Their Chum Now!

START SIX
NEW FILMS
six new pictures starting before the cameras,
With
production schedules at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer this week
neared peak activity.
William Powell and Myrna Loy were reunited in a gay
romantic comedy, “I Love You Again,” under direction of
W. S. Van Dyke II. Lawrence Weingarten produces with
the cast including Frank McHugh, Edmund Lowe and Don-
ald Douglas.
Ann Sothern returned to her most popular characterization in
“Cold Rush Maisie,” with Lee Bowman and Virginia Weidler in fea-
tured roles.Edwin L. Marin directs and J. Walter Ruben produces.
Fresh from her “Two Cirls On
Broadway” acclaim, Lana Turner
Shearer -Taylor began “To Own Hie World” with
Co- Starrer Set John Shelton. Harold S. Bucquet
directs with Seymour Nebenzahl

For Early Start producing.

“One Came Home” has Robert Young,
The Ethel Vance best-seller, “Escape,”
Chum, seven -month -old baby star who had Eddie Cantor as foster father in will be brought to the screen intact with- Lewis Stone, Maureen O’Sullivan and
“Forty Little Mothers/" now has Clark Cable and Spencer Tracy as his pals out any changes in the original narrative, Lynne Carver featured against a thrill-
in“Boom Town.** The infant also has Claudette Colbert and Hedy Lamarr as his DirectorMervyn LeRoy announced this ing Kentucky Derby background. S. Syl-
own chums in the picture, which Jack Conway directs, Sam Zimbalist produces. week, as plans were completed for an van Simon directs and Albert Levoy pro-
early production start with Norma duces.
Shearer as the Countess von Treck and
Marx 'Circus' Florida 'Isle' Robert Taylor as Mark Preysing.
Tests are now in progress for the
Charles Coburn, Beulah Bondi,
Broderick, Virginia Grey and Billie Burke
Helen

Soon On Tour
The Marx Brothers company that takes
For 'Yearling' much-coveted role of the mother, Emmy
Ritter; for the General, and for Dr. Ditten,
began “Old Lady 31” with Robert Sin-
clair directing. Frederick Stephani pro-
In preparation for filming Marjorie who aids in Emmy’s escape. As much duces.
to the road to test comedy for their “Co Kinnan Rawlings’ Pulitzer Prize winning care will be exercised in selecting the “Phantom Raiders” 'Teatures Waite
West” picture, will resemble a circus on novel, “The Yearling,” Metro-Goldwyn- was
right players for these characters as Pidgeon in the further adventures of Nicl
the move. Mayer has built the Baxter “island” with used in casting “Gone With the Wind,” Carter. The cast includes Florence Rice
When they leave M-C-M, they will farmhouse and outbuildings, near Ocala, LeRoy declared. Lawrence Weingarten John Carroll, Joseph Sebildkraut and Don
have five elaborate sets consisting of a Florida. The crops that keep the Bax- will produce the picture. aid Meek. Jacques Tourneur directs.
section of the Pennsylvania Railroad Sta-ters eating and likewise their cow, horse,
tion, a two-room Western apartment, an hogs and chickens have been planted and
1870 Wild West saloon, a panorama of will be up and flourishing when the movie
the Rocky Mountains and the interior troupe, headed by Spencer Tracy, who
Douglas
in irtlnr f
to Write 'Kildare' Story
w, ai — A zL A — A £ It P\ 1/ ;l J M n,
Lloyd
I I
C. Tin,
Douglas,
r~\\ I
famous i

author of , i . __
“Dr. Kildare” series.
* r ^
One of the fore-
. ,

of an old stagecoach drawn by two horses. will play Penny Baxter, heads there.
“The Magnificent Obsession,” “White most among American novelists, he noi
Eddie Buzzell will direct the picture Meanwhile, the studio is combing the Banners” and “Disputed Passage,” was only has seen each book become a besl
with Jack Cummings producing. nation for an eleven-year-old boy to play
signed by Metro-Goldwyn- seller, but has had the
Jody, Tracy’s son. Victor Fleming will Mayer this week to added fame of theii
Sidney
New Contract Is
direct, Franklin produce. write
story
an original
for the
box office success
hits
Signed By Taurog Ann Rutherford Wins
Norman Taurog, director of "Broadway
Melody of 1940” and “Young Tom Edi- New Ticket Reward
son,” was signed this week to a new Ann Rutherford, Andy’s sweetheart in
long-term contract by M-C-M. Taurog is the Hardy Family pictures, has been
next slated to direct “Third Finger, Left awarded a new long-term contract. Her
Hand,” which John W. Considine, Jr. latest roles have been in “Andy Hardy
will produce. Meets Debutante,” “Pride and Prejudice,”

7 Married An Angel' Co-Starring

Picture for MacDonald and Eddy
“i Married An Angel,” New York musical hit, is being prepared
for immediate production following the return of Jeanette MacDonald
and Nelson Eddy from their concert tours.
One of the most tuneful and lavish musi-
'GWTW' British
Flash
premiere of “Cone With
cals to be brought to the screen,
new MacDonald-Eddy
the
co-starrer will fea-
the Wind” was the greatest in ture dance routines, now being worked
London’s history. Notables at- out by Val Raset, noted Hollywood dance
tending included Winston Church- director. Hunt Stromberg will bring the
ill, Sir Samuel Hoare, Leslie Hore- new musical to the screen.
Belisha, Robert Donat, Robert
Miss MacDonald and Eddy are soon
Montgomery and Leslie Howard.
to be seen in “New Moon,” which they
Triple opening packed three thea-
ters, Empire, Palace and Ritsc.
completed before starting on their nation-
wide tours.
 STUDIO NEWS

Press Acclaim for

Published In the Interests of Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer Pictures Studios
Turner9 Blondell,
— — No.
VOL. VII
'
Bridge' Nears
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA, TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 1940

Crawford, March
7

Murphy in *2 Girls’
Enthusiastic acclaim greeted
,
Lana Turner, Joan Blondell and
1

George Murphy at the preview of “Two Girls On Broadway at Los

Gala Preview Complete "Susan' Angeles’ Westwood Village Theatre. Newspaper reviewers unani-
’

