Universal Weekly (1925-1930)

VOL. 29, No. 4 Universal Weekly 9 Universal Officials Join Laemmle To Plan New Universal Product Indications Point to More Big Talking Pictures from Universal Lou B. METZGER, general manager, M. Van Praag, general sales manager, and C. B. Paine, treasurer, of the Universal Pictures Corporation, joined Carl Laemmle last week at Hot Springs, Ark., to decide upon the Universal' output for the 1929-1930 season. Laemmle recently came East from California where he received the latest studio advices from Carl Laemmle Jr., Robert E. Welsh, Edward Montague and other studio heads. The group from New York took with them the latest advices of Mrs. Florence Strauss, “U” scenario chief, and various sales executives, as to available material and exhibitor trends. Indications point to a greatly increased schedule of super talking pictures from Universal next year. The reported success in production of “Show Boat’’ and “Broadway,” Universal’s two sound-supers now nearing the screen, and the exceptional interest in them by exhibitors, has inclined the Universal officials to plan for a strong array of big pictures for next season. Two already are set for production. One is “The King of Jazz,” with Paul Whiteman and his orchestra, and the other is “The Minstrel Show,” with Eddie Leonard. Several others are in contemplation. In addition to these supers. Universal has tentatively made arrangements for twenty or more talking pic QC tures of Jewel quality. Among them will be “The Bargain in the Kremlin,” by Sir Philip Gibbs, starring Joseph Schildkraut, directed by Paul Leni; “The Climax,” famous Edward Locke play, directed by Renaud Hoffman; “The Last Act,” by Joseph Swirling; “Barnum Was Right,” starring Reginald Denny; “The Drake Murder Case,” “Erik the Great,” directed b'Dr. Paul Fejos; “the Luxury Husband,” by Maysie Grieg; “Port of Dreams,” by John Clymer; “The Shannons of Broadway,” wth James Gleason; “The Great Cinema Murder” and “The World Tomorrow,” both by Leonard Fields; “The Man Hunt,” by Harry Hoyt; “Tonight at Twelve,” by Owen Davis, and “Flaming Daughters,” by Beatrice Van. All details as to Universal’s plans in the Western field and in the short subject field await the return of Mr. Laemmle and Mr. Metzger from Hot Springs. Universal, however, is making a number of sound short subjects at the present time, most of which probably will be included in next season’s release. They are a new series of “The Collegians,” with sound and dialogue; “High and Low Lifes of History,” a sound series by and with Benny Rubin; a series of shorts with Pat Rooney, Marian Bent and Pat III. Also, the Oswald the Lucky Rabbit cartoon comics now are synchronized. Laura la PLANTE, Universal’s popular star, soon to be seen in the biggest role of her career, that pf Magnolia in Carl Laemmle ’s super-talking version of “Show Boat,” is a revelation in the dialogue and singing sequences just made for the picture, Universal studio officials report 'With the advent of sound pictures, there was some concern in Universal circles as to whether Miss La Plante would register as well with her voice as she does with her face and acting. The “Show Boat” sequences prove, according to advices just received from the coast, that she is a “find” for talking pictures. It now develops that she lost no time when faced with Universal Buys Rights To Play UNIVERSAL announces the purchase of “The Third Party,” New York stage success by Mark Swan. Reginald Denny will star in the screen version, which is to be made after “Companionate Troubles”, his next picture. The story is based on a practice in the Cafe Royal in London, whereby a “third party”, a man, will sit in with a couple, who are married but not to each other, so that he may pose as the woman’s husband in case the man’s wife appears on the scene. It will be a talking picture. the new era of studio microphones, but went in for an intensive period of voice culture and singing lessons. The result is said to warrant great encouragement on the part of stars of the silent drama who are uncertain as to their future in sound pictures. Miss La Plante, as Magnolia, is called upon to enact various scenes on the stage in the show boat. Her diction and resonance are said to be ideal for talking film reproduction. Also, she is called upon to sing various negro folk songs and crooning melodies. Again she has made her mark upon the sound track. Harry Pollard, the director of “Show Boat,” expects the production to be on the screen in several weeks. Laura La Plante a Revelation In “Show Boat” Dialogue Shots