Evening Star Newspaper, January 9, 1921, Page 49

. ] AMUSEMENTS ' J Fne PHOIOPLAY ANY a title has kil)ed a good picture,” declared the representa- tive of a prominent distributing company, in conversation dur- ing the past week, “and, by the same token, many a picture has killed a good title.” The statements, which many must admit who have given thought to the subject, are unquestionably true, and they led to a further discussion of some of the “faults” which have been saddled onto the picture industry, especially in the latter days of its brief existence. Washington, according to this well informed genueman. has been perturbed over its picture output, and the subject 1as been more or less discussed, “not always with a due regard to both sides of the question.” £ * ok ok % . o WERE the latter-day novel exposed to the same close scrutin, it was observed, “perhaps some of the culpability for unsettling modern morals might be shared by that popular form of entertainment. But the picture suffers more from close scrutiny than would the novel, for the very simple reason that photoplay drama, more even than the drama of the stage, exacts the closest concentration by its audience. An incident in the novel that would be read and passed without further ¢ thought, perhaps, is burned into the memory when dramatically pic- tured on the screen. The picture makes a deeper and more indelible impress upon the mind and the memory than do the spoken or written words. A close examination of the great novels of the past will dis- close, it was advanced, that the eternal triangle has been worn just as threadbare in book as in photoplay, because it offers the' greatest dramatic opportunities and because by self-application it finds its way more deeply into the human_interest than almost any other problem. It has always been popular in the novel, although it has not leit its impress upon the novel reader in the way that a picture does upon its audience. It has always been a human trait with the novel reader, espe- cially of the feminine type, to turn back to the last pages to see how the story is going to end. That ascertained, what intervenes makes but little more than a perfunctory impression upon the reader. * % k % “’I’HERE must always be a scapegoat in things theatrical,” declared the speaker. “For a long time it was burlesque, which was so wicked; then it was the ballet, then farce, and now it is the moving picture. True, the industry has been hampered by barnacles who cared little for conscquences so long as they got financial results. This may be said also of the legitimate stage since the war came upon the world. Irresponsible and unscrupulous miners have existed in every camp since gold mining has been known. Both the stage and the screen have sui- fered from them. The danger is, in attempting to reach and root them out, in attacMing the opprobrium which belongs justly to them to all gsement others in their environment. There are bad pictures, it is true—bad. be- cause poorly directed, poorly acted and poorly photographed, and, it must be admitted, many inherently bad because the aim of their pro- moter has been, not to reach out for fine dramatic effects and climaxes that make great players, but rather to reach out for the sensational and the forbidden in the hope of tempting human weakness, morbid cravings, to greater patronage. This is why, sometimes, even a good photoplay ¢ has been spoiled with a suggestive title, and it is also why some photo- plays that it was a crime to photograph have sought to get by under a good but misleading title. v * k % % L0 DO»not think,” said the same speaker, “that children’s morals are being corrup_ted'Fy photoplays to the extent claimed. Statistics gathered by the industiy show conclusively that the motion picture houses draw an almost infinitesimal amount of their support from the patronage of children. In co-operation with a worthy woman’s organiza- tion aiming to educate and uplift children through the pictures, the ex- periment was tried of showing pictures at a certain house free on one or two days of the week, at a five-cent rate on others and at a ten-cent rate on others. On the free days we had capacity audiences, with long waiting lines in the street; on the five-cent days the lines disappeared and the audiences were not so compact, and on the ten-cent