THE SILENT STAGE.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19692, 20 January 1926, Page 2

THE SILENT STAGE.

FILMS AM* FILM ARTISTS. By Haklequin. The old-fashioned steam fire engine that went to fires with thick black smoke billowing from its shining stack, is still useful in Hollywood. One of tnese old models was used recently by Mary Pickford to provide heat for a. pool in which she bathed tho little waifs and strays that ran round the streets looking sadly in need of a wash It eliminated the risk of colds and chills for the little bodies which were evidently unused to the application of water and soap. Serenades are musical expressions of love, but tho methods of rendition are many and varied. Richard Bartholmess, in his latest offering, 'The Boautiful City," employs a mouth oran to serenade his sweetheart, Mollis (played by Dorothy Gish), when tho mood seizes him. Mollie lives in tho apartment above him, and nearly every night ho sits on tho windowsill of his room and wafts tuneful melodies from his harmonica upward. "The Beautiful City," a First National picture, is scheduled for early release. Johnny Bines is fortunate in having a tractable producer to work with in the preparation of his films. Tho man who wields the megaphone for him is his brother Charles, so that relations between producer and star in this comedian's pictures should be a lot more pleasant than those which, according to report, characterise the production of come more noted players. These two Hines Brothers, before taking to Hollywood, wore dancing partners in musical comedy.' The story of a pretty manicure girl, whose love for beautiful things ]eads her into all sorts of serious and laughable situations, is the keynote of "The Manicure Girl," a Paramount attraction for showing here at an early date. Bebe Daniels is "The Manicure Girl" living with her sweetheart, Burns, and his mother. She falls for the old story of a misunderstood husband who needs comforting, and this brings about a break with her fiance. A call for a manicurist brings Bebe to the home of the neglected wife. She is heartbroken because her husband loves somebody else. Bebe confesses that she is the woman, and the two of them put their heads together—a fake telegram to Hamilton is the result. He rushes home to his wife, whom he believes seriously ill, and Bebe goes into Burns's arms, for the finale. Not to be outdone by New York, Philadelphia, Boston, or even Los Angeles, which is discussing the building of subways, Universal Oity has already built one for permanent use. It was first made use of in Reginald Denny's latest attraction, "Where Was I?" winch was directed by William Seiter, who made such a success of "Oh, Doctor" and "The Teaser." The principal characters in the Universal Jewel attraction, "The Home Maker," shortly to be seen here, are Alice Joyce and Clive Brook, as the wife and husband. No two artists could be better suited to the characters required for this picture, and they have excelled themselves in the portrayals of the efficient wife and the useless husband. The visit to Australia of Mr E. E. Shauer, (general manager of the foreign' department of Paramount, is significant. This widely-travelled officer has now been to practically every country in the world, and is accepted throughout the business world as the man possessing the most comprehensive knowledge of the motion picture industry in the world. Although particularly well-informed on Australia and New Zealand picture activities in the past, he will leave, after his visit here, with every detail of this part of the world's requirements foremost in his mind. That he will go away from here as an unofficial, but none the less, powerfully effective ambassador of the country is certain. He will advertise Australia a«;d New Zealand right enough, and his will be the kind of praise that many great countries will take notice of. THE MODERN "MOVIES." A writer in the Sydney Daily Telegraph draws some telling comparisons between the first motion picture film he saw many years ago and the modern photo-play. His first experience of moving pictures was a rather doleful screen story of the nation's mourning for Queen Victoria, the effect of which was not improved by the periodical breaking of the film. Sceptics laughed, as they had laughed at the phonograph, but after a short interval in which mechanical defects were overcome the elimination of the' flicker trouble and the risk of fire were achieved. Prom then on the industry made amazing strides. The writer recalls the delight with which the innovation was hailed by the poorer classes, whose slender resources forbade the frequent enjoyment of the theatre. To see some of tho world's greatest comedians and tragedians at regular intervals then seemed impossible, but it has come, and with it a new means of increasing general knowledge. There are scenes and sights to be had every day now on the screen which thousands of people could never have seen without the pictures, which reproduce action and movement as well as the mere picture. The industry employs thousands, thus providing relief for the sorely-tried labour market. The fascinating search for the smallest disease germ is shown us, and the wonders of creation ,are brought home to everyone. The motion picture industry is now a great factor in the community, and whether it will nourish and become a leavening agent in the education of the people depends solely on the producers and their choice of subjects. There arc boundless possibilities in the film, and whether the effect is good or evil depends on the hands into which production falls.