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Emlay  Earle Emlay / Raoul Marlo Harold G. Emlay, 45, born in California, secretary Isabell Emlay, 43, born in California, no occupation Earl S. Emlay, 24, born in California, no occupation U.S. Census, enumerated April 19, 1910 My Dear Dad: It's only been a week since you left, but to us it seems like a month. We certainly did enjoy your visit, but we feel that you were too much the host when it should have been vice versa, and the next time we get together we'll see that it shall be us who does the entertaining. You surely did make a hit with our friends, the Emlays. They're not through talking about you yet. When Earle and his wife got home that night they were talking about you, and he said to her, "Believe me, I'm goin' to be like that someday." Letter, Pinto Colvig to William M. Colvig, December 2, 1917 Using information received as from the Motion Picture Producing Company of America, this department reported last August that Earle Emlay was said to have invented the camera used in making the "analysis-of-motion" pictures shown from time to time at the Strand Theatre and elsewhere. Charles Watson, president of the Novagraph Film Corporation, which makes the pictures, wrote last week to say that Mr. Emlay, who was formerly connected with his company, "did not invent the Novagraph camera," and did not "in any manner, shape or form contribute thereto." He asserted that the camera was invented by Waldon S. Ball of San Francisco. Mr. Emlay, who is now associated with the Motion Picture Producing Company, did not invent the camera, but "perfected" it in a number of important particulars, according to a representative who said that he had authority to speak for him. Mr. Emlay himself could not be reached. "In the News Net," New York Times, November 23, 1919, section 9, page 5 The Corporation owns a 51% interest in the Stereospeed Productions, Inc., which produces the profitable and popular "slow motion" pictures of the kind featured by Pathe in weekly releases. The camera, invented by Mr. Earle Emlay, is capable of producing 384 photographs per second and is the only camera of its kind in the world. Advertisement for stock of the Motion Picture Producing Company of America, Inc., Syracuse Post-Standard, December 7, 1919, page 64 PINTO
COLVIG LEADS MOVIE MAKERS
INTO THIS SECTION Series of Pictures Will Be Filmed in Southern Oregon; Pioneer Mining Story Will Be Taken in This Locality. Motion
pictures of Medford, Southern Oregon and Crater Lake will first be
taken at the instigation of Medford "boy" Vance "Pinto" Colvig, son of
Judge William Colvig and member of one of Jackson County's most noted
pioneer families.
With one of the most complete outfits carried by a traveling company, a cast of players of exceptional ability and recognized reputations, a director of like qualifications, and a camera man of unusual training and experience, Pinto and company from the E.R.L. Productions, Hollywood, arrived in Medford last night to take a series of short subject pictures. Plan Scenics
According to director Emlay, the
pictures will be
"brand-new scenics with human interest, clever stories with some comic
relief." They will also probably shoot one special picture, "Shades of
'49," with locations at Southern Oregon mines.The Rogue River Valley was decided upon, after much discussion, partly because they felt its scenic beauties had been overlooked, also because they wanted to get the "right atmosphere, the far away, the bigness, or the 'wide open spaces'," as they call it. The pictures will be released through one of the biggest producers existing, and Medford and the valley, also Crater Lake, will be made known eventually all over the country, according to director Emlay. The company includes Ruth Robinson, feminine lead; Paul Power, cast to play opposite Miss Robinson; "Pinto," Earle Emlay, the director; William Stull; Robert Parker and Val Bradley, camera man. Miss Robinson is a recognized New York actress, a year ago touring over the Orpheum circuit in dramatic sketches. She has just finished three pictures in Hollywood. Found Holt
Mr. Emlay, the director, will perhaps
mean more to
people of this valley as the one who "discovered" Jack Holt. He is the
inventor of the slow-motion pictures which have been used for screen
releases for many years. He was director for House Peters, Beatriz
Michelena and others in former years, and has since directed many of
the other leading stars of the screen world.New Star
Seeing similar possibilities he
developed in Jack
Holt, Mr. Emlay is now focusing his interest in Paul Power, a young man
who not long ago graduated from Harvard and who is now rapidly
attaining eminence in the pictures."Pinto" and his successful and varied career are well known to local residents. The past year, however, he has added new laurels, writing scenarios and gags for many of the biggest pictures produced, the latest being the screen version of "Topsy and Eva," with the famous Duncan Sisters playing twin leads. Other pictures recently using Pinto's ideas are "The Poor Nut," "All Aboard," "McFadden's Flats" and Johnny Hines. Mr. Colvig will be comedy constructor in the forthcoming productions, also writing the stories and continuity. Of special interest also, and adding greatly to the pictures, will be the work of William Stull, cinematographer, who has just returned from Germany and Sweden. Mr. Stull has gone into the business of motion picture photography as thoroughly as it is possible to do. Studying at many of the leading universities here and abroad, where he learned of the latest lighting methods and scenic values, he is now able to obtain innumerable new lighting effects, such as hazes, sunsets, etc., which besides being novel add immeasurably to the beauty of the pictures. Robert Parker, camera man, was formerly with the National Geographic. As mentioned before, the company is completely equipped, even carrying their own orchestra and a portable darkroom. "We had thought of going to many places" Pinto says, "Mexico, New Mexico, Arizona, even Egypt," but decided to come here. The company is at the Hotel Medford and expect to begin operations in a few days. Medford Daily News, June 2, 1927, page 1 COLVIG'S MOVIE OUTFIT DEPARTS FOR PROSPECT
Vance "Pinto" Colvig, former local resident, representing the E.F.R. [sic]
movie company of Los Angeles, and a crew of seven, left this morning
for Prospect, where they will establish camp for the taking of Crater
Lake movies, also snow and timber scenes, for use in forthcoming
productions. Upon the return of the party movies will be taken of
scenes in this city, and also views of Jacksonville, for use in "Days
of '49" pictures. In the shooting of Crater Lake, it is planned to use
an airplane.
"We will take about four sets of pictures here," said Colvig, "and will use some of them in productions to appear in the fall, and others will be scenically descriptive views. I want to get some pictures of Jacksonville and adjacent country, for use in mining pictures." Mr. Colvig said that pictures of Medford and surrounding territory would be taken from the air at a later date this summer. "Pinto" is a part owner in the film company now here, and is the son of Judge W. M. Colvig. He will direct the taking of the local pictures. "Pinto" is well known locally. He used to play the flute, cornet and bass horn in the Medford band. He is also a cartoonist, and has won considerable fame as a maker of animated film comics, cartoons and pictures. Medford Mail Tribune, June 3, 1927, page 7 Jim Grieve To Be Next Star of
Film World
Attention,
all you Jackson County picture fans, for out of your midst is to come
the next masculine star of the motion picture world, and an onslaught
on feminine hearts is expected. Such a conquest as was never known
before or since.
Hidden away in the soul of us all are dreams and desires, aspirations and unfulfilled ambitions. "Even as you and I" has been the valley's most noted and handsome son. Under that manly exterior has been the longing for self-expression these many years. Expression that heretofore has never found an outlet. But why dwell on that? "It's all over now." The candle will no longer be submerged in the darkness under a bushel, the rose no longer blush unseen and waste its sweetness on the desert air of Agate and Tolo. The only suffering will be endured when the classic nose of John Gilbert, of Jack Barrymore and of Don Juans of the silent art, begin to break. For break they will as their owners take a back seat to make room for the new juvenile lead of the pictures--Jim Grieve. Medford Daily News, June 8, 1927, page 1 Jim Grieve was the rotund--and middle-aged--proprietor of the Prospect Hotel. Production stills reveal that Grieve did spend time before the E.R.L. camera. Panascope
Films To Show the World Crater Lake
To weave a scenario around the mysterious and fascinating Indian legend
of Crater Lake, use the lake and its surroundings as setting, and
produce the greatest epic picture ever filmed is the ambition of Earl
Emlay, director of the E.R.L. Productions, Hollywood, who is at present
in Crater Lake National Park taking a series of short subject pictures.
