THE SHADOW WORLD.

Southland Times, Issue 19279, 25 June 1924, Page 11

THE SHADOW WORLD.

LATEST REAL HEWS OF REEL FOLK. I I

Pharos the Egyptian opens a six-night season at the Albion on Saturday night. No entertainer who has visited New Zealand in recent years has excelled Pharus in his power to attract and hold audiences. While in Auckland he was the centre of attraction at the National Theatre every night while his special matinees for women only were something to wonder at, no fewer than 1200 ladies attending day after day. The main reason for this magnetism is the fact that Pharus has a special message for women. He deals with matters of importance to every mother and wife, and has everywhere left behind him a trail of happy homes.

Frances Harmer has returned from New York after several months of magazine writing and book reviewing. She is to become one of the Paramount family again, reading for Cecil B. de Mine’s unit and at the same time continuing to write for magazines.

It is stated that Frank Lloyd has acquired the screen rights to “East of Suez” — not the stage play—but a magazine story of that title, for his next First National production to follow “The Sea Hawk.” If memory serves us right, Metro had this story before and scheduled it- for an Allen Holubar production. But their pans were changed by his death, and Mr Lloyd bought the story.

Wesley Barry, youthful idol of screendom, has just turned seventeen, according to accounts. But he’s just as much a kid as ever, as can be seen in his latest vehicle, “The Country Kid,” a fun-packed, sparkling comedy-drama of three Little orphans all alone in a world infested with cruel guardians out “for their own.” Supporting him are two infant film prodigies, “Spec” O’Donnell, and “Baby” Bruce Guerin, who have rapidly climbed up in photoplay popularity, and have how a large following. “The Country Kid” will play at the Albion Theatre.

Will Rogers, the eccentric film star, comes to the Albion soon in a story by Irvin S. Cobb, “Boys Will Be Boys.” Judging by the title and the artist in the leading role, it should be worth seeing.

“Cornered” will take William Beaudine, Warner Brothers’ director, back to his home studios following several productions for which he was borrowed. The latest is “A Self-Made Failure.” which he produced at the Hollywood studios with little Ben Alexander and Ham Hamilton for First National release.

Louis Weadock has another to the credit of his editing and titling ability in “A Prince of India,” Mozumdar’s Hindu story, which has just been released in the States.

“Mamma’s Affair,” coming to the Civic for two nights only—next Saturday and Monday—sees Connie Talmadge in quite a new role. Mamma is one of those trying invalids who have absolutely nothing the matter with them beyond the habit of ‘‘throwing a fit” occasionally in order to get their own way. Once her eyes are opened to the true facts of the case by a country doctor, who was called in. Connie effects a cure in her own inimitable way. Kenneth Harlan is excellent as the young medico.

The Universal feature now being made from “Mitzi” the famous French novel by Delly, will be released under the title “The Rose of Paris.” This announcement by the head of the Universal Pictures Corporation does away with any feeling between the picture company and Mitzi, a New York stage star, who feared the use of the name as a picture title might hurt her professional career.

Perley Poore Sheehan and Robert H. Davis wrote a novel just before the war entitled “We Are French.” It was used as a text book on patriotism, and Universal will release it under the title of “Love and Glory.” The cast includes Charles De Roche, Madge Bellamy, Wallace MacDonald, H. Gibson Gowland and Ford Sterling. It was adapted and directed by Rupert Julian.

If Leah Baird Productions keep up the high standard of story, production, direction and acting that they have established a precedent for in “Don’t Trouble Your Wife,” the first of a series of six for Associated Exhibitors, they will be knockouts 1 All these productions have been thought a lot of by Albion patrons.

The failure of Theda Bara’s recent plans for her return to the screen has apparently not discouraged the actress. Through her attorney she has announced that she will be starred in the screen version of Zoe Akins’s play, “Declassee.” This will be the first of a series of five or more features to be made within two years. It is reported that the Pacific National Bank on the Coast is acting as treasurer for Theda Bara Productions, Inc., thus insuring adequate financial backing. Miss Bara is president of her company. The director and other production details have not been settled.

