Variety (November 1917)

48 MOVING PICTURES KEENEY JUST LISTENING. Since word was flashed that Frank A. Kcency is putting the Keeney millions back of a new film venture which had Catherine Calvert as its first feminine star, there have been numerous endeav- ors by some of Broadway's biggest film makers to have Mr. Keeney come with- in their manufacturing field. So far Keeney has declined all offers, but there is no telling what exchange ar- rangement he may consummate after the first of the year. Keeney has been beseiged daily by exchange men, directors and players, including "supes," who say they are Broadway's best little workers, who are anxious to get lined up with the Kee- ney forces. Just what will be Miss Calvert's first screen subject has not been settled. Mr. Keeney has several pieces under consideration. Of late Keeney has had conferences with several of the big film men in New York, but he has refrained from making any definite decision, it is re- ported. SCREEN WRITER OF PROMISE. Los Angeles, Nov. 28. A writer of screen dramas who has come to the front and whose achieve- ments promise to place him among the world's leading cinema play- wrights is Monte M. Katterjohn, now with Paralta. Mr. Katterjohn was one of Thos. H. Ince's script mainstays for a long period. "The Flame of the Yukon** is his most notable work to date, but as he keeps pounding incessantly at his Remington, having turned out a large number of scenarios, it is al- most assured the near future will see several really big camera themes credited to this ingenious and alert author. FAKE RED CROSS BILLING. New York has a report a number of itinerant film men are making certain territory with film exhibitions "under the auspices of the Red Cross," and that by using this line have played a chord responsive at the box offices. Ac- cording to men attached to the Red Cross work in New York, not a single one of these outfits is entitled to use the billing and none have been "offi- cially" commissioned to work any sym- pathy in its behalf. The present investigation in New York of "war benefits" has also aroused the heads of the Red Cross, who will issue a public note warning the coun- tryside to beware of fake Red Cross fund performers. Fall River, Mass., Nov. 28. Leonard A. Deslys, who advertised to give a recital at Music Hall in this city last Wednesday evening for the benefit of the American Red Cross, did not show up when the police took an interest in the recital. The police found the Red Cross had not given him authority to conduct a recital for its benefit. They learned that the young man, who studied music in Germany three years, had been dishonorably dis- charged from the U. S. Navy. There is a Federal act against fraudu- lently representing to be an agent of the Red Cross for the purpose of re- ceiving money. Artjsts who were to assist Deslys at the recital refused to appear after they had learned of the matter. Two Directors Leaving Goldwyn. Frank Crane and Arthur Ashley are leaving the Goldwyn directing staff. Madge Kennedy has a new director, i. e., Edward Dillon, formerly with Famous Players. BROOKLYN'S NEW STRAND. FILM ROAD SHOWS CONING IN? Picture outfits playing the legiti- mate time through the south are hav- ing a hard time and the majority are expected to return within the next fort- night. In Texas particularly since Nov. 1 the traveling film managers have done everything possible to draw in profit and have done some tall wildcatting in an endeavor to unearth virgin terri- tory that would show some box office activity. Reports from the road say that some of the "Birth of a Nation" outfits have not done one-third the business of for- mer trips. The wiseacres declare that when the "Nation" fails to draw there is not much hope for any of the others. A real estate deal has been consum- mated in Brooklyn for a picture house along the lines of the Strand, New York, to be ready for occupancy by late" spring. It has been rumored tor a year or so. The Brooklyn Strand will be built by the same interests that made pos- sible the Broadway Strand, it is said. Max Spiegel, of the Strand Amusement Co., New York, would not comment on that report Arrangements have been made for the erection of a huge picture palace adjacent to the Majestic, Brooklyn, with the plans providing for the main entrance on Fulton street Work on demolishing the buildings on the pres- ent site is expected to start next month. NORMA TALMADGE'S NEXT. "By Right of Purchase" is the next feature Norma Talmadge will start in a few days. She finished "Ghosts of Yesterday" late last week, and is tak- ing a vacation in the interim. Charles Miller will also direct the newest Talmadge picture. EMPIRE L I. STATION DARK. The Empire All-Star Co., formed for the filming of the Charles Froh- man plays, has ceased operations at the Glendale, Long Island, studio, and it is reported but two more pictures will be made under that brand on the Coast. Thus far ten features have been made. The report is current that the film- ing of Edna Goodrich pictures under the Empire All-Star brand for Mutual have been abruptly terminated. A telegraph inquiry to the Mutual offices in Chicago from Varibtt, ask- ing confirmation of the report, failed to bring a reply. RAPF FILM FINISHED. After three months of preparation Harry Rapf announces the completion of his seven-reeler, 'The Struggle Everlasting," said to represent an out- lay of large proportions. It is a modern morality play written by Edwin Milton Royle. Florence Reed is the star and the cast includes Milton Sills, Irving Cum- mings, Wellington Plater, E. J. Rad- cliffe. James Kirkwood was the director. According to present plans Rapf in- tends to release the feature on the state right plan, but he may sell it outright STUDIO ROUGH-HOUSE. Bill Davidson is no longer Edna Goodrich's leading man. Zimmer, her manager, and Davidson are said to have had a rough and tumble fight all over the studio. No injuries. Walter Hier, "the fat boy," and Davidson have freen engaged for Madge Kennedy's next Goldwyn pic- ture, to be filmed around Palm Beach and Miami. "THE SUDDEN GENTLEMAN" with WILLIAM DESMOND The humorous adventures of this big-muscled Irish smithy who be- comes guardian of a spit-fire heiress will make your ticket machine hum. An Irish play never fails. RELEASED DECEMBER 2 X" X "THE SHIP OF DOOM" with TRIANGLE PLAYERS The terrific struggle of rough sea-faring men over a wisp of a girl will make this a money-producer for you. The most remarkable sea drama of the season. RELEASED DECEMBER 2 Z T