THE SHADOW WORLD.

Southland Times, Issue 19389, 22 November 1921, Page 7

THE SHADOW WORLD.

Latest Real News of Reel Folk.

(BY

THE RECORDER).

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS. Correspondents requiring a reply in the current issue should have their inquiries in by the Saturday preceding that issue. Correspondents using a nom de plume are requested to forward their own names, merely as a guarantee of good faith. “May.’’—Sorry the reply to query has been held over so long but I was unable to secure the necessary information. Beyond the fact that it was shown at the Grand Theatre, the manager of the Albion' was able to give me no information concerning “Enlighten Thy Daughter.” As Ido not recollect the picture myself, perhaps some fan might send in the names of the principals in the cast.

According to an exchange, Gloria Swanson’s next starring picture is “The Shulamite,” in which Mahlon Hamilton is. leading man. The cast includes Russell Simpson and Lilly Leighton, and the story is from the play (first staged in 1906) by Edward Knoblock based on the novel by Alice and Claude Askew. I well remember the pre-war English production (from the Hepworth Studios) which was a very fine picture. If the American picture equals the English, fans are in for something special.

For those who do not recall old pictures with any degree of clarity it is interesting' to mention that in the pre-war days the American and British producers were tested in a film offering opportunities for unusual spectacle and good acting. This was “The Prisoners of Zenda,” which was done almost simultaneously by Hepworth (British) and Famous Players (American). In the English production the principal male parts were portrayed by Henry Ainley (who acted so well in ““Quinney’s,” screened here last year) and Gerald Ames, (who was last seen here some time ago in “Alfa Button”). The name of the American lead escapes me at the moment but it is of small moment since at every tqrn the English picture was the superior. They were seen in this country within a week of each other and as a test of the capabilities of the two countries it could not be bettered. If the English producer could do it then why shouldn’t he be able to do it now? According to reports it should not be very long before he does once more.

Dr Vandenberg, geographer and explorer, paid a special visit of exploration to Darkest Africa on behalf of Paramount and secured a wonderful series of unique views of the natives, their customs; wild animals, their haunts and habits; and a wide range of subjects of general interest. This series of pictures has exceptional scientific and educational value. Arrangements are being made for special screenings of one of the series at the Municipal Theatre on Thursday and Friday next at 3 p.m.

House Peters, who was last seen here in “Lying Lips,” in which he was co-starred with Florence Vidor, will be seen here some time in the future in “The Invisible Power,” (which was released in America some time ago). It is a crook story of many tense situations and exciting episodes.

A print of the completed film, “Peter Ibbetson,” directed by George Fitzmaurice and adapted by Ouida Bergere, has been sent to London, and there will be an invitational showing at which the noted star, Gerald Du Maurier, son of the author, will decide whether his father should rest easy or turn in his grave. The British Famous Players-Lasky Company, by the way, are reported to have a studio in Rome now.

Swedish films brought over to America recently are reported to be selling as briskly as peanuts in., a circus. About 30 came over the horizon, and as they have been snapped up in the market, the air there will soon be /surcharged with Swedish emotion. Cold though the land is whence they come, they are looked upon in movie circles as “hot stuff.” Swedish films will in future be released in New Zealand by the British and Continental Co.

“The Sin That Was His,” which is to be shown at the Albion to-night, was written by Frank L. Packard, the author dt “The Miracle Man,” who pays a high tribute to the work of William Faversham, the star in this production which was directed by Hobart Henley. William Faversham has had a long and successful career on the American stage and since his affiliation with Selznick Pictures he has become very popular with screen fans. His characterisations are distinct and entirely unique, as was evidenced by his first Selznick picture “The Man who Lost Himself.” Lucy Cotton plays opposite Faversham.

When latest advices were received, “A Prince There Was,” featuring Tom Meighan, had just gone into production at the Lasky studio in Hollywood with Tom Forman directing. Mildred Harris had the leading feminine role.

