Universal Weekly (1920, 1923-27)

March 1, 1924 Universal Weekly — 32 “Under the Spreading Century Plant” Last Minute Additions To Century Productions LAST production reports on “The Jockey” and “Stranded,” Centuries, stress the fact that special attention is being given each of the pictures, and that last minute additions of well known comedy names had been made. Max Mogi, late of Billy West comedies and “Leave it to Gerry,” A Billie Rhodes feature, has been added to “The Jockey” cast of players. Mary Land, who plays important parts in “The Breaking Point,” a Paramount Picture; “Don’t Call It Love,” with Nita Naldi, and “A Question of Honor” with Anita Stewart, has also been added to the cast of Buddy Messinger’s jockey comedy. She will play a Mother role, for which she is best known and suited. Bessie Welsh, Bernard Hyman and George Gyton have been added to the already finely assembled cast of “Stranded.” “The Jockey” now includes, besides Buddy Messinger, Martha Sleeper, “Spec” O’Donnel, Joe Bonner, Max Mogi and Mary Land. Al. Herman is directing it. “Stranded” now includes Harry McCoy, Fatty Karr, Al. Alt, Betty Young, Bessie Welsh, Bernard Hyman and George Gyton. Noel Smith is the director of this Century Comedy. Hollywood Previews For Century Output NEWS from the studio of Century Comedies announces that every new comedy made by this organization is going through the unfailing process of theatre previews. Each new picture, before it leaves for New York for Universal distribution, is reviewed unheralded and unadvertised at neighborhood theatres — at times only several hours after final titles are inserted. Most of the local Hollywood theatres are resorted to, for these picture houses are unusually willing to co-operate with the producer who is endeavoring to better his product. Here laughs, suspense, the “topping” of gags — everything necessary for the success of a genuine comedy — are recorded by member of Century’s production departments. After reports are compiled, editors and title writers complete their work, thanks to these audience-tested showings in Hollywood. Theatres of the type of the Granada, Hollywood and Iris are being used, most effectively, by president Julius Stern, under whose personal supervision each Century Comedy is being written or rewritten, built-up and produced. The idea has proved most beneficial, says Mr. Stern. % U ^ 'S? ?> ^ . SThe Darling of New York ” Screened on S. S. George Washington AMRICANS aboard — homeward bound — had their first glimpse of New York three days before they passed the Statue of Liberty. The S. S. George Washington, storm-tossed most of the trip, played Baby Peggy’s recent Universal-Jewel, “The Darling of New York” on its last trip from Europe. Most of the action takes place, with Baby Peggy playing the central role, in and around New York’s ghetto and lower east side. The passengers expressed delight at the Baby Peggy Jewel. Herman Has Directed Thirtieth for Sterns WITH the completion of “Young Tenderfoot,” formerly “Wilder and Woolier,” director Al. Herman produced his thirtieth Century Comedy for Julius and Abe Stern. All but twelve of them were with Buddy Messinger, who plays the featured role in “Young Tenderfoot.” Herman’s record dates back to the first all-animal comedy made by Century, namely “Just Dogs.” Since then he has directed Messinger, Jack Earle, and Earle and McCoy as a team. He was formerly with Jack White, Roach, Fox and other comedy producing companies. Several weeks after the original contract with Century, Stern Brothers made him director-in-chief of all their comedy units. Since then he has completed an unbroken line of successes, among which “She’s a He,” “Buckin’ the Line,” “The Caddy,” “Quit Kidding” and “Young Tenderfoot” stand out as his best with Buddy. “Obey the Law,” “Sons-in-Law” and “Hit Him Hard” are among his best with Jack Earle and Harry McCoy. Herman is now well under way on “The Jockey,” in which Buddy is being starred. This picture is the first of a new series, and it is Herman’s intention to surpass everyone of his pictures of the past. Names Personnel °f Script Department JULIUS STERN, from the Century Comedies studio at Hollywood, reports that the personnel of the newly organized Script Building department has been selected. As noted previously, “Pinto,” the famous cartoonist, will officiate as head of this “continuity-script building unit.” Tom O’Neill and Max Alexander of the Technical department, Sig Neufeld and Bert Sternbach of the Production department, Edward Luddy and Ray Herman compose the membership of the Board. They will, collectively, be responisble for the choice of story materials and the necessary re-vamping before being turned over to directors for producing. Directors, it is explained, are automatically acting members of this new department, but only in advisory positions. The entire functioning of this essential “spoke in the wheel of sane producing” comes under the personal jurisdiction of either one of the Stern Brothers, depending, of course, which one is at the Universal City studio in charge of picture making. No stories shall be purchased or accepted from outsiders or the directors themselves unless unanimously accepted and passed upon by the entire Board. This will assure a product in keeping with the high standai’d consistently maintained by the Century Corporation.