Dainty Madge Kennedy in “The Highest Bidder” and the laughter girl Mabel Norland in another burlesque, “Head Over feels” are coming to the Albion.

This year’s Oxford and Cambridge boat race film is now ready for screening in New Zealand. The manager of the Playhouse Kinema, Cambridge, achieved a record by screening this splendid topical film five hours after the race. It was quite >n accordance with the screen tradition of kings that he should have motored reckcssly to Cambridge from London so as to (it the precious freight to his patrons in he nick of time. This exciting boat race ilm will be released in New Zealand as a faster picture. The Albion will screen it.

Work has been started at Universal City □n “The Fighting Ranger,” featuring Eileen Sedgwick and Jack Daugherty, under the direction of Jay Marchant. Hie new story, a thrilling tale of the modern West, is laid partly in Mexico and partly in the United States. It is a story of mistaken identity, tinged with mystery, with a romance woven around the daughter of a man who for years lives under a cloud, imagining himself guilty of a crime.

Claire Windsor, for many years a permanent player with the Goldwyn Corporation, has renewed her contract with that firm. She is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful actresses on the screen. She began her career as an extra at the Lois Weber Studios in 1918, where her ability won her a contract as a regular player. Her rise to leading roles was rapid. She freelanced for a while, and finally signed a long contract with Goldwyn. Her latest productions are “The Eternal Three, ’ “The Stranger’s Banquet,” and “Nellie, the Beautiful Cloak Model.”

Several worthy pictures made in England have been finding their way to the Civic in recent weeks —“Paddy the Next Best Thing” and “Woman to Woman” were notable examples. Following these are “A Woman’s Secret,” starring Mae Marsh, which is showing to-night, and “If Winter Comes,” which is listed for screening next week. It ’ is cheering to see such outstanding pictures .as these originating on British soil. They I augur well for the future.

’Phis week-end one of the starring attritions at the Civic will be “Wild Bill Hickock,” William S. Hart’s first screen offering since his return to Paramount. This is one of the best things that the famous portrayer of Western roles has ever done, and while telling a vivid virile story of the days of the settling of the West, there is a historic vein running throughout.

Production work on “The Siren of Seville,” in which Priscilla Dean stars, started last month at the Thomas H. Ince studio on the Coast. The first scene shot was of a bull fight, which it was expected originally would have to be taken in Spjpn. However, Spanish bull fighters who happened to be in Mexico were obtained and the fight was staged on the Ince lot.

Lucy Fox, who plays opposite Betty Compson in “Miami,” has been signed by Elmer Harris to appear in his next production, “The Wise Virgin.”

When Hobart Henley read Edna Ferber’s beautiful short story “The Gay Old Dog,” he said, “There’s a story I’m going to put on the screen some day,”—he did, and Southland people will see it at the Albion

“B-r-r-r! it’s cold!” Thus exclaimed the late Martha Mansfield, clad in frail silk tights, as she tried the water racing past Hell Gate, where an embankment was erected similar to those’ of the Seine. Miss Mansfield was to leap off this into the dark current of the Seine in the climax o£ “Queen of the Moulin Rouge,” a Master Picture which is being presented at the Albion Theatre soon.

Virginia Warwick appears in the cast of “The Vagabond Trail,” which William Wellman is directing with Charles Jones as the star, for William Fox.

“Man and Wife,” a new Arrow feature which comes to the Albion Theatre tonight, is a picture which boasts a highly dramatic story and a splendid cast. The cast, which is one of the best ever assembled, includes Gladys Leslie, Maurice Costello, Robert Elliott, Norma Shearer, Ernest Hilliard and Edna May Spooner.

“The Darling of New York,” featuring Baby Peggy, is drawing such big crowds in London that the management of the West End Cinema, where it is showing, has rented it for a further period. As Jews are so often maligned on the screen, it is pleasing to find in “The Darling of New York” a Jewish character who stirs our admiration. At a special screening of this film the other day, a number of prominent Jews in London were present on the invitation of the management, and many words of praise were heard for the very fine acting of Max Davidson as the Jewish cobbler hero.

