You couldn’t blame Harry Langdon for looking pleasant with such a cute little miss as Alberta Vaughn in her new advanced fall style. Both of these luminaries of the firmament are appearing in a new comedy special, “Look Pleasant.’’ Sennett-Pathe —

PADDING

One or two of the comedy hoys who estab- Tullars Weekly lished themselves in short reel comedies, only

October 24, 1923 Price 25c to try the bigger comedies of full feature length, are trying to make five or six reels out Editorial and Business Offices at 6411 Hollywood Blvd., of two reels of material, which is apt to hurt Hollywood, Calif. their standing. Buster Keaton, who has made Editor—Harry Tullar Associate Editor—Card Snyder some very funny pictures, has tried to stretch Subscription, $5.00 per year in United States. Foreign. $10.00. his material too much in “The Three Ages,” Subscriptions paid in advance with the result that the picture lags too much in spots. This idea of a star directing himself, MAKING A LONG SUBJECT SHORT or co-directing, is not so good, either. Direct- ing is a big enough task to require all of a Today is one of unusual opportunity for man’s energy. short subjects, if they have merit. This is true, because the so-called features of 5000 SHORT SUBJECT ADVERTISING feet or more, made today, are, with a few exceptions, very inferior entertainment. Who The Apollo Theater of Hollywood has just has not wearied himself through more long run Neal Burns in “Back to the Woods” with pictures, and walked out on more, and heard Constance Talmadge in “Duley.” The star and title of each picture were run on the big- of others doing so, in the last year than at any street sign in equal size letters. That’s the time in a decade? There was a time when the way to put over the short subject, and this Paramount volcano, for example, was a 100 house does real business. to 1 guarantee of a real picture. These same pictures today miss as much as they hit, and I PICTURES AND VAUDEVILLE think more. Lasky’s “Law of the Lawless,” featuring an imported Frenchman, with a Pictures in a vaudeville house have never title, is one of the worst pictures ever shown, amounted to very much, for the reason that in story, action and direction. It’s a sample. only cheap pictures are generally run. Like- Groldwvn has certainly put out some junk, too. wise, vaudeville in a picture house generally “The Stranger’s Banquet,” directed by Nei- amounts to nothing, for the reason that only lan, the “sure fire director,” is in point. This cheap vaudeville is shown. A poor act is far picture has a number of starts and no finish. worse than no act. It’s like frowy butter If there was any continuity, it was written dear at any price. An exhibitor should run the backwards. My head ached after seeing most best pictures and forget the vaudeville. Pic- of this, and I walked out. Others who did so ture audiences are not seeking vaudeville said they had never seen anything worse. The they want to see good pictures, and the more only “sure fire” angle to that picture is the good pictures they see, the more they want to comedy bit done by Max Davidson, than see. An exhibitor who shows poor pictures does whom there is no funnier man on the screen. not deserve success, and probably will not Some comedy company will make money by have it. making a series of pictures with him. The FELINE FELIX Goldwyn lion has not had anything very good Felix, the cat, is entertaining a lot of to roar about in a long time. These pictures people. When he paces the floor in deep mentioned are of non-entertain- samples the thought, you forget you have any troubles, ing long features of today. that’s all. Now, under such conditions, the exhibitor must bolster up his program with good short “WHAT’S WRONG WITH THE MOVIES?” subjects, and the producers of same face a “Very little,” is the answer. Tamar Utopian hour. Lane, in his book, makes claims which we are The other day I talked with a mid-west- going to comment on now and then. ern exhibitor. He is visiting in , As to his preface, we do not believe the and he told me how he liked to go to a certain average professional expects favors from a theater. I said: “Yes, it’s a fine theater, but critic on the basis of personal acquaintance. they run so many poor pictures there for the This is an improper light to put the critics in, main feature.” He replied: “That is so, but and is unfair to the splendid people who make they always have something else on the pro- up the players, and other creators of pictures, gram that is good.” There’s the short subject who only expect boosts when they are de- value. served. It is claimed there is little or no art in But I want to tip the news cameraman off pictures; that this is the fault of those in con- on one thing. When he “shoots” a speaker, trol; that pictures are made with an eye on the camera should be placed before the the box office, and that philanthropy and mar- speaker begins, and preferably before the tyrdom should bring out some real new lead- audience arives. It is very annoying to the ers to supplant the lost ones. But we have speaker and to the audience to have a cemera- seen great art manifested in pictures in the man and an assistant stalking around the last decade. To say otherwise is to close one’s speaker’s platform and moving through the eyes. Producers are engaged in business for audience with a camera and tripod and a suit- profit. They have a right to be. It is every case while the address is going on. This prac- man’s need and duty to earn some money. I tice will prejudice many people in the audi- wonder if Tamar Lane writes publicity for ence against such pictures. Cameramen picture people gratuitously, or for art’s sake, should also avoid including each other in their and does he think that some philanthropist pictures, if they can. should give everybody $10,000 worth of pub- licity. The producers, the artists, the direc- Too many exhibitors send to their ex- tors of pictures are selling their wares and change at the last moment for a comedy or services for the most they can get—that’s other short subject. These matters should he what any normal person does. arranged ahead of time, so the exhibitor can As to the advancement of the cinema, make an intelligent selection. Then he can there are plenty of big concerns who will pay announce what lie is going to have. No in- plenty of cash to anybody who can really ferior short subjects should ever he run, be- with the audi- advance it; they are anxious to find the cause it leaves a bad impression advancer, and they are constantly experiment- ence, who may then naturally look for some ing with new ideas for this purpose. I want other house. to say the moving picture has advanced mar- We are going to make it our business to velously. know what is good and bad in the short sub- This harping at people with means is not ject; we are going to give it to exhibitors, sound economically. This demand that some- straight from the shoulder, regardless; we are body give of their means for art’s sake is a not going to handle anything else, except inci- dangerous principle. It’s not being done this dentally; we will write full length, careful season. reviews of short subjects, and treat this field THE NEWS REEL with the care that its importance and size now warrants. By following our reviews, an exhib- By all means an exhibitor should run a itor can always run meritorious product, if news reel, and with appropriate music. For he wants to. Exhibitors are already showing years, when 1 was a layman member of the us their pictures before release, so we can give audience, 1 was always delighted when the you up-to-the-minute information. news reel came on, and sorry when it ended. It taught me important things to know, and Fair comedy, with long popular star had a certain thrill to it. Today, I always “A BUSY BODY” look at a theater’s advertising to see that it Burr Hodkinson has a news reel before I go to the show. STARS Charley Murray, Mary Anderson and Raymond McKee. But an exhibitor is foolish to run the CHARACTERIZATIONS Average identical reel that a competitor has run. I PHOTOGRAPHY Average have seen this done, and it always makes me sore at the theater that runs it last. Like- The star comedian, Charley Murray, has made as wise, the news reel should always change with many people laugh as anybody. In this one he hits pretty well, but lie has done much better. Mary Ander- the rest of the program. son is certainly pretty in this one and does her stuff Some exhibitors, as in Hollywood, are O. K. Raymond McKee is also featured, and the billing making their own “News.” This is not so tells us it’s an all-star cast. good. If you want to run a good house, you The titles are not as funny as they should be, and one or two do not have enough footage. Today comedy must have quality, such as Pathe and Inter- titles have got to hit and keep on hitting, because a lot national, for example. of clever fellows have set a fast pace. The expense and exertion put forth today It takes too long for the fun to get under way in to make news reels are a marvel of the picture this one, although there are quite a few laughs before industry. Even some years ago, I attended the end. Charley Murray is a mighty good comedian, with good gag men, good directors and some real Taft’s inauguration in Washington, and the comedians to support him. The main title doesn’t next day I saw it on the screen in Chicago. mean much to this film. Excellent episode of one of the best serials ever made. A1 Santell is directing the second series in an able “JUDY PUNCH’’ manner, according to reports. The leading lady is now the former Universal star, Louise Lorraine, whose Fighting Blood Series charming personality and ability are winning new F. B. 0. laurels for her “day by day.” DIRECTOR Mai St. Clare CAMERAMAN Les Garmes AUTHOR Beatrice Van’s Adaptation of H. C. Very high- class farce-comedy that will entertain any Witwer’s “Collier’’ Stories. audience. STAR George O’Hara “A PERFECT 36”

