Universal Weekly (1925-1933)

Published bvthe Motion PictureWeeklv Pub 1 1sfTinM^^ksGl^BM^Q}5^4venueNewYorkGty * Copyright. 1926 » UNIVBRSAWP/CTUResjpORPORA TJ0hl^R,qhffReserve3'M^___ Vol. XXIII MAY 8, 1926 No. 13 UNIVERSAL MOVIEGRAMS AFTER long weeks of suffering in a New York hospital, Harry Pollard, whose direction of "Uncle Tom's Cabin" has been so cruelly held up, through an X-ray discovered that he had a fractured jaw. The fracture was due to a too enthusiastic dentist in Plattsburg in an attempt to relieve an infection. The entire company has folded up its paraphernalia and entrained for California on the Twentieth Century. UNIVERSAL has purchased two stories for Reginald Denny. One is "The Four Flusher" by Ceasar Dunn, produced last year at the Times Square Theatre in New York with Russell Mack in the role which Denny will play. The other is "The Cheerful Fraud," a novel by K. R. G. Browne, published last year by Putnams. UNIVERSAL has changed the name of Dana Burnett's "Technic," which has just been completed at Universal City with Billie Dove, Francis X. Bushman. Warner Oland and Grace Darmond in the principal roles, to "The Show World." Lois Weber directed the picture, which pre-views acclaim as a dramatic triumph. MELVILLE BROWN is receiving congratulations on his first directorial effort, "H e r Big Night," the Laura La Plante starring vehicle which he has just cut and titled at Universal City. Brown has been assigned to the direction of 'Taxi! Taxi!", the Saturday Evening Post story by George Weston. It. has Universal To Distribute "Michael Strogoff " In U.S. CARL LAEMMLE has purchased, for American distribution, another European super picture. So well pleased was Mr. Laemmle with the ovation which was given to "Les Miserables" in London, that contracts were immediately signed for the purchase, from the same company, (Societe des Cineromans) of "Michael Strogoff." "Michael Strogoff," or "The Courier of the Czar," by Jules Verne, has had a full and glorious history, both as a novel and as a play. In literary form, it has been translated into nineteen different languages, having run through a tremendous number of editions in the United States alone. In dramatic form, and usuallv under the title of "The Courier of the Czar," it has been one of the dependable war horses for touring companies, stock presentaions, the ten-twenty-thirt'. It ranks right after "Uncle Tom's Cabin" in its country-wide popularity as a play. The production of "Michael Strogoff," as made by Societe des Cineromans, follows in every important particular with the utmost fidelity, the colorful Jules Verne' story of the invasion of Siberia, by the Tartar hordes and the desperate journey of the Czar's courier to deliver a message to the Grand Duke, imprisoned in Irkutsch. The leading role, that of "Michael Strogoff," is played by Ivan Mosjoukine, and with the film, Universal also engages the services of Mosjoukine to star in Universal pictures. Mosjoukine is as famous in Europe as Jannings, although few of the pictures in which he has appeared have been shown in America. A Russian actor — most of his film work has been done in France. He has starred in "Keane," "The House of Mystery" and "Passing Shadows," prior to "Michael Strogoff." He has directed and written most of his own starring productions and has been under contract for some time to Societe des Cineromans. The new contract calls for his entering the Universal employ on August 1st. I» view of the fact, however, it may ba decided to star him in "L'Homme Qui Rit" which Universal will make in connection with the Societe Generale de Films, Paris, and which is scheduled to start on September 1st. "Michael Strogoff" will be sent to New York as soon as it is finally edited. It will be released here following "Les Miserables." already been put in continuity form by Raymond Cannon. COMPLETING a vacation of nearly a month, climaxed by a personal appearance at the opening in New York of "The Midnight Sun," Laura La Plante entrained on Tuesday for Universal City and a starring role in "Butterflies in the Rain," on which Edward Sloman is all ready to shoot his first scenes. This Andrew Soutar novel was put in continuity form by Charles Kenvon. KING BAGGOT, who already has established a name for himself as a maker of racing stories with "The Kentucky Derby," has been assigned to the direction of "Down the Stretch," based on th« racing stories by John Tainter Foote.