THE FILM WORLD

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11435, 3 February 1923, Page 15

THE FILM WORLD

Chester Franklin, who directed the Realart picture, “A Private Scandal,” which 6tars Mary McAvoy, was once a cartoonist, but’ten years ago he fo/sook the pen for the screen. His first part in pictures was as a Keystone Komedy Kop, but he rapidly developed into a first-class director. With his brother -Franklin' he achieved quite a repuf ,tion as the producer of the famous Fox “Kid” features, vvbien include “Jack in the Beanstalk,” “Aladdin aiid His Wonderful Lamp,” and “Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves.” The Yosemite Fall pours its wat'U'3 from a height of 2600 feet, and' the Bridal Veil Fall has a descent of 900 feet. The Vernal Fall is notedi for its afternoon rainbows. Flowers blossom all the year round. Between these lofty walls nature seems to' have placed its most wondrous splendours for the sheer delight and admiration of man. In all this majestic grandeur beauty is the inspiring keynote. And it was in these picturesque settings that the Fox production “The Yosemite Trail” was made. “Dream Street” is the title of D. W. Griffith’s latest film. It is taken from 'Thomas Burke’s “Limehouse Nights,” the story of “Gina of Chinatown.” Its theme is an original one for the screen, “the regeneration of a soul.” Carol Dempster, the gifted young actress, who played so appealingly in “The Love Flower,” takes the leading part of the pure-minded; unsophisticated girl with undeniable appeal. Here’s a queer screen record. Lila Lee, Paramount leading woman, plays her third successive role as a darkeyed daughter of Sunny Spain in Paramount picture®. The first is as Carmen, the pretty Spanish wife of Gallardo, the toreador, played by Rudolph Valentino, star in “Blood and Sand.” The second; is as Juanita Rivas in “‘The Dictator,” with .Wallace Reid, and the third as Maria Theresa, a Spanish princess and owner of the ancient castle frequented r-y ghosts in “The Ghost Breaker,” starring Wallace Reid, which will be seen here shortly. Mr William W. Wadnian, New Zealand manager of the Fox. Films Company, has resigned his position, after six and a half years’ servioe. Tt is Mr Wadman’s intention to further associate himself with the films industry in New Zealand. Their Excellencies Lord and Lady Jellicoe and party attended a private screening in Auckland of a moving picture showing various phases of work at the Port of Lonßox. The film, which was sent to .the New Zealand Government from the High Commissioner in London, is of a very instinctive nature, and the scenes which depict the discharge of New Zealand produce were full of interest.

The second important selection has been made for the cast of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” which Wallace Worsley will direct at Universal City. Lon Chaney, of course, will play the title role. Raymond Hatton has been engaged for tho role of Gringoire, the poet. The historic Yosemito Valiev is the setting for the Fox production. “The Yosemite Trail,” starring Dustin Farnnm. It> is eaid that the picturesque background furnishes an admirable atmosphere for a talc of adventure, happiness, and g glorious love.