days it was difficult to find a child in the audience. ‘When Johnny can get some- thing for nothing, Johnny is on hand, whether he wants it or not; but when Johnny has to surrender his nickel or his dime, Johnny has some- thing else within his craving than a wicked photoplay.’” . * % % . * % % WASHINGTON. thus far, has seen but a few of the really great photo- play productions, and the reason, it is stated, is that ‘Washington has_npv_ter shown a disposition to pay the price necessary to makd the exhibition of such pictures anything but a losing proposition. Mam- moth picture productions cost immense sums of money, and they are made not merely to get, those sums back again, but for a profit to their makers. The prices paid here, it is claimed, are lower than in any other big city in the country. Nearly everywhere the price of admission to picture houses has advanced with the price of everything else, but not so_in Washington, which has paid little, if any, more than the pre-war ' prices, with the war tax added. President Harry Crandall of the Cran- dall circuit of theaters in Washington is about to try the experiment of , presenting to his Washington audiences\a colossal picture drama which + 18 being distributed by the First Natiohal Corporation. It s nothing more or less than the wonderful story of the little French milliner' who . was the virtual sovereign of France during the time of Louis XV, Mme. the Comtesse Du Barry, whose extravagance, whims and imperious atti- tude had much to do with the French revolution. Those who have been privileged to see it declare it surpasses anything in the form of motion picture production ever shown in Washington, not even excepting the famous “Birth of a Nation,” “Intolerance” and other productions. of artistic magnitude like them. It is titled “Passion,” and illustrates &he ssion for wealth, for love, for position and for power. It features Pola Negri, foremost of the continental actresses; but in the colossal cast, it is said, dramatic ability of the highest order is manifest in every role, Scenes of the revolution and of mob violence in the picture, it is de-}- clared, have never been equaled on the screen. While some liberti have been taken in its closing scenes, they are justifi A obtained, which are historically true. / 4 Jesiist brathereecs * % %k X% MARC KLAW, former partner of A. L. Erlanger and once a member ‘ of a famous firm of theatrical producers, has entered the motion picture field. With his two sons, as Marc Klaw, Incorporated, he will soon present “J'Accuse,” a noted Frencl/™pisture. This, it is stated, « makes Mr. Klaw the first important manager to contract for the definite importation and exhibition of a European film, “Passion,” rei‘:orred to, having been brought over by a distributinsgy:;e'nc};"emfcre * * . SE L. LASKY, first vice president of the Famous PI. I s : ayers-] Corppratxon. who has just returned from an important con};ei:nlézs:x the Pacific coast, has declared that the day of the extravagant and | wastefully made motion picture production has gone forever, “The read- motion picture business,” he said, “is passing through a i justment, which is rapidly weeding out the incompgetenlge;;oddigfreduc— ing extravagance in film production to a minimum. This readjustment has had the effect of throwing out of work a large number of directors and actors whose value in the past has been greatly overrated. It has had no effect on go‘?q actors and good directors, nor will it have.” Con- tinuing, he said: young directors are pushing to the fore with new ideas and more efficient methods; authors have recognized the need gg gomgl_lmdo xhhe studios and of learning screen technique, and stars thevif- ::laa’rzi:s."