Arthur Leeds (1915) 🇺🇸

Edison’s First Scenario Editor a Well Known Figure in the Motion Picture Field.

In line with the infusion of new blood, the enlargement of the stage facilities and the addition to the weekly program of a three-reel feature, Edison has departed from its customary way of handling scenarios and has installed as its first scenario editor Arthur Leeds, well known as an authority on the photoplay and a man of much allied experience.

Heretofore Manager Horace G. Plimpton has acted as chief scenario editor with the associated help of all of the directors who, in weekly meetings, passed upon possible available scripts. But it is expected that with the centering of the editorship on one person — and one of such undoubted ability as Mr. Leeds — will enable that company to make more sure that no play with even an idea will slip through the net and also promote greater speed in handling of the scripts.

Manager Plimpton is enthusiastic about his good fortune in securing Mr. Leeds, as the latter brings to this new duty an uncommonly wide experience as actor, director, lecturer and writer on the scenario and photoplay and is a successful dramatist himself. He came to his new position from the position of editor of The Photoplay Author, the well known monthly magazine devoted to photoplay-writing. Perhaps Mr. Leeds is best or most widely known as the author of Writing the Photoplay in collaboration with Dr. J. Berg Essenwin. Mr. Leeds is also a writer of short stories, many of his having appeared in the leading magazines. He is, therefore, broadly experienced and fully equipped to pass upon and prepare for production the class of photoplays which all thinking manufacturers now agree are demanded if the photoplay will fulfill its indicated function.

From the very beginning, Mr. Leeds started out with the predetermined plan of getting the broadest foundation for a bigger future, so we see him, some years ago now, as model scene maker and scene painter with the Cummings Stock company in Toronto, Canada, in which company he later became an actor. Leaving that, he then spent the summer of 1905 in stock, travelling throughout Canada and two seasons in repertoire. He then came upon what he declares to be the first real photoplay in motion pictures, the Edison Great Train Robbery, in a middle western company with which he travelled, lecturing on the then marvelous new method and the story itself while it was being pictured. Mr. Leeds then went back into repertoire for about two years, acting also as stage manager until he returned to the motion pictures as a lecturer and manager of a motion picture house in Titusville, Pa. He again returned to the stage in musical comedy with the Mittenthal productions. He was, however, all the time devoting his spare time to writing for the stage and cinema.

About this time he entered the motion pictures as an actor with the Essanay and Selig, also writing plays for them. It was an article on the evolution of the motion picture that attracted Dr. Essenwin, then editor of Lippincott’s magazine, that brought forth the offer from the Doctor for Mr. Leeds to co-operate on writing a book for the photoplay which resulted in Writing for the Photoplay. Mr. Leeds aims to read every manuscript that comes into the Edison studio — a monumental task, but to one who knows Mr. Leeds’ earnestness and conscientiousness, a task that will be faithfully performed.

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Special Selig Picture Plays

During the year 1915 the Selig Polyscope Company is planning the release of a number of special pictureplay feature films. The public has learned to appreciate that the name “Selig” attached to multiple reel pictureplays is synonymous with realism and elaborateness. Here are some points and punches in forthcoming specials:

A real sandstorm, real streets of Cairo, real caravans of camels, a real prayer rug valued at thousands of dollars, figure in The Carpet from Bagdad.

Tyrone Power, star of the spoken drama, who has supported Irving [Henry Irving], Faversham [William Faversham], Mrs. Fiske [Minnie Maddern Fiske] and others, assumes the role of “Maverick Brander,” in Charles Hoyt’s comedy of true American life, A Texas Steer. Critics say his work in this picture play is the best in a long and distinguished career.

Kathlyn Williams headed a special company of players who went to the Panama Canal Zone to film scenes called for in Rex Beach’s great novel The Ne’er Do Well. Interesting scenes along Uncle Sam’s great waterway were filmed. Government officials afforded every facility.

Edward E. Rose himself wrote the film adaptation of The Rosary, his world-noted stage play. Action starts in Ireland and the Middle West and lower East Side of New York are presented. Wonderful lighting effects and beautiful scenic backgrounds.

In The Crisis, one of Winston Churchill’s most popular novels, scenes in old St. Louis immediately preceding and during the Civil War will be realistically presented. An all-star cast of players will portray many interesting character types.

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Universal Not in Market for Scenarios

Under date of March 8, the Universal Film Mfg. Co. advise us that they are not in the market for scenarios and will not accept any, until further notice.

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Arthur Leeds

Collection: Moving Picture World, March 1915