Frieda Hempel in Pictures (1917) 🇺🇸

Frieda Hempel, Gatti-Casazza’s famous dramatic prima donna, who has been a favorite of the Metropolitan Opera house for several past seasons, will certainly add to her popularity in connection with her now heralded appearance in motion pictures. While there are unquestionably many singers in the first rank of artistry, it has been almost a rule that their voices make up what is lacking in dramatic action. In Frieda Hempel and occasionally in one or another the exception to this rule is found.

None can fail to be impressed by the aspect of this splendid woman, who seems to gain height by reason of her wondrous lines, and who moves toward her audience with a simple, natural majesty. In presenting this remarkable luminary to the moving picture screen, one can be assured that Frieda Hempel will soon subject countless numbers.

The scenario that is being prepared for the starring of Frieda Hempel will be the product of several collaborators, who, making a close study of her personality, will present a story especially suited to her varied artistry.

Work on her picture was to start some time in January, but the Edison Phonograph people have succeeded in contracting for her exclusive services at so attractive a figure that the beginning of her screen work will perhaps be delayed for a month or two.

The Edison Phonograph people, who are to feature her as their leading star, are reported as entering into a tremendous advertising campaign for the product featuring Frieda Hempel. Unquestionably this will be a great asset for the pictures that are to be made starring Miss Hempel, for after all the two entertainments — motion pictures and the phonograph — are the most popular known in the world.

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President Hutchinson Returns from Santa Barbara.

Samuel S. Hutchinson, president of the American Film Company, has returned from a quick trip to the Santa Barbara studios, where he found everything started in good order for the winter’s work.

Collection: Moving Picture World, December 1917

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see also Fred Wright Rejoins Pathé (1917)