“Waterloo Bridge,” starring Vivien With camera work completed on

Leigh and Robert Taylor is receiving its Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “Susan and mously agreed on Miss Turner’s box-office appeal, one writer declaring
final editing by Director Mervyn LeRoy, God,” Herbert Stothart this week started that “not since Clara Bow took the country by storm has there been
with the film being rushed for immediate scoring of the picture with full studio anyone so young and fresh and good to
press preview, following enthusiastic orchestra as Director George Cukor and look at in the movies.”
Hunt Stromberg, producing, attended to
audience approval at two sneak previews.
Not only was Miss Leigh’s work in the final editing. Mickey, Judy Excerpts from reviews follow:

LOU ELLA O. PARSONS, LOS ANGE-

film compared favorably with her Acad- Joan Crawford and Fredric March, co-
LES
—
EXAMINER “An eyeful and cer-
emy Award performance in “Cone With
the Wind,” but Taylor received particu-
stars of the picture, left for brief New
York vacations upon finishing their roles.
Launch "Band" tainly the epitome of Hollywood drama,
Appearing with them in the adaptation Lana Turner dazzles with her beauty.
larly favorable comment.
Brought to the screen by Sidney Frank- of the Rachel Crothers Broadway hit are
Ruth Hussey, Rita Hayworth, Rose Ho-
With Big Cast It’s a

since
privilege just to look at her.
Clara Bow took the country by
Not
lin, the picture was adapted from Robert Exactly a year, to the day, from the
bart, RitaQuigley, John Carroll, Bruce storm has there been anyone so young
E. Sherwood’s famous stage play. start of production on “Babes in Arms,”
Cabot, Nigel Bruce, Constance Collier and and fresh and good to look at in the
Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland started movies. George Murphy is extremely
Norma Mitchell. their first scenes in “Strike Up the Band,”
Connelly Gets planned as one of the most elaborate mu-
likeable, and how he can dance! All
in all ‘Two Girls On Broadway’ is a clever

New Contract Del mar On Script sicals of the season.

it is a story of youth,
Like its

most of
predecessor,
its char-
picture with good entertainment and
Vina Delmar has been signed by M- several catchy song numbers. S. Sylvan
Marc Connelly, who recently completed acters of high school age. Busby Berke-
C-M to do the screen play for “The Simon does a creditable job of directing,
work on the screen play for “The Year- ley, who directed the former picture, is

been signed to new writing World We Make,” which Hunt Strom- and jack Cummings deserves a word of
ling,” has a again at the directorial helm, with Arthur
berg will produce for M-G-M. praise for the production.”
contract, by M-G-M. Freed producing.
Dealing with the adventures of a high DAILY VARIETY —“ ‘Two Girls On

wess Bumpers school swing band which Mickey and

Judy organize, it takes the group through
hilarious musical adventures, climaxed
by
winning a national radio band concert.
Broadway’ is interesting because of the
smart showcasing it provides Lana Tur-
ner. Breezy, lilting, it is well-balanced
with heart interest, comedy, song and
There are a number of lavish musical dance. The picture will hold its own
presentations. company on any well-ordered bill.”
DAILY REPORTER “Made to order —
manager additional exploita-
Screen Treasures
The advance screen announcement for
alert theater
tion angles beside the many opportunities
Dramatic Score for audiences of all types. It packs a
wallop in both the musical and dramatic
offered by the feature picture.
“Edison, the Man” has been produced on
a miniature “March of Time” manner What Do You Think? Tops for "Pride" departments and boasts grand perform-
ances by every member of the cast. Pro-
and under the title of “Screen Treasures.” Have you any opinions on the trend of Herbert Stothart has completed an out- ducer Jack Cummings has blended all his
Quickly with interesting montage ef- the current trailers as now produced by standing musical score for “Pride and ingredients in excellent fashion and the
fects the trailer will carry Spencer Tracy Metro that you would like to get off your Prejudice,” featuring melodies and folk- result is a musical production that will
through his successes in “San Francisco,” chest? songs of early nineteenth century Eng- leave audiences asking for more of its
“Captains Courageous,” “Boys Town” If you have, you are invited; urged, in land. kind. Lana Turner will continue to gain
and “Northwest Passage” and from these fact, to write them to the Trailer De- Such amusing numbers as “The Lass popularity with her splendid trouping
picture hits into a new montage of scenes partment of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Cul- With the Delicate Air,” and other popu- and fine exhibition of dancing. Stun-
from his current success, “Edison, the ver City, Calif. larnumbers of the period were selected ningly gowned for her big dance number
Man.” What do you think of trailers, ours, of comedy element of the
to carry out the she practically oozes with that thing called
An innovation is introduced by M-G- course? What length should a trailer Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film, which stars ‘Oomph’.”
M this trailer in the combination of What is example of a
typical Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier. EDWIN SCHALLERT, LOS ANGELES
in
black and white photography and the
be? a
good trailer ... or a bad one? Directed by Robert Z. Leonard and TIMES — “Efficiently told, well acted . . .

Technicolor scene from “Northwest Pas- We’ll be glad to have your opinions brought to the screen by Hunt Stromberg, Interesting to find Nacio Herb Brown
sage.” We
believe this is the first time or any ideas that you may have. the film features a brilliant supporting supplying the leading melodious number
the two mediums have been used in a cast, headed by Mary Boland, Edmund Harry Revel and Ted Fetter provide
Teaser Trailers . . .

trailer. Gwenn, Maureen O’Sullivan, Edna May another tune . George Murphy is turn-
Recently we produced a teaser trailer
. .