SUPPORT. . . Clair Horton, Kit Guard, Albert Cooke, Christie-Educational Arthur Rankin, William Ccurtright. 2 Reels DIRECTION 100 per cent DIRECTOR A1 Christie PHOTOGRAPHY Very good STORY Frank Roland Conklin CAMERAMEN Anton Nagy and Alex Phillips Z. McLeod No producer ever turned out a better serial than CARTOONS Norman STAR Bobby Vernon t his. Tt has youth, beauty, drama, comedy, direction,

SUPPORT. . .Jimmie Harrison, Lincoln Plumer, Teddy titles, photography, editing—in fact, everything in the Patricia Palmer, Caulfield. right proportion to make real entertainment, which Sampson, Ward Excellent is the one thing people go to shows for. CHARACTERIZATIONS PHOTOGRAPHY Excellent Tn this episode O’Hara mixes a punch for the boys DIRECTION Very good which seems to have a movement all its own. Tt takes everybody like Grant took Richmond. Guard and When Bobby Vernon plays a girl, you just got to Cooke persuade O’Hara to quit the ring and manu- laugh, that’s all. In this comedy Bobby, during “polite facture the drink, which is done under the name of week,” is asked by a stranger to assist in driving the the Hola Hola Co. They have a great suite of offices latter’s car, which Bobby smilingly and dexterously and oodles of stenographers. Tt’s worth the price to does, only to find that the car has been stolen. To see Cooke dictate a letter. Things are fine until a com- escape arrest Bobby disguises himself as a girl, and petitor puts them out of business with an injunction. keeps getting in deeper all through the picture, until Then O’Hara is forced back to the ring against the finally he sees his way out and marries as charming a wishes of his sweetheart. Miss Horton. His opponent little widow as ever rode on a yacht. The situations he frames on him and knocks him out. gets into are terrible for him, but your audience will There are surprises all the way through this, with roar over the fun. plenty of thrills. Everyone is alive, has something to Bobby puts the pep into this one and shows you do, and how to it. Tt knows do thoroughly holds the he has stellar ability. The rest of the cast furnish ex- audience. cellent support, each part being played just as it O’Hara is a first-class leading man—natural and should be. Jimmie Harrison screens very well in this convincing all the time. Tie thoroughly understands one. Lincoln Plumer and Ward Caulfield are actors how to register before the camera. He is full of life of ability and play the father and detective just right. and sets a fast pace. As the star of the series, he has Patricia Palmer plays a likeable little widow, and Teddy acquired a great following. Sampson is there as sympathetic sister. This pair will Clair Horton screens beautifully and gets her work please your Romeos, and your Juliets will want to across in a very pleasing manner. hold hands with Bobby and Jimmie. Kit Guard, as the trainer, is there and over. He The story is clever; titles are catchy, with laugh- can put drama and comedy across, and does so effec- able cartoons; the photography is 100 per cent; there fively and repeatedly in this picture. are some backgrounds with about a million dollars Albert Cooke, as the manager, pulls laugh after worth of private yachts. laugh. No one could have done his work better. lie Tt is the work of a master comedy director. and Guard do some first-class acting together. The title has great box office value. Arthur Rankin, as the other candidate for the girl, wields a wicked courtship. lie is a good actor, screens Great comedian in novel offering, which was shot too well and will undoubtedly do many good things as a slow or screened too fast. juvenile lead in the future. “365 DAYS” William Courtright, as the proprietor of the soda Roach-Pathe fountain, is one of the very best character men on the STAR Snub Pollard screen. About a hundred relatives are given a small piece The cast, as a whole, are 100 per cent and we can- of ground about 50x150, upon which they are to live not recommend their work too highly. for a year. They do it, and you can imagine the The cameraman has done all that can he desired, mix-ups. We cannot tell them all. That old favorite, and the technical men are entitled to credit for atten- Snub Pollard, builds his home above the lot and keeps tion to details. it afloat with a gas bag as long as lie can find a quarter. The picture progresses smoothly, and was obviously The cat and dog are hung out for airings, or go out made from a splendid continuity by Beatrice Van. sailing. The balloon finally carries the house away Finally, this picture received unusual direction. up in the air, and it comes down right across the rail- The careful, competent hand of Mai St. Clair stands road track. There is quite a thrill as the train ap- out in all the footage. He brought the best out of his proaches, but Snub gets a quarter just in time. Good cast; he knows screen values: his characters register direction here, and novel stunts. When T saw this naturally all the way, and that is acting. He will rise the action was screened too fast, and T could not get high in the directorial world. titles read before “zip went the fillum, Poor Pauline.” Mr. Exhibitor, by all mans run these pictures. The projectionist must have been to blame, because T They are sure fire and seem to be giving universal can’t believe this comedy was put out with this fault. satisfaction. But I’d look into that. Clever story and good cast put over comedy of the One of the best comedies ever made, with Uncle Sam’s oil fields. Navy furnishing splendid background. ‘ DONE IN OIL” ‘‘NAVY BLUES” Christie-Educational Christy-Educational 2 Reels 2 Reels DIRECTOR Scott Sidney DIRECTOR Harold Beaudine STORY Walter Graham CAMERAMEN Gus Peterson and Paul Garnett and Alex Phillips CAMERAMEN Anton Nagy STORY M. J. Hageman Z. McLeod CARTOONS Norman CARTOONS Norman Z. McLeod STAR Jimmie Adams STAR Dorothy Devore

