Variety (May 1918)

42 MOVING PICTURES LOEW TAKES DAVIES PICTURE. The Marcus Loew circuit has con- tracted to play the Marion Davies fea- ture film, "Cecilia of the Pink Roses," commencing June 3, without having seen the finished product, produced under the direction of Julius Steger. It is the first feature film the Loew Circuit has ever made a positive book- ing of without first having some one representing the circuit witness at least a private exhibition. Mr. Steger had but one more scene to take this week to put finis to the Davis film, which is Miss Davis' screen debut. The picture is an International feature and will likely be distributed direct by International. It is said the Loew people booked the picture on the strength of Steger directing. He may make his next feature with Anna Case, the prima donna, its star, which will likewise be Miss Case's ^rst appearance before the motion photographer. The Case feature is also to carry the International brand. MAE MARSH TO MARRY? Mae Marsh, the Goldwyn star, is re- ported engaged to marry Louis Armes, the sporting writer, now doing base- ball on the Tribune. He was formerly connected with the executive staff at the Goldwyn offices. ALL OF -JOAN" RETAKEN. "Joan of Plattsburg" has been com- pleted for the second time. The pic- ture is a Goldwyn feature, and was originally photographed during the Plattsburg encampment last summer. At the time it was to be released it was intimated that the Government re- fused to permit the picture to be shown. Subsequent events, however, indicate that it was owing to the pic- ture being in bad shape that caused the company to postpone its release. Within the last fortnight George Loane Tucker has completed the re- photographing of "Joan, w he having remade all except 125 feet of the origi- nal first take. All told 40,000 feet of film have been used in taking the fea- ture, which is to be something slightly over 5,700 feet when it is released in •ix reels. PETROVA RESTING. It was announced this week that Mme. Pctrova was leaving for an ex- tended tour of the country and had ceased making pictures temporarily owing to an affliction of the eyes. During her trip the film star will make personal appearances at a number of houses where her pictures are being shown. This gave rise to a rumor the First National Exhibitors' Circuit had can- celed its agreement for releasing the Petrova pictures, which upon investi- gation was denied. The First National's contract for Petrova distribution calls for four pic- tures and up to date they have ac- cepted five. They have released but three to date. As the star is two fea- tures ahead and in need of a rest, it was decided to cease work for a spell and in the meantime arrange the per- sonal tour to boost the game along. At a conference between the First National and Petrova Co. officials re- cently, the First National voted to continue to take further Petrova fea- tures indefinitely, though they did not arrive at terms, which has yet to be decided. Notwithstanding that S. L. Rothap : fel, managing director of the Rivoli and Rialto theatres, pulled completely away from membership and booking af- filiation with the First National Ex- hibitors' Exchange he has arranged for the third of the Olga Petrova pic- tures, "The Life Mask" to play the Rialto week of May 12. Dillon Resigns. Edward Dillon, who was directing at the Goldwyn studio, has resigned. He left the firm last week, and as yet his plans for the future cannot be announced. GOLDWYN SURPRISES 'EM. Goldwyn Distributing Corp. sprung a surprise on the industry this week by mailing checks to exhibitors as in- terest on their advance deposits. A number have framed the checks as office decorations. One wrote: "It's the first check of its kind that I ever received and I've been in the picture business nine years." The checks will be mailed monthly. PAULINE FREDERICK CHANGES. Those inside the trade are now con- vinced that Pauline Frederick is leav- ing Paramount at the conclusion of her contract and Jias formed her own company to make pictures, to be releas- ed through Goldwyn. But they have been unable to un- derstand why there has been no of- ficial announcement to that effect. Under the terms of her agreement with Paramount Miss Frederick is de- barred from making any announce- ment of her future film activities un- til she has actually ceased to be an employee of the corporation. Th«atr« Fir* Without Accidents. Los Angeles, May 1. Fire broke out in the Omar, formerly the Century, and sent the audience scurrying to the street. There were no accidents and the damage was slight. ^~ UNITED PICTURE THEATRES " nv *••] 77V A mm NATIONAL INSTITUTION * The Election on April 24 of MR. J. A. BERST As President is announced by * United Picture Theatres of America, Inc. Mr. Berst will make known next week the members of his Advisory Board composed of prominent exhibitors from r all parts of the country. "Lower Prices—Better Quality" DEPOSITORY: COMMERCIAL TRUST COMPANY of NEW YORK