‘ at in the future they must give 100 per cent value for - * ¥ X% % LILLIAN GISH, who is said to h; suit to protect her rights, although the suit wa i the Powers Film Products Company. Siercoettmithein * % %k, % ARTHA MANSFIELD, former Foffies be. of the Sea” a Selznick production. In an idesior.O! held in Atlanta, Mrs. W. F. Manning captured the ;,‘i?:é‘?fi?’;?:‘k;i"“‘ést Miss Mansfield on the street, in spite of a heavy rainsto: h s helping to shield her identity. FRythatiwas * ¥ ¥ % LAINE HAMMERSTEIN blames the short skir 3 $ S skirts worn by women the high prices charged for them, ; 2 o come down the skirts will follow surt, - CClSVes that when the prices X & * Kk ok X% “JFIVE KISSES” will be the title chosen by Cecil B. De Mille for hie lorlhtnmin;(’ production of Arthur Schnitzler’s famous play, “The auty, is the star of “Shadows Eomunp LowE = Pslade Photoplays This Week At Photoplay Theaters for the Week. i RIALTO—"Milestones.” Opens this afternoon. PALACI omeone in the House.” Opens this afternoon. METROPOLITAN—"“Dangerous Business.” Opens this afternoon. GARDE 7 EN—“Whispering Devils.” Opens this afternoon. COLUMBIA—"Earthbound.” Opens this afternoon. LEADER—“Shipwrecked Among Cannibals.” Opens this afternoon. CRITERION—“While New York Sleeps.” Opens this afternoon. vell, who is engaged to wed a young i ” ‘Milestones. nenentity for whom she feels none A masterful photoplay of Arnold|of the warm affection essential to Bennett and Edward Knoblock’s play, | marital complacence. At the altar Nancy conceives a crafty means of “Milestones,” is announced for Moore's Rialto Theater all this week, begin- ning today. “Milestones” is one of those infrequent plays' that mark an epoch in theatrical achievement. It is now given a wider scope through the motion picture camera. The charming story is told in three episodes, showing the characters first in the year 1860, then in 1885 and finally in 1910, thus giving excep- tional opportunity for period cas- tumes as well as quaint settings. The aim of the authors is to show the bit- ter opposition of the older generation to the modern ideas, progress and ro- mance of the younger generation. This is done by tracing through tie three periods the fortunes of the Read and Sibley familieg, All in all, eluding matrimony, -and _announces that the ceremony cannot proceed for the reason that she is already a duti- ful wife. The consternation of the groom, the near-bride’s parents. the officiating clergyman and others in attendance is sudden and complete, but Nancy sticks to her story, even to,naming her husband. All is well until the alleged husband appears on the scene and takes Nancy's word for it. Then there is action and com- plications productive of the breeziest king of entertainment. A new Toonerville comedy, featur- ing Dan Mason in “The Skipper's Treasure Garden,” is an added at- traction. “Whispering Devil “Whispering. Devils,” a photoplay it is a deljghtful story. The cast in-}0F“Michael and His Lost Angel,” by cludes Lewis Stone, Alice Hollister,|the celebrated English novelist and Mary Alden, Gertrude RODINSON.|p)avwrizht, Henry Arthur Jones, fea- Lionel Belmore and others. Lake's descriptive number, “The Evolution of Dixie,” by the orchestra, and minor features, amusing and in- structive, will be added attractions. turing Conway Tearle and Rosemary Theby, will be shown at Moore's Gar- iden Theater this week, beginning this afternoon. “Some One in the House.” “Some One in the House,” the Loew- Metro photoplay of the drama of love and roguery, by Harry Evans, George S. Kaufman and Walter Percival, will have its local screen premiere at Loew's Palace Theater today at 3 o'clock and remain all the week. Edmund Lowe, leading man for Le- nore Ulri the Belasco production, “The Son-Daughter,” is cast as Jim Burke, “the dancer,” a polished so- Cciety thief who arranges for the theft of a valuable necklace by playing on the affections of the daughter of the family he wishes to victimize. When success is within his grasp he discov- ers that he is in love with the girl he thought to dupe. The added attractions include “Movie Fans,” a Mack Sennett com- edy, the Pathe News, a scenic Topical Tips and orchestral overture. versham, a man dedicated to a life of self-denial, who preaches rurity and { virtue to the fisherfolk of Aicaheddon; stern in his judgment and a believer in rigid enforcement of-the biblical code until he becomes a victim of the same passions that he has eondemned in others. A Christie comedy, the latest Fox News and orchestral music are added attractions. “Earthbound.” “Earthbound,” the photoplay by Samuel Goldwyn and Rex Beach of Basil King's famous story, featuring Wyndham_Standing, Naomi Childers and Mahlon Hamilton, will be scen for a second week at Loew’s Columbia Theater, beginning this afternoon at 3 o'clock. it is a_tale of love and tragedy, in which Basil King attempts to pass the veil to immortality. ™ “Dangerous Business.” “Dangerous