Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

EXHIBITORS HE R A L D 27 Regina Badet in "THE GOLDEN LOTUS" Brady International Service-World drama; five reels; published June 25 As a whole _ Gripping Story Tragic Star Attractive Support Artists Settings Elaborate Photography Beautiful Louis Mercanton, the director of "The Golden Lotus," has produced a very fine picture. The story, which is an unusually strong one, with a good plot, deals with the tragedy in the lives of some of the French aristocrats. This company certainly knows how to stage pictures. This film is full of gorgeous interiors and exteriors. Many iclever subtitles on backgrounds hinting at the psychological condition of the characters' minds are a pleasing addition. Regina Badet as Leah, the decoy and mistress of a igambling house, is magnetic and charming. Her emoitional scenes are^ exquisitely done without any overacting. Surrounding her is a clever and capable cast, including Martin Bradford, George Corday, Guy Favieres, Paul Guide. Paul Obrcy and Louise Sand. Each individual contributes convincing portrayals. This picture is a good box office attraction and a satisfying drama as a whole. A STRONG SCENE FROM "THE GOLDEN LOTVS. FEATURING REGINA BADET ( Brady International Service) The story: Leah, who is the decoy in Govanni's gambling house, lures Martin Carrell. He loses his fortune through her. Reginald Ramsay, a novelist, is also in love with Leah, but she has kept him in ignorance of her identity. He has completed his book, "The Golden Lotus," and in commemoration presents Leah with a necklace with a lotus pendant. Reginald tells his friend Robert Verney about his mysterious sweetheart anad the necklace. Leah, tired of her life of deception and intrigue, has consented to marry Reginald. But that night at Govanni's, Verney sees the necklace upon Leah and, overwhelmed by the discovery, hastens to tell Reginald. He brings Reginald to the house, and he sees his beloved leading Carrell to ruin. Carrell shoots himself, and Reginald confronts Leah and, denouncing her, leaves with his friend Verney for Africa. Time passes and Govanni tries to persuade Leah to go back with him and open another den. A report of the death of the novelist is shown to Leah, and she consents. On the way to town she is injured in an accident. The Marquis of Merricourt offers his assistance and Leah is taken into his home. The marquis falls in love with her, and Govanni tries to persuade Leah to get all the money from him that she can. She returns to do this and discloses the plot to the marquis, who gets rid of Govanni by giving him money. The marquis and Leah are married, and the marquis then tells her of the tragedy in. his son's life. Leah discovers to her horror that the son, is Reginald Ramsay, the novelist. The father believes his son to be dead. But he is not, and after many trials and tribulations he reaches Paris and his father's home only to find that the woman he had loved is his father's wife. He tells her that his father must never know who she is. Govanni comes back and tries to blackmail Leah. Leah is still in love with Reginald and tries to force herself upon him. She follows him to Paris and during her absence the marquis learns the truth from Govanni. Enraged, he goes to his son in Paris. Leah has been overcome with remorse and is returning the lotus necklace to be given to his fiancee, Verney's sister. She hears the confusion in the room and enters just in time to prevent the father from shooting his son. She hands him letters which explain the situation. Then leaving them to forgive each other, she takes the revolver with her into the next room and shoots herself. When Reginald takes the jewel case out of a pocket he discovers the note which begs forgiveness. Frederick Warde in "FIRES OF YOUTH" Thanhouser-Pathe drama; five parts; published June 17 As a whole Interesting Story Well handled Star _ .. .Excellent Support Ample Settings _ In keeping Photography Good To see Frederick Warde is to see a finished actor — an actor who is master of the art of facial expression. His work in "Fires of Youth" is excellent. The story is a strong one, well directed and should prove a good box office attraction. Perhaps the next in importance to Mr. Warde is little Helen Badgley. She is a brilliant child actress and, in the part of a little boy, does justice to her role. Jeanne Eagels, Ernest Howard and Robert Vaughan are other members of the cast. The story; The men at the factory of Durryville only have heard of Pemberton, the owner, by the name of "Iron-hearted" Pemberton. He has never appeared at the mill. Pemberton decides that he will enjoy his boyhood at the age of fifty and so retires to his Durryville mansion. The minute the men learn that he is there they plan to kill him as a punishment for the unsafe conditions under which he operates his mill. Pemberton makes the acquaintance of Billy, whose father is an employe of the mill. Through Billy, Pemberton learns of the mill's condition* and what the men think of him. Knowing his men have never seen him, Pemberton becomes an employe in his own mill. Pemberton falls in love with Billy's sister and, planning to propose marriage, Pemberton puts new furniture into his mansion and has it generally repaired. He does not go to work one day and little Billy, fearing he might lose his position, goes to the mill to do his work. While working, a boiler explodes and Billy is badly burned. Little hope is held out for Billy's recovery. The angered men decide that Pemberton must die. They draw lots. Billy's sister draws for her sweetheart and gets the fatal straw. Pemberton quickly exchanges and goes forth to slay himself. However, Billy's sister follows and, learning the truth, takes him back and after explanations are made Pemberton is allowed to live, providing he will make the mills safe, which he does. Little Billy recovers. Stillwater, Minn. — A. C. Johnson, who conducted the Majestic Theater for the past two years, has disposed of his interests to Hales Brothers.