. . . George SUPPORT Charlotte Merriam, Babe London, SUPPORT Jimmy Harrison, Ogden Crane, French. Burton and George Ward Caulfield, Bill Irving and the U. S. Navy. PHOTOGRAPHY Good DIRECTION Very good DIRECTION Satisfactory PHOTOGRAPHY Excellent CHARACTERIZATIONS Excellent Jimmie starts out to sell oil stock to workers in in a tank the oil fields, but they promptly duck him At Dorothy Devore’s wedding to Jimmy Harrison, of crude oil then kick him into the mud. Charlotte and an officer of the fleet, the admiral receives orders for befriends him, and in return Jimmie pumps water into everybody to return to their ships at once. This com- the tank of the well that his abusers have fraudulently mand the bridegroom is forced to obey, and the bride secured from Charlotte, so they sell the well back to follows him disguised as a sailor. On board the battle- her, thinking it lias run out. Then they find the hose ship, California, she is forced to do the work of any to tank and see they have from the town pump the other gob, including the scrubbing of the deck. She been fooled. Result great chase after Jimmie, who : gets into much trouble, such as tripping petty officers tower to the top, where lie falls off and hangs runs up a with the hose and drenching the captain. She also at the edge, only to have some bees use him for a hive. takes the captain's launch in an attempt to locate her slides wire is manager of the He down a guy and made husband. When the facts become known, Dorothy and well and, well then all is well. — — Jimmy are about to be put in irons when the captain This comedy, while not as funny as some made on and the admiral relent and give Jimmy thirty days’ the Christie lot, is good for many laughs. mirth- Many leave for a wedding trip. Whereupon, the pair arc provoking things done the star, very ably assisted by taken ashore in the ship’s aeroplane. by the supporting cast, will put this one over. Char- The story is very nicely worked out, with an abun- lotte Merriam makes one fine-looking restaurant dance of funny situations which will certainly cause keeper, and Cookie, as usual, is satisfactory. George gales of laughter wherever this picture is shown. Burton and George French play the crooks very natu- rally in parts which are so often over-acted. Dorothy Devore, as the star, is very easy to look in her as well as in her This picture has the Signal Ilill oil wells, located at wedding gown, “Navy at Long Beach, as the locale of the story, which puts Blues.” She shows that she is a very good actress and an interesting educational feature into this picture. gets everything out of the part. The story is well thought out and must be called Jimmy Harrison certainly makes a pleasing lead- clever. Everything about the picture is photographi- ing man and plays the officer like he had been one for cally O. K., and the direction, on the whole, gets by some time. He screens very well. satisfactorily. Ogden Crane, as the admiral, meets all require- Before this picture is released, the sequence of ments and adds a touch of dignity which seems appro- Adams getting on the platform from the big spool priate. Ward Caulfield is called upon to go through should be cut, as it is over-acted. The spool is sup- some very funny situations and gets all there is out of posed to be so unsteady as to make it difficult to get them. Bill Irving keeps right up with the rest of from the spool to the platform, hut it appears very the cast. much that Adams is moving the spool purposely, which The locale of this comedy is principally on board destroys all the purpose of the sequence. the ships of the IT. S. Navy, located at San Pedro. Title is good, and picture affords a tie-up with all The actual naval scenes which are shown are enough the oil promoters. People generally will be anxious to to warrant everybody in seeing this offering. Any per- see just the how ‘‘liquid g#ld” looks and how the oil son who has never visited a battleship can learn con- fields are operated. siderable from this picture, and the producer is to he congratulated on having such a splendid educational This comedy is 0. K. in spots, but the spots are too background. Every exhibitor in screening this one far apart. can very well afford to advertise the actual naval ‘ SEA SIDE SIMPS” setting. Hall Room The photography is very high class, and the shots Percy and Ferdy go to a picture show and see a of the harbor where the fleet is located are to be espe- Hall Room Boys comedy. They tell the audience that cially commended for their clearness, in view of the they are not the actors on the screen. They try to fact that the mist along the coast is a thing to con- show interest and disappointment in the action of the tend with. film, but they do not get this over effectively. The The direction is all that can be required and shows idea of putting Percy and Ferdy in the audience just that Harold Beaudine knows what he is about. flopped, that’s all. But there are some laughs in the This is without question one of the very best com- picture, with chase stuff and trick photography at the edies on the market, and will undoubtedly have a very beach. The shots of the ocean breakers are pretty long and deserved run. good, but it is hard to get good light and clear air to shoot ocean stuff. In this day, when your long feature Your sun is rising, is apt to fliv, T