"It is impossible to bring the whole world to Crater Lake, but we can
take Crater Lake to the whole world."
CRATER LAKE LEGEND
MAY BE PUT INTO MOVIE FORM"An easy way to find the superior mouse trap," I said to myself. Sitting in a luxurious motion picture house, more like the fairy palace of our childhood dreams than a theatre, lolling in the nth degree of comfort in the soft depths of an overstuffed chair, hearing music from a symphony orchestra composed of musicians in the highest stage of musical education and ability, or to an organist of similar standing--the world and his wife will gaze at the marvelous scenes of the "sea of silence" as they pass before them. To bring Crater Lake to the world. That seems to be the heart's desire of William Stull, Jr., chief cinematographer, and his assistants, Val Brady and Robert Parker of the E.R.L. Productions, Inc., now in Jackson County to film a series of subject pictures. The company invaded the snow country yesterday, Mr. Stull working with the new motor panascope, his own invention. The panascope is an ingenious affair, producing a weird but pleasing optical effect. One scene dissolves into another while the country is traversed, giving the audience the impression they are traveling along with the camera. Stull tried out the apparatus in Sweden ineffectively, but has since perfected the mechanism. The company is now established at their camp at Union Creek, and from that point a caterpillar is drawing sleds to the Lake. Col. Thomson, superintendent of Crater Lake National Park, has provided for all the assistance which Park employees and equipment can give the company. They are expected in Medford next Monday, when director Emlay will fly over the valley, taking pictures of Medford and surrounding country. Without doubt, this section will receive a great amount of publicity through these pictures. Medford Daily News, June 8, 1927, page 8 "Pinto" Colvig made a few witty remarks regarding life in Hollywood among the movie folks [at the Kiwanis meeting today]. Mr. Colvig said the company in which he is interested has just finished spending several days shooting pictures of Crater Lake and the surrounding scenery, that two of its men went by planes to shoot Crater and Diamond lakes from the air and that they would be in this vicinity for several days not securing pictures around Prospect, Table Rock and other places. He was born in Jacksonville 34 years ago, and last week was the first time he had seen Crater Lake. "Airplanes Are Shooting Local Lakes Today," Medford Mail Tribune, June 13, 1927, page 8 Picture Director Visions Mighty Drama with Famed Scenic Resort As Locale and Predicts Big Demand for It. By JEUNESSE BUTLER Satiated with the "sheik" picture, the "sex" drama losing its pictorial and box office appeal, and the biblical themes practically exhausted, Emlay believes the Crater Lake legend, with its wealth of imagery and basis for unusual plot, developments and characterizations, will be as refreshing as it will be magnificent and impressive. Unpublished Myth
The myth from which the continuity will
be written is an unpublished one told to Mr. Emlay by Judge
Colvig,
who has been familiar with the story since his boyhood days. As may be
imagined, it is a colorful tale, abounding in romance, lively action,
dramatic situations, and a climax as sensational as the most jaded
movie fan could desire.Poets, dramatists and musicians have felt deeply the beauty of Indian folklore and mythology. It has furnished them with material and inspiration for their talents, that later produced signal and outstanding successes, the latest being "Shanewis," the grand opera by Charles Wakefield Cadman, American composer, who presented it at the Metropolitan Opera House, New York City. Pictorially, however, the Indian legend has been overlooked, until director Emlay, with the vision of the artist, realized its possibilities when adapted for the screen, and foresaw what marvelous effects and what a stupendous production might be developed. "Not Cheap"
"It
isn't a story to be handled cheaply," he declares, from his vantage
point given by years of experience, "but one which will call for the
most skillful direction, actors of the highest ability, a supporting
case of equal talents, and hundreds, perhaps thousands, of extras.
Naturally, the siting would be Crater Lake and the surrounding country,
which is the most beautiful and advantageous for such purposes that I
have ever seen."To the uninitiated, there is much that "seems to be and is not" in the pictures. Trick methods of exposure, particularly in the filming of miniatures, produce the most realistic and impressive effects, without the actual occurrences. In the field of such effects, those who have accomplished the most say achievement has not begun to approach its zenith. Is Inventor
Mr. Emlay is distinguished as the
inventor of the
constant cine ultraspeed camera, the only one of its kind in the world.
It employs an absolutely new optical arrangement of exposure, some
scenes being shot at a speed of 900 pictures per second. This camera
enables them to record on the film the minutest detail in miniature
operation. To illustrate, a topographical miniature of Oregon would be
made to appear as a bird's-eye view of the entire country.With this camera a volcanic eruption could be shown for the first time, revealing what really would happen if it were possible to reproduce an actual volcanic disturbance. Little imagination is needed to forecast the possibilities of this latest invention in filming such a production as Mr. Emlay hopes to direct. With the unique beauty of Crater Lake, the fantastic tale for the scenario, the weird and pictorial and bizarre effects and with players cast only as Indians, the director feels he has many convincing arguments with which to interest one of the big organizations in making such a picture. This he will endeavor to do, immediately upon his return to Hollywood. Medford Daily News, June 19, 1927, page 1 JIM GRIEVE AS A MOVIE ACTOR HAS
LOTS OF 'IT'
People
coming to Medford this morning from Union Creek were delighted on
reaching the hotel at Prospect to find Pinto Colvig and the squad of
film people from his Southern California moving picture company, which
has been filming pictures hereabouts for two week or more, in the midst
of filming a story.
"This is the real thing I have always wanted to see," said the passersby as they quickly halted their cars to drink in the proceedings. Outside the hotel the camera man was grinding away, with the director shouting directions at a group of professional and native actors. One of the actors was Pinto Colvig, made up to represent a Professor Buggs, a scientist on vacation and business in the mountains--you know the kind, having often seen such professors in stage plays and film stories. Then there was a beautiful young woman, presumably the heroine, and a handsome young man, presumably the hero, and a strikingly portly middle-aged man posing as the landlord of a mountain hotel, wearing a wide sombrero hat and high laced boots, and the very personification of what Elinor Glynn calls "It." As the passing cars halted, the landlord stepped within close camera range with the hero and, advancing to the heroine, with a Chesterfieldian bow remarked: "Here is Paul, your guide, Miss Robinson," and then glided away with the air of having done a great deed, and in so doing accidentally fell over a dog. This fall seemed to discomfit the mountain landlord, who gave vent to some vehement language, somewhat reminiscent of that used by Spanish-American War veterans. As he arose from the ground, the astonished beholders recognized, to their unspeakable disgust, that the discomfited actor was Jim Grieve, owner and manager and supposed boss of the Prospect resort hotel, grocery and camp ground. They had nothing to throw. "Now we will do this scene over again," shouted the director, and Mr. Mountain Tavern Keeper, be careful to remain on your feet until out of camera range. All ready now, camera!" Then again the landlord with the hero approached the lady and said, "Miss Robinson, this is Paul, your--" "Wipe off your chin, Mr. Landlord, and put a little more pep into your approach," shouted the director. "Be careful of your feet now--now again, camera!" Just as the group of actors was about to go through the scene for the third time, a voice came out of the hotel kitchen, shouting, "Jim, Jim, I've called you about a dozen times now. Come here at once and help move this icebox. Right away!" "Gosh, it's Mary," said Mr. Grieve to the director, "and she's gettin' mad. Excuse me for about five minutes." Then he hotfooted it for the kitchen. Elinor Glynn was right about that "It" business. Jim has it had. Medford Mail Tribune, June 20, 1927, page 6 TAKE MOVIES OF LOCAL FISHING
After
having spent a week or more at Union Creek, Earl Emlay, director of the
E.R.L. Productions, Inc., of Hollywood, and members of his party, will
break camp at Union Creek this week to leave for Crater Lake, where
they spent several days two weeks ago and over which director Emlay has
flown twice in Pacific Air Transport planes.
