The world film encyclopedia (1933)

2l6 (SEL-WAR) Other Film Personalities publicity-director and scenario writer Avith Rex Pictures Corporation, New York City. A year later, when Adolf Zukor launched his Famous-Plaj^ers Company, he was transferred to this firm (1912) and was partlj' responsible for the release of the first feature length motion picture sold in America, Queen Elizabeth, with Sarah Bernhardt in the title role. One of the earliest films produced by his company was The Prisoner of Zenda. When Zukor's Famous-Players company combined with Jesse L. Laskj in 1915 to become the Paramount Corporation, Schulberg retained his post and it was not until several years later that he decided to try his hand at independent production. Is credited with having discovered Clara Bow and to have given her her first opportunity. SELZNICK, David O. B. Pittsburg, Pa. Sou of Lewis J. Selznick, founder of Selznick Pictures. Ed. New York public schools ; Columbia University. M. Irene Mayer Selznick. Was trained from early childhood to become an executive in the motion picture business. Was at one time associate producer at M.G.M. and then joined Paramount as executive assistant to B. P. Schulberg, who was then general manager of West Coast productions for Paramount. SENNETT, Mack. B. Denville, Quebec, 1884. Began his career on the stage, in dancing roles in a touring company. First screen appearance was with the old Biograph Company, under D. W. Griffith. With two others he formed the Keystone Company, 191 2, one of his first discoveries being Charlie Chaplin, whom he trained into the quaint little figure that will alwaj's be remembered as " Charlie " — in spite of his graduation to " Mr. Chaplin." Mabel Normand, Ford Sterling, Gloria Svranson and Harry Langdon are among those who owe their early "training to Mack Sennett. His studio has been christened " The Sennett School of Film Acting," so numerous are the successful stars who started with Uncle Mack. With the gradual disappearance of " custard-pie " comedy, Sennett faded into the obscurity of a provider of rather insignificant shorts. But, with the coming of sound pictures, he re-established himself as a maker of film^s. His one effort at deeper craftsmanship was Susanna (1923), with Mabel Normand, but it is for his slapstick humour that he is best known. Also Produced : Good-bye Kiss, Midnight Daddies, The Lion's Roar, Hollywood Theme Song, Dance-Hall Marge. SHORTT, Rt. Hon. Edw.\rd, K.C. B. Mar. 10, 1862. Ed. Durham School and University. M. Isabella Stewart, 1890; Three daughters. President, British Board of Film Censors since 1929. Recorder of Sunderland, 1907-18 ; M.P., W. Newcastle, 1910-22 ; Chief Secretary for Ireland, 7918-19 ; Home Secretary, 1919-22. Occupies in Britain the position which in America is held by Will Hays, and is the final censor of all films intended for exhibition in this country. STARR, Herman. Vice-President, Warner Bi others Pictures, Inc. THALBERG, Irving. Full name, Irving Grant Thalberg. B. Brooklyn, N.Y., May 30, 1899. Ed. Brooklyn. M. Norma Shearer ; one son. Began his motion picture career with Universal as secretarj', later becoming private secretarj' to Carl Laemmle, Senr., a position which he retained for two years before becoming general manager and director for the same company. Later joined Louis B. Mayer as production head and, when the latter became affiliated with Metro-Gold\%yn, he was promoted to production manager for the new organization. WARNER, Albert. Vice-President, Warner Brothers Pictures, Inc., and Director of First National Pictures, Inc. One of the famous Warner brothers. {See Jack Warner.) WARNER, Harry. President, Warner Brothers Pictures, Inc., and senior of the three brothers who formed this firm. {See Jack Warner.) WARNER, J.\CK. B. London, Ont., Canada. Ed. Baltimore schools. On completing his education joined his brothers, Harry and Albert, in a bicycle shop at Youngstown, Ohio. Being the youngest of the three, it was not unnatural that he should play the part of errand boy, clerk and general handyman. Later, the brothers turned their attention to the entertainment world and, with the purchase of their first theatre at Newcastle, Pa., their active interest in this direction began. Here young Warner was given the opportunity of utilizing his tenor voice and used to sing illustrated songs. When the Warner brothers began