Oliver, Ann Rutherford, Heather Angel, ing his screen dancing into a fine art and
Action In “New Moon’’ on the Eddie Cantor picture, “Forty Little
Melville Cooper, Marsha Hunt and others.
What did he has a deft partner. Miss Turner plays
While “New Moon” is a starring ve- Mothers.” Did you see it?
her role capably and Miss Blondell is ef-
hicle for the singing sweethearts of the you think of it? Would you like more
fective.”
Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson teaser trailers, providing of course they
screen,
Eddy, there is plenty of action in the pic- have a good idea and are very, very short? "Stars" Release
ture and short, interesting flashes of this Another Romance
Ruskin Awarded
adventure and action is made an import-
ant part of the trailer for this attraction.
The new “Romance of Celluloid,” un- Is Set for May
The not neglected
singing, of course, is
der the title of “Hollywood: Style Center May 24 has been set as release date for Writer Contract
of the World,” is now available for book- “The Stars Look Down,” dramatic story of
and there are snatches of all of the Mac- ing. We suggest that you run it in ad- Harry Ruskin, who is at present work-
the Welsh coal miners, filmed in Eng-
Donald-Eddy songs of the picture. There are some ing with Willis Goldbeck and Carey Wil-
vance of your booking. land, and hailed by the British press
splendid exploitation possibilities with son on the screen play for the next “Dr.
Servant of Mankind as the greatest picture ever produced in
dress shops, department stores and fash- Kildare,” has been signed to a new long-
Continuing the series of short subjects that country.
ions breaks with newspapers in it.
term contract by M-G-M.
started with “The City of Little Men” Based on a story by A. J. Cronin, au-
which included the recent releases of Vivien Leigh and Robert Taylor thor of “The Citadel,” and who also
“The Old South” and “Northward, Ho!” Believing that audiences where “Gone wrote the new picture’s screen adapta-
With the Wind” has played will be more tion, and produced by I. Goldsmith, the
Singer Signs Film
Metro is now producing a short based
on the life and times of Thomas A. Edi-

son for advance exploitation for the Spen-

cer Tracy picture, “Edison, the Man,”
than ordinarily interested in another
splendid picture which stars Vivien Leigh,
picture is regarded as being to the coal
miners what “Grapes of Wrath” is to
And Stage Tickets
the trailer for “Waterloo Bridge” fea- the migratory workers of America. Play- Virginia O’Brien, whose distinctive style

under the title of “Servant of Mankind.” tures and stars Vivien Leigh with Robert ers include Michael Redgrave, Margaret of “blues” singing won her local stage
The original story is by Herman Hoff- Taylor. “Waterloo Bridge” is a woman’s Lockwood, new English star discovery, prominence overnight, has been placed
man, the musical score by Daniele A. picture if there ever was one, and the Nancy Price and Emlyn Williams, fa- under long-term contract by M-G-M, and
Amfitheatrof. trailer has been produced with that mous for “Night Must Fall.” Carol Reed will start there following an engagement

“Servant of Mankind” will give the thought in mind. directed. in New York in “Keep Off the Grass.”
 f* fT
STUDIO NEWS
Old West's Final
Caravan Blazes
Own Last Trail
Historic relics of pioneer West- to DouinTomn Rflnsos cit
1

ern days, when fortunes were

made and lives sacrificed under
the blazing sun of California’s ORIGIML DEATH UALLEV
Death Valley, two of the original 20-mULE BORAH TEAIA
twenty mule borax wagons which hauled
their loads from Furnace Creek to Mojave
in the 1890’s and early 1900’s are mak-
ing history as they roll eastward on their
final cross-country tour enroute to the
New York World’s Fair.
This is the first time that the wagons
have made such a trek since 1917, when
they left Oakland, California, on a similar

The 20 -muLE TEfim parade

mission, driven by “Borax Bill,’ famous
muleskinner of old Death Valley Days.
The property of the Pacific Coast Borax
Company, the wagons in recent years have
been on exhibit at the railroad depot in
Barstow, California, but were recently re-
conditioned for M-C-M’s “20 Mule
Team,” in which Wallace Beery plays
the role of the muleskinner, and Leo Car-
rillo plays his Indian “swamper,” Piute
Pete.
The wagon “train” consists of two
wagons, each weighing 8000 pounds and
capable of hauling 30,000 pounds of
borax, and a steel water tank of 200 1

gallons capacity. The water was needed

for man and beast on the 162-mile haul.
After their showing at the New York
Fair, it is expected that the wagons,
which are unchanged from their original
state except for a set of new steel tires
on the eight-foot wheels, will be turned
over to the Henry Ford exhibit at Dear-
born, Michigan.

Wagons Last Load

As Railroad Ends A FULL PACE
the 20 Mule
.

Team
. . FREE! That’s what Kansas City did for
Ballyhoo . . . and this in addition to hun-
Its Famed Career dreds of inches of free publicity and this news recognition
After more than forty years of service, brought more people to the line of march of the 20 Mules
the Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad re- than a circus parade.
cently went out of commission, carrying,
as its last freight load, the selfsame
twenty-mule team wagons which it orig-
inally replaced.
Metro - Goldwyn filming
“20 Mule Team,
- Mayer,
saga of the old Kansas City Proves Exploitation Trek Top Sensation
borax mining days, with Wallace Beery, The Mules Are On Their Way! Trailers
Marjorie Rambeau and Leo Carrillo, took weeks
That the appearance of the original Death Valley borax fields Loew’s Midland used (2) in
two of the original wagons and their advance spotted in program.
accompanying water tank to Death Val- equipment with the twenty mules from the motion picture, “20 Mule
ley for location work on the picture in Team,’’ can be promoted into a civic event is proved by the splendid Parade
the original locale. And needing railroad Approximately 2 mile route starting
campaign staged by Harry Loud, from the studio exploitation depart-
sequences for the final episodes, the com- at 10 a. m. With approximately 70 boys
pany filmed them near Death Valley junc- ment, Captain Volney Phifer, Bill Ferguson’s right hand man from and girls on horseback in Western cowboy
tion. Then, because it was necessary to the New York office, and Irving Waterstreet, exploitation director attire, lent colorful atmosphere to the
ship the wagons back to the Culver City spectacle. One unit the Roy Knapp Rough
in the Kansas City territory. Here is what Kansas City DID and you
studio, they were placed on the last Riders consisted of 30 directly in front
freight train ever to leave the junction.
can duplicate and, very likely, improve upon: of the mule team. Police motorcycle
Newspapers Displays escort (24) in all led the procession. Di-

Beery Visits Crave Week prior the Kansas City Journal Katz and Crown chain stores all fea- rectly following the wagons 40 riders of

Wallace Beery, playing the role of broke with announcement and followed tured windows in their down-town drug the Wyandotte group all boys and girls
muleskinner Bill Bragg in M-C-M’s up with art day of arrival of the equip- stores. Independents also tied in with on ponies and in western cowboy outfits
“20 Mule Team,” while on location ment and mules from the Coast. Advance windows. 200 grocery stores including completed the parade.
stories were carried covering announce- If you are on the line of march of the
at Death Valley, visited the grave of AP, Milgrams used 17x22 cards with pa-
ment of the parade. rade announcement imprinted. 20 Mule Team Caravan, if your city is
Jim Dayton, borax wagon driver who
died of thirst in the Valley while trying Through the Journal promotion depart- Schools
listed in the itinerary —
start laying your
ment (Maitland Cook) tied in a solid plans now today. This is M-C-M’s
to free his mules from their harness so
. . .