The company is returning to the scene to obtain more shots and will later go to the Diamond Lake country, obtaining pictures of the beaver farm above Brown's Cabin while en route. The party will return to Medford in approximately a week and will then begin making the second shots slated for this section of the country. The subject will be devoted to the southern Oregon sportsmen due to the fishing scenes which will be displayed. Medford Mail Tribune, June 24, 1927, page 3  Medford Daily News, June 24, 1927, page 1. Photo by Robert Parker of E.R.L. Productions Talented
Actress Feature Player with Movie Outfit
In filming the story scenics now being
taken by
director Earl Emlay near Prospect and Crater Lake, the company is
fortunate in having as leading woman Miss Ruth Robinson.Miss Robinson is rated as leading dramatic stock actress in the country. She has played season engagements in the chief cities of the United States, including Minneapolis, Denver, Boston, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Kansas City, Philadelphia and New York. Last season she toured the country over the Orpheum circuit, being the headliner at every performances, acting in her own dramatic playlet. She is an actress of exceptional ability, is a beautiful woman and possesses a great amount of personality. Her first screen test, made in Los Angeles, showed such remarkable screen value that she was selected to make her screen debut. There is no doubt that the pictures now being taken in Southern Oregon will be enhanced by the work of this talented actress. Medford Daily News, June 25, 1927, page 1 CRATER LAKE WEAVES SPELL ON
CAMERAMAN
Distance
may lend enchantment to some views, but in the case of the camera men
of the E.R.L. Productions, who have been taking pictures in Crater Lake
Park for the last several weeks, enchantment grows with "close-ups,"
according to their own statements.
"Pictures of Crater Lake outrival anything else I have ever done," says Robert Parker, the "still" photographer of the company. Mr. Parker was formerly with the National Geographic Society in Washington, D.C. He was chosen by the E.R.L. Productions because he understands thoroughly tone composition in pictures. This is one of the requisite and necessary things in securing beautiful pictures and the remarkable tone gradation in effects. Equally as "enchanted" is William Stull Jr., cinematographer for the E.R.L. company. With the aid of six men, Mr. Stull carried the motion picture apparatus to the highest peak of the rim of Crater Lake to secure a sunset. The scene was photographed with an ordinary glass lens, but with a specially built fused quartz rectifier, a singular contrivance invented by Stull himself, that allows the ultraviolet rays to pass through, the result being one of the most beautiful effects ever shown. The sunset was shot with stop work, which shows the entire sunset in all its glory in a few seconds on the screen. Although it only lasts for 16 seconds actual time in the picture, it took six men and one day's time to photograph. This is to be the final scene in the Crater Lake picture. Medford Daily News, June 26, 1927, page 1 Paul Power Held Latest Discovery
of Silver Screen
It
was in Oregon that one of the leading stars of the motion picture world
was discovered, when Earl Emlay, director of the E.R.L. Productions now
operating at Crater Lake Park, first met Jack Holt, who still owns a
ranch in Eastern Oregon.
It is to Oregon and to Crater Lake that Emlay has brought his next "discovery," Paul Power, known as one of the newest "finds" of the silver sheet. Power, blond and with regular features, stands six feet, two inches, weighs 190 pounds, and has the finest physique of any of the screen actors of the day. He is also an exceptional musician, one time studying the violin in Italy and planning a musical career. His looks, however, lured him into the movies, where physical pulchritude eventually lures both men and women. Medford Daily News, June 28, 1927, page 1 News of an accident occurring when Earle Emlay, director of the E.R.L. Production company, and Paul Power, leading man, were carried down the canyon near Anna Springs camp, Crater Lake Park, in a shift of loose snow, was received here yesterday. According to rumors of the accident, Emlay is suffering from serious head injuries. A large camera, carried by the men, is said to have been completely destroyed in the fall. The injured man is in the film company's camp near Prospect. "Local and Personal," Medford Mail Tribune, June 30, 1927, page 2 EMLAY HURT IN ACCIDENT NEAR CRATER
Serious
difficulties were encountered late Monday night by the E.R.L.
Productions company, which has been operating around Medford the past
three weeks, when Earle Emlay, the director, and Paul Power, leading
man, met with accidents in the canyon a half mile above Anna Springs.
They were on their way to Crater Lake at a late hour, carrying the heavy camera, and, stepping in a bank of soft snow, were carried some distance down into the canyon. Brief telephone communication gave slight details of the disaster, but outside of serious head injuries, Emlay is thought to be resting easily at the company's camp. William Stull Jr., one of the cameramen, tried to save a Bell & Howell camera, but this, it is understood, was demolished. It is not reported how serious Paul Power was injured, but Emlay was said to be battered severely, striking his head upon the rocks. To make matters worse, the heavy camera tumbled upon them. It is not known whether this will cancel the company's operations in this vicinity or not, all depending on the seriousness of the injuries sustained. The camera, costing $3,000, it is understood, was completely wrecked, the company however having an emergency apparatus they can use. The affair is regretted, as Emlay and his company are endeavoring to give Medford much dignified publicity through the release of the story-scenics they have been staging here. Pinto Colvig, one of the company and a former Medford boy, missed being one of the injured by seconds, having just left the spot when Emlay and Power fell and were carried down. Medford Daily News, June 30, 1927, page 1 MOVIE
ACTORS RETURN AFTER DEATH SLIDE
E.R.L. Company Back from Crater Lake--Emlay Had Close Call-- Camera Is Saved--To Shoot More Scenes.
With his head
still bandaged from the effects of a fall down a steep embankment last
Tuesday evening a short distance above the Anna Spring camp in the
Crater Lake National Park, Earle Emlay,
director of the E.R.L. Productions company, which has been in southern
Oregon for a number of
weeks, was in Medford for a short time this forenoon with his entire
company preparatory to taking a number of mountain scenic pictures this
afternoon.
As a result of the fall of 50 or more feet down a rocky, snow-covered bank, Mr. Emlay was rendered unconscious for two hours, striking his head on a rock. Paul Power, who fell with him when a hollow snowbank collapsed, was bruised but not severely injured. At the time of the accident, attempts were being made to film a sunset, with the camera, an expensive machine, set on a snowbank, which was believed to be solid. Without warning, the snow caved in, causing Emlay and Power, who has been playing the lead in the moving picture scenics which have been taken here, to fall and slide to the bottom of the bank, with the camera and equipment tumbling after them. Emlay was rushed to the home of Colonel C. C. Thomson at the Anna Springs camp, where first aid was rendered. The camera, while considerably damaged from the fall, was not ruined as previously reported. While searching for pieces of equipment the next day, it was discovered that all the snow on the bank was hollow, having melted several feet above the ground, leaving it an unsafe hollow shell. The pictures not being completed, Emlay plans to return to the same spot next week or later to take several hundred feet of film, showing the beauties of a mountain sunset. The E.R.L. company plans to spend another three weeks in Southern Oregon before returning to headquarters in Southern California, and during that time expect to film approximately 10,000 more feet of local scenery, in addition to the 10,000 feet which has already been taken. Selecting the better views, in the neighborhood of one-half of the footage will be prepared for theater exhibition in all parts of the United States as well as foreign countries. A number of thrilling "shots" are to be taken next week, but due to the fact that spectators are not wanted, the locations have not been made public. Medford Mail Tribune, July 1, 1927, page 1 CAMERA SPILL LEAVES MOVIE MEN
DEFIANT
Regardless
of the accident of the first of the week, when Earl Emlay, director,
and Paul Power of the E.R.L. Productions were hurt in the canyon above
Anna Springs, the company is going ahead with the filming of Southern
Oregon scenes.
