Variations

Refusal. On his 40th birthday last week, Charles Chaplin reiterated his refusal to appear in talkies by turning down an alleged $1,000,000 contract to make a talking picture for Producer James Cruze.

Shrew. In Hollywood, Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford made plans to appear together in an all-talking color-picture version of The Taming of the Shrew.

Balloons. All studios making sound pictures were being equipped last week with red captive balloons which, wavering above production lots, will notify aviators to keep their droning engines at least 2,500 ft. away.

Long Shots. In Washington, D. C., William Fox was given a license to use a special wavelength for recording sound-shots over long distances. A Fox company, taking a singing picture in the Fiji Islands, prepared to send their work to Hollywood by radio.

Life. Tom Mix last week agreed to quit cinema and work for the 101 Ranch Wild West Show for the rest of his career. Alleged inducement: $15,000 per week.