would not take a chance with this one If you are advertising. saving the show. First Episode of Universal’s new historic chapter play work and clay work of these people are shown to have looks 0. K. been skillful, even without modern tools. This film “THE DAYS OF DANIEL BOONE” of a lost civilization is instructive and interesting. If Chapter Play I were running a picture house, I would run this film, No. 1—“The Country’s Need” and give a special showing of it to the teachers and DIRECTORS Frank Messinger and Jay Marchant their pupils. A short lecture on the Incas by a history CAMERAMAN Howard Oswald teacher would go well with this film. AUTHOR Jefferson Moffat CO-STARS Jack Mower and Eileen Sedgewick Police get stung in the beehives, and Adams and Eve SUPPORTING CAST Charles Brinsley, Duke Lee, get married in this comedy. Ruth Royce, Frank Farrington. “A GOOD SCOUT” PHOTOGRAPHY Good Educational CHARACTERIZATIONS Satisfactory DIRECTOR Arvid Gilstrum STAR Jimmie Adams This chapter play opens with a fine staging of Braddock’s defeat by the Indians. The detail of the This is a well-directed comedy, with some good British troops and the Indians are carefully covered, stuff in it. The star is good. There were plenty of and the battle is a thriller. Daniel Boone is given a laughs among the audience. white boy by a dying Indian. This boy becomes the The wife buys a cook book on “How to Please a male star of the piece in the character of Jack Gordon, Husband,” but the hubby thinks the biscuits she makes played by Jack Mower. Boone’s daughter, Eileen are vulcanized. Adams, as a book agent, calls and is Sedgewick, is saved by Gordon from an attack by Dirk, selling the same book. The wife sets the Pomeranian played by Lee, which is cause for a real battle between watchdog on him. Adams blows the dog back in the the two. The colonial forefathers, beaded by Wash- kennel, smiles at the lady, and canvasses her. Then ington and Jefferson, meet at Colonel Henderson’s and comes the real watchdog, and exit book agent. He decide that Boone and Gordon shall be sent to obtain runs so fast his feet actually smoke. The dog is dog- the support of the Indians to the Revolutionary cause gone dogged and chases Adams into a big pipe, where in case of war; but Dirk, a tory spy, hears the orders a tramp, asleep, loses his clothes. and reaches the Indians first, and attempts to win them Cliff Bowes, who looks like the real thing to me, over in sign language. They capture Boone, and the is a flirt, and does his stuff well. Upon release from vote of the Indians is 10 to 10 for execution. Gordon, jail he is told by the fat police department to flirt disguised as a chief, works his way to the council and no more. The first flapper he meets is a beener, and votes for Boone just in time. But Gordon is discovered he falls, and the poliec chase him into the same bunch and his disguise torn off. No. 2 will tell what hap- of hajr cocks that the dog has put Adams in. Great pens then. mix-up of dog, cop, book agent, flirt, pitchfork and Dramatization of American history is surely a hay cock. Adams flees to a Boy Scout camp and is worthy work for any producer. Carl Laemmle has made cook. The rains submerge the camp and the the right idea, and he is going to give us a very inter- range floats away. The monkey gland division of old this esting, instructive and thrilling chapter play in men in the camp is a scoop. The bear is a bear, and one. The kids will go wild about this on Saturday the book agent surely does the fastest digging on rec- afternoon, and lots of the grown-ups will enjoy it, too. ord to get away from him. No use. The police get Jack Mower looks fine in this, and meets all the stung in the beehives, where Adams and Eve decide to requirements of the stellar part he plays. Eileen Sedge- get married. Funny titles, good double exposure, trick wick is very pleasing and knows her stuff. Charles photography, and some angels. Bowes, as the hula Brinley makes a splendid Boone—reminded me of girl, a hit. Some good swimming. Was run with an Bridget- in “The Covered Wagon,” played by Marshall. old Nazimova film and saved the show. But the flapper Duke Lee does the crooked heavy in real bad man style, is stamped on my memory. and Washington, Jefferson and Colonel Henderson are well played. Serials are good to bring them back. They are “APPLESAUCE” good Saturday stuff when the, children come. This Lyons-Arrow one deserves a good run. It is more carefully made 2 Reels and directed than the “” serial, in which DIRECTOR Eddie Lyons some of the serious scenes were actually laughable. CAMERAMAN Ray Ronesey Eddie Lyons I wish T had been taught some history this way. STORY STAR Eddie Lyons SUPPORT Ruth Hiatt and Glen Cavendar Instructive and interesting historical film, good for DIRECTION Fair special show for teachers and pupils. PHOTOGRAPHY Fair “LAND OF THE INCAS” Prizma-Hodkinson Ruth Hiatt, as the dapper flapper piratess, is about 1 Reel the best eye-catcher in this one, and Glen Cavendar This is a good educational, based on scientific re- gets over his stuff as the first mate of the pirate ship search among the ancient, extinct race of Peru, the in good shape. The members of his crew are good. Incas. It's a pretty good idea to have a classy leading lady in It is beautifully photographed in colors and shows comedies of today, because even