The high-priced camera, thought at first to have been completely demolished, may still be of use, camera lenses and other parts being sent for and expected to arrive from Portland or Los Angeles within a short time. Meanwhile they are using emergency apparatus. Members of the company feel most grateful to Col. C. G. Thomson, superintendent of the Crater Lake Park, who gave the injured first aid and housed them at his residence at Anna Springs the night and day following the accident. The company was in Medford yesterday, securing pictures of muskrats and beavers to match up with those of deer and bear secured by telephoto near Crater Lake. Having left Union Creek, their headquarters are now established in the company's new camp east of Medford along Crater Lake Highway. Many scenes along Rogue River will be taken before they again return to Crater Lake. Medford Daily News, July 2, 1927, page 8 FILM
SCENES ON ROGUE TODAY
On location
along the Rogue, the E.R.L. Production Company, of which "Pinto"
Colvig, a local boy, is a member, shot several hundred feet of film
yesterday. A group of Medford people, including representatives of the
press, were the guests of the company for the day and watched the
company in action.Moods of the Rogue were caught as the camera followed the famous river down the valley, and scenes of southern Oregon beauty were cataloged in filmdom before the eyes of an approving Medford audience. The company expects to remain near Medford during the greater part of the summer. Medford Mail Tribune, July 5, 1927, page 8 Earl Emlay, director for the E.R.L. Production company, spent a few hours vacation in Medford yesterday from his camp on the Rogue River. Emlay is recuperating rapidly from the injuries sustained in the accident occurring last week when he and his camera collided with the rapids near Prospect. "Local and Personal," Medford Mail Tribune, July 9, 1927, page 2 FOX DIRECTOR HERE TO TAKE VALLEY VIEWS
Indicative of the growth of interest in Medford as a moving picture
center was the incidental congregation of representatives of three
separate film organizations at the Chamber of Commerce headquarters
this morning.
Earl Imlay, director of the E.R.L. Productions, now in operation on the banks of the Rogue River near Prospect, was entertaining a group of interested tourists with his description of the accident which occurred to some of the company equipment during the course of a scene which involved the riding of the rapids of the stream. H. Hutton, vice-president of the Rogue River Studios, and director of the organization from Eugene, and some of his associates formed part of the audience. Elizabeth Pickett, director of Fox Film Varieties, now filming a series of "Know Your Own State" pictures, and J. A. Valentine, cameraman, had just arrived in Medford, and entering the headquarters greeted the other movie representatives in surprise. Miss Pickett has finished 11 pictures, which exhausted the historic beauty of the eastern states, including New York, North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland, and she has begun on the western states. "I am more than enthusiastic over the possibilities for artistic settings afforded by your beautiful Rogue River and other surrounding attractions, and have been prompted by the same urge which sent three other movie people here, to concentrate in this locality," she said. That she would get scenes of Prospect, Sand Creek, Anna Creek, the Applegate Valley as well as Crater Lake in her descriptive story of Oregon beauty was the statement made by the Fox company director. J. A. Valentine, who has been associated with Miss Pickett on the last five of her 66 pictures during the last four years, has just completed taking "The Seventh Heaven," one of the leading films of the year, and was associated with the film version of "What Price Glory." The Fox company expect to remain in the vicinity of Medford for several days. Medford Mail Tribune, July 9, 1927, page 6
EMLAY NEARLY DROWNED
AS RAFT FAILS TO DO STUFF Paul Power and Director Stage Private Thriller on Rogue While Taking Scenics; Life Is Full of Hazards. By JEUNESSE BUTLER
"If
anyone thinks of a motion picture actor as a primper before a looking
glass, he should follow this moving picture company around for awhile,"
says Col. C. G. Thomson, superintendent of Crater Lake Park, who has
witnessed a number of life-endangering feats by director Emlay and
other members of the E.R.L. Productions in their efforts to obtain
pictures in the Park.
Probably few realize and appreciate the grandeur of Crater Lake and surrounding country as Col. Thomson, who spends so much of his time in the confines of the Park. It is a subject near and dear to his heart, and he naturally takes a deep interest in the efforts of the company to obtain pictures which will laster be exploited to the world. Risked Life.
To do
this, Emlay has risked his
life in airplanes, fallen off cliffs, scaled a mountain or two, and
climbed down deep ravines and gorges, carrying heavy, expensive
apparatus, an audience knowing little of what measures are necessary to
give an audience adequate entertainment. The climax of his adventures
in Jackson County occurred this week, however, when Emlay and a few
spectators were given an unexpected thrill.The company was established at Casey's Camp on Rogue River, and Emlay had become enthused over the beauties of the long, winding, picturesque and rugged waterway as he traveled along its banks. To admire is to desire with a motion picture director, and Emlay immediately wanted to "shoot" the river in some way that the audience might see it as he did, while going along the shore. Was Warned.
Timber
growth on the shores was
too thick to permit use of the camera, so a special raft was built to
enable him to take the scene from a proper angle. Oldtimers, knowing
the treacherous nature of such a procedure, warned him it could not be
done with safety, but Emlay was determined to get the pictures at all
hazards.A stout rope was fastened to the shore, the director intending to take the rope to the center of the stream and fasten it, that the raft might swing toward the other side of the river and get the scene properly. His assistants on the shore, however, let go of the rope, leaving Emlay entirely free. This all happened at a point a short distance from the famous Rogue River Rapids, and the only thing that saved the raft from the rapids was Paul Power, the leading man of the company, who caught up with Emlay in a rowboat. Fell in Water.
He made
for the other side, and
after barely getting [the] rope, the boat got beyond his control. He
leaped for the bank with the rope in his teeth, but fell in the water
20 feet deep.The old proverbial straw in the shape of an old branch came within his grasp just in time, and Power was able to fasten the rope holding the raft onto the branch. The raft drifted downstream toward the snags, Emlay reaching for these to hold the raft until Power could reach him. Onlookers thought this was the end of the thrill, but the real thrill was to come. Power drifted down to Emlay on the raft, much wearied by his efforts, and climbed on. Many Thrills.
At this
moment, the boat started
to drift, and Emlay to save the boat grabbed it, but the current was
too swift and carried the boat away and Emlay with it. One oar had
fallen out of the boat, and as the small craft was borne closer and
closer to the rapids, Emlay says he was given several thrills he hadn't
counted on.Mrs. Emlay, the rest of the company, and a few other onlookers were thoroughly excited by this time, and Pinto Colvig and a couple of the camera men jumped in a car and made for a point where they thought they might rescue the unfortunate director. Not Hurt.
He escaped
unhurt, except for a
considerable speeding up of heart action while going over the second
rapids, and came to shore about three quarters of a mile south of camp."I've expected, in fact, anticipated all sorts of thrills for a good many years," he told Mrs. Emlay, after fully recovering his breath and composure," but this was one I certainly didn't know was coming, and I can't say I altogether enjoyed." Medford Daily News, July 10, 1927, page 1 MEDFORD MOVIE MECCA
MEDFORD, Or., July 9.--(Special.)--Indicative of the growth of interest
in Medford as a motion picture center was the congregation of
representatives of three separate film organizations at the chamber of
commerce headquarters today.Parties from Three Companies Working in Southern Oregon. These included Earl Emlay, director of the E.R.L. productions, who with a small company has been here for several weeks from Southern California taking films hereabouts with Medford as headquarters, and H. Hutton of Eugene, vice-president and director of the Rogue River Studios, which is now building its first unit in Medford, and a number of his associates. The third group consisted of Elizabeth Pickett, director, and J. A. Valentine, cameraman of the Fox Film Varieties, who had just arrived in Medford. The Fox party expects to remain in the Medford vicinity for several days, taking scenes of Prospect, Sand Creek and Anna Creek and Applegate Valley as well as Crater Lake. Sunday Oregonian, Portland, July 10 1927, page 2 EARLE EMLAY PLANS BIG PICTURE TO
EXPLOIT LAKE
Indian Legend Visioned As One of Greatest Epics of Celluloid By Director Now Here Making Scenic Films.
