Variety (April 1920)

^Kir^y/JiirA: %-;*r -.-•rr--'^ •■••-■Ec,v'.--'---v:. 44 MOVING PICTURES NEW YORK PROGRAMS Ir^^'' RIALTO. '' Beginning tho second vrcek of Its fourth anniversary, the Rialto did not provide anything exceptional in Mt8 entire program and conformed to the UERial routine presentation. The feature this weeic was Houdini in "Terror Island," reviewed else- where. It (ailed to qualify to a statement in its exploitation as hav- ing "every scene a tliriU—every move a surprise." With the elimination of a vocal •oloist in policy at this house there ■eema to be an aim toward economy In the present week's program. On tbo other hand, the show runs the usual two hours, and that, perhaps, is due to the elongation of the cur- rent events and the six reels com- pleting the feature. Musically the Rialto offers Men- delssohn's "Ruy Bias," as an over- ture, an-a Sascha Fldelmann. first violinist in I^alo's "Andante Svm- pbonie EspagnoL" Dr. Relsenfeld's »>nducting of the overture and Lion vanderheim offering competent ac- companiment to the "Andante," elicited a warm response from a well filled house Sunday evening. The brightest spot on the pro- gram, albeit being a condensation oC hokum, la the Fox Sunshine Comedy. "The Great Nickle Bob- bery." The audience seemed to Ulie It. punctuating ita evolution with suppressed laughs and Infrequently with a good hearted one. The news events were well edited, though in Kome Instances being nothing less tli&n propaganda, but they were not Aull and .altogether timely. Step. scenes, objets d'art and flowers and a Post scenic showing the career of a fox terrier pleased. The Criterion is a small house and the orchestra was seated In one ot the boxes. On the program under the name of the Criterion is "Para- mount Artcraft Pictures," and inside Hugo RIesenffeld,. director of the RlvoU and Rialto, is listed as direc- tor. Leed, COAST FICTUBE HEWS. Los Angeles, April 21. Madge Lane has relumed to the Universal and is playing the leading feminine role In a two-reeler. NEWS OF FILM WORLD Ingalla and Duffleld, formerly do- ing a vaudeville act, now own and manage tho Navarro theatre. BI70LL A rather average program at the RtvoU this week as far as the pic- ture offerings are concerned. Al- though Irene Castle in "The Ama- teur Wife" was a revelation In com- parison to previous vehicles, the production is just a pleasing five- reeler. The Carter De Havens' comedy, "What Could Be Sweeter" misses on the comedy angle. "While It might fit In very neatly on a daily change program It doesn t be- long here as the solo comedy offer- ing. The pictorial was about the only thing In the way of pictures up to the standard. Gladys Rice bandied her vocal solo, "Oh I Dry Those Tears," In capable fashion, hitting the high registers with assurance and pleasing resonance. Tschaikowsky's "March Slav" was rendered as the overture. CAPrrdL. "^i^f I Three names stood out on the Capitol's program this week. They were Alice Brady in tho Realart production, "Sinners"; Charles Chaplin in a reissue ot the First National release, "A Dog's Life, and Karl Jorn direct from the Met- ropolitan O. H. £or the title role in the presentation of "Lohengrin," the first act of which was given. For the matinee performance on Sunday, however, the trio of names did not seem to pull the amount of business that they should. Th# weather undoubtedly was re- sponsible for this, and from the In- dications of those who were pres- ent In the audience it does not seem advisable for the Capitol to con- tinue 111* operatic revivals Into the warmer weather. The audience was restless and the applause perfunc- tory. The "Topics of the Day" opened the show, with the Capitol News following, with about a 50-50 split ot International and Pathe shots. The overture was "Zampa," well played, and heartily applauded. The Hy Mayer novelty, "Such Is Life In the Great Melting Pot," was moat Interesting, and closed the first part ot the entertainment. The afternoon intermission sec- tion consisted of the "Lohengrin" performance with Jorn, William Beck and Irene Williams giving splendid performances; Chaplin in the reissue and the "Sinners" fea- ture. Fred. BUIXET PROOF. Pierra WInton Harrr Carey Father Victor W. T. Ryno Father Jacques Fred OambI* Mary Brown Kathleen O'Connor Jim Boone ;....J. Parrell McDonald Jackie noono Beatric* Bumham Dick