Evening star., 1924-04-27
By HALLETT ABEND.

LOS ANGELES, April 25.-Joseph
Hergesheimer's novels would seem to
be difficult of adaptation to the
screen but are they? King vidor's
screen version of wild Oranges" is
certainly both good screen drama and
faithful to the novel. And now comes
"Cytherea," an even more difficult
tale to handle, but splendid drama
and also faithful to the novel, as pro-
duced by Samuel Goldwyn.
"Cytherea" was directed by Geo,1e
F1tzmaurice from scenario written
by Frances Marion. Miss Marion also
did the titling and in both plot and
titles she has admirably preserved
what the book reviewers call that
Hergesheimer touch"
"Cytherea" at last gives a part Of
real power to Irene Rich, a beautiful
woman and a talented actress. who
mas steadily risen in popularity de-
spite long succession of trumpery
parts. In this new film she comes
into her own, for she plays the part
or the wife in way that should put
an end TO the habit of giving her only
quiet roles. Thomas Stone plays the
steals the picture from him. and those
who know Mr.. Stones splendid abili-
ties will realize that is praise indeed
Alma Reubens plays the title part and
In 1t does about the best work of her
career. Norman Kerry has a part
without particular color and Con-
stance Bennett, as the flapper of the
piece. scores heavily time after time.
"Cytherea" is vastly superior to
.The Eternal City" Mr.. Fitzmaurice's S
last picture for Mr.. Goldwyn. The di-
rection is better and the handling of
the story is immeasurably more
adept. AS always when Mr.. Fritz-
maurice makes photoplay. the eye
is delighted. In this film the di-
rector uses beautiful color effects for
the dreams, a clever way to enhance
the drabness of reality.
Viola Dana n Free Lance,
Estelle Taylor has been signed on
long-term contract by Cecil B. De
Mile to take the place of Leatrice
JOY u O>e De Mille-Lasky films. Miss
joy, meanwhile, has been elevated to
stardom by the Lasky organization.
Marion Aye, former Orpheurl head
liner. has been signed by tae Fox
Film Company to head the cast which
VIII make THE Last Man ON Earth"
under Jack Blystone's direction.
Charlie Chaplin and his company of
nearly one hundred people, including
cast, carpenters, electricians and the
helpers, have gone to an isolated dis
trict near the summit of the Sierras
to make the snow scenes of the Alas
kan comedy upon which NH. Chaplain
about month.
Viola Dana, who for nine years has
been a Metro star, has decided to
be a free lance actress and has re-
fused to sign a renewal of contract
offered by Metro. Il want TO have
greater variety of roles" the dimin-
utive star explains. 1T is firing
being a funny, fiapperish person all
the time. People may think l can DO
only one type of thing. Maybe that's
all can do, but l want a chance at
wider range of characteriZations.
Fred Niblo has begun filming The
Red Lily" his own story. His Wlfe'
Enid Bennett, and vsaIacs Ramon Rsev8 MerSFfe ie
the villain. The story is laid III Brit
tany and in Paris.
Pauline Fredericks and Lew Cody
will have the leading roles in the
next picture which Ernst Lubitsch
will make for Warner Brothers.
Louise Fazenda has packed away
her funny clothes, given up COMEDY
and is now an emotional actress. She
had begun work at the Warner lot
in the part of Deborah in Grace
Flanderaus Being RespectaDle.
Christine of the Hungry Heart,
Kathleen Norris latest novel. has
been purchased by Thomas III. Ince.
John Griffith wray will direct.
Florence Vidor has signed with
Louis B. Mayer. to play the lead in a
domestic comedy drama which John
NJ Stahl will direct.
Hugo Balm has contracted with
the Goldwyn Company to direct his
wife. Mabel Ballin, i'll The Prairie
Flower"
clara Bow has been loaned to
Universal to plaN an important role
in Wine"
Valentino in Rex Beach Story.
Valentines next picture after
Monsieur Beaucaire" will be a Rex
Beach story, not yet titled. Joseph
Henabery, who will direct. has al
ready left Hollywood for New York
to confer on the script
Ralph Graves has signed with Mack
Sennett for a series Of two-reel
comedies.
Tom Miranda is titIing It'll. J; Stuart !.
Oppenheim.
Anna Q. Nillson has gone to New
York to work at the Lasky studio
there opposite Ernest Terrence in
The Mountebank. Her husband.
John N. Gunnerson, a Los Angeles
business man. went with her.
Helene Chadwick's first starring
picture will, be Divorced in Name
Only"
May McAvoy is having tests made
for her new leading role in .'Tarnish,"
the next Samuel Goldwyn production.
William Desmond and his company.
making Big Timber" for Universal,
have gone to northern California for
exterior scenes and will later spend
q week taking waterfront scenes in
San Francisco. Olive HaSbrouck is
leading woman.
Margarita Fischer, a star severe,
years ago before she married Harry