Variety (March 1921)

Friday, March 25, 1921 PICTURES 4* , = NEWS OF FILM WORLD The Eastman Kodak Co. Is plan- ning to build a motion picture the- atre as part of the Rochester (N. Y.) Academy of Music, to cost $1,500,000. Newspapers in Paris are conduct- ing a warfare against German films which, they charge, are being poured JtotQ the French market under the guise ct American product and bearing American titles. In his examination before a Paris magistrate, Andre Himmel, held on a charge of swindling, declared he expected to get money for buying up European tneatres out of his Amer- ican associates in the Franco-Amer- ican Cinematographic Corporation. He declared Augustus Flelschman, until recently a director of the con- cern, had authorized him, to obtain options on theatres abroad. Earl Carroll's motion to vacate a y of trial pending the return of jertaln necessary depositions In his function and damage suit against the Republic Distributing Corpora- tion, was granted in the Supreme Court Monday, which immediately restores the action to the calendar. Carroll, on the allegation he wrote the scenario for "12.10," a Herbert Brenon production, distributed In America by the Republic, Is suing to permanently enjoin its release and exhibition on the charge he was not reimbursed for the script by Brenon. Brenon produced the pic- ture for the British and Colonial Kinematograph Co., of London. Younc production for Equity, has Just been completed. Others In the cast are Thomas Jefferson, Bertram Grassby, William Carleton. The Fox studio Is turning out an- other production featuring Mrs. Carr, the star of "Over the Hills.*-' It.la to be entitled "Footfalls," di- rected by Charles J. Brabln. '■•• • ' >■: : ■*■ ■■>■ Marc MacDermott has been en- gaged to play opposite Elsie Fergu- sn in "Footlights," directed by John S. Roberston. •The Woman Next Door.'* with May Allison starred. Heretofore Velller had been connected with the Metro scenario and production depart- ments In a general advisory capa- city. The Jans Pictures, Inc., is de- fendant in a $21,975 Supreme Court suit brought by Abraham C. Nathan on an assigned breach of contract claim. Franklyn E. Backer, who is the assignor of the claims, alleges a written contract dated Dec. 20, 1919, whereby he was to act as general manager for the Jans Pictures at an annual salary of $15,000 for a period of one year, with a years renewal, said salary to he paid in weekly in- stallments. The plaintiff alleges there is $6,375 due Backer for sal- ary on his first year's services and" $15,600 for his second year, totalling the $21,975 .sued for. Jans, through Nathan ^Vidaver. his counsel, has filed a demurrer on the grounds of insufficient cause for action. "Back Pay," the Fannie Hurst story will be done into a picture by Cosmopolitan from a scenario by Frances Marlon, at the Interna- tional's studios in New York. Frank Borzage will direct. Seena Owen has arrived from the coast to take the leading role. Miss Marlon also wrote the scenario for the Cosmo- politan's production, now making, starring Marlon Davies, of "En- chantment," from a story by "Oonn Byrne. Robert Vignola is directing. Beulah Livingstone is going abroad in June on behalf of the Talmadge sisters whom she repre- sents as publicity director. She will spend six weeks in all in both capi- tals establishing the Overseas News Service, and appointing foreign agents to direct the publicity In all European countries for the Tal- madge girls. Whitman Bennett has signed Parcy Marmont for his next pro- duction to be started immediately. Harry Raver, who brought "Ca- biria," the first $2 picture, over here, has re-entered the Importing busi- jnewv .... Kenneth Harlan has been engaged as leading man for the Hope Hamp- ton production of "Star Dust," the Fanny Hurst story, scenarized by Anthony Paul Kelly which is being directed by Hobart Henley. A com- plete cast of •types" Is being care- fully selected. George Walsh left Monday for the coast to appear In a big feature, which is to be directed by R. A. Walsh and scheduled for release via First National. CLOTHES IN PICTURES "(ihosts of Yesterday," the sec- ond of the Norma Talmadge re- issues put JUt l»y Selznick, was re- leased this week. The first, "Panthea," was placed upon the market several weeks ago. The Universal Film Mfg, Co.'s em- ployes will hold a dance and enter- tainment at Floral Hall Saturday evening, April 2$. J. E. Atkinson. Metro's general manager, assumed the financial re- sponsibility of a new production Tuesday, when his wife presented him with a daughter. Bayard Veiller makes his debut as a director for Metro next week on the coast as the producer of | without their sanction. A warrant of attachment for $14,450 has been issued to the New Jersey Studio Co. against the Al- bert Capellani Productions, Inc. The attachment is based on a lease by the Cappelanl company of the Solax Studio In Fort Lee, the N. J. Studio Co. claiming back rental due, and alleging the studio was sub- leased to the Selznick company In "Society Snobs," of which Conway Tearle, unabashed, claims author ship, Mr. Tearle also plays the lead, that of a waiter at the Ritz-Carlton, who loves a young society miss, unbeknown, of course, to the lady, and ■hewers bouquet of orchids on her daily. Tearle is introduced into societ> as a count traveling incog, asks the girl to marry him, and when Un- knot Is tied the truth is revealed, with mother feeling peeved, to think her daughter is the wife of a waiter, but daughter realises they are all a lot of snobs and decides to join hubby, who is oft on some engineering job in Buenos Aires. 