Variety (September 1921)

•4n yt 'w^i rw: 'uri*' \ .: tr ■tr' •at'^' -mirv ■ 4G PICTURES •r tr^wf ■"'.<:*■ i^s^w^'-^tr^.-np'-^^T^^'^? Friday, September 28, 192] WORLD-WIDE CONDEMNATION OF PICTURES AS AFTERMATH OF ARBUCKLE AFFAI ASSAULT IN BOSTON INVOLVES CORNELL Anna Francis Swears Out Warrant for Film Man —Claims Assault r.oston, Si'pt. 21. \Wvi Cornoll of lirighlou, promin- ent in jiifturc i-irclos hero, was ar- restee] Monday chauffd with assault^ oa Anna Frjincis, whom he had en- gaged to apiuar as the "vamp" in a now Wm entitled "A Thousami Tucos." the scenario of which wa.s writtin by Dr. rtoorRf: W. (Jalvin. founder of the Emergency hospiUl in this city. The complainant is a young mar- ried woman. She claims she applied to Cornell for employment after hearinc amateurs were wanted in a new him production to be produced here. She was given a chance an4k linally the opportunity to pose aa the vampire* While posing in an apirtmeut in the Back Bay she al- leges thUt Cornell gave her some- thing to drink which atupified her. and while in that condition, accord- ing to her Htory when applying foi a warrant, the as.sault was commit-^ ted. Tn the* apartment mentioned b) the Francis woman, where Cornell was arrested, the police Haim the) found an old pirture camera. The owner of the apartment, Mrs. Sally I.onl. WMH kprt'.vn n'ofessitMinlly at" Sally Trask. She declared the cam- era belonged tn (^ornrll and that ahe nlHo had been engaged for a part in the film. # Dr. OaJvin' says Cornell signed, ii contract to produce his play and hM. fiaid that a wealthy New l^ork man was financing the production. Cor- nell is said to have promised to take 18 women over to New York un(\er contract but none went. <»- Must Rid Films of Dopesters, Degenerates and Parasites—Cleanliness in Produc- ing and Acting Ranks Will Be Reflected on Screens—Trisco and Los An- geles as Well as Federal Autl^o'rities Continuing Investigations—Chuvches Agitating Against Pictures. GRACE SUIT ENDS Breach of Pramlte Aetloa Aiaimt Dobbhis of BostoB, Droppetf Boston. Sept. 21. Peggy Grace, picture actress, who caused a sensation several months ago when she filed a breach of promise vuit against Robert M. DobhinH. a wealthy real estate opcr.'- tor of this city, claiming damages of $15<).000, dropped her suit yesterday, according to nn entry made on the docket list of the Suffolk Superior Court. The entry on the docket stated, "agreement of judgment sat- isfied."' M.>•!-:;':!ir.g got cut oc what grounds the Huit was settled. A similar entry was made in the suit of the girl's father. Pierce J. firace. at one time owner of the Columbia theatre, who had sued Dobbins for seducing his daughter. Mr. (irace was also vice-ct»asul- general at London and very prom- inent in this city. In his n^.fcition for the dismissal of the suit th*' father states that since Aug. 11.") of this year his daughter has come of age and he is relieved of the burden of carrying on the suit for her. The father in his original suit iiIk'Ked that Dobbins had lured his daughter, then an infk^'t in the eyes of the law, to hi.s Hrookline home in March, 11)11); that he drugged her and attacked her, and that subse- <lii<'ntly he registered with hor as man and wife at hotels in this city. An ap|)lication was made several weeks ago. for a warrant charging Dohhins with a criminal offense. After a private hearing the applica- tion w:is refused. A story was cir- <iilat»d a few weeks ago the girl had af tempted suieide at hor mother's lioine l)y swallowing jioison. being despondent her.iu.s,. of the publicity growing out of the suits, but this report, was deuitMl by llie ;;irl and her mother. The Arbuckle affair in San Fran- cisco has reacted against the profes- sion in ~ generaU internationally. Throughout the United States last Sunday the pulpits uttered an attack against the picture industry with the result the great majority arc to suf- fer for the acts of a few. At this time, when business in the theatres is not too good, the attacks against the picture industry delirered. by the various churches may hurt the box- offices everywhere, with the exception of possibly the big centers. Abroad, the luster of the advent of Charles Chaplin in Paris was vis- ibly dimmed by the news of the wild San Francisco orgy and its attendant fatality. In Canada, there has been a general attack on the pietnre pro- fession in Toronto and had it not been for the timely display of energy by those interested in the welfare of the business located there the public would have been