William Farnum, the. noted Fox star, will be seen at the Civic Pictures beginning next Friday in a sea story called “The Scuttlers,” from the pen of Clyde C. Westover. It is said to be a picture with many thrilling incidents and much striking photography. During the story Farnum has a terrific battle in the hold of the sinking ship, and another later while marooned on a desert island. The cast with Farnum includes Miss Jackie Saunders (who was seen with him in “Drag Harlan”), 'Herschel Meyall, G. Raymond Nye, the prince of villains, Arthur Millett, Harry Spingler, Manuel Ojeda, Erie Crane, “Kewpie” Morgan (who was also seen as a fat cowboy in “Drag Harlan”), Claire Delorez and Al. Fremont. Miss Saunders, who is “the” girl of the picture, is said to be especially good in the scenes where the ship is sinking.

Several reviews have been held over until next week.

“Isohel,” the James Oliver Curwood story to be shown at the. Albion on Friday in place of “Straight from Paris,” is a tale of the Royal N.W, Mounted Police and it has the distinction of featuring House Peters and Jane Novak.

Miss Marie Prevost’s first starring picture in comedy-drama is the Universal production, “Moonlight Follies.” The film is from the story by Percival Wilde called “The Butterfly,” and is directed by King Baggot. Miss Prevost before she was offered a starring contract by Universal was one of the prettiest of the Mack Sennett bathing beauties and was the leading lady in “A Small Town Idol,” seen here recently. She has, however, renounced the one-piece suit. The picture traces a wealthy girl’s “vamping’’ from childhood to marriage. Other members of the cast are Lionel Belmore as her long suffering father, Clyde Fillmore as a cave man, George Fisher and Miss Marie Crisp.

The difficulties attendant on film producing in London would seem to have driven the staff of the Famous PlayersLasky British Company to drink. That is, they are seeking solace in tea. All the American executives and players over there have acquired the habit of reporting promptly at four o’clock for teacup practice, and Thomas Geraghty himself, ip charge of production, is said to hit up the- oranee oekoe frequently.

An all-star Universal Jewel production entitled “The Breath of the Gods” should prove to be really super. The cast includes Tsuru Aoki (Seussue Haykawa’s pretty little wife),’’V. Barney Sherry (who has been seen here during the past few months in “Dinty,” “Go and Get It,” and “The River’s End”), Stanhope Wheatcroft, Arthur Carewe, Ethel Shannon-and Marion Skiner. It was directed by Rollin Sturgeon and is a drama of diplomatic intrigue. It will be seen locally in due course.

Sing Sing prison is not such a bad place after all, according to Thomas Meighan, Paramount star, who is more than interesting- in his latest starring vehicle, “The City of Silent Men,” which is booked for local screening. Meighan and his company spent more than two weeks at the famous penitentiary, taking scenes for the new picture, and in many 'of these the warden and the guards, and even some of the prisoners, appear. In his new production, Meighan plays the role of a country youth who is sent to serve a term in Sing Sing and to secure the utmost realism, the scenes were taken in the exact locale of the story The direction was by Tom Forman, and the supporting cast includes Lois Wilson, Kate Bruce, Paul Everton, George MacQuarrie and Guy Oliver. The season will open to-night. (.

“The Sting of the Lash,” which should make an appearance here in a few months, provides Pauline Frederick with an ideal emotional role, it is said. Clyde Fillmore has the leading masculine part.

Frank Mayo, the popular Universal star who was seen here in “The Marriage Pit,” and “Tiger True,” recently took a vacation and made a personal appearance tour through Mexico. As is seen by his pictures, Mayo is fond of vigorous excitement; so, Mexican trip should have been worth while to him (and to his audiences).

In the leading role in “Unseen Forces” to be shown at the Albion to-night is the beautiful and talented young Australian actress, Sylvia Breamer, in the role of Miriam Holt, a girl possessed of remarkable occult powers. She is known as the girl who sees around corners and her remarkable ability plays an important, part in her destiny and the destinies of many people around her. It tells the story , of a young couple who happy lovers when young were separated by one of those grim jokes which fate sometimes plays on us. After many years of separation, the hero finds the heroine among the elite of New York, using her powers for the good and benefit of mankind. There is a happy ending after many years of separation when the two once youthful lovers meet.