Wilbur Bob McKenziA UcGuIrk Robert McKlin Monte Banks, formerly with Fatty Arbuckle, will be seen In the star role in Brother Productions, under the direction of Frank Grlffla. This Is an unusual picture for a Universal made by Harry Carey,' western. In fact. It looms up as one of the best pictures that has been made with Carey as the star in some little while. It is a plausible tale, written by John Frederick, and directed by Lynn F. Reynolds for a scenario prepared by himself. To Reynolds undoubtedly must be given a lot of credit for the picture, who carries his story along -n natural sequence, and does not let the star Into every shot that Is taken. He enacts the role of the bandit hero in likable manner. The real wallop Is carried oft by Beatrice Burnham, a little ingenue, who walked away with everything that there was to be had. She did not have the lead, that honor going to Kathleen O'Connor, but Miss O'Connor failed to shine at any time when Miss Burnham was on thiB4-D'" Builders.' screen. The latter took scene after scene away from the lead with per- fect ease. Her role naturally called for sympathy of the audience, and this, of course, made .things easier for her. As far as production was con- cerned two stock sets answered the purposes where Interiors were used, and the balance of the picture Is all out doors, so the feature must have been made way Inside of the footage limit cost that the U. sets. But withal It is a feature that will stand up anywhere that they like westerns, and although It was run as part of a double feature bill at Loew's Circle early in the week, and undoubtedly was picked as the weak sister to a Marguerite Clark production, It measured up very sat- isfactorily. In his direction Lynn Reynolds has put over a nifty rain storm and a good land slide, although the finish up on the latter was off from the original shot. However, it got by. A corking heavy, Robert McKim, In the picture was one of the as- sets responsible for lending a class touch to the picture. He played his role for every bit of meat that was in it, and was corking in gunplay. J. Farrell McDonald and Bob Mc- Kenzie in bits managed to fill in most acceptably, and early in the picture W. T. Ryno and Fred Gamble both appeared In bits. Fre<l. Ann Forest Is playing the part of "Hetty Morfee" in the Goldwyn picture. "The Great Accident," star- ring Tom Moore. Ruth Stonehouse appears In seven different costumes as the scandal- sheet reporter in the screen classic. "Parlor, Bedroom and Bath."* Ctoldwyn will release ttim of Tarzan." "The Be- Marie Walcamp and her com- pany, under direction of Henry Mc- Rae, who toured the Far East since last September, returned recently. . Rupert Hughes expects to remain on the coast for about three weeks working with the continuity writers on his next screen story. Gouvemear Morris has taken a bungalow in Hollywood and will re- main in California for some time. He is working on his next story for the screen, "Yellow Man and Gold." Tom Moore started work on "Of- ficer 666," directed by Harry Beau- mont, and R Mason Hopper, "Em- Hoot Gibson begins the produc- tion of "The Bronco Kid," in which he is 8upi>orted by Tvette Mitchell. Dave Hendricks and James Corey under direction of Mack Wright Scott Sidney is cutting the Rob- ertson-Cole production, "The Smart Aleck," which features Chic Sale In the Btorr by Irvln a Cobb. Work on the next Christie two- reel comedy has started with Bill Beaudine directing the cast, which Includes Fay Tlncher, Jimmie Har- rison, Charlotte Merrlam and Eddie Baker. Frank V. Chamberlin and wife are guests at the Lasky studio. Cham- berlin is general service manager of the Famous Players-Lasky Corp., and just finished a tour of the West- ern exchanges. On completing "A Full House," In which he Is featured by Paramount- Artcraft, Bryant Washburn will be- gin work on "Burglar Proof," with scenario by Tom Geraghty. The Chos. Klopot Musical Com- edy Co., after a 12 weeks' engage- ment, will close at the mp. Long Beach, this week and go out on one- nighters. CBITEEION The opening of tiiti remodeled Criterion as a picture theatre was the expected sell-out. is'o standing room, however, was offered the waiting crowd, and one audience was ushered out before the gates were opened to another. At tho second show Sunday evening there was trouble. The crowd broke In SBIGHT SKIES