Variety (Jul 1928)

VARIETY PIC T U RES Wednesday, July 4, 19jyj Wide Angle Camera and Extra Wide Raw Film May Soon Show From Wm. Fox and Geo. Spoor It is vopdrtod. cxperimmtiil work on tho Fox "wiilo. anjrl^" camora is near coiTiplctioh. >vith. plans, being secretly prepared for the; shooting of ■ the Jii-fit Broadway . musical comedy production though a definite date has not been set yet;. . Through . means of this caiiiera- . Fox will be the only producer cap- able .of reproducing a, stage prodvic- tibn in pictyre.^ with life size, cast and figures nqt flattened and almost ail shades of coloring retained,. Production w'ork may be "held up^ temporarily pending a suit by . Robert Greathouse demanding $100,- 000 and 2 per cent, of the sales, ZVi per cent, when road showed and grossing up to ?5,000, per cent, if grossing up to ST.OOO and 5 per cent, if grossing $10,000 or over. , The camera permits a wide.screen and a . triangular vision from all sides . of the theatre. With Fox's almo.st perfected cplor work iii films and synchronization far advanced the attempt at an exact reproduction of a stage show is neair and will probably be ;ahnounced suddenly.; Meanwhile Fox and Widescope, defendants In the Greathouse suit, are appealing to the .Appellate Di- vision ; from the order by Justice Ford calling for their exaniination before trial by Max Steiter so that the latter can gather facts sufll- cient to frame a complaint. The Megagraphv • Fox's special camera seems to be aloiig lines similar to the Mega- graph, a wide film oh which George K. Spoor, Chicago, formerly with Essanay, has. been working on for about 11 years. It is claimed thiat the Megagraph, . through which triangular vision is also said to . be possiblei is now per- fected arid that plans ?ire to use the film in [ production of a newsrecl to be" demonstrated at Keith's Hip- podrome, New York, Bhortly, the film to ,be sent out later as a nov- elty newst'eel feature. If applied for . newsreel" production' it would lead to a mpi'e general use of the "wifle film, width uncertain, but about. 2% Inches, Spoor so far is reported to ha.ve Invested over $3,000;000 in experi- menting with the film in the old Essanay studios, Ghieago, where a staff is still maintained. y - Fox, especially, will be in a posi- tion to roadshow, popular produc- tions on an eitrubive scale, selling entertainment throughout the coun-- try at less than half the usual road show prices and still grossing for the legit producers more than the toad show rights to the average successful production .are worth. Chi Film Boards' Plea Has Dept. of Justice in Hole Washington, July 3. Action of Chicago film boards of trade in pleading not guilty to the charges brought by the Department of Justice, as an aftermath of the picture house strike in that city, is looked upon here as having put the Dcpartment in a llele. Fact that coimsel for the boards are preparing a complete defense and getting set to attempt to beat the case for an acquittal makes the position of the Department just that much worse, it is said, ■ Jt w£is fully expected here, includ- ing those of the Departnfent in charge of the case, that ei demurrer woiiia-be filed by the picture counsel Setting . forth that they were within their rights and thus leaving it up to a judicial decision on the various points of law in qiiestion. Drawing ot the'inforniation as filed, plus the fact that it was an "information" instead of an indictment, enhances the impression among those of the industx-y here that sortie sort of an agrbenient had been reached to have the court pass on the two or three important legal questions involved, Instead, of bringing it to a real issue, . . ' ■ Now the questioners have it that the boards, in fighting the case for an acquital, place the Department in the position of finding' itself crossed and with a case on its hands in which it will have considerable diflftculty in stopping an outright jury acquittal because of the lack of concrete material for a court fight. •That the boards were expected to seek the judicial decision was in- dicated by answers given a "Variety reporter by an official of the De- partment. He stated the film board counsel had changed its mind. Divorce Action Probably Off, but Alienation Suit On . Los Angeles, July 3. Present Indicatlonjj are that the divorce action oif Corabel Bern- etein against Arthur Bern-stein, in- volving. Mrs. Lillian