With announcements on bulletin

page of art which broke day before the biggest national exploitation stunt. Re-
that they could save themselves. boards at high schools.
parade. Page carried route of parade member . there will not be another
. .

and colorful Death Valley copy. Radio appearance of these famous wagons in
Camel Hoof Print Found Radio station WHB
(Mutual) cov- your city. That era of transportation is
One of Director Richard Thorpe’s me- Advertising Newspapers ered the parade from the start via travel- gone from the colorful West the borax . . .

mentos of his three-week location trip to Pacific Coast Borax Company tied in ing short wave unit truck with description wagons are on their way to the World’s
Death Valley for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s with all stores. Advertisers breaking and interviews with Curley Eagles and Fair and then they are to be placed in the
“20 Mule Team” is an m p r n t of a
i i with ads day of appearance. All chain Capt. Phifer. Advance announcements Museum of Transportation at Henry
camel’s hoof, reported by geologists to be stores covered through newspaper ad- 2 days prior also carried in spot form on Ford’s Greenfield Village. This is your
approximately 15,000,000 years old. vertising copy in ads. regular happenings of the day program. last chance.
 IN i

GLOl
FILM

Here's the West . . the Real

West — Amazing Death
Valley—the Roaring Story
of the Men Who Hauled
the Precious White
Crystals . . Borax . .

Across 165 Miles

Heat and Rock and
Sand . . of Bleaching
Bones and Sudden
Death . . of Drama
and Excitement—for
The advertising lay-
At the End Lay . .

outs on these pages

are suggested copy
only . . see M-C-M
Mo jave— Wide
press book
plete campaign.
for com-
Open and Wild!

THE MULES ARE COMING YES 20 OF 'EM

. . RIGHT FROM DEATH VALLEY THEY C
. . . .

WAY ACROSS COUNTRY IN THE BIGGEST EXPLOITATION CARAVAN IN YEARS — 20,

(See story and route of the caravan in this issue of the Studio News
Mews . . . get busy now —contact your di

! I |l| '

i |l | • :
I pi|| ,
>TAR VALUE... IN CAST... IN STORY IDEA-IN THE
IMOUS... COLORFUL COUNTRY IN WHICH IT WAS
IED...BIG IN EXPLOITATION POSSIBILITIES!

enP& Bit*'*
oW*
0«U»
boto* Bootwa
THE LUSTY DAYS
WHEN BORAX WAS WORTH
WHEN MEN
of EARLY CALIFORNIA!
ITS WEIGHT IN GOLD!
DIED IN THEIR BOOTS TO HOLD A CLAIM!
005 <W»
m
*cie

1
.

:
i *

AME TO PLAY IMPORTANT PARTS IN THE PICTURE . AND NOW THEY ARE ON THER
.

LOP-EARED JACK RABBITS, HAULING THE ORIGINAL AND PRECIOUS DESERT WAGONS
. . tie-in with Pacific Coast Borax Product's
1

. . . it’s Jrnere, and waiting foT'you.

 STUDIO NEWS
Beery Rides Again Veteran Troupers
In Thrilling Screen Director's Biggest
Saga of Old West Asset, Thorpe Says
The pioneer days Death Valley are
of
When a director finds himself handed
relived in Metro - Coldwyn - Mayer’s
a cast headed by three of the best estab-
“20 Mule Tea pa,” with Wallace lished veterans in the business, he can
Beery starred as Mule-
be excused for feeling
skinner Bill Bragg, the
particularly happy.
best driver on a route
That was the situa-
which has become a tion which Richard
landmark in the annals
Thorpe faced when he
of the West.
Teamed with
was assigned to “20
Beery
Mule Tea m.” He
are Leo Carrillo, who expected that the actors
Wallace Beery sponsors a new romance. The young lovers are Anne Baxter,
scored with him in the
newcomer to films, and Wally’s nephew, Noah Beery, Jr., who appears with his would be telling him
sensational “Viva Vil-
uncle for the first time in Metro-Coldwyn-Mayer’s “20 Mule Team.” what to do, instead of
la,” and Marjorie Ram- Miss
Baxter is seen as Jean Johnson, daughter of saloonkeeper Josie Johnson, played vice versa. Yet, Thorpe
Ruben beau. Carrillo is seen
by Marjorie Rambeau, and Noah, Jr., is Mitch, borax company paymaster. now says he’d gladly go Thorpe
as Piute Pete, Beery’s Indian “swamper,” back and direct another picture with the
and Miss Rambeau as Josie Johnson.
three of them tomorrow, if he had the
Filmed in the original locale, among #
the sand dunes, sun-baked canyons and
Beery s Role As a Muleskinner Requires chance.
“After a week or two with that trio,
salt pools of Death Valley, the picture
tells of the fight to find a new “mother
Thorough Training In Handling of Team I felt ashamed of myself for having antici-
pated any difficulties at all,” he con-
lode” of borax, and of the efforts of Josie During his thirty years in show business, Wallace Beery has
fessed. “They took a load off my shoul-
to earn enough to give her daughter, learned a smattering of scores of trades for the roles he has played: ders. Wally, Leo and Marjorie have all
Jean, an education. Jean is played by
sea captain, police sergeant, fireman, explorer, Pony Express rider, had about thirty years’ experience each
Anne Baxter, newcomer from the New on stage and screen, so there really isn’t
York stage, who jilts the young company prizefighter, wrestler, air pilot, industrialist, circus trainer, saloon
much you can teach them about charac-
paymaster and tries to elope with a gam- keeper and horse doctor, to list just a few. But never has he had to terization or technique.”
bler, “Stag” Roper. Noah Beery, Jr., learn a thoroughly as that of
trade as
joins his uncle for the first time, playing
the muleskinner in that saga of the borax the picture, before a camera turned.
the paymaster Mitch, while Douglas
Fowley is seen as Stag.
pioneers, “20 Mule Team.” “A successful muleskinner in the old Famed Architect's
“You can’t kid a mule about whether days had to be a practical veterinary, a
Richard Thorpe, of “Tarzan” series
fame as well as director of other screen
you know how to handle him,” remarked blacksmith and a pretty good wheel- Kin Making Debut
Beery. “And when you have twenty of wright,” observed Beery. “Thank good- Anne Baxter, young newcomer to Hol-
successes, directed. J. Walter Ruben, re-
them, you need to convince each one of ness we had men in the film crew who lywood from the New York stage and a
sponsible for the success of the previous
them separately that you know your job. could take care of those chores for me. niece of famed architect Frank Lloyd
Beery Western, “The Bad Man of Brim-
Otherwise those borax wagons are liable If I’d been actually stuck there alone in
Wright, plays her first film role as the
stone” and numerous other hits, pro-
to end up in the cameraman’s lap.” Death Valley with those beasts, don’t I
romantic feminine lead in Metro-Cold-
duced. know how my reputation as a frontiers-
Which explains why the star spent a wyn-Mayer’s “20 Mule T earn,” with
» week driving the animals assembled for man would have held out.” Wallace Beery, Marjorie Rambeau, Leo
Carrillo and Noah Beery, Jr.
Beery Does Roping,
who played the daughter,
Miss Baxter,
Indian Gets Burros Tops As Versatile Carrillo 'Swamper' Blossom, in the road company of “Susan
and Cod, and who has appeared recently
In the hills surrounding Death Valley Actor, Rambeau Is As Pioneer's Wagon with Eva Le Callienne and with Gladys
are nearly 1000 wild burros. After a Cooper and Philip Merivale, was signed
chase over miles of desolate country, Wal- Tribute to Beery Wheels Roll Again to a contract by Twentieth Century-Fox
lace Beery and Leo Carrillo, between When Marjorie Rambeau appeared in The original high-wheeled wagons but was loaned to M-G-M for her first
scenes on “20 Mule Team,” finally man- an important supporting role with Wallace which hauled thousands of tons of borax screen appearance. She is a former stu-
aged to rope two. But Shoshone Johnny, Beery in the memorable “Min and Bill,” out of Death Valley in the 890’s, and 1 dent of Maria Ouspenskaya.
aged Indian, promptly claimed the burros, she had no idea that ten which had been on ex-
and Beery laughingly gave them to him. years later she would hibit outside the ra l.oad
team with him in
“20 Mule Team.”
depot at Barstow since
track was laid to the
Camera Reloaded
Beery Takes Bath “But it seemed very present borax plant at Once Every Mile
natural to be back with Trona, went back into
A camera followed
In Epsom Salts to him,” she said. “As a service for “20 Mule mules four miles,
a team of twenty
reloading
with film
matter of fact, I feel Team.”
every
Undehydrate Self much akin to Wally Originally driven by
mile, for the
“perambulator” or moving scene, in the
longest
continuous