Popular Reginald Denny, heart smasher and pugilistic expert, climbs up a step or two higher on the ladder of fame in the new series of “The Leather Pushers,” which commences screening at the Civic to-night. Hayden Stevenson is still associated with Denny as his manager.

Gareth Hughes has been engaged by Universal for “Dessert Law,” the adaptation of an H. H. Knibbs’ novel, which Ernest Laemmle will direct as his first five-reel feature. Hughes will be co-starred with William Desmond. Lucille Hutton is the girt

A star who has not been seen in Invercargill for some time, Sessue Hayakawa, makes his re-appearance in “The Danger Line.” The action of this photo-play appropriately enough takes place in Japan, says a reviewer, and the story is one with rare charm and appeal, beautifully executed and splendidly acted. It is palpably one of those pictures which was not made with only the box office in view, because it is by no means one of the cut and dried stupid affairs which are continuously being foisted on the public in the sacred and holy name of money in the till. The theme is the story of a young Japanese wife, a simple Oriental whose love for her husband, the marquis and commander of the fleet, is the main-spring of her life. Tsuri Aoki as the wife gives a performance of delicacy and skill, and Hayakawa as the husband who misunderstands some of her actions, is a finely restrained and consistent portrayaL Felix Ford is seen as a young American whose love for the Marquis's young wife causes his death through heroism, and he rounds out a well-balanced cast. A picture out of the ordinary, and one to wait eagerly for.

Announcement is made that William Fox has purchased screen rights to “The Roughneck,” the story by Robert W. Service, author of “The Spell of the Youkon” and other poems and tales of the Far North. Production has not been commenced, nor has a cast or director been announced.

Mae Marsh does much to enhance her reputation as one of the very foremost of emotional actresses by her work in “A Woman’s Secret,” the Graham Wilcox production, distributed by United Artists, which is to have its first screening at the Civic to-night. This story of an innocent girl’s slip from grace and the serious consequences that ensued is one every woman and growing girl should see. It is recommended by the censor as more suitable for screening to adults.

House Peters, who made his greatest screen hits in “The Storm” and “Human Hearts,” has been engaged by Universal on a six-picture contract. The first two of these pictures will be Lincoln J. Carter’s famous melodrama “The Tornado,” and Clarence Buddington Kelland’s “Ladies’ Home Journal” story, “Miracle.”

For fifteen weeks Claude Gillingwafcer has worn a long flowing natural beard so as to portray realistically the role of Hector McCohins in the Warner Brothers’ screen version of David Balasco’s play “Tiger Rose,” in which Lenore Ulric plays the le t ading role. The giowth of the beard was begun seven weeks before the filming of the first scenes for the picture, at the request of Director Sidney Franklin. The disguise was so complete that many of Gillingwater’s friends failed to detect the man behind the moss and sagebush. ‘Tiger Rose” will appear at the Albion Theatre.

Constance Talmadge is popular everywhere, so popular in fact that she has been missed from the local screens, but the Albion announce another attraction entitled “The Dangerous Maid.” Knowing Connie as we do, we can quite safely say she is.

Having scored a great personal success on both stage and screen, Matheson Lang, who figures magnificently in the title role of the big Stoll picture, “Dick Turpin’s Ride to York,” is fully qualified to compare the two forms of dramatic art. “In many ways,” he says, “I- find that film acting is more difficult than on the stage. The absence of words, the fact that you are often quite alone, and the piecemeal photography make it hard to express emotions. Nor must you exaggerate because when your face, sometimes larger than life, is thrown on the screen, the least flicker of an eyelid may ruin the effect of the emotion you intend to convey.’*

*Tf Winter Comes,” which WiEiam Fax proudly presents as the supreme achievement of his producing organisation, is to commence a four-night season at the Civic next week. The picture is a long one and presents the characters in the bode and the action more vividly than the printed page has done. Mark Sabre (“Puzzlehead”), who went through the tortures of the damped to help a fallen girl, Nona (Lady Tybar), who made the wrong choice, Mabel who was frigidly exacting and severe, Rev. Sebastian Fortune, and Twyning, hypocrites of the first water, Effie, who paid for her one mistake with her life, and Low and High Jinks —all these characters are there with all their idiosyncracies and charm. A. S. M- Hutchison, the author, has expressed himself as more than delighted with the result achieved on the screen.