Pusiness,” a First Na- tional production, will be secn for the first time here at Crandall's Metro- politan_ Theater this week, beginning this afternoon, featuring Constance Talmadge. John Emerson and Anita Loos adapted the comedy from Made- laine Sharp Buchanan’s story, “The Chessboard.” The central character is Nancy Fla- and Jeft cartoon and an overture, “Semiramide,” are among the added attrictions announced. “Shipwrecked Among Cannibals.” ‘Weird and thrilling beyond imagi- nation are said to be the scenes in the unique Universal film, “Shipwrecked (Continued on Fourth Page il T ‘T'HEBY ~ Garden. ! The story centers about Michael Fa- | The Selznick news pictures, a Mutt| THE SUNDAY STAR, JANUARY 9, 1921—PART 3. NEXT WEEK’'S PHOTOPLAYS. Metropolitan. First National's colossal photo- drama, “Passion,” starring Pola Ne- gri, foremost of the continental ac- tresses, in the story of Mme. Du Barry. Build Up to Tear Down. EW who have seen the fine studio settings used in motion pictures. especially those who have had the un- usual privilege of sceing them in course of consgruction at the studios, appreciate that one of the biggest tasks is the wrecking of these same sets after they have been phote- graphed. The gentle art of wrecking is al- most as difficult as that of construc- tion, for there is no wastage. Ex- perienced wreckers salvage every piece of wood or nail that is not! {irretrievably spoiled. Special parts, | i such as mantels, window and door i frames, built-in_features, and so on, !are saved intact and stored for re- i building and painting in other sets. | i To sce a massive set go down is a { revelation of skillful workmanship. At the Lasky studios, in Hollywood, i sets are built in record time, an wrecked in the same way—yet the | | finished set is as complete and practi- | cal as a real house, save for the lack | of & roof and other features which | are unnecessary to the purpose. Recently Willlam de Mille had a five-room set constructed’ in the Cal- | ifornia or Spanish type. The set was complete, the rooms opening one into another, as in a real home, with ex- quisite staircases and decorations of the most pleasing character. Every one remarked upon its beauty, and | regretted the necessity of its being | wrecked. But not long afterward a blank floor remained where this practical home had been. Every Paramount picture calls for fine interiors, and these are built with the utmost care and every modern or ultra-modern feature. Will Skirts Come Down? l l'DO the prices paid for articles of wearing apparel in any way in- fluence the styles and designs of the garments?”’ asks Elaine Hammerstein. “Prices, as every one will admit, have been at their zenith during the past year, and, as every one will also admit, skirts could not have gone very much higher without abolishing the skirt alto- gether. “But’ prices have taken a decided downward slump. Will this in any way influence the designers of the foremost styles to lengthen the skirts of our wom- enfolk? Will skirts: come down with the prices? Are we gradually headed toward the long, hooped skirt of our grandmothers’ and great-grandmothers’ days, when they were never so happy as” when their skirts trailed on the ground after them? Km'ckeTbocker. Cosmopolitan’s photoplay of Robert Chambers’ novel, “The Restless Sex. starring Marion Davies,” and Re art film version of “Oh, Lady, Lady, featuring Bebe Daniels. Crandall’s. Metro’s productions, “Love, Honor end Obey,” ‘“The Best of Luck” the famous Drury Lane melodrama, “The Hope.” Palace. Wallace Reid, in “The Charm School,” a photoplay of Alice Duer Miller's romantic play. Columbia. “Midsummer Madness,” 'William de Mille’s_production of Cosmo Hamil- ton’s story, “His Friend and His Wite." = Lillian Owen Marionettes. All the wonderful little people of “Puppetland,” in some of the most delightful incidents and scenes of that faraway realm, will be brought to view at the Commuaity Service House, 918 10th street northwest, Fri- day evening at 8 o'clock and Satur- Lday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock by Lil- lian Owens’ Marionettes, for the bene- fit of Friendship House. Miss Lillian Owens, the producer of this charming little entertainment, and Miss Rachel Sewell, “keeper of the strin are Washingtonians and_especiaily interested, not only in the mysterious little