Dotty Wolbert, who must be ranked as one of the homeliest and greatest comediennes on the screen, and who appeared in “La La Lucille” (in which she scored a treat success )and “Pink Tights (in which she also gave a very humourous performance), may be seen here some time in the near future in a one-reel star comedy entitled “A Model Made.” In real life, as has been stated before, Dotty Wolbert is a handsome young woman which shows what a great; actress she is to be able to appear in the roles she does.

It is good to be able to record the fact that we will see Lionel Barrymore more often in the future than in the past, as he probably ranks among the six greatest actors on. the screen to-day. He will next be seen, in “The Master Mind,” in which he gives a remarkable exhibitino of mental wizardry. The picture is due shortly.

There is plenty of action in “A Gun Fighting Gentleman,” the Harry Carey picture to be seen at the Civic to-night. This is a hard-riding, fast-shooting drama of the clean type that is so popular with local audiences.

A series of Greek war films have been showing in America and these have been exploited under the title of “The Greek Military Campaign in Asia Minor.” Booras Brothers Theatrical Enterprises were the sponsors of these films which are said to have been taken under authority of the Greek State Department.

The following pictures will be shown at Bluff this week: —Tuesday,Thom as Meighan in “The Frontier of the Stars,” and a Sennett comedy, featuring Ben Turpin; Thursday, William Russell in “The Man Who Dared”; Saturday, Zeena • Keefe in “One Hour.”

“The Great Shadow,” which opens at the Albion next Tuesday is not war, but something even more terrible. It deals with a certain social evil, which if allowed to proceed unchecked will eventually destroy all mankind. Tyrone Power is starred in this picture which comes from the Selznick studios.

Rudolph Valentino, who played so well in “The Four Horsemen of the Apocadypse” and “The Conquering Power” that one for gave him his patent leather hair, has left Metro to try George Melford’s cigarettes in the Melford production of “Moran of the Lady Letty,” the story written by Frank Norris long before the movies had taken to literature in a serious way (says an American exchang ri, In this picture, which is being made f *f Paramount, Valentino will play the le'id under the spell of Dorothy Dalton’s dil q les.

The popular appeal of “Once to Every Woman,” which is to be screened locally is heightened because it deals with everyday people and treats of a theme that is as old as humanity. Mother-love is its key. note, and it shows the utter vanity ci worldly ambition when not founded on human affection. Miss Dorothy Philips first appears as a school girl, the daughter of a village blacksmith, who, because of her good looks and sweet voice is the pet of the family. She accepts the sacrifices of her parents and her sisters, and when a visitor from New york offers to send her abroad to have her voice trained she leaves home with no regrets. After many dramatic episodes she finally reaches the god of her ambition —the creation of the star "Je in a new Grand Opera in New York. [er humble home and family are forgo, n. Then a tremendous shock causes.the .;.s of her voice. Her new found friends nd admirers leave her. In her mother’s great love she finds real happiness at last. Prominent in the star’s support are Robert Anderson, William Ellingford, Rudolph Valentino, Emily Chichester, Elinor Field, Mrs Margaret Mann, Mary Dan Crimmines, Rosa Gore, Frank Eliott, Katherine Griffiths, Emms} Gerdes and many' others. Rudolph Valentino was last seen here in “Uncharted Seas,” with Alice Lake but his rise to fame was caused by his marvellous work in “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.”

Beautiful views of the British East will be seen in the Thomas H. Ince-Louis Joseph Vance production of “The Bronze Bell,” which will be shown locally shortly. This Paramount Picture presents Courtenay Foote, seen here in “The Passion Flower,* and Doris May (who helped to make the Doug. McLean films so attractive) in the leading roles, and is the thrilling tale of the adventures of a young man who was mistaken for an Indian Prince, and became enmeshed in the preparations for a mutiny in India.