permitted to have but one side of the story. New York right now is the scene of an investigation on the part of the authorities and the Grand Jury into the auicide of Zelda Crosby last June. She was one of the scenario ataff at Famous Players-Lasky, and it is reported that one of the big men in the industry was responsible in s measure for her.taking an overdose of veronal which cnused her. death. The chancea are.that the reault of the investigation will bring to light the name of the man and also that there I is ho legal procedure under which ac- tion cat b^ broofht against l|iin, but the fact remaips this scandal will add additionair fuel to the already roaring blaze sweeping the world against the entire industry. Months and months ago the industry begged the authorities for an oppor- tunity to "clean up from within the Industry" as it applied to the making of pictures. They would have much better likewise applied the cleaning process to the ranks of those that they are paying big salaries to in the acting and producing end of the game. The general talk regarding Vir- ginia Rappe seems to hove been pretty much without basis. The early life of the girl has been gone into regarding her Chicago history, but with all of the digging the experts have been unable to unearth the fact thnt her real name wjk Zealine llnppe. Her mother and on- other sister came to. New York about PANZER BANKRUPT Owes $2,500; Hat Nothino—Creditors Restrained 20 years ago after the father had deserted the family. Zealine at that time was about eight or nine year* of «gc. The famUy lived at 247 West ^th street for a few years. The elder girl was in the chorus of one of the Broadway attractions. At that time the automobile waa just com- ing into vogue and the kiddies on the bibck nicknamed the youngest sister "Gasoline Zealine," This nick- name «clung in later years and was the reason for her changing her first name to Virginia. Her Chicaffo life is well known to those of the se% who played the College inn and other of the htg cabareta. and her history on the coast is too recent to be in need of comment. But hers is just another case of hundreds taken into pictures. That condition as well as the use of narcotics in the profession )s the subject of an investigation in Los Angeles at present. Almost six months ago Variety received from its west coast correspondent a lengthy story based on the report of the T<os Angeles County Medical Society'a special investigation into narcotic con- ditions on the cosst. It did not print the story at tl^ time because it would have caused an upheaval in the pro- fession and the censor fight was on in full force. The report of the coa^ mittee, however, stated that within a year it would be neccfssary to de- velop practically an entire new fo(ce of stars for the screen becaase of the prevalence of the use of drugs among tjie present stars. The Medi- cal So<;iety has facts and figures in proof 4»f ,.lts awertlonH, and names are not the least of their data. % It is known the wife of one of the most popular of the younger male stars has time and again had the peddlers of dope supplying her hus- bsnd arrested, but she has been un- able to get her husband to break his habit* Also, one young girl star those remaining placed on a salary where the indulgence to excess in liquors and dope will be impossible because of the fact that their purses will not permit of it, the screen will clean itself, providing of course those at the very head of the industry will keep their skirts dean. ' * Sap FranciscQ, Sept 21. The Arbuckle case has aroused a deep feeling against the entire pro- fession. Sermons against the picture people vvere preached from prac- tically every pulpit last Sunday. District Attorney Brady last night announced that he was istarting an inquiry into several other affairs that have been reported to liim as hiding taken place here prior to the Arbuckle orgy, and which were par- ticipated in by picture people visitors from Los Angeles. A star, whose name is being withheld, 4> Mid to have given numerous parties in a downtown hotel over a period of fire weeks during which time he was here. This infor > •*'• was secured by Cnpt^nin of Detectives Matiiejioa from an unknown woman who is said to have supplied fall detail4 of numerous orgies said^o have taken place. 