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Sunday, 29 January 2017

This Week in History - Jan 29 to Feb 4

Everything you need to know about the goings-ons and gossip from this week in Precode Hollywood.

1929:

Wallie Reid Memorial – Mrs Hal Reid, mother of the late Wallace Reid, is in Hollywood endeavouring to raise $150,000 to provide means for the placement of a bay window in St John’s Cathedral, New York, as a memorial to her son. 
Actor Wallace Reid during the height of his popularity in the silent era.
Alice White’s Double – Belle Mann, who doubled for Alice White in ‘Show Girl’ as the ghost songstress, has received a Victor recording contract as a result. The First National feature was synchronised by Victor in Camden and Miss Mann contributed the pseudo-vocalisation by the screen star.
Sike Doc on Job – Dr William M. Marstan psychologist recently engaged by Universal arrived at the studio. He is now making a mental analysis of his associates before taking over his duties as Universal’s director of public service, when he will attempt to psychoanalyse the business.
Joan Bennett Goes Bob – When Joan Bennett signed a contract with Sam Goldwyn to appear opposite Ronald Colman in “Bulldog Drummond”, no mention was made that she would be required to bob her hair for the part. When the young actress appeared at the studio and a few tests were made, the producer ordered her tresses trimmed to conform with the modern-day flapper. After much reluctance, the gal consented to the operation.
Ronald Colman and Joan Bennett from 'Bulldog Drummond'
Alma Rubens Serious – Alma Rubens, who ran rampant and stabbed Doctor Ed Meyers in Hollywood last week is confined to Rosemead Sanatorium. She is in a serious condition.

1930:

Real Heroic Dog – ‘Leo’, German police dog that played opposite ‘Rin Tin Tin’ in several pictures, died a hero here last week. It was asphyxiated by gas after warning the family of the danger. Dog was five years old.
Tattooing Film Favs – Tattooers are noticing this is a new era; that the modern gobs and soldiers don’t go for anchors, broken hearts and eagles. In an effort to bring back the popularity of tattooing, the permanent dye boys are figuring they must meet the public demand by giving ‘em screen mugs. For $10 any gob can get Clara Bow across his chest.
A woman with Gary Cooper tattooed on her back
Gloria Stuart congratulating a young man who had her face tattooed on his chest
Marches Sued – Fredric March and his wife Florence Eldridge are being sued for $52,000 by Harry Greenberg. Latter charges that the actress’ car crashed into him last December.

1931:

Nervy Girl Laughs off Bandit – Poking the muzzle of a revolver through the grating of the Binghamton, New York theatre ticket office, a bandit demanded of Chloris Evans, treasurer, “Come on, hand it all over”. Mrs Evans gave the stick-up artist a dirty look and coldly told him, “Go on shoot, if you want to”. After a moment’s hesitation, he turned and fled. So to did his companion who had been covering the doorman with a gun. Police failed to find any trace of either man. Go Chloris!
Machine Guns Out in New York – New York’s State Censor Board is frowning on things gunmanlike and racketeerish. It’s getting even tougher than Chicago’s pink specialists. In New York they’re beginning to edit out all machine-gun sequences even in comedy. 

1932:

Doubling for Ma – Dickie Moore, kid player working in ‘Disorderly Conduct’ at Fox, was invited to lunch by Spencer Tracy. Having a youngest of his own, Tracy figured he knew what kids should eat so ordered a vegetable platter. Next three times Tracy invited the kid for lunch, the youngest always begged off. When cornered, Dickie admitted he had no other appointments but added: “I gotta eat spinach at home”. 
Spencer Tracy and Dickie Moore in a scene from 'Disorderly Conduct'
Test English Girl – Paramount tested Diana Wynyard, British actress, last Wednesday (Jan 27). Actress came over here about two months ago to join ‘The Devil Passes’. If Par takes Miss Wynyard, it will have to wait until the play runs out.
Chicago Censors Halt ‘Morgue’ – Possibility of ‘Murders of Rue Morgue’ not opening at the State Lake this Wednesday as scheduled since the censor board has rejected the picture entirely on excess horror grounds. Universal exchange is trying to induce the board to give the film another screening.
A scene from 'Murders of Rue Morgue' with Bela Lugosi
Marx Split Denial – Old rumour about a split between the four Marx Brothers popped up again and was printed in several places. Paramount through enough of the gossip to send out an official denial with Groucho doing the same.