Googan, mother of Jackie Cobgan^ ' will . probably lieveir gq to arfal. However, Mrs. Bernstein's $VB,000 alienation suit again.st Mrs. C.oogan is expected to go to the courts and be bitterly contested. Despite many conferences by both sides, no settlement could b(J effected, in the .alienation suit; ' Marion Davies Beats $6,500 Table Cloth Suit ; Los Angeles, July 3.. Superior; court Judge Hazlett, after three days of trial decided that Marlon. Da vies will not have to pay. $6,500 for a table cloth miade ex- pressly for . her by . Henri Dumont. ■The court in its ruling declared the burden of the proof was on the plaintiff in this case and that his contention was not sustained. The court further ruled that the whole matter was a question" of fact mostly and not of law, therefore* he found for the defendant. Miss Davies had refused to accept the cloth and therefore said she was not liable. Robert Z. Leonard starts work this week making retakes and a new ending for "Show . Feopl^," starring Miss Davies. Picture was originally directed by King Vidor. Sound effects will be used in re- lea.se...,. Following completion of this pro- duction Miss Davies loaves for Europe, via New York, fpr three Months' ifibrbad.r " , ^--^ . ^- ~- - Weather Forecast Washington, July 3. In response to a request from Variety the 'Weather Burea;u fur- nished the following outlook for the week commencing Wednof^day for the country east of the Miss.is.sippi: Mostly fair weather except for afternoon. . Local. thunder showers Wednesday and Thursday. More general showers Friday or Satiir- :.day-^-r.^==-Sundny=^..u}i cei-ta4nT==--=^- Temperature will remain' above normal several days. Meighan's Eastern Vacation Los Angeles, July 3. Thomas Melghan is now en route to New York to sojourn the entire cummer at his home at Great Neck, Liong' Island. Fox^Poli D*al jDue For Closing It's expected the William Fox- iS. Z, Poli theatre deal will .fclqse during fllis week. It has been va- riously reported. Fox takes 6ve;' the Poli houses, about 18, all in New England. Con- •Slderation is not named, but if Fox buys, it will be around $20,000,000. Drs. Welcome Sound Developments of the "talker.s" and its relation to medicine and surgery will be a tremen- dous boon in the opinion of doctors. Physicians point out that the picture and lectures will b.e availa,ble not only to doctors and students of - the present day, but of future gen- erations. In the past, the only permanent records have been written ones, supplemented, In some cases; by still photos. Color photography is another angle. A committee appointed by the American Colleg* of Surgeons is working with the Eastman Kodak Cohipany, the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors, and others in de- veloping surgical films. It Is believed that all > medical schools will have complete filin libraries of standard surgical procedure used by the fore- most surgeons. Business Conditions Cool Off; Merging Talk of Theatre Chains Questionnaire On Sound Is Sent to 150 Coast Writers Mary Blows Up Los Angeles, July 3. Mary PIckfo.rd cut loose a storm on the day she returned from New York in protesting against the as- .slpnmont of Sam Taylor to direct "The Love Song" with William P.qyd and J^ipe Velez. Taylor di- T?^tod"^':arr ^?('St" r;i 1^''^with=TVTiss rickford iirid she want.<^ liim for her next picture. There was a quick capitulation and Taylor wa.s immediately taljcn off fixing the continuity for "The Love Song" and assigned to Mi.ss Pickford. Both start Avorking on a story to go into production about Aug. 15, Los Angeles, July 3. Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has sent out a ques- tionaire on voice • and sound to writers of scenarios- Paper is classified on six different subjects. First has to do with mechanical reproduction, -writers being asked whether they considered instru- ments now in use sufficiently per- fect for correct voice and sound re- production. In case they do not they . are asked where they think the instruments can be improved. Second question is whether sound effects add realism to a picture. They are asked to \ name a few ex- amples and'also what sound effect they have noted that seemed un- natural. Regarding the voice, the writers are asked if they believe voice re- productions are desirable, and If so, to what extent. After committing themselves they are asked if any faults have been noticed and