Thanks to film studio chemists, Beery, strange though ‘Borax Bill” Parkinson,
history of the motion picture industry.
Wallace Beery was able to take a that may sound. We most celebrated mule-
This occurred at Death Valley, where
Rambeau Carrillo
bath in Death Valley’s “bad water” both teamed in stock. skinner of his time, they
Wallace Beery and Metro-Goldwyn-May-
without suffering any physical Personally, I’d like to see him play some were driven in the film by Wallace Beery. er’s “20 Mule Team” company
harm. more straight dramatic parts instead of Beery, who practiced for weeks, crack- worked on location, in the lowest spot
The script of Metro-Coldwyn- his typical comedy, for he’s a far more ing the blacksnake whip which he uses as
below sea level in North America.
Mayer’s ,f 20 Mule Team” required versatile actor than many give him credit he rides the nigh-wheel horse, had Leo
my Wally The cameras were on cars with special
Beery to “dunk” himself in the pool, for. In opinion, is tops in Carrillo as his helper, or “swamper,” on
wheels to negotiate the sands.
some thirty feet in diameter, which versatility, plus being a good old trouper, the ride, Carrillo portraying the Indian.
lies the lowest point of Death
at besides.” Piute Pete.
Valley, 280 feet below sea level.
As muleskinner Bill Bragg, driving
Noah !n Father’s Steps
one of the old borax wagons, he
Beery Shoes Shod For Uncle Wally’s Pic
is in the habit of soaking himself
Crew Finds Traces Noah Beery, while on location
Jr.,
in
self.
this pool to “undehydrate” him-
Like Mules' Hoofs Of Ancient Village in Death Valley with his uncle, Wal-

Wallace Beery’s “character” shoes, Remains of an Indian village believed

lace Beery, and M-C-M’s “20 Mule
Because in his previous picture,
which have carried him through many a Team” troupe, was following in the
“The Man from Dakota,” Beery had to be at least 400 years old and probably
to fall into a river-bottom hole, and role, were shod like mule’s hoofs in prep- footsteps of his father, who ap-
of a much earlier date, were unearthed
suffered an ear infection from the aration for his muleskinner Bill
role as peared in the first. film ever pro-
dirty water, Director Richard Thorpe
Bragg in Ivfetro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “20 in the sand dunes of Death Valley when duced in that locale, “Wanderer of
decided to take no chances on the Mule Team.” M-C-M’s “20 Mule Team” location the Wasteland,” in 1 924. Kathryn
Death Valley water. On a prelim- Metal plates were fastened to the soles company, headed by Wallace Beery, Leo Williams, Billie Dove and Jack Holt
inary trip to the location with cam- of each shoe, to protect Beery’s feet from Carrillo and Director Richard Thorpe, were the other stars of the picture,
eraman Clyde De Vinna, he brought the glass-like borax crystals which his found dozens of stone arrowheads and which Irving Willat directed. Some
back a bottle of the fluid. twenty-mule wagons haul in the picture. fragments of unpainted pottery, along six months later, Erich von Stroheim
The water was found to be 85 The cutting edges on the borax have with fossils. These were turned over to directed “Creed” in the valley, with
per cent Epsom Salts solution. been known to slice leather to shreds in Rangers of the National Park Service for Jean Hersholt and Gibson Cowland,
no time. preservation.

