Variety (Jan 1934)

VARIETY PICTURES Tuesday, January 9, 1934 Know When to Quit, Says Wes Ruggles, Who Is Prioud of His 'Rouse Lateral' It there's got to be a plot— don't hiammer. it In. Plant it sently, casy- ally_-th"fe audlencie will get the point. Hammer ch?iracterizations, that's what makes th6m grow—but the more you pound away estabHshlrig plot, the mOr)e nervous you make the audience, it, conipiells them to concentra:te oil the details of plot structure to. the detriment of the really important el^jn^hts, vrprries them into wondering 'what Id he do that for* and 'what does this mean' and through its very insist- ence upoii being understood, reveals what dh essentially untrue and arti- flclal framework plot construction is.' That's Wesley Ruggles reflect- ing on the way, he likes to make pictures. , When Mr, Ruggles has been per? mitted to make them, big way, they turned oiit to be the pictures that got places, he says. Perhiaps be- causfe he ca:n do well only what he believes in. Somehow that which he does contrary' to his own judg- nieht, but in deference to the wishes of the front offlce, nearly always turns out to tie terrible, he recalls, arid after the first cut Is usually iEoUrid on the ctitting' room floor. People, real people, what they do, why they do it, what happens to theiti, what makes them go round— that's the kind 6f stuff of which RUggles likes to make pictures. 'There was iio plot to. 'dimmaron,' but characters f ulflUihg their natural destinies. It was the personalities that sustained 'College Hunior' de- spite its plot. Plot came near sloughing 'I'm No Angel,' till most of it was scissored out at the-first cut.' Curtai Along with keeping plot under control, Ruggies is an Impassioned believer in dropping the cur tain, at the right time. 'There come? a cer- tain point When your story is over; How can you tell when that point Is reached? It's a subconscious knoy^ing that the thing is finished. An Instinct, and an instinct that must be obeyed. It's fatal to go on beyond that point, though it's done so often: ^You can hold an audience lust so long,' he $ays. 'The audi- ence is smarter than yoilr picture. It's miles aliead of you. Tou'i^e not fooling anybody, prolonging your picture when It's dramatically over. You only weaken the force you've generated, destroy the favorable Im- pression btiilt up during, the story's real confines.* Looking bac* on his directorial career, Ruggles, a football enthusi- ast, feels'^^ecretly proudest of a play ,ie devised for the game In 'College Humor,' a play called the 'Rouse lateral' in the picture. It was de vised primarily because it would photograph well. He explained it to Howard Jones, the U. S. C. coa,ch ,and team working In the picture, and they found it not only easy to photograph, but practicable, too, and It's now one of the standard plays for U. S. C, Ruggles says. FLOODED LOCATIONS Hollywood Catches Free Stock for Libraries Hollywoodv Jkn. . Most of the major studios and some Indies took time off "Tuesday (2) to grab some stock footage of damage caused by the Southern California flood. Cameramen tried particularly to get shots of collapsed houses, floodr ed streets and wrecked bridges. Zakor Personafly Setting Those lOG Dates for Pickford afary Pickford's stage bookings are being extended, with two moi;e weeks added—^BOs.ton, Jan, 19, and Brooklyn (Paramount), Jan. 26. She's in Chicago currently.. game guarantee, $16,000, thtit Miss Pickford received at the New York Paramount prevails for the road dates, although the percentage splits v&ty. In New York Xmas week Miss Pickford didn't excised her guarantee, with the house at $50,000 grossing $10,000 under the split figure. Miss pickford's bookings are hot being arranged in the ordinary way through the regular Par booking ofllce, but by Adolph