old men in the audi- many mummies of not only persons but cats and dogs. ence have their eyes open. These people, like many of the ancients, appear to have There are places in this that get the laughs, but known more about embalming than is now known. they are too far apart, due more or less to excessive Many of these mummies were buried with articles they footage to certain sequences where figures move about used. These people were marvelous weavers of ponchos, but get nowhere. If it were re-edited, this condition many of which are shown. Am sure the ladies in the could be improved. The coughing and sneezing stunt audience all wanted to take one home. The metal is worked successfully in this one when Lyons knocks with great down the pirate crew a number of times after taking Good comedy, beautifully photographed, scenic background. snuff. He should have had sideburns, a beard, or some- educational and thing to make him appear more like a pirate. Lyons “BACK TO THE WOODS’’ is not a bad-looking actor, and in the proper part that Christie, Educational is fine, but in this one he should not have played his 2 Reels face straight. DIRECTOR Scott Sidney Antonio Nagy There is a pretty shot of the pirate ship standing CAMERAMAN Neal Burns. Good. at anchor with a coast background. STAR SUPPORT Vera Stedman, George French, Babe London, Earl Rodney, Jimmie Harrison. All Clever comedy which goes over strong. satisfactory. “SPOOKS AND SPIRITS” PHOTOGRAPHY Excellent DIRECTION Good 2 Reels Ward Hayes DIRECTOR Here we get a standard farce-comedy with an edu- Billy Williams CAMERAMAN cational and scenic background thrown in. The scenes C. Raymaker . . Edwards, Herman AUTHORS. Harry of the California big tree country, with trees that came Monte Banks STAR ahead of King Tut, are wonderful, and the shots of Harry LaMont, Gerry O’Dell, Ruth SUPPORT the lumber industry are equal to an actual visit. It is other good players. Holly and all very beautifully done by the cameraman. Excellent CHARACTERIZATIONS Neal Burns carries the stellar honors satisfactorily. Good PHOTOGRAPHY He starts with a dash, as a surveyor, and continues as the center of fast and funny experiences, with plenty of laughs from the audience, until the final fade-out, This is everything that is to he demanded in a good comedy. where he starts for the license with the lumber king’s daughter on a pile of lumber going up on the derrick. The losing siutor gives Monte a pint, which Monte Burns is as spick and span here as can be—he dresses puts under his high hat, and starts for his wedding, his part. exquiistely attired. All the rum hounds get on the Vera Stedman, in her knickers, is very good to scent and follow the groom, which makes funny look- look at, and does her stuff well. She is true to Burns, ing. They pass Brownell’s Drug Store and everything. even with trees crashing down and smashing the Ford. When Monte arrives, the sniffs sit down on the lawn Babe London is there with the goods, as the Everybody at the wedding is trying to locate to wait. heavy vamp. the fine “perfume,” when the cat tips over a statue The balance of the east are 0. Iv., especially Babe’s on the mantel and breaks the bottle. The father will lover. not have a rum hound in the family, so Monte and The titles are funny and pull lots of hilarity. Don’t the girl jump in an auto and leave, the sniffers all tell me that titles are not very important! running along behind. The couple go to a vacant Plenty of footage is given the titles, so that they house, with the aid of a colored servant to complete can be read easily. the ceremony, whereupon the losing suitor gets the The exhibitor, where T saw this one, gave the star place quarantined. A gang of masquerading crooks and the title the same publicity in newspapers and on enter the house and start to frighten out the occu- the front of the house as he did to the big feature. Monte finally lays out the whole gang. The pants. That’s the way! other fellow arrives with a minister whom Monte has tie the knot, after he beans the bringer. This is replete with funny situations, and well played by everybody. Banks hits the bull’s-eye right along for much laughter, as does Gerry O’Dell as the negro. Ruth Holly is satisfactory, and Harry Lamont does the “other man” stuff well. Titles are funny, and printed better than many big features. The sup- porting cast, making up the rum hounds and the mas- REVIEWS IN TULLAR’S querading crooks, are very good actors, especially the living skeleton and Mephistopheles. WEEKEY ARE WR I TT EN BY THE EDITOR ONLY, Good cartoon. AND WILL COVER ALL “COLONEL HEEZA LIAR’S BURGLAR Bray-Hodkinson SHORT SUBJECTS 1 Reel THOROLY. The colonel is about as lively a cartoon as one sees. Maggie Zeen sends a sure-enuf burglar to the colonel's WE ARE ARRANGING house. When the burglar coughs he is so tough that TO PRE-VIEW SAME he blows all the furniture in a corner. The colonel is driven by fright of the burglar into a rat hole, but the AT THE STUDIOS. rat and the colonel are so afraid of each other that they run up the burglar’s pant leg. The safe remains as is because the drills break off like chalk. There are some good real actors in this, with some clever trick photography. People didn’t visit when this was on. It is on the order of the popular “Out of the Inkwell” subjects, and is good and gets laughs. Jackie Morgan