1933:

Verree Teasdale Story Sad – Verree Teasdale came in from Hollywood last week to tell Judge Anderson her story. It was sad, said the judge, indicating he would grant the divorce she wanted from William O’Neal, the tenor. He deserted her in 1927. 
Must Have Lip – After a two weeks search for a baby with a lip like Chevalier’s for ‘Bed Time Story’, Paramount finally had to get a dentist to make a trick mouthpiece so the youngest selected would resemble the actor.
'Bedtime Story' (1933)
No Good Women in History, says West – “Personally, I admire good women,” conceded Mae West in early 1933, “but you never hear about good women in history. The only good girl to make history was Betsy Ross, and she had to sew up a flag to do it. People are more curious about something not good. Did you ever notice how quickly they hop to talking about how bad you are and never mention you if you’re good? I catered to the masses in my stage plays. I built up a loyal public in the theatre and I’m going to keep faith with my public in pictures. There are some people who can get away with anything yet always come out on top. The worse they are, the better you like them. They happen to have something different that wins you no matter what they do. No, the wages of sin in all cases is not death.”

1934:

Ted Healy, who must have been a bit of a
fighter in 1934
Benny Weldon Suing Ted Healy – Ted Healy is made defendant in a $50,112 assault and battery charge filed in superior court by Francis Cushing (Benny) Weldon. Charge is that on November 23, Healy beat Weldon insensible and disabled him so severely he could not attend his biz for five weeks.
Fairbanks’ Tax Case Transferred – Internal Revenue has agreed to transference of its action against Douglas Fairbanks for return of certain income tax rebates to Federal courts in New York. Action was filed against Fairbanks asking for the return of $170,000 of around $600,000 rebated as excess tax on income.
Harlow Back – Jean Harlow, who has been under suspension for 10 weeks at Metro because she refused to appear for a wardrobe call at studio until her salary was tilted, has settled her differences with the company and was put back on the payroll. Miss Harlow wanted her salary boosted on the balance of her four year contract, with a jump from $1,500 a week to $5,000. A compromise was soon reached at $3,000 weekly.

Trying to Make ‘Bad’ Pic Look Good – Twentieth Century is making another attempt to get ‘Born to Be Bad’ off the shelf and released before the company shuts down in April. All execs and other have taken a hand in changing the story and negative to make it yell. The picture was completed four months ago but the film still can’t get Darryl Zanuck’s okay.  
Loretta Young and Cary Grant in 'Born to be Bad'

Monday, 23 January 2017

This Week in History - Jan 22 to 28

Everything you need to know about the goings-ons and gossip from this week in Precode Hollywood.

         - 1929:

Hair Colour Control: Since Alice White signed her new contract as a star for First National, she discovered this company has priority rights on a number of things pertaining to her personal self and manner of living. Among these is the clause that she remain a “brunette of natural auburn hair” unless ordered to change via hair dye of wigs. This was okay with the gal until forced to wear a blond wig in her last three pictures, during which time she experienced a perpetual headache from the weight of the wig. She is now trying to get consent to bleach the auburn tresses to a golden hue but the company is undecided on how she must appear in future stories.
Alice White is 'Showgirl in Hollywood' (1928)
150 Millionaires in Picture Business: Of over 20,000 millionaires in the country, the picture business has 150. Comparative surveys, based more or less on generally acknowledged report, indicate that the film industry has more million-dollar-a-year people and mess millionaires than any of the large industries of the country, ranking third or fourth in scope in the list of American enterprises and far lower insofar as the number of individual fortunes is concerned.

         - 1930:

Mackaill Injured: Dorothy Mackaill broke a rib failing against a piano at rehearsal. Bound in tape, she acted the next day. She subsequently collapsed and was sent to bed for rest.
Emily Fitzroy and Dorothy MacKaill in 'The Flirting Widow' (1930)
Rates Kids High: Child film actors are from 10% to 20% above the average school child in muscular and mental development. This is according to Dr Charles K. Taylor, New York psychologist who made the tests here.

