Clippings from CAMERA (Jan. 6, 1923)

Compiled by Joe Moore,
with assistance from the special collections staff of
Arizona State University, Tempe AZ.

CAMERA’S WEEKLY WAKE-EM-UP

COMEDIANS ARE ABANDONING 2-REELER What’s going to become of the two-reel comedies?   Practically all the leading comedians of the screen have either abandoned the short subject in favor of fun films of four to nine reels or are planning such a move.

Charles Chaplin ended his career as a two-reel star with the final shooting on “The Pilgrim,” the last picture he will ever make for First National and after he completes his self-imposed task of directing Edna Purviance in her present feature comedy-drama, he will resume the making of innovations in length and strength of “The Kid,” according to authentic report.

Harold Lloyd has long since discontinued making 1800-feet and 2000-feet films and he has been boosting his footage ever since “The Sailor-Made Man,” both “Grandma’s Boy” and “Dr. Jack” being longer.

Max Linder, the greatest foreign comedian, was a pioneer in making feature-length comedies.  His “Seven Years’ Bad Luck” “Be My Wife” and “The Three Must-Get-Theres,” all feature productions, have been the biggest triumph of his brilliant career of eighteen years’ duration as a cinema star.   

Monty Banks is the latest comedian to announce plans for expanding his fun-making enterprises into at least four-reelers and he will make the change immediately upon completing his present contract with Federated next March.

Larry Semon and Lloyd Hamilton are two other kings of the kingdom of laughter who are expected to follow suit in the pursuit of more extensive trails ere long and when all this galaxy of leaders are into the new field, there will be just cause for wondering what the ultimate fate of the two-reel comedy will be.  It is possible it will pass into the land of past history just as the half-reeler did and as the one-reeler seems destined to do before long..    (Camera Vol. 5   No. 39  pg. 14)

Pulse of the Studios

For the Week Starting Monday January 8 ROACH STUDIO, Culver City.   Warren Doane, Mgr.   761-721
 
Hal Roach Comedies (Pathe release).

Director: Newmeyer-Taylor   Star: Harold Lloyd   Cameraman: Walter Lundin   Ass’t Director: Robert Golden   Type: 5-Reel Comedy   Progress: 2nd  Week.
Director: Parrott-Fay  Star: Snub Pollard   Cameraman: Roach Doran   Ass’t Director: Hackmey   Scenarist: Hutchison-Parrott   Type: 2-Reel Comedy   Progress: Schedule 
Director: Jeske-Howe  Star: “Paul” Parrott   Cameraman: Frank Young   Ass’t Director: Henecke-Brandie   Scenarist: Staff   Type: Comedies   Progress: Schedule 
Director: McGowan-M’Namara    Star: All-Star   Cameraman: Len Powers   Ass’t Director: C. Morehouse   Scenarist: Tom McNamara   Type: “Our Gang”   Progress: Schedule       (Camera Vol. 5   No. 39  pg. 18)

 

PULSE OF THE STUDIOS

 

For the Week Staring Monday January 8

 

SENNETT STUDIO.    1712 Gelndale Blvd.    Wils. 1550

(Camera Vol. 5   No. 39  pg. 18, Jan 6, 1923)

News and Gossip About the Moving Throngs of Movieland

 

Louise has a “Biggest Set”

 

Louise Fazenda, engaged on her second two-reel comedy for Educational in the Jack White Mermaid series, is working at the United studios on one of the largest sets ever constructed for a short subject.  A whole side of a ship and adjacent docks have been completed with every detail present to make them look like the real thing.  Miss Fazenda is an immigrant in her new mirth quake and she thinks she hails from Sweden.  Opening shots were taken at San Pedro, but now that she has “landed” the work is proceeding at the studios.  Bob Kerr is directing.   (Camera Vol. 5   No. 39  pg. 15)

 

Pulse of the Studios

 

CHRISTIE COMEDIES.   Harry Edwards, Casting.   6101 Sunset.   C. H. Christie, Gen. Mgr.   Holly 3100

(Camera Vol. 5   No. 39  pg. 17)

 

UNITED STUDIOS.   Nan Collins, Casting   5341 Melrose.   M. C. Levee, President.   Holly 4080

 

Lloyd Hamilton Corporation.   (Educational release).

 Jack White Corporation.   (Educational release).

(Camera Vol. 5   No. 39  pg. 18)

 

Within Filmland’s Interesting Portals

 

Max Linder, the famous French comedian, is due to arrive in Hollywood from Paris not later than January 29th and it is said he will start a new full-length comedy immediately.  Mr. Linder returned to his native France several months ago to produce a super-picture, but he found financial conditions and studio facilities at such low ebb there that he decided it was a better bet to return to the Southern California field. (Camera Vol. 5   No. 39  pg. 7)

 

 The Silent Trend

 

Tendencies Tersely Told

 

That the public tastes are improving is indicated by statistics showing the demand for educational films to be nearly double what it was one year ago.  In fact, the educational short subject seems to be gradually pushing the old-time two-reel comedy off most programs.   (Camera Vol. 5   No. 39  pg. 8)

 

Boiled Down and Served Up!

