The Washington times., 1928-12-12
CAUGHT
TN WALL ST.
MARKET
BY REGINA CREWE
Copyright. 1928, by King Features
Syndicate. Inc1

HOLLYWOOD, Dec. 12.-It
may be some small consolation to
those who have been on the
wrong side of the Wall Street
fence to know that many Holly
wood stars are right along with
them. Perhaps nowhere more
than in hectic Hollywood have
there been more wild tales of
big profits in ''the market" But
investigation shows that scarcely
a single star has emerged on the
right side of the ledger.
Speculation has been so preva-
lent here that it has actually
interfered with picture produc-
ton to a serious extent. Things
got to the point where players
would leave the set to telephone
their brokers. And in some cases
actually skip away from the stu
dios to rush down town with
margin money. Sophisticated as
they are supposed to be the film
colony contains some of the big
gest saps in the world. They'll
part with their money on the
slightest provocation. Even "sell
America short.
Although Mr.. Zukor, the Para.
mount pooh bah, has decided that
his great organization is not to
be behind in the talking picture
parade, he has also decreed that
Paramount's greatest actor shall
remain silent. No matter what
talking is done in Paramount s
photoplays, Emil Jannings will
remain silent. Mr.. Zukor believes
him to rank with Chaplin and
the few other really great pan
tomimists of the screen. And it
viii rest on his shoulders to up
hold the honor of the silent drama.
Superstition bothers Jane Win
ton. Hollywood's lady-with the
green-eyes. 80 little that she ac-
tually threw "superstitious
party" There were 13 at the
table, the favors were black cats
and miniature ladders, and to top
off, cross-eyed walters served her
guests. Jane should worry about
jinXes with picture offers keeping
her telephone so busy.
II you want talking pictures
right in your own home. there is
a Chicago concern that will sup
ply them to you. Ordinary pro-
1snn Fnf ,slk -,
these days. but this is the first
to be heard OF sound device for
the back parlOr. Thus far four
short reels have been synchron-
iZed. Each is an old favorite.
They are "Pagliacci," Cohen At
the Telephone" when You and
Were Young Maggie" and
Trees"
Harold Lloyd is making his
new picture in his usual leisure
~ manner. Harold doesn't have
TO rush his films through the
mill. The fact that he hasn't got
to meet a specified release date
enables him to take his own
sweet time. Although the com.
pany is working every day it will
De some LlIllc DelOF6 Ih6 silent
version is completed This will
be preylewed many. many times.
When Harold thinks it Is just
right. diaIoG will be added here
and there.
For the first time in many
a long month, Mabel Normand,
aIltime champion OF screen coined
iennes. has been starred ia a mo-
ton picture. But unless you're
a pal OF Lew Cody. Mabels nus
band, yOull probably never get
to see it. The film is just few
hundred feet-ih length and Metro
made it for Mabel. 1t will be
sent to Lew as a Christmas sur.
prise. He will be in London on a
Vaude tour at the time. The star
of yesterday registered amaZement
at the big sound stages on the
Metro lot, the mOtOr-driven cam.
eras. inCandescent lights, the new
panchromatic makeup, and all
the hundred and one movie won
ders which have come into being
since her retirement. Never had
these contraptions on the old Sem
nett lot" said Mabel. Guess Id
have to learn all over again."