No Decision on Mix: Department of Justice wants to prosecute Tom Mix on his tax controversy with the Treasury. Mix was in town last week in a long series of conferences with both justice and treasury officials, leaving without anything definite being decided. Mix has offered to pay whatever the government asked to adjust and the government has promised to make up its mind this week.

        - 1931:

Sharpshooters’ Offer for Clara Bow’s Time: With Broadway agents all pretty much in the dark regarding Clara Bow’s present standing with Paramount as a result of the Daisy De Voe trial, the red headed picture star is being deluged with wires from New York making all sorts of offers for her services. One agent wants Clara for a personal appearance tour of dance halls in the east. Most of the offers from New York, mainly from sharpshooters carefully avoid mentioning a guaranteed salary. 
Clara Bow in 1931
William Wellman will direct ‘Public Enemy’ instead of Archie Mayo with Wellman’s ‘Night Nurse’ holding over until Barbara Stanwyck is available.
In the Coop: Carl Laemmle’s chicken ranch on the Universal lot, chickenless for the past seven months, is working again. Coops have been cleaned and are now being used to store old silents.

O’Brien-Taylor Wedding: Pat O’Brien, actor appearing in Howard Hughes screen production of ‘Front Page’, married Eloise Taylor, legit actress last Wednesday (January 20) in Hollywood. After the ceremony O’Brien went back to work postponing his honeymoon until the picture is completed. 
The O'Briens

          - 1932:

Gone Africa: Gary Cooper, in South Africa hunting big game, cabled his father here that he had shot a ‘super lion’.
Jeanette MacDonald Set: It’s pretty well set that Jeanette MacDonald will go to Metro on expiration of her present agreement with Paramount calling for her appearance in the next Maurice Chevalier picture. Meantime she is being considered for Metro’s ‘The Red Headed Woman’ on a loan, before going into the Chevalier picture and before going onto the Metro contract list.
            **Jean Harlow ended up taking the role in ‘Red Headed Woman’ instead of MacDonald.

Capra Weds Jan 27: Frank Capra will marry Lucille Reyburn, Los Angeles girl, in New York this Thursday. The Capras plan a brief honeymoon in Cuba, after which they will leave for the coast.

‘Queen Kelly’ May Get US Release: First non-dialog drama to be released since the industry threw out silents may be ‘Queen Kelly’ with Gloria Swanson. Taken off the shelf after nearly three years, it has been placed into shape for distribution by United Artists. It carries a musical score and sound effects but no dialogue.
A scene from 'Queen Kelly'

         - 1933:

Thelma Todd’s Smash-up: Following automobile smashup Sunday, Thelma Todd in Hollywood hospital with chest bone broken resulting in her withdrawal from ‘Niagara Falls’ at Universal.
Thelma Todd in early 1933
Garbo Contract Renewed: Greta Garbo will return to Metro, having signed a new contract with that company. Her first picture will be ‘Christina’, a political story of 17th century Sweden. It is yet undetermined whether the picture will be made here or in Sweden.
Pants All Oke for Dietrich: Paramount has officially reversed itself on Marlene Dietrich’s pants. Instead of playing down that the imported star prefers male garb in public at all times and putting a hard and fast ban on all publicity and photographs regarding her preference for it, studio has decided to make what capital it can of her predilection. Publicity department may flood the country with stills showing her bifurcates. Dietrich made quite a stir at the recent premier of ‘Sign of the Cross’ by attending in a male tuxedo suit and wearing a man’s soft black hat.
Maurice Chevalier, Marlene Dietrich and Gary Cooper at the premiere of
'Sign of the Cross' (1932)

         - 1934:

Tracy-MGM Patch-up Deemed Not Likely: As Lee Tracy continues to run around loose, the belief mounts that he will return to Metro after ‘Viva Villa’ has been released and the possible press value of his Mexican escapade (for more information on the scandal go here) has asserted itself. Forgiveness, it is felt, will come then or eventually.