Promise
to use Crater Lake as the setting for one of the greatest epic pictures
ever screened was made at the Lions Club luncheon yesterday by Earle
Emlay, director of the E.R.L. Productions, here making a series of
short story scenics.
Emlay declared that giant Hollywood producers are becoming interested in the proposition, and stated that even if they failed to back him, the picture would be made. Great Photo.
"It will
go down as one of the
greatest photoplays of all time. I'm going to make it if it's the last
thing I do," he promised.Inspired by the old Indian legend of Crater Lake as told by tribal medicine men down through the ages, Emlay sees marvelous possibilities in the legend as a basis for a scenario. He visions the unrivaled scenery of the Crater Lake country as a setting for the picture. No Indian Epics.
"One great
biblical picture has
been made. Other mighty episodes have been given immortality on the
screen," he said, "and of course there have been poorer productions
along the pioneer lines blazed by the big pictures. No one has ever
produced the story of the Indian--it is the next great epic. And the
beautiful Crater Lake legend is the ideal medium."The picture would be filmed in the atmosphere of the time when redskins inhabited the western country, the players would be cast only as Indians, thousands of extras could be used, and every device known to the motion picture industry used to produce realistic effects, said the director. Many Details.
"Work on
the picture will not
start until next spring. There are technical details to be worked out,
and months must be spent in research. Every detail must be perfect,"
Emlay declared. "Where will I get 5,000 extras? Can camps be
maintained? How can supplies be gotten in? These are only minor
questions, yet they take real study and effort. You can have no idea of
what a stupendous undertaking it will be."The best of everything in the world is what Emlay plans to secure for his film. Technicians from Germany would be secured for the miniature work, he said, mentioning only one detail. A picture to outrival Ben Hur, the Ten Commandments and other epics is Emlay's desire. To Take Year.
As
planned, the Crater Lake
picture will establish new records. It will take at least a year to
film, the winter being used in securing equipment and experts.Arrangements have been made to release the series which is now being made around Medford, Emlay said. These pioneer efforts in Rogue Valley in film making will be shown over the entire United States. Medford Daily News, July 14, 1927, page 1 Earle Emlay, director for the E.R.L. Productions, has moved his company from Prospect up to Lake of the Woods, where he will spend several days taking scenes. "Local and Personal," Medford Mail Tribune, July 16, 1927, page 2 After an hour of music, the floor will be cleared and at 9:30, with Earle Emlay, director of the E.R.L. Productions, as master of ceremonies, the big Movie Ball will start. [omission] Medford. That is what everyone is going to wonder from now until Friday night. For some lucky girl will be chosen by Mr. Emlay from the dance floor to take the leading part in a picture he will make in or near Medford. This fortunate young woman will not only have the pleasure of acting for the screen, but also be paid for her services at the rate of $20 per day. "Movie Ball by Lions; Benefit of Playgrounds," Medford Mail Tribune, July 17, 1927, page 6 LISTEN, GIRLS! GREAT CHANCE COMES
FRIDAY!
Girls, are you tired of it all, waiting for the thrill you never got?
Then cheer up, for the thrill that comes once in a lifetime is headed
right your way. Phone for a date at your favorite beauty shop and go
ahead and get that stunning little party frock you've been wanting.
Might as well get ready for "the big adventure."
What is it? Can it be possible, you don't know? That next Friday night, at the big Movie Ball at Hilarity Hall, you may be the lucky girl chosen by Earle Emlay to act in a picture he is making. That you will not only have this honor and privilege, but will also be paid for all the fun you'll have at $20 a day? Put off your vacation till next week. This is your chance. Are you married? Marriage won't bar you, you know. So get permission from your husband, even if you have to promise him half your salary. What's that, compared to fame? The movie ball is but part of the grand entertainment the roarin' Lions are putting on Friday night. Before the dance, that starts at 9:30, with director Earle Emlay in charge, there will be given a musical entertainment extraordinary. Mr. Erik Kahlson, Sweden's twenty-year-old prodigy, who recently arrived in New York and is spending his vacation with Mr. Emlay, will be presented in concert of one hour. He will be assisted by two prominent local vocalists, and those who have heard Mr. Kahlson are sounding his praises in extravagant terms. Entire proceeds to go toward establishment of children's public playground. Medford Mail Tribune, July 18, 1927, page 3 MOVIE MEN TO ENTERTAIN BY RADIO
BILL
Movie
men are unusually gifted, with many talents besides those for acting,
directing, etc., if Earle Emlay, director, and the rest of the company
from the E.R.L. Productions are any indication.
Tomorrow night, beginning at 8:30, Mr. Emlay and the rest of this movie making crew, with the assistance of a number of local musicians, will give a two-hour benefit program over K.M.E.D. to advertise the Movie Night at Hilarity Hall, Friday, July 22. Mr. Emlay will be heard in songs and stories; William Stull, Jr., cinematographer, will play the sax. "Jimmie" Johnson will be there with his saxophone also, and tuners in may hear some especially fine saxophone duets. Robert Parker, "still" photographer, plucks a mean uke, and will give an example of his ability, while both Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Stewart will be heard in late popular song numbers. Medford music lovers who have yet to hear Mr. Erik Kahlson, Sweden's 20-year-old prodigy, who is spending a few weeks' vacation in the valley, will be given this artistic adventure also, as Mr. Kahlson will be on the air. The young man recently arrived in New York, and has joined Mr. Emlay's company for the purpose of composing and arranging a musical score as accompaniment to the pictures he is taking. Miss Jeunesse Butler will accompany Mr. Kahlson, while Miss Gladys LaMar will furnish the accompaniments for the popular number.s All players and singers are donating their services, and the use of the station is due to the courtesy of the Medford Chamber of Commerce. The program in detail will be published in tomorrow's paper. Medford Daily News, July 19, 1927, page 1 MISS FINLEY IS DELIGHTED SHE HAS
MOVIE JOB
"It
certainly was a real thrill to be chosen by Mr. Emlay, and I'm going to
do my best to deserve the honor," said Miss Constance Finley,
brown-haired, blue-eyed Medford girl selected by Earle Emlay, director
of the E.R.L. Productions, from the 300 or more local girls attending
the Lions Club movie dance at Hilarity Hall last night, to play a part
in the movie now being filmed near Medford.
Two other girls, distinctly different types, were also announced in the final selection as the director's second and third choices. They were Mrs. Guy Eddy, small, black-haired and slender, and Miss Thelma Kelly, tall, stately blonde. Miss Finley is of medium height and has had previous experience in pictures at Hollywood. The last picture in which she appeared was "Fashions for Women," starring Esther Ralston. "I am to have an interview with Mr. Emlay Monday morning, and believe he intends that I go on location then. If I understand correctly, the other two girls will also play parts in the picture," said Miss Finley this afternoon. The Movie Carnival, sponsored by the local Lions Club, was preceded last night by a concert, featuring Eric Kahlson, the youthful Swedish violinist, who is under contract with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra to appear for 30 consecutive weeks. His selections were enthusiastically received by the large audience of music lovers, who crowded the hall early in the evening to assure themselves standing room. Kahlson was accompanied by Miss Jeunesse Butler and Mrs. George Andrews. Others on the program were Miss Ester Maxine Pilker, contralto, accompanied by Miss Ada Pilker; George Maddox, tenor, accompanied by Miss Joyce Maddox. The proceeds of the evening, amounting to some $500, will go towards the children's new playground. Medford Mail Tribune, July 23, 1927, page 2 Robert Parker, still man for the E.R.L. Motion Picture Production company, Wm. Stull, Jr., cameraman, and Eric Kahlson, Swedish violinist, left Tuesday afternoon for their homes in Hollywood. They have been spending the past nine weeks in taking pictures in the Crater Lake and Prospect districts. "Local and Personal," Medford Mail Tribune, July 27, 1927, page 2 MEDFORD'S MOVIE QUEEN IS GUEST AT
LIONS CLUB
Elected
to honorary membership in the local Lions Club, Erick Kahlson, noted
Swedish violinist, and Earle Emlay, director for the E.R.L.