'The district attorney has started measui'es to bring about the return of Ix>well Sherman who startOkl for New York late last week. He is due there today. The Federal Grand Jury opened an incHiiry Monday night to ascertain where th«o boose that was used at the Arbuckle a^air was obtained. Seven witnesses testified, a new face being brought into the proceedings by the appearance of Edward Garbey, a traveling salesman. The booze case will be continue<l until Friday at which time Joyce Clarlc may testify. <« Toronto, Sept. 21. The Arbuckle films are barred here. ^ sharp controversy started here dt^ring the week regarding those connected with the acting end who spent several months in the east J of the film industy and the whole returned to the coast early laat' profession came in for condemnation spring, took a cure and signed a con tract to star again, only to fall back on the use of the ''stuff" and slip among the addicts. There is a week-end orgy estab- lishment in Beverley Hills, the most exclusive residential section of Holly, wood. The place is maintained by f former well-known member of the finmbs in New York who married on the coast. Here .the parties last from Friday to Monday with usually all of the guests "charged up" dur- ing that period. Out there they say it'.s a great life, whether you weaken or not. There is a "dope ring" on the coast beyond shadow of a question. The medical society had the facts on the tactics employed to gain recruits among the adtlicts of the studios. The reports show that those in the Paul W. Panzer, picture actor, giv. ing his address nt 22.57 Walton ave- nue, filed a voiluntary petition in bankruptcy thi.s week acknowledging j acting profession on the coast getting liabilities totalling |2,501.91 and no ^ the big salaries, far b4'yond what they assets. The debts include a $2.'>01 wefe in the habit of receiving a short loan by Frederick A. Salinger to the . time before, knew of no other way Premier Productions, of which the pe-I to spend their easily gotten njoney titioner is trustee, a ^1,000 suit pend- except on "parti s." They would walk ing in the Seventh District Muncipal out of the studio of an afternoon and Court by Marie Cooper against him-] ntart a party that would last until it f.clf and .sev.ral other film people, a was almost ^inie f.,r iheio to he back judgment indebtedness and some notes at the sttidio agnin. These parties for loans, one of which was endorsed i f„r |he greater part at first were by King Baggot and Sheldon Lewis. Judge Hough signed an order Mou. day restraining any of the creditors from filing supplementary proceedings for 12 months. by those least competent to judge. Xowell Sherman reached New York Wednesday. Previously to his arrival there had been speculation among picture people whether Mr. Sherman would seek a film engage- ment in the east and if he could be placed. CURWOODS CO. Author a Member of the Portland Ma., Corporation AFTER ITAUAN PICTURE Tile I'liiveisai is trNi:.g to .cmic tile ltMli;ill-lii.;(ie JMt hire "'riie Towci of the lloiyias." recijilly iiiiv.'d in this counlix. The |»ir(uie h.is Ixn. shown without titles and runs to S.()(>^ feet. •Xnthonv l*aiil Kelly h:is hecMi en gaged to e<lit and rctitlc the picture. studio and this was the spot where the dojte recruiter got in his work. • ^ I It was a r;ise (.f "take a snifT of A T> vrnTIAJJflV I this," or 'let me fi\ y(ni a shotV and A. r. £xA.\^nAMMXM , fl,o relief nfTordcd made it possibb' AV. W. IIf>dkir|son was reported to for them to continue with tho work. li:ive been ill negotiation to take over The conlinuajwe fif the roun<l of jdeas- tlie .\sKociate(| I'roduccr.s' c.xch.inges ure .nnd worliiii;; under a frilse >f:i!iu- tiirouglioul thu country, but tin* deal hint soon i;ot to the ixn ices ainl they fell through. The F. B. Warron Corp. became confiinud adiliets with n liaht assumed tlie leases of one or two of th;it would lend tlieiu to any I ngth the cxchnnKes :!nd the <»tliers will to '"jjef flic sfiifT."" be elosed at the end of the current; 'riuii featn.r of I,os .Xim-'le^ and ^^''"*'''''- Ilollvwoi.d !if.> is very luueh in need .\sso<iate(l Producers aniiouiK e.>< it of <le;inin>;. nio;e so th;in the rle.-m- will r.'t;iin its present ninnageri:il i ii,.,r of the s reen itsolf. With the force t(. hiindle the A. IV out put ! doi)i stevs and tlicir eoimnnioiis thr«-ui;h t!ic First National exch:ini;cs. I cleared out of the profession, and simply "lioodi" affairs, c(»upled with physical excesse.