SaUr^..,... Za Sa Pitt* Mr». Caialdy Kale PrJco Mr. CSiasidy Dan Crlmmlna Old Tonio Edward DelevanU i^orkln Jack Ha)! Billy Tom Qallery Juatica of the Peace Fred Mack Here are the ingredients of this Brentwood - produced, Robertson - Cole released production. Take one nameless "Sally of our alley" type of girl for the heroine, imbue her with a love for dancing, cut-back to a re- pentant wealthy oil king who has lost sight of his dancer-wife and her new-born babe for over nineteen years, dash It with a bunch of rural scenery, spice with several bucolic characters, mix It all together and it spells "Bright Skies.' ' Of course, needless to say. Judging from the ingredients. Sally proves to be the long-lost daughter of the plutocrat and l3 installed In the Carnsworth household. Evidently not satisfied with letting matters rest thusly, Sally Is permitted to become the sola possessor of the truth she is not in reality the just heir to all this luxury, but that her rural "hired boy" sweetheart, Billy, who, too, is parentless. Is in reality the offspring of the millionaire. Funny coinci- dence that, isn't It? That is the al- leged "punch," whether to give it all up In favor of Billy or keep her identity secret and allow Mr. Cams- worth to believe Sally is his own daughter. They marry and all ends BlDy Bngel and Jessie Fox are being featured in the Rainbow Com- edy, "Stripes and Stars," directed by J. A, Howe. H. B. Warner has completed his tenth feature at the Hampton Stu- diorf firom the drama. "Felix O'Day," by F. Hopklnson Smith. William Desmond Is now wearing a million-dollar smile, for Mrs. Des- mond, formerly Mary Maclvor, gave birth to a daughter April 6. The child will be christened Mary Joanna, after Mr& Desmond and Bill's mother. Rollln Sturgeon, who will direct Anna Cornwell in "The Girl In the Rain," has selected James Liddy, George Runkel, James Farley, Jess- alyn von Trump and Lloyd Bacon as the supporting cast Elmo Lincoln has begun a new serial, "The Lightning's Eye." under the direction of Robert Hill, who produced "The Great Radium Mys- tery." The star's support will be Louis Loralne, Roy Watson, A. C. Torr. Fred Hamer, G. A. Williams and Fay Holderness. Mahlon Hamilton Is vacationing at Arrowhead Springs, previous to beginning work on his new picture. "Half a Chance" in which he will play the role of John Steele, the lead in Robert Thornby's initial seven- reel production for Jesse D. Hamp- ton. Nell Craig will plar opposite Owen Moore la "Stop That Man." Wesley Barry will be starred by Marshall Nelllan In a story of the director's own writing. Edward Jose will direct Geraldine Farrar in her first Associated Ex- hibitors' production. Norman Dawn Is directing Edith Robert's next Universal production. It is titled "Marama." H. B. Warner is to appear in 'The Broken Bottle" from a story by F. Anstey. Thomas H. Ince has acquired "The Boss of the Big Bonanza," by V. E. Hoe for Edith Bennett's use. Lucy Cotton will appear opposite William Faversham in a forthcom- ing Selznick release. Sam Wood will direct Ethel Clay- ton in "The City Sparrow," a Kate Jordan etory. Walter Ware Jeaves for Engle- wood Colo., this week to Join the Ora-Colorado Film Co. Frank Borzage will direct the first of a series of Jack Boyle stories for Cosmopolitan Produc- tions. Myron Selcnick has acquired the screen rights to W. H. Hamby's Saturday Evening Post story, "Red Foam." William C. De Mills will direct and produce the first of a series of F. P. L. special releases from the pea of Rita Welman. Selznick will release the first of the Herbert Kaufman editorials on May 10. with one to follow every week thereafter. Rupert Julian, the Universal aa- thor-star-dlrector, arrived in New York last week to complete"Beveral business arrangements. "Bonds of Fate," a novel by John E. Wllkie. for 16 years Chief of the United States Secret Service, has been purchased by Metro. Maurice Costello returns to pic- tures in support of William Faver- sham in "The Wilderness Fear," a Selznick production. Bert Lytell's forthcoming Metro release has undergone a change in title from "The Temple of Dawn" to "The Man From Hadea" Anita Stewart has begun work on a screen adaptation of Kathleen Norrls" "Harriet and the Piper." Bert Bracken is directing. Thomas Heffron has Joined the Fox directorial staff. His first pro- duction vrill be "Firebrand Trevl- son." by Charles Alden Seltzer, starring Buck Jones. George, Walsh's next Fox feature is by Sewell Ford, and is entitled "Cherub Divine." Dell Henderson will direct. Thomas Fallon Is do- ing the scenario. Hector Tumbull, former scenario editor for F. P.