jnh!
 STUDIO NEWS

The Biggest Ballyhoo in Show History

Tie-In With Radio Program Whip Artist In Lobby
“DEATH VALLEY DAYS,” sponsored Beery does some fancy work with his
by the Pacific Coast Borax Company (20- whip —
flicking a cigarette out of Car-
Mule Team) goes on every Friday rillo’s mouth —
and in the climax whip-
— —
. . .

night two broadcasts one emanating ping a gun out of Stag’s hand. This vali-
out of the Pacific Coast station at 8:30 dates a whip-artist in your lobby showing
p. m. —
one same hour out of New York. his tricks.
TIE IN with your spot announcements.
Trust Tie-Up
With
local stunts
special plugs leading
. interviews
. anything
.
up
. .
to
.
it. With For your banks — a tie-up on trust de-
posits, safe deposit boxes, etc. Use stills
to cash in on the immense following this
of Beery and caption:
great broadcast has.
PIUTE BILL, A MAN A WOMAN
Local Ballyhoo COULD TRUST, ABOUT SO FAR!
local M-C-M represen-
Through your Follow with theater copy, and then copy
tative if the 20 MULE
you can find out of “Trust Accounts” for bank.
TEAM ballyhoo is coming to your city.
If so arrange to continue the ballyhoo
Relic Display
AFTER the twenty mules appear with a A picture of this type is always a

local ballyhoo of your own, typical of

natural for a display of relics.

desert regalia mule teams, skinner, — Camera Contest

swamper, cart, tank, etc. The contrast A camera contest for ghost cities . . .

in itself will cause comment, and will ghost lands bad lands
. . . . . . etc., will
keep in mind the big visit just occurred. give novelty to this proven type of inter-
Secure samples of throwaways to dis- est promotion.
tribute from this local ballyhoo.
Travel
If the 20 MULE TEAM cannot visit
The scenic beauty of the settings gives
your city, start this local ballyhoo at ear- ideal art for travel agencies. The spring
liest possible date. A new character team makes
debut.itsMarjorie Rambeau, who was with of the year is the time the railroads and
Local Skinners WaSiace Beery in “Min and Bill,” “Hell Divers” and “The Secret Six,” appears bus lines make their biggest splurge to
If you can find any old-timers who for the first time in the feminine lead opposite him in Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s sell tours to the scenic wonders of the
once were mule skinners or swamperr
“20 Mule Team.” She is Josie Johnson, owner of a desert hotel and saloon, U. S. A.
they will make ideal copy for local and he is muleskinner Bill Bragg, and they’re a battling twosome.
. . .
Schools
interviews "tall tales” of their ex-
. . .
The schools are a sure bet for interest.
periences . . . honored guests of the the- Early day history ties-in significantly with
ater
themselves
. . . possibly
in
old photographs of
action for display, etc.
Suggested Advertising Lines the
tion.
20-MULE TEAM
Students will secure a better esti-
type of transporta-

THE SAGA OF MEN WHO DIED IN BEERY as a gun-fofin’ muleskinner . . .

mate of the glamour and glory of early
Sketch Contest THEIR BOOTS! with a reward on his head and . . .

The stills of the historic old wagons, western America than any text could give
BEERY ... AS YOU LIKE HIM BEST a fabulous fortune in borax waitin’
tanker, and twenty mules make ideal them. Towns where and if the BALLY-
... a whip- totin’ . . gun-blazin’ up for him the dramatic saga of
copy for a press drawing contest. Supply
.
. . .
HOO hits will likely turn the students
coyote from the orneriest end of the early California . when Death . .
Co after this
a still also to each art class in the art
schools and public school art classes.
desert —
tossin’ “THE BAD OF MAN Valley was the “hell-hole of creation.”
COT A TERRIFIC KICK—-THAT
loose to see the parade.
school angle for all it is worth ... re-
BRIMSTONE” and “VIVA VILLA” IT’S
member, BEERY RATES with the young.
Contact Local Borax Men into oblivion by his greatest perform- “20 MULE TEAM.”
Contact your local Pacific Coast Borax ance of all time! BEERY, RAMBEAU AND CARRILLO—
Company (20 Mule Team) representa- STARRING YOUR
FAVORITE “BAD ROARINCEST TRIO YET! “20 MULE TEAM”
tive for full cooperation in store and MAN” IN THE SWELLEST ROLE HE
DEATH VALLEY days at their wildest, Starring
newspaper advertising when men risked their necks for a
radio tie-in for . . .
HAS EVER PLAYED. WALLACE BEERY
spots before and after their national pro- fortune in borax and had to fight to
THE “BAD MAN OF BRIMSTONE” AT keep
with
gram package stuffers
. . .
heralds . . .
HIS BELLOWIN’ BADDEST!
it.
LEO CARRILLO MARJORIE RAMBEAU
ROARING DRAMA OF DEATH VALLEY ANNE BAXTER DOUGLAS FOWLEY
. . . etc.
A NEW “MIN AND BILL” RUMPUS —
DAYS when fabulous fortunes were A
Borax
DISTRICT
Company Cooperation
MANAGERS of the Pacific
THAT HAS THE COYOTES HOWL-
ING!
made overnight and blazing — guns METRO-GOLDWYN-MAYER PICTURE
decided who kept them. Directed by
Coast Borax Company have many branch RICHARD THORPE
managers and salesmen in their employ. Produced by
tion. District managers are: L. P. Wehr- III.; W. McKee, 402 Westinghouse J. WALTER RUBEN
All these people ... as well as every J.
Screen Play by
dealer in their products will be more than ley, 51 Madison Ave., New York, N. Y. Bldg., Pittsburgh, Pa.; William Siegle, 88
CYRIL HUME, E. E. PARAMORE
Broad St., Boston, Mass.; C. E. Hamden,
happy to help you with plenty coopera- E. A. Bracken, 2295 Lumber St., Chicago, and
819 Harrison Bldg., Philadelphia, Pa.; RICHARD MAIBAUM
R. E. Lyall, 205Terminal Cincinnati Based on a Story by
brief synopsis Publication)
Warehouse, Cincinnati, Ohio. Contact
these and their other representatives im-
Robert C. DuSoe and Owen Atkinson
Musical Score David Snell
Recording Director Douglas Shearer
mediately for full benefits of their many Art Director . Cedric Gibbons
Muleskinner Bill Bragg (Wallace Beery) ar- ley), a new stockholder in the borax company,
rives in the desert town of Furnace Flat with who has won his shares in a poker game, rec-
ways of cooperating. Associate .. Malcolm Brown
Set Decorations Edwin B. Willis
his Indian swamper, Piute Pete (Leo Carrillo), ognizes the crystals as rich borax from the Women’s Costumes by
and his load of borax, to find that no paycheck long-sought mother lode and sets out to find Tall Story Contest Men’s Costumes by
Dolly Tree
, Gile Steele
is awaiting him because the company is in Chuckawalla’s claim before the company locates The old desert prospector known for Make-Up Created by
is Jack Dawn
financial straits. Furthermore, his credit has it.
Director of Photography
run but at Josie Johnson's saloon and hotel. Josie wants Bill to drive Stag out of town, his tall As a symbol of your
stories.
Clyde DeVinna, A.S.C.
Bill is particularly annoyed because he had mistrusting the latter’s attentions to Jean. But picture an ideal time to stage your
it is Film Editor Frank Sullivan
considered himself virtually engaged to Josie Stag knows too much about Bill’s past and
own TALL STORY CONTEST. Paper will
(Marjorie Rambeau), who refuses him any more
beer “on the cuff”
the latter ignores his promise to Josie, who
discovers that her daughter plans to elope to likely co-op with you on this. May or
THE PLAYERS
Meanwhile Josie's daughter, Jean (Anne Bax- San Francisco. She threatens Stag with a may not be limited to stories of the Skinner Bill Bragg Wallace Beery
ter), is also having romantic troubles. Tired gun but he shoots her and heads for the claim, Piute Pete Leo Carrillo
which Mitch is guarding. desert, the West. Josie Johnson Marjorie Rambeau
of waiting for her mother to make enough
money to send her away to school and tired Bill, discovering Josie wounded, sets out to Jean Johnson Anne Baxter
avenge her and save Mitch for Jean. He and Books and Magazines Stag Roper Douglas Fowley
of waiting for Mitch (Noah Beery, Jr.), the
borax company's paymaster, to grow rich Piute Pete find Mitch wounded, follow Stag
and his aide, Salters (Arthur Hohl) and en- Books on Death Valley, California, lore,
Mitch
“Jackass” Brown
— Noah Beery,
Berton Churchill
Jr.
enough to make marriage attractive, she quar-
rels with the latter, who leaves town vowing
gage in a gun battle in which Pete, Stag and early days, bad men, etc., etc., abound Salters Arthur Hohl
to join forces with Chuckawalla (Clem Bevans), Salters are killed and Bill wounded. He man- Chuckawalla Clem Bevans
ages to get Mitch onto a mule which he knows
and will make you good tie-up material Adams Charles Halton
an old prospector, and make a fortune.
Bill finds Chuckawalla dead on the desert,
will carry him back to Furnace Flat, while
he prepares to die on the desert. But a posse
in all book stores, libraries
circulating.
public and
Also tie-up with Western
— Marshal.....
Conductor
- .Minor Watson
Oscar O'Shea
clutching a bag of crystals which Bill believes rescues him. Mitch and Jean are married and Stockholder.... Lloyd Ingraham
worthless. But “Stag” Roper (Douglas Fow- Bill becomes the manager of Josie's saloon. mags.
 STUDIO NEWS