Paramount Shifts ‘Alice’ Suit From State to US Court: On application of Paramount, the suit to discontinue release of ‘Alice in Wonderland’ on grounds that rights to the story are controlled by a Samuel Krantrowich, has been taken out of the Supreme court and into Federal jurisdiction. Krantrowich is applying for an injunction against further exhibition of ‘Alice’ claiming it was made into a film in 1914 by William M. Young who illustrated it in animated form.
'Alice in Wonderland' released in 1933
Warner’s 1st Net Profit Since ’30: For the first time since 1930, Warner’s report a net operation profit of $105,752,860 for the 13 weeks ending Nov. 25, 1933. That’s around $5,000 more than was estimated for the quarter. The net operating loss for the corresponding period in 1932 was $1,746,761.95.  

Tuesday, 17 January 2017

This Week in History - Jan 15 to 21

Everything you need to know about the goings-ons and gossip from this week in Precode Hollywood.       

      - 1929:

$15 Daily for Animal Imitators in Sound Films – Dave Allen, head of the Central Casting Bureau, got a call for a man who could howl like a dog. Request came from Fox for a Movietone production. Only one man was found on the books. Since talkers have come in calls have come to the central office for people to imitate parrots, chickens and cats.
Sue Carol’s Divorce – One of those ‘career’ divorce suits has been filed against Sue Carol, Fox player, by Allen H. Keefer, livestock commission man. Keefer and Miss Carol were married in 1925 and Miss Carol answered to the name Evelyn Lederer. Later the bride went vacationing on the Coast and happened into pictures. Keefer says he asked her to come home but she apparently refuses to sacrifice a career in favour of a domestic existence.  
Actress, Sue Carol
Broadway Melody – ‘Broadway Melody’ first MGM comedy with music will have its world premiere at Grauman’s Chinese on January 24. 

         - 1930:

Coloured Hallelujah Going to Jacksonville – ‘Hallelujah’ has been booked to open January 18 at the Palace, Jacksonville. This is the first southern booking for the all-coloured picture and was made only after a film critic conducted through her columns an open forum to bring out sentiment. 
A scene from 'Hallelujah'
Toning Down ‘Ex-Wife’ – With the Hays office objecting to ‘Ex-wife’, and Metro announcing abandonment, it is understood the studio will tone down the objectionable features in the story, change the title and made it at a later date. 

         - 1931:

Ayres Walks, Returns – After walking off the ‘Iron Man’ set at Universal on January 17 over a salary dispute, Lew Ayres was back on the job three days later. He had a long talk to Junior Laemmle and resolved the dispute. Ayres reported demands followed his success of ‘Doorway to Hell’ and Warners interest in his services.
Lew Ayres and Jean Harlow in 'Iron Man'
Kay’s 930,000 – This week in 1931, Kay Francis finalised her five year contract with Warners. It was for five years with Kay receiving $930,000 for the entire period. Her services start at $30,000 per picture.
Clara Getting Tough Break Says Paramount – Paramount has no immediate intention to call it quits with Clara Bow, although recent developments including placing Sylvia Sidney in a picture Miss Bow was to have made, made it appear that the redhead was on her way out. The film was ‘City Streets’. Paramount scheduled ‘Working Girl’ based on the play ‘Blind Mice’ as the next Bow picture. Miss Bow’s latest trouble, with Daisy DeVoe has the daily papers again shooting the harpoon into her ‘because she is good copy’. Whether this incident will affect her sales is something else again.

         - 1932:

Just Garbo – Metro will hereafter only bill Greta Garbo by her last name. As far as known it’s the first time any film personality has been so exploited.
Just Garbo
Mary Can’t Find Play or Picture – Mary Pickford has abandoned her idea of appearing in a stage play and is looking for a screen story. Says she can’t find a suitable play. The story she is seeking must have a ‘down to earth’ plot, be a comedy and be okay for kids.
Frank, the Fed – As a teaser campaign for ‘Frankenstein’, eight girls were employed to call everyone in the phone book and say, “Look out, Frankenstein is coming,” and hang up. One of the girls unwittingly called a bootlegger. He was out but the wife got the message. So she pulled the bathtub plug, sewering all evidence before she realised it was a gag.
‘Scarface’ New Title – Not only has Howard Hughes revised ‘Scarface’ but he has also changed the title. The picture, a print of which is now before the New York Censor Board, will be released as ‘The Shame of the Nation’. The film has had its theme changed so it is now described as strictly anti-gunmen propaganda.  

