Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

E X H I B R H R D Charlotte in "FROZEN WARNING" Commonwealth Pictures Corp. Drama in Six Parts. The initial appearance of Charlotte in a semi-war drama produced by the Commonwealth Pictures Corp., proved to be a most agreeable surprise, and motion picture devotees will hail her as a most captivating and capable acquisition to the screen. She photographs particularly well and was far less obvious to the fact that she was working before the camera than most of her supporting cast, who were well seasoned to the work. Charlotte displayed her wonderful grace and skill as "Queen of the Ice," although this scene was incidental to the plot. In several scenes Charlotte also displayed considerable skill as an equestrienne and as a swimmer and convinced spectators that she was equal to the task of playing most any part for which she might be called upon. As regards the play, it was of the patriotic order and the story was carried out so well that this made up for any short-comings there may have been by the interpolation of unnecessaary scenes. When the picture is cut and given a few catchy sub-titles there is no reason why it should not stand as one of the big money makers of the season. The story centers around the adventures of Charlotte Hayworth, whose knowledge of wireless telegraphy enables her to identify German spies, and in several thrilling and cleverly played scenes thwart their plans to get away with a sub-sea gun invented by Robert Vane, her sweetheart. The plot is logical and for the most part clear. Several commu-nications exchanged by the spies are dissolved into warnings against the girl's suspicious interest. Jack Meredith, as the hero, is satisfactory. Others in the cast are J. Courtlandt Van Dusen, Ralph Johnson and Seymour Rose. Harold Lockwood in "THE SQUARE DECEIVER" Yorke-Metro comedy-drama; five parts; published December 3 As a whole Entertaining Story Enjoyable Star Excellent Support Capable Settings Faithful Photography Good "The Square Deceiver" should afford any audience an evening's pleasant entertainment. The story is enjoyable and under the capable direction of Fred J. Balshofer proves to be a production of merit and one that exhibitors can feel assured will please patrons. Harold Lockwood is excellent in the leading role and knows how to put comedy into his acting without overdoing it. Pauline Curley affords him the best support he has had recently. Other members of the supporting cast proved themselves capable of handling their various parts. The story: Beatrice lives with her over-ambitious aunt, cousin and uncle and is considered pretty much a burden by her aunt and cousin. She is sent to find a chauffeur, meets the wealthy Billy Van Dyke and believing him to be a chauffeur, hires him. Because she is the only girl for Bill}' he accepts the position'. The abuse Beatrice receives awakens the sympathy of Billy and he asks her to marry him and Beatrice accepts. Billy tells his sister of his approaching marriage and she believes the girl is marrying Billy for his money. However, when she is convinced of Beatrice's sincerity the wedding proceeds. When Beatrice learns of her husband's wealth she is quite as astonished as is her aunt and cousin. The picture was well received at the Boston Theatre, Chicago. William S. Hart in "THE SILENT MAN" Artcraft drama; five parts; published November 26 As a whole Exciting Story Western Star As usual Support -. Sufficient Settings Suitable Photography Good The general plots of all William S. Hart stories are, as a rule, the same and for audiences whose tastes run along these lines "The Silent Man" should prove interesting as it is even better than some of the previous publications. Mr. Hart does the usual amount of shooting, rescuing and finally marries the girl he saves. Vola Vale, appearing opposite Mr. Hart, offers poor support. The balance of the cast is good. The manner in which Artcraft has handled the parson's swearing is novel and entertaining: the exterior settings are well chosen and the photography is good. The story: "Silent Bud" Marr comes to the town of Bakeoven to spend some of the gold for which he has labored so hard. Through "Handsome" Jack Pressley he gets into a tight, and as a result is confined to his bed for a couple of weeks during which time his claim is stolen. All efforts to regain his property prove unsuccessful and when he finds the claim jumpers loading their loot onto the stage he holds it up, at the same time rescuing a young girl, whom Pressley, under the pretense of marriage, is taking to work in his dance hall. When the girl learns the true nature of Pressley she is thankful to "Bud" and soon falls in love with him. A stranger known as uncle Grubstake, has become friendly with Bud and Betty's brother and when the villagers attempt to hang "Bud" for robbing the coach, Grubstake reveals his true identity — that of a federal agent — and with full evidence against Pressley and his gang he has them arrested. And Bud and Betty are thus made happy. The picture ran one week at the Ziegfeld Theatre, Chicago. Winifred Allen in "FOR VALOUR" Triangle drama; five parts; published November 25 As a whole Interesting Story Appealing Star Very good Support Agreeable Settings Faithful Photography Good "For Valour," though adding one more war drama to the already long list, brings a story that is humanly appealing and one that should arouse interest and sympathy in spectators. The story is timely and touches upon the weak and strong points of human nature in a realistic fashion. It has been carefully produced under the direction of Alan Dwan and stars Winifred Allen, ably supported by Richard Barthelmess, Mabel Ballin and Henry Weaver. The story: Henry Nobbs, ashamed of his shabby home, leaves unmindful of the many sacrifices his sister has made to help him. He is engaged to Alice, a stenographer in the office where he is employed, and is desirous of getting married. His funds, however, are low. He gambles with the firm's money, loses and goes to Melia for assistance. The sister endeavors to borrow the money, but being disgusted with the repulsive offer made her by the man she steals it and gives it to her brother, exacting a promise that he will enlist. He enlists and on the field in France wins a medal for bravery. Melia is arrested for the theft of the money and, being ill, is sent to the police hospital, where she is visited by her brother upon his return from France. The sight of Henry and the proof of his bravery gives Melia final peace. Ruth Clifford and Monroe Salisbury in "THE DOOR BETWEEN" Bluebird drama; five parts; published December 10 As a whole Entertaining Story Fine Stars Very good Support Adequate Settings Suitable Photography Good "The Door Between" is a good Bluebird production. The feature is an adaptation from "Anthony the Absolute" and those who have read the story will undoubtedly be charmed with this company's screen version. Those not familiar with the original story will find it interesting, although it will perhaps require more concentration on the plot. Exhibitors will find "The Door Between" an excellent box office attraction. Monroe Salisbury, Ruth Clifford and George A. Daniels do some very good acting as do other members of the cast. The direction is by Rupert Julian. The story: Anthony Eckhart, a scientist making a study of Oriental music, meets Heloise Crocker, who in singing registers a perfect D. Anthony asks her to sing Oriental folk songs into his phonograph and a warm friendship springs up between them. Anthony tells Heloise of his love and she tells him that she is already married. Anthony then recalls Archibald Crocker, whom he had met and who said he was on the trail of his wife and the man who eloped wtih her, intending to kill them. Anthony goes to Archibald and asks him to release his wife. Archibald postpones his answer for an hour and goes to the hotel with a knife. Anthony will not permit him to go to Heloise's rooms and in the struggle Archibald's leg is broken. He is taken to the hospital and on the way stabs himself. The news is a shock to Anthony and Heloise. However, as time passes, they find happiness. 26