Zukor. person ally. Steni'$ Indie to Try Out Arty Theories Hollywood, Jan. 8 Montage and other arty theories on picture, making will get a thdr ough workout in 'Pueblo,' which is to be directed, scripted and edited i)y Seymour Stern, one of jaolly-, wood's, chief proponents of pho'to- gfraphlc and directorial twists pat- terned after Russian and other for eign flltns. Stern has complete charge of all production on the historical story of [ndlan life. Picture, to cost $75,000, is being made Independently and without a release among the Pueblo tribes in New Mexico,: Utah and Colorado. It is being financed by Mrs. Leonie Sterner, wealthy New Mexico woman, who is turning film angel for the first time. Stern with Henwr.r Rodaklewicz, his assistant, and Floyd Crojsby, cameraman; have left for Santa Pe, N.M., where picture Will be started. Philip E. Stevenson, Santa Fe writer, authored 'Pueblo,' Call Him Colonel It's Colonel Sol Rosenblatt now. The NRA bosa pf thQ amuse- ment Industry codes Is the la,t- est addition to the huge staff of Goy, Ruby A. XAfbon of Kentucky. Commif^slon came through last weiek while RP^V "w^ts tn New York. Whether L A. or IBEW To Represent Studio Squndmeni Via Vote WILL MAHONEY ITeek Jan. S, BUoblcan Theatre, Detroit The Detroit. Free Press siaid: This comedian is iso widely known and- established as an entejrtalneiP par exciellence that he needs ho. new: encomiums. His songs; agile legs; and his remarkable ability to play the ixylophone with his feet never weary an audience-" All Communications Direct to WILL MAHONEY 460 80th Street Brooklyn, Nevy York CHAS. CHAPLIN AGAIN SETS BACK HIS PIC Mamoulian for Sten Hollywood, Jan. 8 Rouben Mamoulian will direct \nna Sten's next, 'Resurrection, which goes into production April i for. Gold wyn. Hollywood, Jan. 8. Charles Chaplin, has again post- poned the start of his picture, not figuring to get. under way until March. First starting date was last November. ^ Chaplin Is putting his story In script form for his conaing picture and the added time Is needed, for revising. On previous film, the cohiediah shot only from notes or off the Cliff, Geo. O'Brien Off Fox Lotf May Go Metro Hollywood, Jaii. '8. Metro Is negotlatlngr for George O'Brien, who quit Fox after, nearly 10 years on the same lot. If they get him^ he'll be pro moted in a series of super-west ems. 'Stealing Through Life' Next for Thalberg-MG Hollywood, Jan. 8. Next picture for Irving Thalberg production at Metro will be 'Steal ing Through Life,' Rowland Brown to direct. 'Life' will precede 'China Sea,' originally Intended for the next one. I Montgomery Set With Sullayan for U's *Man' Hollywood. Jan. 8 Douglass Montgomery- is the male lead in Frank Borzage's 'Little Man, What Now?' for Universal, with Margaret Sullavan the fendme top- I per. Pic starts late this month. As Kent Douglas, Montgomery had a two-pIc deal with U three years ago, but quit to return to the stage. Buz Berkeley Becomes Full-Medged Director Hollywood, Jan. 8. Warners will raise Busby Berk eley frOm straight dance directing to a. full megger, spot. He will direct a musical. Carl Btisson In Carl risson, Paramouht's new: est import, arrives in New Yorklto day (9) frOni London. He Is Swed- ish but stopped off at London en- route to. make a British version yt 'Two Hearts in Waltz Time' for BJ.P. Par is bringing him over for 'Murder at the Vanities.' Brisson did some, version work for Par abroad and as a result was given a long term ticket. He will ^pend a week In New York before rattlering to Hollywood. Par iSets Joan Marsh STEPHENS BACK TO FIX Oh completion of his engagement with 'Dai'k Victory,' Alexander Mc- Kaig play, which opened In New Haven a week ago, Harvey Stephens V. ! return to pictures on the coast. He had the legit contract with McKalg prior to^ going out fdr Fox 1flx"'m6nths"agb""arid"1iaa'to^^^^ before continuing in celluloid. COLUSON ON BKADT PIC Hollywood, Jan. 8. Wilson Colllson has been spotted With Metro to do a new treatment of 'Madamolselle',' Alice Bvady starrer. Harry Rapf flupcrvl.