Playing “Chester” Universal's in the Gump Series. HE-VAMP. T

George O’Hara Star of “Fighting Blood” Series F. B. O. Louise Lorraine

Leading Lady of present “Fighting Blood” Series

F. B. O. Kit Guard Featured in “Fighting Blood” Series F. B. O. Six years on the legitimate stage I

Albert Cooke

Featured in “Fighting Blood Series

F. B. O.

L —

H- - n

William Courtright

Featured in Original ‘Fighting Blood” Series, F.B.O.

u u

Featured, in Warner Bros. “George Washington, Jr.”

n — ^ =- m NEWS and CONTRIBUTED ARTICLES [From time to time leading people in the industry will furnish us articles embracing their ideas and experiences.]

THE CHILD AND THE THEATRE dressed to maturity, is wholesome- A PERSONAL MESSAGE FROM By Mack Sennett ness. AL CHRISTIE attain popularity if This is going to big for “Scanning the list of pictures re- “No picture can be a year it offends the finer senses of decent comedy, the laugh-makers will leased, there is a noticeable dearth of and suitable screen material that could people or badly influences “imagina- come into their own more than ever is laughter boast of any appeal for the young tive’ youth. Neither gen- before in the history of the motion is by clean inci- mind—the children. uine unless it caused picture business. Course “Children and the theatre,” Mack dents of enacted humor. The tide of long and boresome fea- uncouth minds in the Sennett claims, “are, or ought to be, laughs from ture pictures has been turned, and ex- inseparable. presence of ugly facts has no place in hibitors everywhere have demanded the of decent picture-makers’ “I seriously contend that no pic- scheme in ertain tones their desire for pure ministrations to the public. When in ture can become a great, popular suc- entertainment, whether it comes in this regard you offend children, all cess unless it appeals with irresis- large or small packages. right-minded men and women are also tible force to children. What will our part in this be? “I would not suggest limiting the offended. Our entire organization has been think you’ll find that any appeal appeal in pictures entirely to the “I concentrating these last few months broad and embracing in comprehension of youth, for that destined to be on new ideas, new situations, new compass a child’s would retard and interfere with the its scope must gags, building up a type of comedy aspirations and faith. It thought and creative genius of wishes, for laughing purposes only, without must have action, it must have com- writers and producers. But I do detracting one particle from the edy, and it must have romance. It think, in its fundamental value, a standard quality pro- youth with a suspense we have set for photoplay, to be successful, must suggest must duction. of adventure which, taken touch the depths of sincere simplicity and spirit qualities of tenderness and We are starting on our fourth year and sound a note of human interest with pathos, must be clean, wholesome and of distribution through Educational, which will find an echo in every fit for the great American Kid.” our eighth year as independent pro- heart, both old and young. The abil- ducers, and my own thirteenth year of ity to create this appeal is essential BUDDY MESSINGER MAY CARRY directing behind a camera, and I want to success. $100, COO INSURANCE to say that I fully believe there is “Youth is the age of accomplish- nothing unlucky about the latter num- ment. It must also be remembered It is highly probable that Julius and ber. It has always spelled good for- that youth demands action, whether Abe Stern, Century Comedy officials, may insure Buddy Messinger, their tune before, and this should be our it be found in the home, the big out- for hundred thousand boy star, one most successful period. doors or in the theatre. Considering dollars. the element of action, I try to incor- This is not certain, as far as the We are encouraged everywhere by porate in each of my productions amount is concerned, but that the exhibitors who believe in the two-reel famous boy star will be heavily in- enough humor to provide plenty of comedy as a regular diet on all pro- sured is an absolute certainty. This laughs. is the desire of the Stern Brothers, rgams. The comedy has been likened “Childhood can hardly be too young for they feel their young star is to the funny page and the funny daily worthy of such heavy insurance. It to react agreeably to a certain amount strip in every successful newspaper. has been their intention, for some of romance. A picture, to make a time, to attend to it, and with prep- Publishers have long realized that the really deep impression on extreme arations for a new series of stories cartoon strip is the biggest single cir- youth, must not have too much ro- for Buddy, this will become a reality culation builder in the paper. mance, and above all it should not be within a short time. Likewise, real motion picture exhib- ‘mushy’ or maudlin. This is true, also, “Yes, We Have No Pajamas,” the itors know that the building of a if such pictures are expected to ap- story that will make the next Century steady clientele is dependent to a peal successfully to the wider circle Follies Girls picture, is in readiness (in script form) to be turned over to large degree on the