Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-09

of no mean capacity has been started
in a convenient spot on the property.
1t has always been the aim of Rollin
Sturgeon, the producing manager, to
have his people as comfortable and
well provided for as possible, and in
Business Manager William s. Smith
have left nothing undone for every
ones comfort
Producing Manager Sturgeon has al
ways been fortunate in gathering about
him actors and actresses Of sterling
qualities and ability. 1t is recog-
nized fact that the absence of petty
chickering's and jealousies, such every
day occurrences in many large estab-
lfshments, has been a noticeable fea-
ture in the history of the California
Vitagraph studios. Actors and direc-
tors of merit, once established there by
means of their work, never have any
fear that a change of management or
politics will deprive them of their posi-
tons. The fact of this state of affairs
has brought together such excellent
people as Anne Schaefer, William Dun
can, George Holt, George Stanley, Mary
Anderson, George Kunkel, Otto Led
erer, Webster Campbell and Director
William Wolbert, himself an actor Of
note.
If Mr. Sturgeon is proud Of his ag-
- t,s. 10
he is equally proud of his young ar
lists, many of whom are really finds"
and who have been brought under his
direction from various walks Of life.
Little Mary Anderson, now leading
ingenue with this western company,
was formerly a member of the eastern
Vitagraph forces. Her work came to
the notice of the local producing man
ager and he sent for her. She has
more than proven the wisdom Of his
choice. Other young people, hitherto
unknown, who are rapidly forging to
the front under his tutelage, include
Corinne Griffith, George Lawrence
Florence Vidor, Carleton Weatherby
Clara Toner, and Jack Mower. All OF
these young people have successfully
played some excellent parts and in the
case Of almost all, are slated to be reg
ular leading people in a short space
Of time.
Although Rollin Sturgeon devotes
most of his time to the production OF
Blue Ribbon features for the V. L. S. E.
program, he yet can find time to per-
sonally supervise the selection of al
most all the productions for his asso-
| ciated directors. In addition to this
he produces from time to time, two.
and three-reel features which are
classics in themselves. Such notable
short films as 1.-THE Woman's Share,
1.-THE Lorelei Madonna" ''The Sage
Brush GAL" bill Peters Kid" Ga cur.
rent released. and others equally as
well known, are products of his hand
William Wolbert, formerly with an
other large company as actor and d.
rector, Is directing comedies OF shor,
length and dramas of three reels. His
casts quite often include feature PEG
pie such as Mary Anderson and Web
ster Campbell. and his pictures have
already gained an enviable reputation
for him by means Of their strength ant
dramatic force. Dave Smith, recogniZ
ed as a coming director Of no NEAR
ability. has several successes to his
credit already, although his career as
a director commenced only a few
months ago.
The great success with which ths
Blue Ribbon feature, THE Chalice O.
Courage" met, caused Rollin Sturgeon
its producer, to cast about for another
story that would have as gripping {
plot and would give opportunity FOL
more of the wonderful scenic effect!
secured in ''The Chalice." His search
was rewarded by Gods Country-ant
the Woman" by James Oliver Cur
wood,-a book that, although not We
J year old, had made an instant ap
peal TO the great army of readers II
all the country. Much time was spen