to what extent voices can • be trained: Also whether or not . substitute voices can be emjjloyed. Are There Enough Writers? With referencfe to manuscripts, it is asked how Important they con- sider the writing of the manuscripts for talking pictures and whether they must all be written in advance, or if some can be interpolated. .An- other question is what kind of dia- log should be encouraged—natural, melodramatic or wise-cracking. Then what kind^ould be avoided. A further portion of this suggestion was if any advantage or disadvan- tage was seen in talking pictures speeding or slowing the story and If it Increases the suspense of con- tinuity. Writers are also asked if there are enough capable writers in the profession, or should they draft dramatists from the stage for this kind.of work. Questionnaire asks how. important they^pn^sider^ the ih producTng a talking ^picture and how far should a director collabor rate with the writer. Paper also 'Wants to know if talking pictures should be rehearsed like stage plays. Another section of this question wishes to ascertain whether there can be smoothqfess . of rendition, such as avoiding shocks to the sen.ses in transitions from silence to voice and vice versa. Should the writers have had any experience in this direction they are asked to state what, if any, chances there may be for retakes. Final portion of the questionnaire is if the writers have any suggestions to offer to play, program or method that the Academy should pursu'e in devel- oping the proper; .use of voice and sound effect. Questionnaire was .sent out tP 150 writers. -ANITA STEWAilT'S DrVOIlCE^ Lo.s Angcle.s, July 3. Under the name of Anna Mary Ilrcnnan a divorce was gi'anted to Anita Stewart, foi^mer screen star, from Rudolph Brennan, known pro- fessionally as Rudolph Cameron. Miss Stewart charged her husband wa.s fond of night clubing and he was seldom at home. Comm. Wants to Heaf Ejlubs on Block Booking — ^ Washington, July 3. Investigators from the Federal Trade Commission are now covering the country to get information from exhibitors on the question of the; .commission proceeding against the entire industry on block booking. As reported several weeks agoj this investigation was thcA about set, due to the commission hot being satisfied with the material secured from the producer-distributors whieh some nine companies appeared he- fore the board of review of the comniission. ' Just how long will he required for these investigators to gather the data desired is a question. It Is believed that until the full reports are in, and weighed against the statements of the producera-dis- tributors, no further move of a wholesale nature will be taken by the .commission. : New Eva too Heavy Los Angeles, July 3. Eva Von Berne, importation for Metrp-Goldwyn-Mayer, after^ two days before the camera in her first tj-yout, was withdrawn because it was decided she was a little too heavy in weight,- Anita Page was substituted. It Is understood dieticians and weight reduction specialists are to be retaiined by the studio to bring the girl's weight down. Mix's 132 Stitches Los Angeles, July. 3. After Tom Mix returned: here from the east-he had a slight ac- cident which required five stitches in his leg. When these were re- moved Mix stated thalt .during his film career 132 stitches have been removed from various parts, of his person. Mix's first western for FBO goes into production July 9, Sharon Lynn has the femme lead. SCHUIBEBG EAST Los Angeles, July 3. B. P. Schulberg, executive head of Paramount studios, and Harry Gets, assistant treasurer, left for "New York on a rush call for a con- ference July 6 on the production schedule of talking pictures for Hollywood and the Long Island stu- dios. In addition, it is understood the executives will also take . up the matter of expenditure for construc- tion work oTh sound-proof stages and other improvements. TOWN INVITES WAMPAS Los Angeles, July 3. : Pacific Steamship Company and the Ensenada Chamber of Com- merce have extended an invitation to the Wampas to attend as guests the ICnsenada Fiesta to be staged at the Mexican border town Oct. 19. Both the steamship firm and the town have been trying to- attract patronage from Southern California' to build UP the town as a popular watering place lacking, an 18th Amendment. . BARBABA BEDf OBD STBAPPED Los Angeles, July 3. . Barbara Bedford' has declared herself, biankrutit in a petition filed In the United States District Court. Film actress lists heir liabilities at $6,485.41, against '$600 worth of household goods In assets. Peti- tion averred .