*, then came the in- evitable mornirfg after droop at the \ on a charge of violating the ordinnnr'e Portland, Me., Sept. 21. According to plans formulated by the Pine Tree Pictures. Inc.. this city is to have its own picture .studio. Jame^ Oliver Ciirwood. author, ha^ nsso<'i ;tcd hini'-elf with the organiza tion headed by former Governor Carl li. Milliken and ex-Mavor Frederi"k W. llinkley. Mr. (^urwood's newer works wil! be filmed by the com nan v. Arrest Hamon Promoter San Francisco. Sept. 21. Following su|)pression by the Dist- Tict Attorney of the pi<turc "Fate," hosed on the lift? experiences of Clara Smith Ilamoti. W. C. Weathers, pronxoter of the picture, was arrested and haled into t'lc : olire co;iit hen f«»rbidding the disfday of censored films. The film had been advertised about, town for nr* indefinite run at the (-'ollege on Market street. We.'ithers asked f(»r a .jury tri;'.l. Branding the jdcture as "thor- oughly offensive" and prunting to it ::s a way for Miss II:'.ni;>n "to coin into nidney the blood of the man she oiurd' i-ed." l>i.<iri l .Mloiiicy Ifiit'iew Brady prom'sed lojjal resou-se wouli' l)e used to prevent the showing of the oictuie followini; a private review by himself and poljee ofli'irtN. Most of the theifre iiiiin:iKers of the city voictMl agninst the exhibi tioii of the film here k)u^ before it.^ L'onipletioiL *3 MUSKETEERS' RO^ INVOLVES AGENC] Declined' to Handle Copy of Former Rial Orchestra Ructions continue to sputter 1 head-on collision between Hugo enfeld and the 50 members of former Rialto orchestra. The New York diiliea, the Si,_, Court, the Farmers^ Labor Par^, Federation of Teachers, and th« ecutire p^wera of the Mi opera house are now involved way or another in the fight, wi^^ prospects that other interest! become involved. The orchestra, to put its fHm and music pi into the Town HalL commenciaf Monday, the closest they can |H opposition to the RiToli-Rialto The two-week engagement of musiciana at the Manhattan Sunday next has been punctured fireworks exploded by one side or other. The decision of Judge W>!s«erv< of the Supreme 1.0 uri, filed Tuei grants the injunction craved by enfeld through the Bialto Theal Corporation restricting the orch< tra to designating their body as "f merly of the Rialto orchestra." use of the word "Rialto" is tB musicians want, they-daim. The hearing on the Alexander Corporation request for an inj tion against the Fairbanks flhn of ssme name was caTendnred for y< terday. The New York dailies into the jam when some of ihem fused the musician** advertising the Manhattan engagement, the Tti holdifi? ont arainst all argument, once publishine the musicians' hittan advertising. The Manhstl uew««paper ads, anticipating the jrnroment. broke all nistom in 0| challenging the quality af the mi programs of the screen theatres TTTpes sQuare. claimine also thst musicians* version of •th'' '"t1>i Musketeers" staged by Tnce was neHor in *'be'»utv. tension and ism" to the T'nited Artists' ver> The Tiawrence Oilman agency, next tried to pl.ice the orchesi advertising, succeeded onlv in instances, the papers refusing, ieeting to the friction current tween the musicians and the Uit The Oilman ngencv's placing of ads in the four sheets wps follow bv n letter from Rie«ienfeld deml 'ne thst Oi'mnn dis^ontirne his sei Ice in behalf 'of the musicians »i nenslty of being personally sued f»| damapos as n oTtv to '^dvertiHin^ rt musicians as "The Rialto Orchestra] or anv* form ^f the statement iwo'^ i-g that the T^i'lto Theot'-e Cornor ^5'^n had anvt^'ing t« flo 'vith t^'e hoA\ Oi'man was the only ad broker wl d'srecarded the wprn'p? ''nd coi fJnoea to plnce the ads with the nev^'j pa»^era. The Snnreme Court decision w| still pendin«r last Wednesday n'gl when Abraham liovit'jki. president ti»o Fedr^mtion of Teachers .nnd n d^date for p'-e«.»dent of the "Ronrd Mdermcn of Creater New Yo'-k the Po'Mjlist ticket, and Cferpld r*e Hunt, saying he represrnt'*d *l 000 railway dorks, and incidental M'os the cTPd-date fo- Mavor r.renter Xew Torh on the FariTK T.abor ticket, told the musicians' d'enco the move of the !Pn«"'inni propriet'vr their own film h'H ^^ be Iweked by nlf labor f>rg.')ni7nti( 1ST NAT'L MEETING Th.' First Niitional Kxhihitors ^i ^•ociation is to hold a *K«'t tog.'tir of the franchise holders of the ganizaticn Oct. 15. The meet Mi.y talvc place in Detroit as a < tral point for tiie nu inhers to seiiihle. . Tiie re|;ort that the meeting ■' heini <';.r.e.l ns .1 sort ••;' a i-"'"' to the tak'iig in of A-" aied Ii ducers i> denied at tlie l'""^'^ • tion 1 honi;« oflifcs hi're 'Ihe fiicf thai the f iMurlilsi' hoW have fii-.t. call 0:1 :iil fli- A. I*- P »iin t ;in.l .ire not romp'"'''* '*^ ^ the piet'irev; nirikes the ;irttli):rt6 oue that is entirely in their favor.