-L., has written a yarn for the concern which will be released aa a Paramount-Artcraft speclaL Wilda Bennett has been signed by Metro to appear in a number of productions. Miss Bennett is at present playing in "Apple Blos- soms." Frank Currier, known as "the grand old man" of Metro players, has left California for New York City to appear la fecial produc- tions. James M. Morrison will be lead- ing man for Coimnunlty ilms next feature "to-morrow." Ashley Mil- ler will direct and Gladys Hulett win play opposite Morrison. Harry Lawlor. the cartoonist, has Jlned tho Universal as head ot the Technograph Department which will spccinllze on the making of ani- mated cartoons. Roscoe Arbuckle's first of a serie* of five reel comedies he will makJ. for F. P.-L. release will be an adaiwl tatlon of an Irvln Cobb story "t£< Life of the Party.' *V Four members of the auditing deJ partment ot the Famous Player»<ii Lasky were let out on Saturday' They include J. W. Toone, chlS' auditor; C. Banett, Miss L D Schwartz and Miss F. W^ood. 'M David Hartford ' will direct "Nomads of tho North" by James ^ Oliver Curwood, for the First H^J'i tlonal who will release. Bettyl Blythe will enact the leading female'^ role. ^ The Educational Films will n.<j lease Charles C. Burr's "Torchy"-; series, now in production. Johnny" Hincs will star in these Sewell Ford-' stories. The second comedy, "j^j- Knlght for a Night," is in the mak-'i Ing. ^-^: GoIdwjTi has entered Into a con- tract with the Numa Pictures Corp to distribute the third of the "Tar- zan" series entitled "The Return of Tarzan," handling'the release on a percentage basis with a substantial - advance payment. i Charles A. Glblyn has been en- - gaged to direct the second Pearl' White picture when she returns' from France it Is reported. He Is ' directing "The Tiger's Club," a Fox pi-oduction, starring Miss White. Corinne Griffith and her company' are in Savannah, Ga., making the^ exteriors for her next feature, ■ "Gumshoes B-4." When this is completed Miss Griffith and her company will go to St. Augustine, Fla., to start work on a new picture, "The Whisper Market" Maurice Maeterlinck, who has been at the Culver City Goldwyn studio writing his first story direct for the screen, has put the finishing touches to his scenario, and will leave the ccast for New York, sail- ing from there to his home in Nice, France. Robert W. Priest, president of The Film Market, Inc^ has ar- ranged with Herman Garfield, ex- ploitation manager, to make a whirlwind lour of the United States in the interest of Robert McLaugh- lin's production ot "The House Without Children." The Seal Feature Comedies Co„ has been incorporated for $100,000 In New York to produce two reel comedies. The incorporators are Bernard Stern, Dedic 'Velde, Harry B. Herts and Wm. Solomon. Billy Bernard and "Velde will have the leading comedy roles la the first six; pictures. Leach Cross, former New York lightweight boxer, has succumbed' to the lure of the screen. He has signed in Los Angeles with Uni' versal to appear with Eddie Polo in "The 'Vanishing Dagger," an 18- episode serial. He Is the third boxer to work at Universal, the other two being Jiin Corbett and Benny Leonard. "Wlien June Mathis, head of the scenario department of Metro, fin* Ished her adaptation ot the spectac- ular Drury Lane melodrama, "Hearts Are Trumps," which will bo plctarized for release by Loew- Metro with an all-star cast. Miss Mathis signalized the completion of her fourth continuity in some-, thing like four months. The Rev. George LeRoi Clarke h.is quit preaching to enter the picture ranks as a comedian. Rev. Clarke was a Baptist evangelist, and In order to prove his theory that the Gospel of happiness and laughter can secure more converts via the screen than from the pulpit, has se- cured backing from several prom- inent ranch owners in Northern California to finance the Paragon Pictures Corp., which is making a series of 26 two-reelers. Mae Murray and David Powell Los Angeles theatres that have passed Into new hands are the Ar- lington, from D. K. Butterfleld to T. F. and C. W. Young, of Alberta,