Productions, now on location near Medford, were extended a vote of
thanks by the members for their contribution to the success of the
recent Movie Carnival. In a few words before the club, Emlay stated
that he would leave for Los Angeles tonight, while the work on the
present production would be under the direction of Charles Elliott, his
assistant and business manager.
Constance Finley, Medford's movie queen, who with Elliott was a guest of the club, will, according to Emlay, begin work immediately in some stunt riding scenes. Miss Finley is a skilled horseback rider. Excerpt, Medford Mail Tribune, July 27, 1927, page 6 The presence of Medford's Movie Queen, Miss Constance Finley, and Earle Emlay, movie director, specially fine musical numbers by other guests, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Stewart, and the general spirit of jubilance over the recent successful Movie Night, resulted in one of the best meeting ever held, when Medford Lions once more assembled at the Hotel Holland for their regular meeting, yesterday noon. "Lions Roar in Glee As Movie Stars Visit," Medford Daily News, July 28, 1927, page 6 Hollywood Man Arrives To Keep
Emlay's Books
An
interesting visitor in the city is Chas. M. Elliott of Hollywood, Cal.,
who arrived in Medford yesterday, to join Earle Emlay of the E.R.L.
Productions as business manager. Both wish to express, through the
columns of the News, their
appreciation of the Lions Club and city for cooperation in their
present undertakings, and to state that an announcement of much
importance will be made shortly.
Mr. Emlay and Mr. Elliott were both guests of the Lions Club yesterday, the latter being especially interested in service clubs. The latter was instrumental in organizing the national Rotary organization at Portland and the international at Duluth, and was a member of the San Francisco club until removing his residence to Hollywood. Medford Daily News, July 28, 1927, page 6 'Pinto' Colvig Wracks Brain for
Way To Draw
Limburger Smell on Celluloid
"Back
again in the tropical south with only dim memories of The Snow That
Was. Will say that I enjoyed my visit with the home folks, scenery,
etc.," writes Pinto Colvig from Mack Sennett's studios, Edendale, Cal.
He continues, "Mack Sennett's buzzed my phone for two weeks, and the day after I got here he signed me on a year's contract, same work as last year, trick-cartoon gags and titles. The first crack they handed me was working on the big half-million-dollar war romance comedy, featuring Johnny Burke and the Sennett beauties. [Probably "The Good-Bye Kiss."] "I have had all kinds of goofy and unusual ideas for me to create along the trick-cartoon process, but when Sennett asked me yesterday if I could draw the smell of Limburger cheese and show it on the screen, it made me think twice. However, I'm doing it." He explains, "The gag shows where a piece of the cheese falls in the bellows of a small organ the comedian is playing, and upon that scene and film I've got to show the smell coming out. I hope they don't expect me to actually make it smell, although the gaff might be so terrible it might do that anyhow." Medford people will recall that Mr. Colvig was the first to bring the E.R.L. Productions company to Medford and interest them in this section. Medford Daily News, July 29, 1927, page 1 MOVIE TO BE GIVEN SUPPORT BY
LOCAL BODY
Earl Emlay, on Agreement To Put Proposition of Crater Lake Movie in Definite Shape, Given Tentative Backing.
Earl
Emlay, manager of the E.R.L. Productions, who last night at the
Craterian Theatre outlined his proposition for the filming of a picture
founded on the legend of Crater Lake, using the scenic wonder as a
pictorial background, met with the committee this noon at the Hotel
Medford and discussed future plans.
The committee is composed of Phil Harrison, A. C. Hubbard, S. S. Smith, Emil Mohr, George A. Hunt, C. E. Gates, Harry Rosenberg, J. W. Wakefield, Earl Gaddis, Ted Baker, secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, and Vernon I. Vawter, chairman. Mr. Elliot, business manager for Emlay, was also present. The committee, after discussing the proposition, decided to request that Emlay present a more definite proposition, which they will give their support and assistance. The members pledged some financial support, moral support and general cooperation if the final program should seem feasible. Mr. Emlay's plan, as he told it to a group of local citizens last night, is as follows: That he heard from Will G. Steel, father of Crater Lake, and Judge William M. Colvig, the story of the legend of Crater Lake, and that it impressed him as being admirably suited for a moving picture epic of the "Ben Hur" and "Intolerance" type. He has been taking short reels of the lake and surroundings and has become enamored of its beauties. Emlay has written the legend, and secured a copyright upon it, and declares that he has his heart set upon producing the picture, and further declares that it is something new--which the movie world is looking for. He estimates that it would cost $125,000 to produce the picture, and he proposes that 125 southern Oregon business men subscribe $1000 each towards that end. He considers it the most forceful advertising the community could receive, besides being a sterling artistic effort. Emlay, in stating his proposals, frankly said that he was neither an orator nor a business man, and asked that the handling of the finances be left to other hands. He also emphatically announced that if it degenerated into any sort of a stock-selling scheme he would divorce himself from it forthwith. It was the consensus of opinion of those who listened to Mr. Emlay that his plan is feasible, that he possesses the talent to make it a reality, and that some plan should be evolved whereby it could become an actuality. Mr. Emlay said that he came to stay a week at Crater Lake, and had been there eight weeks, and still reluctant to return to Hollywood. He has made himself thoroughly familiar with the history and legends of Crater Lake and is daily gathering more data. Medford Mail Tribune, August 3, 1927, page 1 BUSINESS MEN HEAR PLAN FOR FILMING
GREAT EPIC AT MEETING LAST NIGHT
Plans
for including Crater Lake and the beautiful Indian legend connected
therewith in one of the world's great motion picture epics were
detailed at a theatre party at Hunt's Craterian last night by Earl
Emlay, manager of the E.R.L. Productions company. Emlay, who has been
directing a small company in photographing scenes at the lake, revealed
to the party, consisting of 40 or 50 business and professional men, his
mental picture of what he sincerely believes will prove one of the
greatest cinema spectacles of all time.
Is Costly
Emlay
estimates that the
production can be made for a sum approximating $125,000, and said that
he was willing to stake a year of hard work and his reputation as a
director and photographer of motion pictures on the successful outcome
of the venture.The plans detailed by Emlay revealed the fact that he is convinced that the production will prove an excellent financial investment not only, but will do more to carry the story and unsurpassed beauty of the famous lake to millions in a manner that cannot be approached through any other channel. Is Feasible
His plans
created a favorable
impression upon those in attendance and of those who made comment upon
the proposed idea; a majority expressed the opinion that the venture is
feasible from a business standpoint.A committee was named to make a study of Emlay's plan and to assist in presenting the proposal to the general public of the city. Vernon Vawter, C. E. Gates, Earl C. Gaddis, Harry Rosenberg, S. S. Smith, A. C. Hubbard, George Hunt and Emil Mohr were named as members of the committee. Emlay's plans provide for filming the entire production at the lake and in this city. Some of the scenes will require 5,000 people, all of whom he proposes will be secured locally. Only a very few of the better types of leading artists will be required in filming what Emlay says will be a super production. Indian Legend
An outline
of the story around
which Emlay proposed to build the spectacle was given by the producer
and will date back 10,000 years, which is the starting point for the
famous Indian legend as to the lake's origin, and will continue up to
approximately 100 years ago, when Indian tribes were carrying on
continual warfare. A love narrative is interwoven in the story, with a
beautiful Indian princess and a handsome young chief of another tribe
as the principals.The eruption of Mt. Mazama and its collapse into the bowels of the earth will form the climax and afford the great spectacle of the proposed production. "It will rival, if not excel, such productions as The Last Days of Pompeii, Ben Hur, Intolerance and many other of the leading film spectacles," said Mr. Emlay, who has been devoting weeks to the formation of the story and who has contributed much to the rapid advances made during recent years in the film industry. Medford Daily News, August 3, 1927, page 1 TO TAKE MOVIE OF LOWER ROGUE
To
shoot several hundred [feet] of film around the romance of Hellgate
Gorge, Earle Emlay, director of the E.R.L. Productions, is moving his
company and equipment down to Grants Pass today. "But we won't desert
Medford for long--be back here probably tomorrow or the next day," he
said, "to continue where we left off."
