The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1919-05-17
IN THE
FRONT ROW

Nelson ......-..... The Silver King
( Dixie The Cambria Mask
Prancess 80. The Island Of Intrigue
Grand ..........-.---.-.. Fit TO Win
q ALoME'' which Nelson shows for
- the first three days OF next week
10 declared to mark new de-
yelopment OF the spectacle picture.
Massiveness of effect will not smother
dramatic interest.
Two elements are responsible for
overcoming this common failing Of 80
many productions either for screen or
stage where mise en- scene Is not apt
10 overwhelm the senses. Theda Ba-
Z rass art Is one OF these, and the ele-
mental strength Of the story, which
has inspired among tho greatest OF
writers Of literature and music, is the
other. And to this the superb inves-
ut1re provided and II must be at once
apparent that here Is production that
can hardly fail to stri the spectators.
The statement Of an official touches
on the outstanding features Of pro-
duction on five hundred feet OF which
reflecting historical scenes, Mr.. Fox Is
credited with spending $4,000 alone
In places at the rate Of 500 foot.
Two thousand players were engaged
for this super-picture. Eight hundred
artisans alone were employed in Ebuild-
ing reproduction OF the city of Jeru-
salem as 1t existed forty years before
the time OF Christ, this being one of
several replicas on grand scale. Sa-
lome's bath of costly marble and the
palace OF King Herod are said to be
triumphant examples of Judean splen-
dor. The peacock fountain in Salome's
boudoir also is shown, having been
modelled after an old Biblical print. OF
modern significance Is the reproduce
ton of the Gate of Jaffa through
which recently marched the victorious
British under command of General AL
lenby. er
Some idea of the fundamental ex-
pense involved in staging "salome"
may be gained from these items: Two
hundred loads Of sand were hauled
from the beaches to build the streets
of Jerusalem twenty five tons OF plas-
ter and as many loads of cobblestones
were used. A hundred sculptors and
mural decorators were kept busy dur
Ing the initial stages. Aside from Miss
Bara's costumes, which appear to be
worth kings ransom, ten thousand
costumes were required to clothe the
aruly Of performers In multifarious
scenes.
Nothing has geen overlooked by the
technical staff which would contribute
to the veristmtlitude Of the picture.
Camels to the number of fourteen, five
hundred horses donkeys, elephants,
! goats, sheep, lambs, bullocks and oxen,
dogs, cats, parrots, cockatoos, doves,
pigeons. and peacocss-they are where
ever they add realism to the scene.
Nature aided ]. Gordon Edwards, d.
rector Of the production in his expert
striving for an old age effect. Barely
had the painters and laborers complet-
ed street scene in Old Jerusalem
when downpour of rain lasting sever
al days occurred. 1t served to give the
tlImbledown thoroughfare exactly the
weather-worn appearance desired.
Playing the part of Godfrey Ware.
In support of William Faversham in
the Paramount-Artcraft picture, 1.-THE
Silver King" which is repeating at
the Nelson today is a young actor
who has unique claim to distinction
The name which he has chosen for his
motion picture advent is John Sunder-
land, and he is a veteran of the great
war, having served nearly three years
In the aviation service of the Belgian
army.
After receiving no fewer than thir-
teen wounds he was honorably dis
charged. He could not go back to his
former occupation for he had no bust.
ness left to go 10. Both he and his
father lost all they had in worldly
goods to help save Belgium from de-
struction and that was nearly twelve
million dollars. Their business was
freight transportation between East
African ports. Their ships were sunk
and their business entirely wiped out.
Mr.. Sutherland came to this country
and was soon attracted by the appeal
offered by career in motion pictures.
Because he Is exceptionally good look
Ing and has demonstrated that he can
act, and because he can fly, he was
chosen as leading man for Clara KIM
bah Young nj Shirley Kaye" and
other prominent parts followed. He
has the distinction Of being the only
actor who ever posed in photoplay
with President Wilson This was in
propaganda film on coal conserve
ton.
In 'The Silver KING" Mr.. sunder-
land plays the part of a scoundrel
S7ho ruins his best friend in revenge
Tor winning a girl whom he loved in
vain. Mr.. Sunderland proves that he
Is an acAor as we'll as aviator and fight
er for world freedom.
HFft to Win. for Last Time
Tonight is tho last opportunity to
see Fit to Wln" at the Grand. La