 

Two of “Fatty” Arbuckle’s older comedies were shown at the Park Theatre in New York New Year’s Eve and not only failed to cause a riot, but likewise failed to even fill the house.

 

"When Knighthood Was in Flower,” starring Marion Davies, has concluded a 108-day run at the Criterion Theatre in New York.  A total of 245 performances were given during this time.

 

“Going Up!” originally called “The Aviator,” has been purchased by Douglas MacLean, who will preoduce and star in it at the Hollywood studios, where he has established his own producing unit.

 

It is interesting to note that during the six months from March 1 to September 1, 1922, there were released a total of 285 full-length feature photo-plays, 220 short comedies, 64 short dramas, 117 miscellaneous short subjects, 16 scenics, 6 serials and 5 series of news reels.  

 

“His Good Name,” the William Slavens McNutt story, recently published in Collier’s magazine, is being filmed by Universal, under the direction of Harry A. Pollard, who directed “The Leather Pushers.”  Rockliffe Fellowes, Fritzi Ridgeway, Hayden Stevenson, Buddy Messinger, and Frederick Stanton are the principals selected for the cast.

 

A special orchestration for “Bell Boy 13,” Thomas H. Ince’s new comedy farce, starring Douglas MacLean which will be released shortly, has been written by Sol Cohen, noted Los Angeles violinist.  MacLean is said to put over the best characterization of his career since “Twenty-three and a Half Hours’ Leave” in this farce of modern hotel life.

Who will be in the principal roles in the picturization of “Main Street,” to be made by Warner Brothers, has been settled at last.  Florence Vidor will play the leading part of Carol Kennicott.  Monte Blue will be Dr, Kennicott while Noah Beery will visualize the character of Valborg.  Three other big names are in the cast-Robert Gordon, Harry Myers and Louise Fazenda.   (Camera Vol. 5   No. 39  pg. 10)

 

Possibly About You!                    

 

Harry S. Northrup has been engaged for the Charles Chaplin production of “Destiny,” featuring Edna Purviance.  This production is under the personal direction of Mr.  Chaplin.

 

 Walter Hiers had a little heart trouble lately, so the Lasky organization has presented him with a few month’s leave as a wedding present.  The cause of his affliction is Miss Ada McWilliams, formerly of Hollywood.  The ceremony will take place in New York, after which the couple will make a honeymoon tour.  (Camera Vol. 5   No. 39  pg. 11)

 

Jess Robbins plans to start production at the Fine Arts studios before the 15th of January on a new comedy-drama for Vitagraph.  His latest picture, “A Front Page Story,” is now being prepared for early release.    (Camera Vol. 5   No. 39  pg. 14)

 

 

CAMERA’S WEEKLY WAKE-EM-UP

  

Told in a Head-Line

 

Ohio is the latest state to join the anti-Arbuckle forces and the censor board controlling the screens of that commonwealth has announced its decision to reject any Arbuckle film submitted to it.   (Camera Vol. 5   No. 39  pg. 14)

 

News and Gossip About the Moving Throngs of Movieland

FATTY’S WIFE COMING BACK TOO   

 Mrs. Roscoe Arbuckle, professionally known as Minta Durfee, has announced she will return once more to the stage and screen.  Miss Durfee was the first actress to play opposite Charlie Chaplin in America and made her last screen appearance in support of Mabel Normand in “Mickey.”  Miss Durfee played leading roles in Keystone Comedies for four years and has over 100 screen appearances to her credit.   

 

ENGLISH ACTOR HAS WAR RECORD. Monte Moles, the English comedian who recently relocated in Hollywood, is bent on convincing the American picture-lovers that his ability as a funmaker is not confined to the speaking stage only.  Monte has a rather picturesque past.  At the outbreak of the World War he was making a tour of Canadian speaking stages, and immediately enlisted in the Canadian Navy where he trained for seven months.  He was then transferred to the Canadian cavalry and was sent “Over There.”  He was actively engaged in battle for twenty-three months during which time he received three wounds, the last of which proved to be so serious that he was unable to continue his career as a soldier.  Mr. Moles received his education at the Bethany House College of England and married Constance Parke, niece of the Tolemarche peerage, in London, where he was hailed as one of the most brilliant comedians of Great Britain.  

 

FAMOUS “PUGS” TRAIN ACTOR

Three famous veterans of the prize ring have been engaged to teach the finer points of boxing to George O’Hara for the prize-fight episodes in the “Fighting Blood” series.  They are Leach Cross, Johnny Schiff and Johnny Thompson.  Mal St. Clair is producing this series which was adapted from H. C. Witwer’s well-known stories of the same name now running in Collier’s Weekly.  George O’Hara plays the featured role, with Clara Horton in the feminine lead.  The supporting cast includes Arthur Rankin, M. E. Ryan, William Courtright, Albert Cooke, Kit Guard and Mabel Van Buren.  

