Universal Weekly (1927-1930)

Vol. 26, No. 4 Universal Weekly 17 The recent eruption of Mount Vesuvius provided International Newsreel with one of the most thrilling pictures shown in many months. It was made by Umberto Romagnoli, International Newsreel staff cameraman in Rome. Romagnoli climbed to the very edge of the crater, and planting his camera almost in the moving river of molten lava, made the thrilling pictures, although several times he was forced to flee for his life. The above picture shows a remarkable close-up of the main crater of Vesuvius. Universal Scenario Staff Prepares for Busy Season “Blake of Scotland Yard” Serialization Ready for Papers THE Universal Publicity Department reports that the newspaper serialization is ready on “Blake of Scotland Yard,” the deluxe chapterpicture now being distributed by Universal in first-run theatres. The serialization, prepared by Robert Hill, author and dix-ector of the chapter-play, is in twelve chapters of 1,200 words each. It is written in a graphic, interesting style, filled with suspense and calculated to match up with the best serializations on the market. It already has been allocated to the 1,500 leading newspapers which l’egularly ran Universal’s continued stories. Other papers also will be served by Universal’s exploitation men throughout the country. “Blake of Scotland Yai-d” is Universal’s greatest achievement in the serial field. It has been signed for by more first-run theatres than any three other serials ever put out by Universal. It is reaching the trade as a Universal Junior Jewel, the highest designation Carl Laemmle has for a short subject. Hayden Stevenson, Monty Montague, Gloria Gray, Grace Cunard, Albert Hart and other favorites are in the cast. The serialization is accompanied by punchful illustrations taken from the photodrama. “Cohens and Kellys” To Be Supervised By Julius Bernheim Announcement has been made by Universal executives that Julius Bernheim, superviser of Universal’s super-production, “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” would hold a similar position for the big laugh special, “The Cohens and Kellys in Paris,” the filming of which is scheduled to start presently. The picture will be a sequel to “The Cohens and Kellys,” the outstanding farce-comedy of the past year, and will be directed by William A. Beaudine. The cast will be announced at an early date, according to Beaudine. U T T OT STUFF,” a one-reel comedy starring Ben Hall under the direction of Doran Cox, and “Pins and Needles,” another onereeler with Max Kimmich directing and Arthur Lake starring, were started at Universal City this week. “A Total Loss” of the “Andy Gump” series of comedies was finished under Francis Corby’s direction. PROOF that no let-up in production plans for Universal is forthcoming was evinced this week with the schedule announcement of Edward Montagne, editor-in-chief of the Universal City scenario statf, and his two assistants, Joseph F. Poland and Charles Logue. Following are a few of the stories in the hands of the scenario department, all of which are scheduled for an important place on Universal’s releasing program for the coming season. “Use Your Feet,” an original story by Reginald Denny, in which he will be starred under the direction of Fi-ed Newmeyer. The adaptation is being made by Earl Snell. “Freedom of the Press,” a Peter B. Kyne newspaper epic story, is being prepared for George Melford by J. Grubb Alexander and Paul Kohner. This picture will embrace an all-star cast. “The Cohens and Kellys in Paris,” a successor to Universal’s great com edy success, “The Cohens and Kellys,” is being prepared for the screen by A1 Cohn. William A. Beaudine will direct with a cast to be announced later. “Give and Take,” a picturization of Aaron Hoffman’s stage comedy success which will star George Sidney and Jean Hersholt under the direction of William Beaudine. Harvey Thew is making the adaptation. “The Symphony,” an original story by Svend Gade, co-starring Marian Nixon, Jean Hersholt and George Lewis under the direction of F. Harmon Weight. “Fallen Angels,” Ai-thur Somers Roche’s widely read novel which is appearing serialy in the Red Book Magazine. Charles Logue is writing the scenario and Edward Laemmle will direct it. “13 Washington Square,” the wellknown mystery story by Leroy Scott, also is nearing production. Melville Brown will direct it. He now is working with Harry 0. Hoyt and Jack Townley on the script.