Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

EXHIBITORS HERALD 25 Dorothy Phillips in "FIRES OF REBELLION" Bluebird drama; five parts; published July 2 As a whole Interesting Story _ _ Holds Star -a Excellent Support Very good Settings _ Adequate Photography _ Clear "Fires of Rebellion," a five-reel Bluebird feature written and directed by Ida May Park, presents an interesting story which, while not strikingly new in plot, should prove a fair attraction. It is the story of a poor factory girl who attempts to escape from the sordidness of her environments by going to the city, thinking therein lies her happiness. Dorothy Phillips, in the leading role, should win an audience, and William Stowell, as John Blake, is a convincing hero. The photography and direction are all that could be desired. inc story: Madge Garvey and her father are employed in a shoe factory. Madge's sister's husband is discharged by the new foreman, John Blake, and in a fight with Blake is killed. Blake falls in love with Madge and she consents to marry him. The day before the wedding she goes to New York, lured by a girl chum and a desire to get away from Sackville and its squalor. There she finds life vastly different. She poses for an artist and is invited to his apartment late one night, where he attempts to force his attentions upon her. Blake, in the meantime, helps her sister through her illness, and the family moves into the newly furnished home he had provided for his bride. Seeing a picture of Madge in a paper, in which she is scantily clad, he determines to go to the city and save her. He seeks her at the artist's apartment and rescues her as she lies fainting in the painter's arms. Blake marries her and they return home. GEORGE COWL DIRECTS ALICE BRADY IN "BETSY ROSS" IN PLACE OF VALE George Cowl now is directing "Betsy Ross," the latest Alice Brady photoplay for World Pictures, in place of Travers Vale. A fine strain of patriotic heroism runs through this drama of Colonial times, and Miss Brady in the role of the maker of the. first star spangled flag is said to be at her very best. Douglas Fairbanks in "WILD AND WOOLLY" Artcraft Pictures Corporation comedy-drama; five parts; published June 24 As a whole Thrilling Story „ Adventurous Star Daring Support „ _ Capable Settings Suitable Photography Fine The second production from the hands of the Fairbanks-Emerson-Loos trio, entitled "Wild and Woolly," transcends everything they have ever done before. The story, which was suggested by Horace B. Carpenter, has an amusing and popular theme. It deals with the widespread notion that the West still is in a primitive condition. With Anita Loos' delightful subtitles and John Emerson's artistic direction, this pair have evolved a splendid vehicle for Douglas Fairbanks. There are many new and exciting situations, also bucking bronchos, rope twirling, real cowboys, shooting and desperadoes. The scenes, which are laid in New York, California and Arizona, were filmed in the actual atmosphere. In the charming ingenue Eileen Percy, Mr. Fairbanks has found a delightful recipient for his picture affections. This is a real Fairbanks picture, and every foot of it radiates with his magnetic personality. Exhibitors should find this film a good attraction. The cast includes Walter Bytell, Joseph Singleton, Calvin Carter, Forest Seabury, J. W. Jones, Charles Stevens, Sam De Grasse and Tom Wilson. The story: Jeff Hillington, son of a millionaire railroad magnate, tires of the East and longs for the wild and woolly West. He has his living apartments and office fixed up in the accepted Western style. His idea of the West has been gleaned from dime novels. A delegation from Bitter Creek come to New York to interest some financier in backing the building of a spur road. They go to Mr. Hillington and explain their proposition. He sends Jeff out to investigate. The citizens of the town, realizing that a favorable report from Jeff is necessary, decide to live up to his idea of a Western town. They plan a program to be carried out, consisting of a wild reception, a regular barroom dance and a train holdup. Steve Shelby, a grafting Indian agent, knowing that he is about to be caught by the government, decides to "turn one more trick" and escape across the border. So he enters willingly into the plan to hold up the train to amuse Jeff. But things go wrong with the schemers, and events happen in earnest. Jeff has fallen in love with Nell Larrabee. Nell is kidnaped by Shelby. The entire crowd is kept in the dance hall, surrounded by howling Indians. Jeff's revolver had been loaded with blanks. The situation is explained to Jeff, who by superhuman efforts presenting many typical Fairbanks surprises, rounds up the band of Indians, rescues the girl, completely foils Steve, and becomes the hero of the hour, finally marrying "Little Nell." House Peters in "THE HEIR OF THE AGES" Pallas-Paramount drama; five parts; published June 21 As a whole Unusual feature Story _ Novel Star Convincing Support — Very good Settings Excellent Photography _ Clear The first reel of "The Heir of the Ages" is a prologue introducing prehistoric characters and suggesting the influence they had on men of today. House Peters, Nina Byron and Eugene Pallette play the principal roles in the prologue as well as in the modern story. The modern