showing of come- of maturity. Certain'y nothing is a director for production. too senti- dies which put their patrons in good mere boresome than much This comedy is an original by Sig give good fun for mentality in a play, whether it is on Neufeld and Bert Sternbach, having humor, which them the stage or screen. Here, then, you been written from a suggestion based their money. They know that run- the song hit, “Yes, We Have No see that a child’s taste shall lead on nni a picture theatre without high- Bananas.” them, for is with class is like printing a news- what popular imma- The entire group of Century Follies comedy turity is also popular with maturity Girls is awaiting the announcement as paper which is all editorials and read- as well. With romance, adventure to who will direct the picture. ing matter concerning the business, and comedy as the principal elements Rob Wagner, nationally known the crime, the grief and the strife of in a story, youth is served and oid author and humorist, is compiling the world. age is likewise pleased. typical “Rogerisms” for the subtitles there’s enough grief in the of “Two Covered Wagons,” a new And “Pathos, I don’t think is so essential Will Rogers comedy is just world without going to a theatre to to a child’s happiness in a theatre, completing for Pathe. Wagner di- get more. The whole world loves a although a certain touch of it is rected the picture. It is a satire on laugh, and the most successful the- almost necessary at times to supply the original “The Covered Wagon.” Rogers plays roles, those por- atre men are taking advantage of this balance and contrast. The final qual- two trayed in the original by J. Warren proper universal demant by making the com- ity which I deem necessary for Kerrigan and Ernest Torrance, and ety part of their programs one of the appeal to children—a quality which Marie Mosquini takes the girl part should also be invested in pictures ad- portrayed by Lois Wilson. biggest advertising assets. WHAT’S WHAT ON THE SENNETT Louis H. Tolhurst, the inventor, Will Rogers has begun a new cow- LOT whose microscopic picture of The Ant boy comedy at the Hal Roach studios. The story is by Hal Conklin and Jay Increased facilities and the addition is attracting much attention at the Howe. Howe is directing the picture, the several pro- of new players for Criterion Theatre, Los Angeles, in assisted by D. Ross Lederman. Marie ducing units on the Mack Sennett lot conjunction with Chaplin’s “A Woman Mosquini is playing opposite Rogers. have thrown the operating forces of of Paris,” declares that in his fourth the big comedy organization into high production he will show the world “Family Life” is the title which has sixth com- gear. the most unusual motion picture ever been given to the Mermaid edy. It was directed by Bob Kerr and Billy Bevan has returned after a screened. It is that of a caterpillar is a laugh generator of the complica- long vacation in the northern woods, undergoing the transformation from tions incident to the ownership of an where he and Mrs. Bevan spent many its worm-like form into that of the unbalanced flivver, life in auto camps weeks hunting and fishing, to say nymph or cocoon stage. and a husband addicted to—fishing! The cast includes Mark Jones, Ruth nothing of the explorations made far Every feature of this marvelous Hiatt, Sunshine Hart, Otto Fries and by into the interior of the country metamorphosis is revealed under the Tommy Hicks. motor and horseback. searching power of the Tolhurst Kalla Pasha, Billy Francy and Fred “cool” light, and magnified mightily “Heads Up” is the title given to the Spencer, all well and favorably known on the screen. Six hours of constant second Cameo comedy. It was di- rected by Norman Taurog, and the cast to patrons of the screen, have been re- vigilance were spent by the scientist includes Cliff Bowes, Ruth Hiatt, with Madeleine Hur- assembled and, at his motion picture camera, George Ovey and Mark Jones. lock and Bevan, make up the prnici- equipped with its magnifying appa- pal names in the cast for a new ratus, so that the complete stages of Little Jackie Morgan, who is playing Chester in the Gump pictures at the satire, the majority of which will be this transformation are shown—a ver- Universal, has had an unusual career, taken along the rocky coast above itable convulsion of Nature within the considering his age. This little he- direction of Santa Barbara, under the tiny limits of a cocoon. vamp made fifty of more pictures with Earl Kenton. This comedy produc- This series is being made by Tol- Baby Peggy and Brownie, the wonder tion, which as yet has not been hurst and presented by Sol Lesser of dog. at Century, before being placed under long term contract with Van ittled, is expected to be one of Sen- Principal Pictures Corporation. Edu- Runkle Productions. He has played two-reelers. nett’s most pretentious cational Films have taken the entire with over a dozen of the screen’s lead- In another company, Roy Del Ruth series for distribution. The subjects ing stars. has started the direction of a story in are called “Secrets of Life” series. autographs his photo- parts are being which the principal graphs “Bright-eyed Dumbell.” That Billy played by Alberta Vaughn, Arm- CHRISTIE