A recent release in the States was “The Sword of Valor,” featuring Snowy Baker, late of Australia, supported by Dorothy Revier, Otto Lederer, Fred Kavens, Edwin Cecil, Percy Challenger, Stella ITLanti, Eloise Hesse and Boomerang. Speaking of the production, a New York critic says: This is described as an adventure in romantic Spain and it presents the love story of a young American who falls in love with a Spanish girl, but whose love affairs do not run smoothly because of the exigencies of fate and a prejudiced father. The story is well enough. worked out with the requisite fights, the necessary lover’s sighs and fitting suspense. It has a duel, trouble on the cliffside, the abduction of Ynez, the coveted prize, and the usual happy ending with young love triumphant, and virtue always winning everything.

Although Tom Mix appears in a comedy role in his first special production, “Soft Boiled,” to be presented by William Fox at the Civic to-night, there are enough serious situations to command his many-sided talent. Mix has the support of Billie Dove and a clever cast, which, of course, includes his famous horse, “Tony,” and bis dog, “Blackie.” Mix proves himself capable of ranking with the first-rank comedians of the screen in this uproarious fun-maker. He also shows that he has not forgotten how to “stunt.”

Clara Bow, one of the most promising of the younger screen actresses, has been engaged to play an important role in “Wine.” “Wine” is an adaptation of William Mcllarg’s widely-read Red Book magazine story, in which he scathingly discloses the inside of the illicit liquor traffic.

“Zaza,” the. popular French play, has been picturised by Paramount with Gloria Swanson, supported by H. B. Warner in the leading male role. Miss Swanson is the admirable type for this role showing the gay side of Paris. A recent critic in one of the leading motion picture journals says: “It is a sumptuous production magnificently cast even to the smallest characters study.” “Zaza,” which is perhaps Miss Swanson’s greatest success, will be presented at the Civic at an early date. Playing on Saturday at the Albion Theatre will be one of the most ambitious screen productions of the current season, doubly interesting to the motion picture public because it has given a new meaning to the shopworn term “an all star cast.” Here is one of the few real all-star casts ever assembled, containing, as it does, such luminaries as Pauline Starke, Noah Berry, Glaxtys Brockwell, Robert McKim, Tully Marshall, Alec Francis. Rex (Snowy) Baker, Dick Sutherland, William Scott and Harry Depp. Not forgetting Boomerang, the wonder horse, who carries the whole picture on his sturdy shoulders.

“North of the Yukon,” Tom Mix’s next picture is billed as being his best to date, having more “thrills” aud “stunts” than in the past

Thomas Meighan, popular Paramount star will present as his next offering “Pied Piper Malone.” This is a Booth Tarkington story and Meighan Is seen in an entirely different role with all his appeal and a lot more. The story deals with life on the New England coast, a locale which Booth Tarkington knows so well and which has been portrayed so excellently in this story.

Bebe Daniels had a narrow escape from death recently. She was saved from a serious situation by the presence of mind of her director, Sidney Olcott. It happened at the Famous Players studio, where they were filming “Monsieur Beaucaire.” There is a mob scene in a long narrow hallway, in which many of the supers carry lighted torches. One of the extras slipped and fell, his torch sliding under the filmy, voluminous court dress of Miss Daniels. In a second it would have burst into flames, and Miss Daniels might have met the same fate that was the portion of beautiful Martha Mansfield—who died of burns received in much the same manner. Olcott, however, saw the danger and threw the star to the ground, thus extinguishing the flames.

The sort of picture the screen has never given us yet is “The Bad Man,” which shows at the Albion to-night. The stars in the caste are Holbrook Blinn, Enid Bennet and Jack MulhalL

The full cast of “Wine,” now in production under Louis Gasnier’s direction, is as follows: Clara Bow, - Forrest Stanley, Huntly Gordon, Myrtle Stedman, Robert Agnew, Arthur Thalasso and Walter Long.