Press Acclaim for

TU® 3 Turner, Blondell
Published In the Interests of Metro 'Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Studios
— — No. 9
VOL. VII
7
Bridge ' Nears
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNI A„ TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 1940

Crawford, March
7

Murphy Enthusiastic acclaim greeted

, in ‘2 Girls
Lana Turner, Joan Blondell and
Ceorge Murphy at the preview of “Two Girls On Broadway” at Los
Gala Preview Complete 'Susan' Angeles’ Westwood Village Theatre. Newspaper reviewers unani-
“Waterloo Bridge,” starring Vivien With camera work completed on
Leigh and Robert Taylor is receiving its Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer’s “Susan and mously agreed on Miss Turner’s box-office appeal, one writer declaring
final editing by Director Mervyn LeRoy, God,” Herbert Stothart this week started that “not since Clara Bow took the country by storm has there been
with the film being rushed for immediate scoring of the picture with full studio anyone so young and fresh and good to
press preview, following enthusiastic orchestra as Director George Cukor and look at in the movies.”
Hunt Stromberg, producing, attended to
audience approval at two sneak previews.
Not only was Miss Leigh’s work in the final editing. Mickey, Judy Excerpts from reviews follow:

LOS ANGE-
film compared favorably with her Acad- Joan Crawford and Fredric March, co-
LES
LOU ELLA
EXAMINER
O.
—PARSONS,
“An eyeful and cer-
emy Award performance in “Cone With
the Wind,” but Taylor received particu-
stars of the picture, left for
York vacations upon finishing
brief New
their roles.
Launch 'Band' tainly the epitome of Hollywood drama,
Lana Turner dazzles with her beauty.
larly favorable comment. Appearing with them in the adaptation
Brought to the screen by Sidney Frank- of the Rachel Crothers Broadway hit are
Ruth Hussey, Rita Hayworth, Rose Ho-
With Big Cast It’s

since
a privilege just to look at her.
Clara Bow took the country by
Not

lin, the picture was adapted from Robert Exactly a year, to the day, from the
Quigley, John Carroll, Bruce
storm has there been anyone so young
Sherwood’s famous stage play. bart, Rita on “Babes in Arms,”
E. start ot production and fresh and good to look at in the
Cabot, Nigel Bruce, Constance Collier and Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland started movies. George Murphy is extremely
Norma Mitchell. their first scenes in “Strike Up the Band,”
likeable, and how he can dance!
Connelly Gets planned as one of the most elaborate mu-
All
in all ‘Two Girls On Broadway’ is a clever

New Contract Delmar On Script sicals of the season.