'Martha Ma;i«<fieldaA th« youag heiress did not Impress as. an actress. Even her looks failed to help. A good word at least may be said of her costuming. One of the gowns worn at the Ritz, while lunching, was of dark blue georgette with glass beads forming a stripe effect caught in at the waist with a sash of light satin. As a bride she really looked a pic- ture in white satin and pearls. The headdress was quite regal, made high in front, of satin, trimmed with orange blossoms and pearls, while bunched at the back was flowing tulle. Another gown that appeared quite effective was of dark chiffon made up of numerous tiers that were embroidered in white silk and beads. '••■'■ "The Greatest Love," Vera Gordon's latest picture, is one of those films drawn out in the beginning, and when it becomes Interesting the five reels are over, so it must finish. The picture deals with mother love, with the boy, the favorite, au in "Humoresque," but instead of a violinist, in this picture he Is an architect, well played by Hugh Huntley. A young miss in the early part of the picture, Dot Wlllins, is splendid as the way- ward sister, and Bobby Connelly, although a bis; boy now, Is still as clever as when a wee mite with Vitagraph. Gowns mean nothing, only a couple standing out, one, worn by Yvonne Shelton, of black satin that appeared to be gathered half way down the skirt, with the rest perfectly plain. The grey toque of silk fringe was quito smart worn with this frock. Ray Dean had a dainty but simple semi-evening dress of black taffeta, that had an apron effect of soft shadow lace, also contributing to the bodice. Miss Gordon's acting, as always, is delightfully natural, and her expres- sion so sweet when gazing at her children, giving the impression not only on the screen, but off, she Is a devoted mother. Judge Valente In the City Court last week granted the A. H. Fischer Features Corporation's motion to set aside a $000 verdict In Garnette Sabin's favor on the ground it was a compromise Jury verdict, which Is against the legal statutes. Miss Sabin had sued for $1,800 damages alleged to have been Incurred when she was forced to rent a new studio following vacating her former stu- dio controlled by the Fischer Fea- tures. The reason therefore, she maintained, was because the land- lord had refused to supply her with a property man and electrician as per allaged agreement. Nathan VI- daver Is acting for the A. H. Fischer Features. Those who read Mrs. Henry Wood's book "East Lynne" and liked It, will find the picture quite different, and perhaps not so enjoyable. It is rather drawn out and too much posing by the players. Mabel Ballin who plays the heroine, Sybil Vane, had rather a bad habit at gaslng Into the camera. She is beautiful and sweet in her evening frock of light 1 colored chiffon, with trimmings of heavy lace. An afternoon frock worn by her was smart, with its peter pan collar of lace, and large bow, made on straight lines, except at the hips, where the material jutted out in the shape of pockets. — A picture house at North Pelham, N. Y.. is to be erected during the next few months by a corporation controlling several other community theatres throughout Westchester county. Benjamin P. Schdlberg, president ef the Attractions Distributing Cor- poration, and Jake Bachman, the film man, have acquired all right and title to the stock of the Pre- ferred Pictures. Inc. The Preferred is a close corporation organized by Walter F. Welch. It will operate both as a producing and releasing unit. Moe Streimcr has been appointed manager of the United Artists' New York exchange, succeeding A. C. Bcrman, who sailed for England last week to assume the manage- ment of the United Artists' offices In London. Suit to recover $11,050 from Her- nia n Katz and John EL Dc Wolf, the Organizers of the Paralta Plays, has been filed in the Supreme Court by Andrew V. Patterson. The plaintiff alleges that he was Induced to pur- chase 106 shares of stock at $100 par value each in 1917, when the film producing company was first organ- ized, on the understanding he was lo receive dividends meanwhile and , he returned his $10,000 at the end j <>f two years. He admits receipt of $350 dividends and claims $l.nr»n accrued royalties plus the $10,000. which has not boon returned him. although demanded. MARK StranD Broadway at 47th Street A Mighty Milestone In Motion Pictures. Thrilling—Inspiring. Beginning Sunday, March 27 Broke all records at the Reg ent Theatre, Pater son, N. J. Broke all records at the Strand Theatre, Syracuse, N. Y. Watch its record at th e New York Strand. ALBERT A. KAUFMAN Presents ALLEN HOLUB AR'S DRAMA-ETERNAL, starring DOROTHY PHILLIPS Adapted by Allen Holubar from the theme by Olga Linek Scholl. 9 AMAZING REELS A First National Attraction Realart Is starting the const met- in cr of a third staRO at its Holly- Wood studio. It will have an ana Of 7,000 square feet and the present •>pon sta^o of 10.000 square feet will he enclosed with glass, more than doubling the existing facilities. Sketches are brine made for the construction of a 1300 00a theatre in Newark. N. J. Joseph Stern \n listed as the owner and K« illy A Hall the architects. "Straight from P Cowan, the latest ans." by Bade Clara Kimball A Big S Production and Powerful Reaton Why There'll be a Franchise ever ywhere •: ■»