         - 1933:

Columnists May Yet Split Married Pair – Meddlesome chatterers, fan writers and columnists seem determined to break up the matrimonial life of Joan Crawford and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. Anytime one is seen without the other, the meddlers write a quip about strained relations in the household. Friends of the couple fear if this stuff keeps up it may eventually lead to a split of the couple. (Crawford and Fairbanks broke-up in May that year).
Joan Crawford and Douglas Fairbanks Jr. in 1932
Sanctuary is Off – After a series of headaches, Paramount has called off production on William Faulkner’s ‘Sanctuary’, a novel banned in several states. Trouble started for the studio on the writing of the first treatment which brought about a Hays’ office protest. Story went back for a rewrite and got a change of title to ‘The Story of Temple Drake’. When George Raft read the role assigned to him, he refused to do it. Story returned to the scenario department for still another revamp, but inability of writers to save anything of the original and still keep it clean brought about the ultimate decision to drop it.

         - 1934:

Our Gang Grows Up – All of the kid members of the Hal Roach ‘Our Gang’ with exception of two, Spanky McFarland and Stymie Beard, have grown out of their parts and have been given the boot. The first of the new slate of gangsters starts on January 22. 
Our Gang around 1930
Mae West Impersonator As Bus Line Shillness – One of the transcontinental bus lines is using a new type of promotional stunt. An actress impersonating Mae West will make the journey from New York to Hollywood. She will be accompanied by a coloured maid, making the usual night stopovers at hotels. Imitation Mae is not required to converse with strangers nor give autographs. Salary $150 weekly, job lasting three to four weeks. 
John Gilbert’s Split – John Gilbert and his wife, Virginia Bruce, separated on January 14 with Mrs Gilbert moving to the home of her parents. She took their infant child along. Couple let it be known they could not agree. They were married less than two-years ago.
Harlow, Authoress – Jean Harlow has completed an original novel, ‘Today is Tonight’, and has sold the mag serialisation rights to Cosmopolitan. Player stated the tome some time ago, finishing it during the past two months while she has been one the suspended list at Metro following her demand for tilt in contract salary from $1,500 to $3,000 weekly. 

Sunday, 8 January 2017

This Week in History - Jan 8 to 14

Carrying on from a few posts I did years ago I am hoping to do a weekly post on interesting news events and gossip from Pre-code Hollywood history. This can include everything from marriages to breakups, babies, film developments and release results. Let me know what you think of the pieces. The first highlights this week (January 8 to 14) and the newsworthy events in 1929, 1930, 1931, 1932, 1933 and 1934. Enjoy!  

- 1929:

Alma Rubens
Objections to Alma Rubens’ Prowling – Actress Alma Rubens was not behaving to the satisfaction of her neighbours in 1929. A number of them her summoned to court on a charge of disturbing the peace with the actress pleading not guilty. It seemed Miss Rubens had a habit of prowling at all hours with a flashlight looking for something she never seemed to find.
Lon Chaney for Silence Only – Lon Chaney flatly refused to appear in talking pictures. He issued his decision when MGM officials tried to pursue him to appear in a talking short with other stars. Mr Chaney says he made his reputation as an interpreter of mysterious characters, that he has only one voice and it can’t be changed as he changes his makeup or character.
WAMPAS Elects Baby Stars – These lucky ladies were elected as the 1929 WAMPAS Baby Stars in January of that year: Jean Arthur, Doris Hill, Anita Page, Josephine Dunn, Loretta Young, Doris Dawson, Sally Blane, Betty Boyd, Helen Twelvetrees, Mona Rico, Ethlyn Claire, Caryl Lincoln and Helen
Foster.
The WAMPAS Baby Stars of 1929

- 1930:

Hawks’ Unit on Retakes when Air Crash Kills 10 – ten men were announced to have perished over the Pacific during the making of ‘Such Men Are Dangerous’ for Fox. The film was finished ten days before the disaster occurred but director Kenneth Hawks wanted to make retakes. It was during the retakes that two planes collided and fell burning into the sea. Crew from a third plane witnessed the tragedy.
Mayer-Thalberg Contracts With Metro for 5 Years – Louis B. Mayer and Irving Thalberg of Metro studios and J. Robert Rubin, Metro’s counsel in New York, agreed upon new contracts for five years each in 1930. Under the agreements Mayer will have full charge of all business affairs and Thalberg will be in full charge of production.
Louis B. Mayer and Irving Thalberg 
Benson Unit Changes – Elimination of the femme lead, withdrawal of Phillip Holmes from the cast and a switch in directors were the changes made to Paramount’s ‘Benson Murder Case’, starring William Powell. Frank Tuttle replaced Louis Gasnier as director. 

- 1931:

Lil Bond Gets Film Start in Stage Part – MGM announced it had obtained talker rights to ‘Stepping High’ in which Lillian Bond appeared on stage. Talker version was the first try for Miss Bond in pictures.
Lillian Bond
Mob Censors Cartoon – Spurred by the peasants’ clergy, a mob of countrymen started a demonstration against Disney comic cartoon ‘The Ghostly Hour’ in the town of Klaganfuris, Austria. The churchman said the trick shots of puppet skeletons dancing in a graveyard were “irreligious, immoral and blasphemous”.  
‘Quiet’ Now Banned in Vienna – All was finally quiet on the cinema western front by surrender of the Austrian Government to demonstrations of a few thousand hoodlums against Universal’s ‘All Quiet’. The prohibition followed three days in which the busiest part of Vienna was transformed into a real battlefield with mounted police charging the crowd and making 50 arrests after rioters smashed shop windows and caused heavy damage.

- 1932:

Dodging Hawaii – Radio’s ‘Bird of Paradise’ unit relocated in Florida in 1932 instead of Honolulu because of reported turmoil over attacks by natives on white women there.
Ignore Television – Television failed to create any big excitement at the annual convention of the American Association for the Advancement of Science at New Orleans. Television was notably absent from the major displays and had only a minor presentation. 
Gilbert’s Gratis Offer – John Gilbert was so anxious to play the baron in ‘Grand Hotel’ that he offered to work gratis for the film. Metro assigned the part to John Barrymore.
‘Sell or Starve’ Routine Makes Fan Mag Writers Coast Bloodhounds – Variety paper exposed the lengths tabloids went to uncover dirt news and pictures. These included stealing portraits using candid cameras, working the friends of film names, posing as somebody else, talking to servants/ beauty shop workers and ‘going at it keyhole wise’. The paper named Greta Garbo as a target with photographers climbing a tree in Garbo’s backyard to get unexposed photos of her.
Greta Garbo

- 1933:

Zukor is 60 – Adolph Zukor celebrated his 60th birthday on Janurary 7 with a small party at his home.
Dorothy Burgess’ Jam Over Auto Accident – actress Dorothy Burgess was the target for a $25,000 damage suit and faced manslaughter charges. This was a result of a late December, 1932 auto accident in which her car collided with another and killed, Louise Manfredl, 17.
Dorothy Burgess
Dietrich Still Objects – Although Paramount withdrew its $185,000 suit against Marlene Dietrich and she had agreed to begin work on January 16 on ‘Song of Songs’, she appeared on the lot on January 6 and told the studio executives the story was even less to her liking in its present form than it had heretofore been. She declared she could not give her part a justifiable characterization. Someone must have talked her around as the film was released, with Dietrich in the starring role, in July 1933.

- 1934:

Waxing Mae – Mae West was the newest personality to enter the halls of Mme. Tussaud’s Wax Works, London in 1934. Paramount in New York was notified via cable and shipped a dress worn by Miss West in one of her pictures.
Mae West
Grant’s Illness Slows Paramount’s ‘Come on Marines’ – ‘Come On Marines’ on Paramount’s schedule for last month was shelved temporarily caused by the illness of Cary Grant in England and a partial story revamp by Byron Morgan. I’m not sure what happened between January 8 and the film’s release on March 23 but Grant did not appear in the picture.