Marc Connelly, who recently completed
work on the screen play for “The Year-
ling,” has been signed to a
contract by M-C-M.
it is a story of youth,
Like its predecessor,
most of its char-
picture with good entertainment and
several catchy song numbers. S. Sylvan
Vina Delmar has been signed by M- acters of high school age. Busby Berke-
C-M to do the screen play for “The
Simon does a creditable job of directing,
ley, who directed the former picture, is
World We Make,” which Hunt Strom- and jack Cummings deserves a word of
new writing again at the directorial helm, with Arthur
praise for the production.”
berg will produce for M-C-M.
Freed producing.
Dealing with the adventures of a high DAILY VARIETY —
“ ‘Two Girls On

school swing band which Mickey and Broadway’ is interesting because of the
Judy organize, it takes the group through smart showcasing it provides Lana Tur-
hilarious musical adventures, climaxed by ner. Breezy, lilting, it is well-balanced
winning a national radio band concert. with heart interest, comedy, song and
There are a number of lavish musical dance. The picture will hold its own
presentations. company on any well-ordered bill.”
DAILY REPORTER —
“Made to order
Screen Treasures
The advance screen announcement for
alert theater manager additional exploita-
tion angles beside the many opportunities
Dramatic Score for audiences of
wallop
all types. It packs a

both the musical and dramatic

in
has been produced on offered by the feature picture.
“Edison, the Man” departments and boasts grand perform-
a miniature “March of Time ’
manner What Do You Think? Tops for 'Pride' ances by every member of the cast. Pro-
and under the title of “Screen Treasures. Have you any opinions on the trend of Herbert Stothart has completed an out- ducer Jack Cummings has blended all his
Quickly with interesting montage ef- the current trailers as now produced by standing musical score for "Pride and ingredients in excellent fashion and the
fects the trailer will carry Spencer Tracy Metro that you would like to get off your Prejudice,” featuring melodies and folk- result is a musical production that will
through his successes in “San Francisco,” chest? songs of early nineteenth century Eng- leave audiences asking for more of its
“Captains Courageous,” “Boys Town” If you have, you are invited; urged, in land. kind. Lana Turner will continue to gain
and “Northwest Passage” and from these fact, to write them to the Trailer De- Such amusing numbers as “The Lass popularity with her splendid trouping
".picture hits into a new montage of scenes partment of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Cul- With the Delicate Air,” and other popu- and fine exhibition of dancing. Stun-
from his current success, “Edison, the ver City, Calif. larnumbers of the period were selected ningly gowned for her big dance number
Man.” What do you think of trailers, ours, of to carryout the comedy element of the she practically oozes with that thing called
An innovation is introduced by M-G- course? What length should a trailer Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer film, which stars ‘Oomph’.”
M the combination of What isa typical example of a Greer Carson and Laurence Olivier. EDWIN SCHALLERT, LOS ANGELES
in this trailer in

black and white photography and the

be?
good trailer ... or a bad one? Directed by Robert Z. Leonard and TIMES — “Efficiently told, well acted . . .

Technicolor scene from “Northwest Pas- We’ll be glad to have your opinions brought to the screen by Hunt Stromberg, Interesting to find Nacio Herb Brown
sage.” We
believe this is the first time or any ideas that you may have. the film features a brilliant supporting supplying the leading melodious number
the two mediums have been used in a cast, headed by Mary Boland, Edmund Harry Revel and Ted Fetter provide
Teaser Trailers . . .

trailer. Cwenn, Maureen O’Sullivan, Edna May another tune . George Murphy is turn-
. .
Recently we produced a teaser trailer
Oliver, Ann Rutherford, Heather Angel, ing his screen dancing into a fine art and
Action In “New Moon” on the Eddie Cantor picture, “Forty Little Melville Cooper, Marsha Hunt and others. he has a deft partner. Miss Turner plays
While “New Moon” ve-
is a starring Mothers.” Did you see it? What did
her role capably and Miss Blondell is ef-
hicle for the singing sweethearts of the you think of it? Would you like more
fective.”
MacDonald and Nelson teaser trailers, providing of course they
screen, Jeanette
Eddy, there is plenty of action in the pic- have a good idea and are very, very short? 'Stars' Release
ture and short, interesting flashes of this Another Romance Ruskin Awarded
adventure and action is made an import-
ant part of the trailer for this attraction.
The new “Romance of Celluloid,” un- Is Set for May
The singing, of course, is not neglected
der the title of “Hollywood: Style Center May 24 has been set as release date for Writer Contract
of the World,” is now available for book- “The Stars Look Down,” dramatic story of
and there are snatches of all of the Mac- Harry Ruskin, who is at present work-
ing. We suggest that you run it in ad- the Welsh coal miners, filmed in Eng-
Donald-Eddy songs of the picture. There are some ing with Willis Goldbeck and Carey Wil-
vance of your booking. land, and hailed by the British press
son on the screen play for the next “Dr.
Servant of Mankind splendid exploitation possibilities with as the greatest picture ever produced in
Kildare,” has been signed to a new long-
dress shops, department stores and fash- that country.
Continuing the series of short subjects term contract by M-C-M.
Men” ions breaks with newspapers in it. Based on a story by A. J. Cronin, au-
started with “The City of Little
which included the recent releases of Vivien Leigh and Robert Taylor thor of “The Citadel,” and who also
wrote the new picture’s screen adapta-
“The Old South” and “Northward, Ho!” Believing that audiences where “Gone
tion, and produced by I. Goldsmith, the
Singer Signs Film
Metro is now producing a short based With the Wind” has played will be more
on the life and times of Thomas A. Edi-
son for advance exploitation for the Spen-
than ordinarily interested in another
splendid picture which stars Vivien Leigh,
picture is regarded as being to the coal
miners what “Crapes of Wrath” is to
And Stage Tickets
the trailer for “Waterloo Bridge” fea- the migratory workers of America. Play- Virginia O’Brien, whose distinctive style
cer Tracy picture, “Edison, the Man,”
under the title of "Servant of Mankind.” tures and stars Vivien Leigh with Robert ers include Michael Redgrave, Margaret of “blues” singing won her local stage

“Waterloo Bridge” is a woman’s Lockwood, new English star discovery, prominence overnight, has been placed
The original story is by Herman Hoff- Taylor.
picture if there ever was one, and the Nancy Price and Emlyn Williams, fa- under long-term contract by M-C-M, and
man, the musical score by Daniele A.
trailer has been produced with that mous for “Night Must Fall.” Carol Reed will start there following an engagement
Amfitheatrof.
directed. in New York in “Keep Off the Crass.”
“Servant of Mankind” will give the thought in mind.
Scanned from the collection of

Karl Thiede

Coordinated by the
Media History Digital Library
www.mediahistoryproject.org