Emlay explained that he was delayed in his work here through the illness of Miss Constance Finley, Medford's movie queen, whom he had intended filming in a series of trick riding scenes. Having taken some stills of the local girl, the director announced that she photographed "beautifully--far better-looking even than she is off the screen," and anticipates that she has a real future ahead of her. Medford Mail Tribune, August 4, 1927, page 3 August
4, 1927
The little troupe I
encouraged coming up to Rogue River Valley for the purpose of filming
scenics I believe have finished their mission there and returned south.
However, I understand that Mr. Emlay remained in Medford and is trying
to interest Southern Oregon people in some big Indian and Crater Lake
picture to the extent of a half million or so. While I don't like to
hinder anyone's ideas in any way, at the same time I feel it my duty to
protect my own name and my many Medford friends in stating that I have
never at any time been associated with his idea, and I hope that you
home folks who might become interested with it will think twice and
look into the matter thoroughly before investing any money. I do not
mean that anyone connected with the idea have intentions of doing
anything dishonest, but from my vast experience in the motion picture
industry I have seen failure happen to so many propositions of that
nature, and any proposition like that is one of the greatest gambles I
know. The idea Mr. Emlay has in mind will take a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
institution and a Cecil B. DeMille to direct--and even then it is a
gamble. Please don't think me to be a cad, writing you this sort of
advice that might enhance anyone else's ideas. I have already written
Mr. Emlay explaining fully that I don't think it quite right of him
trying to promote my lifelong friends to whom I have introduced him. We
came up there to spend our own money and return, and I greatly
appreciate the kindly cooperation you grand Southern Oregon people
showed us--and in no way (should anything unforeseen happen in the loss
of any finance created by you people in any motion picture ideas) would
I want any reflection upon my name.Mrs. Col. Sargent
Jacksonville, Oregon My Dear Mrs. Sargent: I am very sorry to have kept your interesting Indian story this length of time, but shortly after receiving it I left immediately for Hollywood, and upon arriving here I found my many family duties and business ideas in such a turmoil that it has taken almost every hour of my time to get back to normalcy. I read your script coming down on the train and found it very interesting--especially to me, who so loves the stories on true happenings of the Oregon early days. In your article I learned many highlights of that history, and I appreciate greatly you thinking of me and allowing me the opportunity to read it. I would advise, Mrs. Sargent, that your story, properly constructed, photographed and directed by able people, would no doubt be a very uplifting and entertaining photoplay, especially for historical reasons, that could be shown in schools, churches, et cetera. Photoplays of that nature I always see to it that my children have opportunity to witness, as they mean more than all the history books written. However, I might add that such a production would run into quite an amount of money to be done right. I am returning your manuscript herewith, and should at any time I can be of service to you, or advise you in any matters of this nature, please don't hesitate in writing me. Again, I thank you for your interest. Pinto Letter on Mack Sennett Comedies letterhead, Southern Oregon Historical Society EMLAY TO FILM LOWER ROGUE AND
PEAR INDUSTRY
Filming
scenes which have never appeared on the screen before, Earle Emlay of
the E.R.L. Productions will leave this week or early next with a party
for the wild forest country below Hell's Gate above the mouth of Rogue
River to spend a week or more taking one full reel of scenery, which
Mr. Emlay believes to be some of the wildest in southern Oregon. After
finishing the reel, he plans to take another of the local fruit
industry, showing how pears are picked, sorted, packed and shipped.
Mr. Emlay, who has directed the taking of numerous reels of southern Oregon scenery during the past two months, last week filmed scenes around Hell's Gate, where the water is 90 feet deep. Claude Bardon, a resident of the Hell's Gate district, is this week constructing a special boat from which Mr. Emlay will attempt to take scenes while traveling downstream. Mr. Bardon, who is said to be an expert at boat handling, will pilot the boat on its dangerous journey, which has been attempted but very few times. A United States geological and survey party attempted to make the trip some time ago, but as a result lost all [its] instruments. Mr. Emlay is procuring special camera equipment for the journey, which will be fraught with risks. His cameraman, W. Stull and others, are expected to arrive this week from Hollywood for the "shooting" of the scenes, for which an unusually active finish has been planned. Medford Mail Tribune, August 8, 1927, page 3 TO
REPEAT AIR TICKET SHOWER
More theater tickets will be dropped from an airplane again next
Monday, according to George A. Hunt, local theater owner. The tickets,
500 of them, will admit the owner to admission to the various
attractions which will come to the Craterian and Rialto theaters during
the Greater Movie Season, which started this week.The plane will fly directly over the vacant lot in front of the Medford Mail Tribune office at 5 o'clock. The tickets are guaranteed to fall on the ground this time. Yesterday pilot Cunningham was not flying his own plane and could not fly low. Next Monday he will be in his own plane and will fly as low as possible. Earl Emlay will fly with him to drop the tickets. Medford Mail Tribune, August 9, 1927, page 2 Earle Emlay, head of the E.R.L. Productions company of Hollywood, accompanied by William Stull, cameraman, left this forenoon for Gold Beach as a preliminary move to the filming of scenery along the Rogue River below Hell's Gate. Mr. Emlay, who has been in southern Oregon for two or more months, plans to follow the river to the seas in a specially constructed boat next week, giving scenery to the screen never before filmed. "Local and Personal," Medford Mail Tribune, August 11, 1927, page 2 Movie Director To Film Rogue from
Hellgate to Sea
Earl
Emlay, director of the E.R.L. Productions company, which has been
filming scenes in the Medford country for the past two months, leaves
this morning with Claude Bardon for Hells Gate.
Bardon, who took Zane Grey down the river to Gold Beach, will go with Emlay, who intends to take pictures of the marvelous scenery. A special boat has been contracted for the dangerous trip. William Stull, cameraman for the company, will meet Emlay at Gold Beach with another camera, where motion pictures will be taken. Emlay and Bardon will travel light, for they realize that they stand a chance of losing their boat and camera, and possibly their lives, in the swirling current of the river. Medford Daily News, August 12, 1927, page 2 MOVIE DIRECTOR FAILS TO REACH
GOLD BEACH
ON HIS TRIP DOWN ROGUE IN BOAT
Fear
that Earl Emlay, Hollywood motion picture director, who is well known
in Medford, where he has been filming scenic reels for the past two
months, has been drowned in the treacherous, swirling currents of Rogue
River was expressed last night in a telephone message to The Daily News from
William Stull, cameraman. Stull phoned from Gold Beach, Emlay's
destination.
