Universal Weekly (1924-1936)

February 5, 1927. Universal Weekly 29 Stem Brothers 1927-28 Schedule Is Well Advanced in Production COMEDY production is at its peak at the Hollywood studio of the Stern Film Corporation, makers of Stern Brothers Comedies, according to word which has just been received from the Coast. Three companies are now in work, with two others about to begin camera work. The new two-reel series being adapted from Rube Goldberg's famous cartoon, "Mike and Ike, They Look Alike," is well under way, the first three having already been completed and sent to New York, where they were previewed this week by Universal department heads and hailed as exceptional. Francis Corby, director of the "Mike and Ike" Comedies, reports from the Coast that the fifth tworeeler of the series is nearing completion. This means that almost half of next year's supply of these comedies will be ready for exhibitor inspection within a few weeks, an unprecedented record in the comedy production field. The Stern Brothers state that they want exhibitors to look at these comedies this Spring, long before they get ready to sign up, so that the high quality of the series will be well known far in advance. The "Mike and Ike" series is being made with Charles King as Mike, and Charles Dorety as Ike. Various Hollywood beauties are being used in the feminine roles. Ethlyne Clair, better known as the Mrs. Newlywed of "The Fifth of Rube Goldberg's "Mike and Comedies Nearing Completion and Series Are Well Under Way Newlyweds and Their Baby" Comedies, made by the same concern, is being cast in some of the comedies. Thelma Daniels, a blonde beauty recently signed up by the Sterns, is another. Also, the popular blonde twins of the picture world, Mary and Margy Angus, have been engaged to appear in several of the series. These girls are remembered for their work in "Flesh and the Devil," a current feature success, and in Reginald Denny's popular Universal feature, "I'll Show You the Town." Margery Marcel also will be seen in the "Mike and Ike" series. Gus Meins, who has risen to screen fame as the director of the first two Buster Brown series and the first "Newlywed" comedies, is now engaged at the Stern plant in the making of the third Buster Brown series. The same players are being used for Buster, Mary Jane and Tige, namely, Arthur Trimble, Doreen Turner and Pete, the dog comedian. Another principal has been added to the cast in Albert Schaefer, one of the screen's best known fat boys. He is ten years old and weighs 138 pounds. He will be seen as Buster's rival. This youngster is best known for his work in "The American," "No Control," Ike" Other "The Conqueror" and "The Red Mill." Work also is progressing on the current "Let George Do It" comedies, with Sid Saylor as the George of the famous George McManus cartoons. The Sterns promise that the new George Comedies are even better than these released last fall. This series is reported by the Universal sales department as being one of the most popular comedy series ever offered. The tworeelers of the series are being played in fir&t-nm houses all over the country, it is stated, and are bringing increased rentals because of the growing demand for them. Within several weeks, "The Newlyweds and Their Baby" comedies will be put into production again, with Sid Saylor, Ethlyne Clair and Sunny McKeen, the remarkable baby, in the roles of Mr. and Mrs. Newlywed and Snookums, as formerly. This series has been one of the sensations of the past screen year, and the new series is expected to outdo the first in boxoffice value and entertainment. Also, the Sterns announce that the new "Keeping Up With the Joneses" to be made from Pop Momand's popular newspaper cartoon strip, will g'o into production within a few days. No details as to director or cast h'aVe been made public, but it is understood that efforts are being made to assure this series a high exhibition value. IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIJIiNIIJIMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIirillMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII Lucien Littlefield Added to Cast Of Laemmle Film THE name of Lucien Littlefield, veteran character actor of both stage and screen, has been added to the cast of "Cheating Cheaters," which Edward Laemmle will direct for Universal, it was announced at Universal City yesterday. Littlefield will portray the role of "Ira Lazarre," which is second in importance only to the parts played my Betty Compson and Kenneth Harlan, who will be featured in the picture. "Cheating Cheaters" will be a screen adaptation of Max Marcin's famous stage play of the same name that enjoyed a phenomenal run on Broadway a few years ago with Marjorie Rambeau in the leading role. Littlefield is appearing in the Univ 6 r s a 1 production, "Uncle Tom's Cabin," in which he plays the part of "Marks," the lawyer. His woi-k in Harriet Beecher Stowe's epic novel prompted Laemmle to secure him for his present role, which, it is predicted, will give the veteran actor a wider scope in which to display his histrionic talents than he has ever had before. Potel to Direct One-Reel Series VICTOR POTEL, noted writer, gag man and director, has been signed by Carl Laemmle, president of Universal Pictures Corporation, to direct a series of 26 one-reel comedies. Half of these will star Arthur Lake, Universal contract player who made such a hit in the "Sweet Sixteen" comedies last year. Production on these pictures is scheduled to start early in February. The star for the second series of 13 has not yet been selected. Nossler Signed As Film Editor For Universal LLOYD NOSSLER, one of the best known figures in the film industry, has been appointed Supervising Film Editor at Universal City, it has been announced by Carl Laemmle, president of that Corporation. Nossler, who has been associated with various Hollywood studios since 1911, first joined Universal in 1915 as a film cutter. He served in several different departments, leaving the studio at the time war was declared. Some of the outstanding box-office successes over which he has had complete editing supervision are "Ben Hur," "The Red Lily," "The Temptress," "Flesh atid the Devil" and many others. Nos^lei was married recently and cut short his honeymoon i<y take up his new dtiiaes.