 
ALBERT AUSTIN DIRECTS BULL

With the engagement of Albert Austin as director, actual “shooting” on the new Bull Montana comedy has been started by the Bull Montana comedy unit at the Metro studios.  It bears the working title of “The Two Twins” and succeeds “They Call It Dancing,” which was originally announced.  Mr. Austin has been associated with Charles Chaplin for the past several years in the capacity of assistant director.  Prior to that time he was in vaudeville, coming over to this country from England in the same company as Chaplin.  Recently he has been directing Jackie Coogan, one of his successes being “Trouble.”  With the engagement of Albert Austin, the Bull Montana company now includes Clyde Bruckman as “gag” specialist, Dick Stevens, assistant director, and Irving Reis and Ted Reese at the cameras.  Hunt Stromberg will continue to supervise.   (Camera Vol. 5   No. 39  pg. 15)

 

            Pulse of the Studios

 

For Week Starting Monday January 8

 

BERWILLA STUDIO.   5281 Santa Monica Blvd.    Holly 3130

 

Eddie Lyons Productions (Arrow release).

 

Ben Wilson Productions (Federated release).

 

CENTURY STUDIO.   6100 Sunset Blvd.   Julius Stern, Gen. Mgr.   Bert Sternback, Casting.    Holly 96

 

Century Comedies (Universal release). 

 

CHAPLIN STUDIO   Alfred Reeves, Gen Mgr.   1416 La Brea Ave.    Holly 4070

 

Regent Film Company   (United Artists release).

 

FINE ARTS STUDIOS.   Individual Casting.   6101 Sunset.  C. H. Christie, Gen Mgr.   Holly   3100

                 

Jess Robbins Productions   (Vitagraph release)

 Amalgamated Productions.  (Metro)

 Sacramento Picture Corp.

 Douglas MacLean Productions

 Protean Arts, (Angelus release).

 

FOX STUDIO.   C. A. Bird, Casting.   1401 N. Western Ave.    Holly 3000

 

GOLDWYN STUDIO.   R. B. McIntyre, Casting.   Culver City.    76711

 

HORSLEY STUDIO.   6050 Sunset Blvd.    Holly 7945

 

Hallroom Boys Comedies.   Harry Cohn, Mgr.   Holly 7940

(Camera Vol. 5   No. 39  pg. 17)

 

 

HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS.   6642 Santa Monica Blvd.   J. Jasper, Mgr.   Holly 1431

 

Carlton King Productions.   Harry McCabe, Prod. Mgr.

KEATON STUDIO   1025 Lilian Way.   Holly 2814

 

Buster Keaton Productions, Inc.   (First National release).

 

LASKY STUDIOS.   L. M. Goodstadt, Casting.   1520 Vine St.   Fred Kley, Studio Mgr.    Holly 2400

 

METRO STUDIO.   Romaine and Cahuenga Ave.   Harry Kerr, Casting.   Holly 4485

 

Hunt Stromberg Productions.  (Metro Release).

 

R-C STUDIO.   Melrose and Gower.   780 Gower St.   Holly 7780

 

Individual Productions.   (Film Booking Offices.)

(Camera Vol. 5   No. 39  pg. 18)

 

 

UNITED STUDIOS.   Nan Collins, Casting   5341 Melrose.   M. C. Levee, President.   Holly 4080

 

Jackie Coogan Productions.

  • Director: Eddie Cline   Star: Jackie Coogan  Cameraman: Frank Goode   Ass’t Director: Harry Weil    Scenarist: Eddie Klein   Type: “Toby Tyler”   Progress: 8th Week

(Camera Vol. 5   No. 39  pg. 18)

 

 

UNIVERSAL STUDIO.   Fred Datig Casting.    570-081

 

Universal Film Manufacturing Co.   (Universal Release).

  • Director: Hobart Henley   Star: Reginald Denny   Cameraman: Virgil Miller   Ass’t Direct.: Tom Reagan   Scenarist: A. P. Younger   Type: “The Abysmal Brute”    Progress: Editing

  • Director: Scott Darling   Star: Lewis Sargeant   Ass’t Direct: Taylor-Smith   Scenarist: Scott Darling   Type: Comedy    Progress: Schedule

  • Director: Wm. Watson   Star: Neely Edwards   Cameraman: Wm. Daniels   Ass’t Direct.: A. Thompson  Type:Comedy   Progress: Schedule

 Joe Rock Productions  (Federated)

  • Director: Jimmie Davis   Star: Joe Rock   Cameraman: Reggie Lyons   Ass’t Direct.: Murray Rock  Scenarist: Davis-Rock   Type: 2-Reel Comedy    Progress: Schedule 

(Camera Vol. 5   No. 39  pg. 19)

 

 

More Gotham Gossip

                 

Neil Sullivan, photographer for Johnny Hines, was bitten by the radio bug.  His out-fit is set up in his dark room where he spends most of his time listening to it.

 

Charlie Harris, head scenic artist for C. C. Burr, has concocted a paint for doors, et cetera, that will not rub off on the actor’s clothing.  Surely he will have a place in the actor’s heaven.    (Camera Vol. 5   No. 39  pg. 20)

 

Cats, Coloratura and Contatennaion Sid Smith and Lon Chaney are both sons of deaf-and-dumb parents.  Sid is one of the premiere comedians of the screen and Lon is one of the foremost dramatic actors.   

 

(Camera Vol. 5   No. 39  pg. 21)

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