The director, who once before narrowly missed losing his life while photographing scenes along the river, left Hell's Gate below Grants Pass Wednesday with Paul Bardon of Grants Pass in a peculiarly constructed boat. He and Bardon expected to float down the raging rapids, taking action pictures, and to arrive in Gold Beach yesterday afternoon. In the afternoon, Stull, waiting at Gold Beach, found a tire which Emlay had taken as a life preserver floating down the river. A rubber pouch which Emlay used to carry films was also found in the river. No Trace Found
Stull
immediately phoned The
Daily News and
at 8 p.m. last night phoned again with information that no further
equipment of Emlay's had been found, but that Emlay and Bardon had
failed to arrive.The tire which was found in the river was one which had been marked for identification, for Emlay fully appreciated the danger of the expedition on which he was embarking. "Stull's taking my blue suit down to Gold Beach as a shroud. I always liked blue," Emlay told the News before starting on the trip, jesting about the dangers. Special Boat
Bardon
last year piloted Zane Grey
down the treacherous section of the river, which runs over rapids and
through wild country. A special boat shaped like a tub was constructed
by Bardon for Emlay's trip.Narrow Escape
On July
fifth, Emlay was almost
drowned in the rapids near Casey's Camp, when a raft from which he was
taking pictures broke loose. He was rescued by Paul Power, actor, who
was then in Medford and was working with Emlay.It is believed that, had disaster overtaken Emlay and Bardon, more equipment would have floated to Gold Beach. Possibilities are that no ill luck has befallen the pair, although the rough stretch which they intended to travel is so treacherous as to cause fear for their safety to arise. Was Injured
Emlay's
enthusiasm for getting
striking scenics led to his injury in Crater Lake Park before the
season opened, when he and Power tumbled down a canyon with a heavy
load of equipment when a snowbank gave away. The men were slightly
injured, and costly equipment was lost in the fall.In addition to taking many scenic pictures in Rogue River Valley, Emlay had written a scenario for an epic picture of the Crater Lake legend, and he intended to film the picture in Southern Oregon. Medford Daily News, August 14, 1927, page 1 EMLAY RETURNS AFTER DELAYED RIVER
VOYAGE
Movie Director Gets Wet, Loses Some Films, But Completes Trip to Mouth of Rogue River Without Further Mishap.
GRANTS
PASS, Ore., Aug. 15.--(AP)--The trip of Earl Emlay, motion picture man,
to Gold Beach by boat down the Rogue River, halted temporarily Saturday
when the craft struck a rock at Russian Bar, on the lower river, and
went to the bottom of the river almost immediately. The boat was being
piloted by Claude Bardon, experienced river man, who took Zane Grey to
the mouth of the Rogue a year ago. Emlay had planned to take a picture
of the Rogue River.
The camera and most of the equipment was saved, although Mr. Emlay does not yet know if the films, which he had already taken, were ruined. Emlay and Bardon started down the river last Thursday afternoon. When the accident occurred, which ended their trip, they were seven miles below Almeda, or about forty miles from their starting point. Finding of an automobile tube and rubber container for films many miles below the scene of the accident gave rise to reports Saturday night that the pair might have been drowned. The two returned to Grants Pass today. Following the accident the boat was raised and repaired, and the remainder of the trip to the mouth was made in 14 hours, using an outboard motor. Several films were lost. ----
Earl
Emlay, Hollywood film
director, and William Stull, Jr. reached here this afternoon, after
their ill-fated trip down the lower Rogue River when their boat was
wrecked on Russian Bar.Emlay suffered no physical injuries from his thrilling experience but was depressed by the loss of his films, which he claims were the most thrilling and picturesque ever taken of western scenery. The motorboat in which the picture expedition was traveling was wrecked Saturday evening, just before the party were ready to land and make camp for the night. The boat was sucked underneath the raging waters, and the party were carried 400 yards submerged and clinging to the boats. They finally managed to make shore. Emlay declares that the scenery along the lower Rogue excels that of the Colorado River, and that a boat trip down it is more dangerous and exciting than any river trip in the world. Medford Mail Tribune, August 15, 1927, page 1 EMLAY SAFE ON TRIP TO GOLD BEACH
Safe
and sound, but depressed over the loss of his films and some other
photographic equipment, Earl Emlay, motion picture director connected
with the E.R.L. Productions, returned to Medford yesterday following a
wreck and cold dip into Rogue River's icy waters near the mouth at Gold
Beach.
Emlay's boat, piloted by Claude Bardon, struck on a rock in the river and according to reports went down almost immediately. He saved his expensive movie camera but lost an automobile tube and a rubber film carrier, which were found later at the mouth of the river and gave rise to a rumor that the adventurous pair were drowned. Emlay and Bardon left last Thursday for their nerve-wracking trip down the treacherous Rogue in a boat which resembled a tub more than a trim watercraft. After he had taken some fine scenery pictures on the river, Emlay had the bad luck to lose them all when their boat struck the submerged rock. Lower Rogue River presents some of the world's finest scenery, Emlay declares, and agrees that local thrill-seekers who have made the trip by declaring that a boat ride down the swift stream is the most exciting thing he has attempted yet. The sunken boat was raised and proceeded downstream by means of an outboard motor, and Emlay, together with his right bower, William Stull, returned to Medford in quest of new adventures. Medford Daily News, August 16, 1927, page 1 EARL
EMLAY OFF FOR HOLLYWOOD
Earl Emlay, producer of E.M.F. [sic]
films, who has been taking scenic pictures of Crater Lake and other
spots in this vicinity for the past four months, left this afternoon
for Hollywood, Calif., by auto. He hopes to be able to salvage some of
the films he saved when the boat in which he was making a trip down the
lower Rogue capsized a week ago. Emlay and party saved themselves with
difficulty.According to the producer, his pictures of Crater Lake will be shown at the Craterian in about a month, when he plans returning here. Medford Mail Tribune, August 19, 1927, page 4 If Emlay ever returned to the Rogue Valley with his Crater Lake film it was more than two months later, at which point I stopped reviewing the newspaper microfilm. The eventual fate of Emlay's film is probably best hinted at by his activities a year later: Emlay
Opens New Salad Shop at Service Station
With the opening of Moore's super
service station at
14801 Ventura Boulevard scheduled for tomorrow night, Earle Emlay,
formerly of New York, is making preparations to open a salad shop on
the premises, where light lunches and the finest of salads will be
served and sold to retail trade.Emlay claims to be a past master in the art of producing a delectable salad, and the new establishment will cater especially to motor parties and the hostess who wants something different for her dinner parties. The Van Nuys News, August 31, 1928, page 10 Mr. Earl Emlay, erstwhile proprietor of the Salad Shop, has given up his business here and has opened up the Emlay Grill in the McCadden Hotel, Hollywood. "Cahuenga Park--Sherman Oaks," The Van Nuys News, February 22, 1929, page 19 North 181st Street, New York City Raoul Marlo, 44, born in California, married 19 years, theatrical writer U.S. Census, enumerated April 26, 1930  Raoul Marlo / Earle Emlay, August 25, 1934 NewYorker Marlo "Third-Dimension"
Production Will Start
Raoul Marlo, executive vice-president of
Marlo
Enterprises, Inc., yesterday announced production, beginning Monday, of
a series of short cartoon films to be known as "Marlographs." Marlo
claims third-dimension perspective and elimination of unsteadiness. He
said major release is set. Marlo formerly was a radio program exec for
WABC and WOR. The Film Daily, January 19, 1938, page 9 226 East 51st Street, New York City Raoul Marlo, 50, born in California, playwright, unemployed for over a year U.S. Census, enumerated April 17, 1940 Name: Raoul Marlo Event Type: Death Event Date: 01 Feb 1945 Event Place: Los Angeles, California Birth Date: 18 Apr 1890 [sic] Birthplace: California Gender: Male Father's Name: Emlay Mother's Name: Strickland California death certificate, familysearch.org Raoul Marlo Rites Held at Burbank
BURBANK,
Feb. 3.--(UP)--Funeral services were held today for Earle Emlay, 55,
known in the radio world as Raoul Marlo, who is credited with
perfecting an ultra high-speed camera by which slow motion pictures are
made. He died Thursday at his home in Pacoima.
San Mateo Times, February 3, 1945, page 3 Last revised August 19, 2024 |
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