«(eB. Hollywood, Jan. 8. Joan Marsh, recently contracted by Paramount, draws a featured lead In 'Murder a^t the Vanlltles,' which Mitchell , Lelseh directs. Earl Carroll, and 12 glrlfl are com- ing west to assist in staging the I dance ensembles. The Duke Ellineton orchestra Is due here mid-November to cbntrlb iite Its colored jaz2iqtle, sole . Inter 1 polated specialty. SAILINGS Feb. 16 (Los Angeles to Russia) Henry McCarthy and Helinar Berg- man (Anne Johnson). .Jan. 11 (world cruise) Max Plohnj George iSamuels (Priesldent Johnson). « Jan. 6 (New York to London) Mltzl Miatyfalr. . Jules. Dema rla.. (La fayette). Jan. 6 (New York to Genoa) Thomas W. Dewart (Rex). Jan B (New York to London), Ir vlng Ascher (Mauretanla). Jan. 5 (New York to Hollywood) ilarry M. Warner, Danny Danker (California). Jan. 9 (London to New York), Carl Brisson (Aquitahia). Los A.ngeies, Jan. 8. Following an exchange of, tele- grams and phone calls between the Los Angeles - regional labor board and the National Labor Board, the ba,ri the proposed soundmen's election, to And out which group the workers want to represent theni ih the producers parley, hais been re- movedi Election is set to tq,ke place to day C8) and tomorrow at the Writ- ers Club, Hollywood. National Board has instructed the reginal board to supervise the. bal lotlhg on condition that it would hot affect jurisdictional aspects on this troublesonie question. Washington previously held that the question whether, the IATSE or IBEW had jurlisdictioh wa;s Up to the AFL and would not allow recog- nition, tbi any election that affected AFL rights or rulings- First attempted use of the in junction as an instrument in setr tlins issues between.: the two labor unions flivvered here in Superior Court when Judge Leon Yankwlch ordered a non-suit in the effort of International Alliance of Theatrical Stase Employees, Local. 37v to re strain Local 40 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers from usurping motion picture stu- dio Jobs in alleged violation of the 1926 agreement between the two or gantzatlons. Termination of the case In favor of the IBEW came when the L\.TSE failed by testimony to show that IBEW, electrical workers' union, had any responsibility in the alleged abrogation of the old Jurisdictional contract, or any part In the super sedlng pact signed by Harry P. Brlgaerts, v.-p. of the. International IBEW, ahd Pat Casey, representing the Producers' Committee, following the, studio strike in August. This pact, . which, split the tWo labor bodies wide open in bitter warfare, provides that—only members of IBEW are to have electrical •work- ers' jobs in the major studios, and has. threatened to wipe but the IATSE; Local 37, as a bargaining body With producers. in commenting on his dexJislon, and denying the motion o* Plaln tiff's attorneys Daniel G. Marshall and V. C. Hlckson, to reopen the case to supply defects In testlmohy. Judge Yankwich said that the use of the injunctive powers by labor Is a novelty; always bitterly com plained of labor which now appar ently was ready to use It for its own uses instead of permitting it to be monopolized by antagonists of or gahlzed labor. Lost Option Turmoil New York end of Columbia spent a rather hectic seyen days laist .week because the studio had per- mitted its option. on Ann Sothern to lapse. IDemand for the actress from other Coast lots instigated, the 1 turmoil. Columbia: spent most, of the week trying to effect, a new Stri-angement With the i)layer and is reported still in -piurSuit. Studios Peddle Shelved Yarns to &ch Odier Hollywood, Jan. Althougii the big studios are cry^ in^ ;for material, it is well known that all have- admittedly .fine properties In their , scenario depart* ment. llles. TV'hiie many of these yarns are' gathering du^t because of the bkqk- grounds ihyoived,. It Is also true that the companies just cannot fit contract ■ personalities, or dlreciora. to theni. Most stories now -pur- chased are for particular stars br~ directors, oir becausb of.. the en-., thuslasm of' an. eussoc late prdducer. The. studibs are trying ^ clear th«lr..files.of the more expensive qt these properties which they have deolde.d they can never be put In screen form. Dozens of such stories are being quietly peddled by favored agents to Qthei" companies, and any sort of a deal-will be considered. Along these lines he|:otiatlbns are also current for the swapiplne of stbries. Rotige' Choo^CiiM BaDy a ta'42nd St' Special train going coast to coast with a .number of stars and girls, ahd visiting all cities en routcf will be used by United Art- ists as builder-upper for 'Moulin Rouge/ it wlli be called 'Moulin Rouge Caravain' and goes Out with a tieup with Socony Oil. Making the trip will be Leo Oar rlllo, Jlniniy Qleason an^ wife. Bus- ' sell Gleason, ..Raymond Hatton« Crelghton Hale, Anna Q;. Nlllson, Mary Carlisle. Sally Blane, Arllne Judge, Patsy Ruth Miller and ISJahcy Welfbrd. Train starts from. New York Feb. 1 going to Philadelphia as first stop. Also to be visited, will be Washington, Baltimore, Hartford, Boston, Albany, Rochester, Buffalo, Cleveland, Detroit, Milwaukee^ indianapblis, St. LOuis, Kansas City, Los Angeles and San Fran- cisco. Dozen girls will go along, all. Ini costume all the time. Group will make personal appearances in the- atres en route as well as broadcast on local stations everywhere* Similar stunt was used by War- ners oh '42nd Street.' "The. WB ex- ploitation mdn, G. E. Sully, in* charge of the '42nd Street' Special has tied up with UA for 'Moulin Rouge.' Par Buys 'Voice' Paramount has bought the picture rights to Max Gordon's 'Her Mast- ers' Voice.' Price quoted is slightly; more than $40,000. 'Voice* IS one ot Broadway comedy hits, spotted at the Plymouth. Picture will be made next sum- mer, but the release date i^ not agreed on. Mugg Rubin Mimics Hollywood, Jan. 8, Eddie Rubin, former Variett mugg and more, recently Radio I publicist, has turned actor. He'll be bracketed with his brother Benny in 'Eddie and Bennife,* Radio short. MG Ties Nelson Eddy Hollywood, Jan. 8^ Previous to his depj(.rture on a concert' tour. Nelson Eddy was handed a new. contract by Metro. Return^ next spring to make •Prisoner ot Zenda' as his first pic, MAYO BACK ON JOB Hollywood, Jan. 8. Archie Mayo Is back here, after a two week Honolulu trip to rbsume l^ls duties at Warners. Hrlir^O" get "rlght=10"=^ork^'o^ |ture with Lou Edelmisin superviislng, NATi^OEABCE'S SHOBTS Nayan Pearce Is doubling be tween 'Roberta' and short subjects:. She started on latter for Warners I at the Vita Brooklyn studio ^hurs day (4) to play female leads in oiie or two reelers as needed. MILESTONE WANTS MUNI Oblumbla Is talking to Paul Muhi [for the Soviet film upon , whiclv Lewis Milestone toured Europe" I most of last year. Milestone picked lip some stock stuff In' Moscow. The Munis are sailing for Mos- cow oh a vacash and are being, urged to return sooner than sched- uled for the Columbia deal, if termis! [ are agreeable. BESEBYE ON HEIIIN&EB . _Pecjsion On. Mark jielltnger'fl_ suit fQr $500 against UrilversaTTIb- tures was reserved after a hearing I before Judge Shalleck in West. 64th Street Court, New York, yesterday (Monday). .Columnist sued for au- thor's fees fot .a short produced by j Rowland and Brice for U. Helllnger . had previously won a 1 Judgment ' for the same amount against il.&B.