COMEDIES WILL AID IN is his pet nickname on the Hal Roach strong, Harry Gribbon, Majorie Bon- CIVILIZATION PLANS IN HAITI lot. ner and Kewpie Morgan. In this pic- By arrangement with Colonel Theo- Hal Roach’s “Spat Family” believe ture, Sennett’s baby star, Jackie Lu- dore Roosevelt, acting Secretary of in being just a bit ahead of the times. cas, will make his third start. They are on location just now doing the Navy, and Will H. Hays, Christie This will be Miss Marjorie Bon- “Spring Housecleaning,” which pro- Comedies will play a part in the film vides the theme of their next comedy. ner’s first appearance in a Mack Sen- program of civilization and education nett comedy. She is a sister of Pris- Marie Mosquini will play the part of of inhabitants in the interior of the cilla Bonner, well-known dramatic and a popular “schoolmarm” in Will Rogers' Island of Hatai, under the direction of comedy-drama leading woman, and cowboy comedy, now being filmed at the Haitian Gendarmerie, which is offi- who, by the way, played one of the the Hal Roach Studios. cered and operated by officers of the featured parts in “Where’s My Wan- TJ. S. Navy and Marine Corps. dering Boy This Evening?’’ also “Pit- According to Colonel Roosevelt and ^lllll!lllllll!IIIIII!!l!!nillllIl!lllllllllll!HIIIIllI!il!!llll!lI!l[lll>!lll[IIIIIIII!!!lll!llll[!llllll[IIIIII!llllll!!!!IIII[||[!l!lllll|[|||l!j falls of a Big City,” in which Ben Tur- Capt. John H. Craige, the latter of the pin was the star. Marine Corps, most of the population Del Lord has returned from his in the interior are in a state of almost short vacation and is busy making ad- complete savagery, and less than one vance preparations for his next start, I Theater | per cent are able to read or write. in a few days. Later announcement “Under these circumstances,” declares of the story and cast given him will Colonel Roosevelt, “the officers of the be made. Haitian Gendarmerie have turned to Needed I F. Richard Jones, under whose su- the moving picture as a means of con- pervision the ocmedy units operate, is veying to the Haitians of the interior also very busy making ready to get some idea of the civilized world. Also, under way with his next big starring If you want to put in a they find that an occasional moving | vehicle for , to be picture is a matter of tremendous in- I theater in Hollywood, in known as “Mary Anne.” | terest and will furnish a whole coun- a neighborhood that is not 1 tryside with topics of conversation for George Jeske, Hal Roach comedy 1 now served, but which will | has been yelling “Squads weeks and months, and exercises a director, I support one in fine shape, right!” until he feels like an army most beneficial effect on the morale of | let hear from you. This drill sergeant. He is making a new the people.” | me | Stan Laurel comedy at the Hal Roach Prints of Christie Comedies, as well | is a tip for somebody on § Studios for Pathe release, and uses a as other films through the Hays organ- f a good thing. | typical “awkward squad” of army ization, are being forwarded for use in “rookies.” When he lined them up Haiti under supervision of the U. S. | I have no interest in the | for infantry drill he didn’t have to re- Marine Corps. Officers of the corps 1 matter, except that I own | hearse the scene once. will carry projecting machines and ex- | my home in the neighbor- | “We’11 take it the first time,” he hibit the films in the small native vil- hood in question and know yelled. “You fellows are awkward lages in accordance with Colonel | § enough without any practice.” Roosevelt’s plan. | what I am talking about. | It is announced that the territory Some exhibitor who John T. Parkerson, European repre- covered by these moving picture | sentative of Fox News, has been tak- shows does not conflict in any way | wants to make a change | ing tea with royalty. He presented to with the commercial showings of pic- | can make some money. Queen Willielmina of Holland a spe- tures in those countries, and thus the EDITOR. cial reel made by Fox News and moving picture industry will be of | tendered to - Her Majesty with the great service in aiding this govern- compliments of William Fox. ment work of civilization. Sll!!1lllllll!IIIIIIII!!!lllllllli[llll!!!ll!!1l!lllll!lll!Illllllll[llllll[lll!I!l!lllll!!llll!lllllll!llll!ll!llllllllllll!lll!IIIIIII!llllll!!lllM I l

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Bert Roach

The fat man laughs and hopes to get lean, When Bert Roach tramps across the screen.

Universal Comedy Star Comedy Relief in Universal-Jewel Productions

f Two heads with but a single thought, and a straw apiece to hold them. From a scene in “Ten Dollars or Ten Days,” a Mack Sennett comedy for Pathe release. Sennett-Pathe Little Jackie Lucas, Mack Sennett’s child wonder, got temperamental and insisted on having his photo taken with Victor Shapiro and Miss Shapiro, visiting from New York. Dick Jones, produc- tion manager for Mack Sennett, and Jackie’s big pal, held the kid up where the camera could get his likaness. Sennett-Pathe JIMMIE NEAL ADAMS BURNS five comedies starting with five comedies starting with “Done in Oil” “ Fool Proof” Scanned from the collection of Karl Thiede

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