. ■ iiliiliiliiiniiiihiHiiiliiiiiiiiiiiliiiiiiiiliiliiiiiiiiiiiiiii "Traffic Jams^^^ First Century Release for September t<rpRAFFIC JAMS," the first CenI tury Comedy on the September release schedule, is an hilarious tale of how to avoid accidents in the traffic of large cities. A special steel cage made in the shape of a ball, was especially made for this production. It is with this steel ball-cage that Harry McCoy as the hero of the story manages to safely cross the congested streets of his town. Although there may never be any further use for this expensive bit of "prop," Julius Stern ordered it built in order that Century Comedies may always be right up-to-the-minute and contain all the mith-provoking incidents witten into the script. With Harry McCoy in "Traffic Jams" is Hilliard Karr, another Century star, and Bessie Welsh, a promising young girl who has unusual talent and is already becoming very popular, though only a short time on the screen. Other releases on the Century program: "Low Bridge" with Buddy Messinger, "The Trouble Fixer" with Wanda Wiley and "Mind the Baby" with "Pal" the dog star.