folks of their toy fairyland, but in the large insti- tution for which the entertainment is given. The ‘marionettes will bring to light the wonderful Jack of Beanstalk fame; Molly White Rabbit and An- gelina Gray Bunny in “Rabbit 'Rith- metic,” Sambo, the colored boy and his lady mule Jenny; Jack and John, two comical dancers; Paw and Maw and Ashur Perkins, with Neewah the Jap and many other characters from the land of mke and | { { o\ AMUSEMENTS (-1} Constance TALMADGE. etropolitan. ox MAYALLISC - ’Ctandall.i‘ Filmograms JESSUE HAYAKAWA, the Japanese screen star, is announcing a big crook melodrama, written by Richard Schayer, as his next feature. Eva Novak has just completed “The Torrent,” a Universal feature, adapted from George Rix's story, “Out of the Sunset,” whose photography is being highly commended. The eight mural paintings in the two principal salons of the Casino at Monte Carlo are being reproduced at Universal City for Eric von Stroheim’s production, i Wives,” which, it is said, will be another million-dollar picture. Wheeler Oakman, who played the role of the American hero in “The Vir- Priscilla Dean in They are married, as a matter of fact. Mae Busch had been ill for two years before she took the role of the dancer in “The Devil's Passkey.” She had been hurt while diving in screen comedies. ‘The report comes out from the press | bureau of the Oliver Morosco Produc- tions, Inc., that Mr. Morosco today has nearly 3,000 actors under contract with enough plays and scenarios to keep him busy for three years. Tod Browning, a Hollywood author and director, is quoted as saying: “The eighteenth amendment made it pos- sible to spend $100,000 ntore on a fea- ture film, but a ‘sour’ Sunday would mean death to big productions. Clos- ing saloons opened more theaters, but the exhibitor who is ciosed Sunday cannot afford the rental for big fea- tures. If the nation is closed Sunday —well, picture-makers ' spend only what they know will be returned with a profit.” News comes from the Goldwyn stu- dios that the big authors—Rupert Hughes, Mary Roberts Rinehart, Gouverneur Morris, Gertrude Ather- ton, Basil King and Le Roy Scott— coming into contact with actualities, have proved themselves masters of them. Most of them now are writing original stories directly for the screen and watching and helping in the film- ing at the Culver City studios. May / Allison, following a mishap ich resulted in three broken #fbs, réferring to the proposed “Bit President-elect H. ing did #e- search work in the unabridged dic- tionary and brought out the woed normaley and told us he is for it. Xiw 1 suppose that the national anthemv.: to be changed to “The Blue Ifw Blues” we are to have moralcy wished on us. Blanche Sweet. in her new pictire. “That Girl Montana,” is presented in boy's clothes, helping her father BB1A up a stage coach. 1t is a Pathe@ic- tuge. <2 Douclas Doty, for five years editor of the Century Magdzine and ten years editor of the book depa Century PubRshi joined the scenario art studio. He is jcovered and developed Jean Webster, autor of “Daddy Long-legs”; Eleanor Howell Abbott, author of “Melly Make-believe.” anq Frances Macayley, author of “The Lady of.the Decera- {tion.” Mr. Doty describ i “the literature of escape, | thereby “the people’s escape their troubles.” Constance Binney has forsaken the stage for the scrcen—at least foga year, according to report. She is-to devote her entire time cin Realart pictures, her newest “Something Different,” adapted “Calderon’s Prisoner,” by Alice Miller. Mary Miles Minter’s contributions o novelty is her, appearance in a tripte role in “All Soul's Eve” Her latest picture is “The Little Clown.” Walter Hiers, the screen fat boyi-i “rah, rah” collese boy in W newest Realart picture, 0b,” which is about to be:ge- sod In a recent New York newspaper contest, Florenz Ziegfeld is saig=to have announced as the five mdsi.bean- tiful women on the screen—Jusiine Johnstone, Mary Miles Minter, Megy Pickford, Norma Talmadge and Maridn Davies. David Belasco has permitted a fiim production of his famous stage suos cess, “Polly With a Past,” with Ins Claire in the chief role. The photo- play will be seen next month -t Loew's Palace Theater. “I am inclined to believe the incon- venient, unhealthy garments of twenty and thirty years ago have been abol- ed forever. Our women of today r_—'_——|——l “The woman of today has been edu- cated to guard against sickness and di ease. She is well able to guard against n. Long skirts will not, I be- eve, appeal to the careful woman, but | we have yet to see. All we can do is practice watchful waiting and see Do you want to see the g Affairs of Anatol. * * * X OROTHY DALTON has returned to the w has est Me":x‘%ess;x_fl‘:ef firs; time in two years. She will Isgzs!kartr::dwin a Georg, al for Paramount, ir Gi i b DGR unt, adapted from Sir Gilbert Parker’s story, =~ <= el Will He, or Won't He? Sousa Goes Sonth .