^he had no ca$h. Miss Bedford, in private life, is Violet . Rose . Roscoe, wife of Al Ro.scoe, picture actor. AIB TAXIS BECOME COMMON Los Angeles, July 3. Producers are using aeroplane taxis to and fromi location points/ Xed Ma.rin, First National, made a from the j'"'i"r.st Isfatlohal studios in tour and a half hour.s, negotiated ills busine.ss and was back in his olllce the next morning. Louis Weiss East Los Angeles, July 3. Louis Woi.ss, Weiss Brothers, gOcs to New York July 10 for a month's business trip. Present busincgs conditjonsj in the theatre throughout the ciountry ap- pciax to be the chief chill on prd» posed or talked about meigers of thcatrd chains. With the summer- on and trade not ariy too fancy anywhere, chain operators are prone to sidestep "ne- gotiations" as a waste, of energy just now. This is reported as having led t<> an apathetic situation, with two or three slnrimering deals.. One of those is reported aia the Fox-Poli, .although that has been often rumored with something ex- pected. Another is the, Keltho Pahtagess, which never got very iar beyond a casual preliminary,, froin the account. Keith-Stiahley Is said to be held up at present through th6 Stanley crowd still attempting to straighten up itself Internally, The main block in the. Stanley group is said to be the Fabians of Newark, .N. J., holder of over 200,000 Stanley shares of the total of around 900,000 issued. ' Fotx-Slanley talk was .renewed yesterday with reports of an im- pending sale. Parties to such (con- ferences' said npthmg definite could be g-iven out at this tihie. Jacob Fabian, like the principal members of Finklestein & Ruben, in Minnesota, seems to . see into the future for his sons. That was one of the actusil reasons the F. & R. deal with Fox did not consummate, it was stated Inside at the. tiiiie. Fabian's Shrewd Sale When Fabian, sold to Stanley he retained the operation of his houses for himself ahd fiimily. During the negotiation for the Stanley sale Fa- bian was reported to haVe demanded ^ 110,000,000 for his business, unseen or unchecked. Fabian said. he kept no books; all he knew was that his. circuit made $1,000^000 yearly. . It was ten millions or nothing, take it or leave it, said Fabian; but to as- sure the Stanley people how positive he was the Fabian chain would keep on making a. million a year net, at least, Jacob Fabian offered to guar- antee that the Fabian profits under the Stanley banner wduld amount to at least one million a year for the first two years. This guaranteie Fabian placed In writing, and the Stanley people thought it, good enough. Each of the first two years .Fabian is said to have paid the deficit under the one million guarantee^, and he, with others, still thought he had made a very good trade, after the second year's deficit had been turned over to Stanley. >rhat still left Fabian with nearly $9,000,000.* IN 600 FILMS, RECORD Guy Oliver Has Woi-ked 12 Years for Paramount Without Contract Log Angeles, July 3. Guy Oliver, member of the Para- mount stock company, has played in inore pictures than any other per- son In the world. Any disputant must show a record in excess of 600 pictures. Oliver has been a member of Par's stock 12 years. He is now oh his 309th production for that com- pany. Prior to thSt and for seven years he^was^ continuously employed by Lubin, Eclair, Kinemacolor and Sellg. In tho^e days pictures were made In a week, hence the total of over 600 pictures. An unusual phase of Oliver's present engagement is that during the entire period with Paramount he ha^ never had a. contract; Colored Sound Film Los Angeles, July 3. Dr. Calmas, head of Technicolor, will shortly put into production a feature length color picture with sound effect. Film will be made at the Tec^Art studios, and is a costume story. It is expected the picture will be re- leased as a special by Paramount.- lETS STAGE DIBECTOB GO Los Angeles, July 3. Joh n Cromw ell, s^ ^^^ ac^torTetigaged^iiyrparam'ovmt wiTh- a view to talking picture.'*, has been tempomrily released . by that or- ganization. He has leluriiod to New York. Cromwell's departure i.'« con- strued as indicating a less-cning of present demand on tlift part of the company'for tho.se acquainted with the stage.