The New York herald., 1921-08-28

starry eyed star, winch Associated
First National Pictures, Inc, Is to un-
wind here this fall. is in reality film
version of "Sumurun." the classic which
Max Reinhardt poured upon the stage.
and not a new form of A II. Woods's
Oriental best seller from the cloistered
retreat of the library--with the chill
dren strictly forbidden to read it-and
incorporate 1t on the films Lubitsch
had to build the city of Bagdad out
side Berlin, with houses. Arabs, camels,
aroma and everything guaranteed to
be genuine, and the producer him.
self played an important role. that OF
o hunchback clown, In addition to in
structing Mile. Negri how to repre-
sent the lure of the East with few
wells and what-not.
The picture was first offered to Adolph
Zllkor on his last trip abroad. and the
president of Famous Players-Lasky,
without committing himself on whether
he wanted to bring the Arabian Nights
within the home circle of the American
family, went away and meditated on It
After he had returned to this country
the U. +. A., the German combine which
held the Lubitsch picture within Its
nav. cabled him request that he de-
eide Immediately whether he wanted to
assume the guardianship of the picture
In the United States or whether he was
willing to relinquish his option without
a struggle Zukor-who, by the way.
is said not to have seen the picture In
its completed state-decided to relinquish
gracefully, and Associated First Ma
tfonal gathered the photoplay to its as
ISOLATED bosom.
Meanwhile Zukor is reported TO have
garnered another film version OF ''Su-
murun," this one tackled together by
Reinhardt himself In a sudden resolve
to espouse the cause of the movies.
Zukcr is said to have paid s130,000 for
this photoplay, also with guaranteed
atmosphere--a price which, at present
rates of exchange. Is enough to make
any one In Germany rich and dizzy for
life. It is a particularly high amount
in view OF the fact that, as one film
official said. most Of us are buying
pictures In Germany for 81 and IS and
hoping for the best"
The Associated First National picture
will probably dip into the Broadway
traffic at the Strand In a couple Of
weeks. The Famous Players-Lasky 'Su-
murun" Is reported to be now titled and
ready for the word to go, so the prospect
is that Oriental atmosphere will be rife
here soon and harem wells may even be-
come fashionable. The Associated First
National executives. however. have de-
cided not to use the title of "Sumurun'
for their offerings because they wished
TO avoid any possible complications over
claim to a prior right to the title and
also because they considered, anyhow.
that "One Arabian Night" covered a
multitude Of sins.
Mary Pickford and Douglas Fair
banks, now putting UP with New YorlS's
overwh Ginning conveniences In order to
see Doug's mustache bloom on the screen
this evening in THE Three Musketeers"
at the Lyric. have already acquired
place abroad to which they will
presently transfer the balance OF power
in the movie world-meaning. them
selves. This is according to one of those
reports that are as numerous In the
movie world as all star casts. They
viii stay in Europe for two years, during
which Doug will probably become more
OF an American than ever. Just which
part OF Europe they are believed to have
Sought up Is uncertain but II Is gen.
orally considered to be in England. In
tainly be called an estate. It's not likely
to be in France. for though Mary just
loves to prattle In French Doug has no
aspirations to become Sarah Bernhardt's
leading man.
Miss Pickford is still in state of
feminine uncertainty over her next
vehicle after Little Lord Fauntleroy."
She has some thought of doing Hardys
Tess of the D'Urbervilles" again, as 1t
-. =. &txnA
have the vote. Then there is some loose
talk OF her doing another picture called
Lady Jane"-so the chances are 1t will
be something else again.
Poverty still reigns In the film colony
at Los Angeles, where once was heard
little but the low note of the $40, 900
motor car calling to its mate. Stars
who once took $1,000 a week for
ambling around IN evening clothes are
now willing to accept 5000 per-and risk
their necks and get up early for It.
Some stars are even open to persuasion
10 take 800. for what Is ones art with
out ham and eggsY
This Is due, OF course. TO the fact that
tho movie industry out there is still In a
state of suspended animation, 80 per
cent. of the nominal business being still
absolutely harmless because dead. This
QtiieScence Is attributed largely 10 inc
reluctance of the banks TO advance
money for more OF those superpictures
Z at are expected to clean UP so much
n. TO provide for their producer n life
OF snful ease. Producers with grain
Of ability usually do make profits on
their output but II Is generally a long
time before they even make expenses.
especially II couple of automobiles
and a diamond tiara for the casting di-
rector have been worked into the over
head And the banks have grown loath
70 back pictures that bring in real re-
turns about the time the producer Is
DYING.
Moreover, financiers have been made
chary by their indlfferentlv successful
cfforts 10 stabilize tho industry and
mako "art' punch time clock. Some
or the features did need STRENGTHENING
out but attempts to systematic the
production of features 70 have scenario
N,dters turn out so much per week. and
- have the stars keep regular daylight
hours met with whole hearted lack OF
response.
a report sprang UP a few days ago
that Woodrow Wilson was to answer
hts critics by presenting the history In
which he had part through tho movies.
snd David w Griffith was named as
the director for 1t, since rumors seem
more naturally to attach themselves to
Griffith than 70 any other man In the
- eof1 4tot ho h0d