“ - W“'L Ba2 5 TTARRY ASKIN, manawer of “Will he what 3} Band, and Hans v “Go into the movies?” | & “Why should he?” “Well, he has a ‘terrific offer,” to quote his own words. “Then why shouldn't he?” Ah, that's explained by Mr. Wynn ~iaself. “~ you going into the movies?> +x10 queBtion was popped right at him, ork in pic- Sousa’s a olz have left | New York for an extended trip that | will take them thr states and into Me ica, South America, Rico, to pave the w: most comprehensive tours ever mad by Lieut. Commander John Philip Sousa and his famous band. Mr. Volz represents the Mexican o, Central Amer- uba and Porto ay for one of the and he popped right back, “I don’t |and other governments. The tonn know.” Will mark the twenty-ninth season of The reason is something like this: | Sousa’s Band, which played on smr. Yrynn has achieved fame in co, practically every comiinent of the edyland, where his eyes can look | world, but never before in Megico e down on the multitude. His conten- | other Latin American countries tion is that the movies is a v dif- The tour will be inau; gurate _foront game, Because one calf play | time In August, 1951 5os o the stage is no reason why one should | brace, first, a visit {o the western be able to play the scre IT he can- | states then into Mexico via El Paso: not achieve a pinnacle in the films|thence into Central America, with oqual in height to that on whick he| perhaps a visit to some of the South sits at the pre nt moment, well—| American countries; thence to Porto ough the southern j ——*“FIR! LOEW’S PALACE TODAY AND ALL WEEK: Do you love a tale ¢f racing, action and breathless mystery? Do you love a play that warms your heart with its romance? Then hush!/—ShI—Listen! “SOMEONE THE It's the Loew-Metro picturization of the great stage suo- 1§ cess of last season by Larry Evans, George and Walter Percival—Directed by John E. Ince— WITH EDMUKD LOWE AND VOLA VALE ~——EXTRA ADDED ATTRACTION— MACK SENNETT COMEDY reatest society drama of the season? There's— 5. Kaufman ESIDE BREW”. PALACE SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA THOMAS J. GANNON, DIRECTOR OVERTURE...........“The Merry Widow™—(Lehar) Mutt and Jeff Cartoon—Topics—Pathe News COLUMBIA SYMPHONY LEON BRUSILOF OVERTURE SELECTION... have been educated to select styles for A comfort and health as well as style and o ? sl appearance. SKirts that drag on the = = jground aré mot the best aids to the TODAY SUERES abolition of germs. They are wont to TSP M PROGRAM pick up dust and dirt of every ind, in 2 il | this way breeding disease. — : —_— ---~ANNOUNCEMENT- The oie-week engagement originally allotted for the run of this splendid superspecial has proven totally inadequate to meet the public's demand for Jurther showings. Accordingly, this astound- tion will be held over for a— -DIRE! ECGND GREAT WEEK---BEGINNING TODAY——= " “EARTHBOUND” == BY BASIL KING The stupendous pholoplay sensation that held Broadway spellbound for four solid weeks at $2 prices! = An epic story of passion, love and relentless ambition that lifts the veil between this world and the nezt! Written by a master story-teller who has amazed two con- tinents with the power of his srresistible gensus! Acclaimed by press and public as one of the finest stories of romance and mystery ever told! 4 Produced by Samuel Goldwyn and Rex Beach—Directed by T. Hayes Hunter. WITH “WYNDHAM STANDING—MAHLON HAHILTON—NAOMI CHILDERS “‘EARTHBOUND’ WILL HOLD YOU SPELLBOUND” ORCHESTRA «.“SEMIRAMIDE" —_— i CTOR he'll fight shy of nervous cameras. Some one who is anxiously awaiting Mr. Wynn's decision is his_distin- guished father-in-law, Frank Keenan. Rico and to Cuba, uitimately working north, after visiting such winter re- sorts as Palm Beach, Miam{ and Jack- sonville. T