Universal Weekly (1932-1936)

86^ ■ -- ■ ■ = UNIVERSAL WEEKLY = Sept. 2, 1933 Re-creating "The Perils of Pauline” Evalyn Knapp, ivho plays the coveted role which Pearl White created in “Perils of Pauline.” Miss Knapp was a 1932 Warnpas Baby Star. Robert Allen, who plays the old Crane Wilbur role of Robert Ward. The name under which Robert Allen entered pictures was Hugh Enfield. FIRST SCENE FROM “PERILS OF PAULINE For six months Universal has been intensively preparing for a great serial adventure. Carl Laemmie, Jr. realized that to re-create the world's most famous serial, "The Perils of Pauline," would be a great moneymaker for exhibitors. The new generation of theatre-goers has never seen this tremendous war horse of a score of years ago. But there isn't a mother's son or daughter in the United States who doesn't know the name, "Perils of Pauline." There were two tasks which required the deftest kind of handling. One was to find a proper successor to Pearl White in the title role. The girl had to be an athlete; she had to be beautiful, and she had to be a good actress. In addition, she had to be fearless. That task was accomplished last week when Universal finally chose Evalyn Knapp to play the role. Miss Knapp is a beautiful blonde, a fearless athlete, an intelligent actress, and a beauty in her own right. She is a 1932 Wampas Baby Star, has had ample experience on the stage, in vaudeville and in pictures. She will make an ideal Pauline Hargrave. As her constant rescuer. Universal has chosen Robert Allen, who entered pictures under the name of Hugh Enfield and played with gratifying skill difficult roles in "Gordon of Ghost City," "Only Yesterday" and "Saturday's Millions." The other problem was the story it self. This task was entrusted to Ella O'Neill under the supervision of Henry MacRae, associate producer. Mr. MacRae explains the way in which Universal has changed the story in this manner: "In the days of the original 'Perils of Pauline' each episode ended anywhere, after a wild flurry of action. The public accepted this in the early days. There was no complaint when characters stepped out of their roles, were not true to type and were not what we of today would call 'believable.' "If we attempted to use the same script today we would be hooted out of the theatres. So we have built distinct characters, who never at any time lack intensity and seriousness. We have knit the plot in such a way WE DO OUR PART that each episode is a satisfying adventure in itself. And we are offering a different background for each episode, so that there will be no accusation of sameness. "I am particularly happy because we have secured the services of Miss Knapp. She is an intelligent, athletic, educated girl with wide experience on both stage and screen. In addition, she is an excellent athlete and looks as if she would be ready for any emergency. "Mechanical improvements mean that we can make the scenes more believable as far as action is concerned. In the early days mechanical devices were crude. How they deceived the public is astounding. Today they would break down illusion. We have fixed all that in the new version." + + + TINTYPES (Continued from Page 14) jointed and can do the cutest tricks. Her back is very well developed from dancing. Although they don't stand out, she has tremendous muscles under her arms. Her chest expansion is enormous. She can burst any dress she is wearing if she cares to. She likes tennis, swimming and horseback riding, but she never indulges. She hasn't time for outdoor sports.