Many Roberts Rinehart’s best-known novel, “K,” for picture purposes, will be known as “K—the Unknown,” a title which Mrs Rinehart herself selected. In this famous play, which vzill be directed by Harry Pollard, Virginia Valli will be supported by Percy Marmont and Margarita Fischer. The fascinating romance of Sidney Page and “K” Le Moyne, the doctor whose confidence in himself had been destroyed by a trick, has been read by millions.

’Tis said “That Marriages Are Made in Heaven,” it may be true but wives and those who hope to be will have an opportunity of seeing a “husband from Heaven” in the Master picture “The Broken Wing,” which comes to the Albion soon.

King Vidor has been engaged to direct Elinor Glyn’s first production for the new Metro-Goldwyn combination. The title of the film is “His Hour.” and Aileen Pringle, who played the leading role in “Three Weeks,” and Jack Gilbert have been selected to play the featured parts.

Mimi Palmeri, playing the feminine lead in “It is the Law/’ wears a lovely dance gown of white crepe embroidered in white crystal beads in a large design. It hangs in an apron effect over a scant slip of shining black satin.

It was hard to find suitable property near the metropolitan district which would be entirely devoid of any civilised landmarks, such as telephone wires, but this was at last overcome, and the site chosen possessed no water, electricity or telephone connections of any kind. Of course, these were vitally necessary, but they had to be installed so they could not be seen. It took over eight weeks to duplicate the original settlement in every detail

Universal Pictures Corporation, through ite president, Carl Laemmle, in Universal City, has made an offer of a million dollar contract for Jack Dempsey’s services in pictures. Confirmation of this offer was made by officials of the company. In answer to a query based on the rumour that Jack Kearns, manager of the champion, had received an offer, Carl Laemmle, in Universal City, wired his New York Office as follows: “Offer to Dempsey correct. Think biggest bet in pictures. To-day offer sent to manager, New York. Kearns wires me he will leave Monday for Los Angeles to discuss proposition.” (signed) Carl Laemmle. Until the offer is accepted the New York office is not in a position to say in what manner Laemmle intends to use Dempsey. Several screen stories have been discussed.

Those who enjoy Qxciting drama, thrills and romance blended in the proper proportions, have a treat in store for them in a powerful story of the African veldt, “Ponjola,” Cynthia Stockley’s amazing romance of South African life.

Never before in its history has Universal City been so full of production, plans and excitement as at the present time. Carl Laemmle, the President, has been in conference with Julius Bernheim, general manager of Universal City, and Al Lichtman, general manager of Universal Exchanges, owing to the ambitious programme outlined for Universal Pictures for next year. The 36 big pictures, which are scheduled, are between three and four times the amount of production ever before undertaken at Universal Qty.

Sam, the American golden eagle which plays an important and unusual “hit” in Thomas H. Ince’s mammoth western spectacle “The Last Frontier,” now in production at the Ince studios, is to be immortalised in bronze. Shot down in the Rockies of Western Canada, where the Ince troupe was filming scenes of the remarkable stampede of 10,000 buffalo which carries the climax of his big production, Sam was brought back to the Culver City studios and has been tamed by Arthur Mac Lena an, his owner, who was in charge of the Canadian expedition. Humerto Pedretti, the sculptor who is doing the soldiers’ memorial for the American Legion to be erected in Pershing Square, Los Angeles, heard of the beautiful eagle at the Ince studios and obtained permission to make sketches and plaster studies of him. The eagle will appear on the base of the memorial, an heroic figure of an American doughboy carrying a flag and a hand gren-

ade. The sculptor was so delighted with the bird, one of the finest and rarest speci mens in captivity, that he made frequent trips to the picture studios to study him. Sam finally admitted him to his confidence and now it is not an unusual sight to see the sculptor working away at a clay model in Sam’s cage while the eagle watches him with knowing eyes, striking an occasional