Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

15Le__x H I B I R H R D Irene Castle in "SYLVIA OF THE SECRET SERVICE" Astra-Pathe drama; six parts; published December 25 As a whole Interesting Story Average Star Go^d Support Sufficient Seltn gs Luxurous Photography Clear One of the big surprises of this picture is the well staged rough and tumble fight between the diaphanous Irene and a crook. The surprise was occasioned by the fact that Mrs. Castle came out whole. The picture deals with the theft of the Kimberly diamond, destined for the crown of the King of England. Mrs. Castle handles the role of Sylvia Carroll, of the secret service very well, although the bungling crooks practically arrest themselves. The character of Heming "of Scotland Yard" is a most impossible one and is a libel on that famous band of crook catchers. The story: Curtiss Prescott, a young American, is in the employ of Van Brun, a diamond merchant of Holland. To Prescott the merchant entrusts the delivery of the Kimberly diamond to England. Once on the English channel Prescott gives the diamond to the purser for safe keeping. Sylvia boards the ship and makes known to the purser the presence of the "Wade" gang. She surprises Wade in the act of blowing open the safe and he is put in irons. The recovered diamond proves to be a fake and other members of the gang steal the real stone from Prescott. Heming of Scotland Yard makes his appearance at this point and arrests Prescott for the murder of Van Brunn. The scene then shifts to America. Prescott locates Sylvia and informs her of his escape. She continues work on the case, although hampered at every turn by Heming, and finally locates the gang only to be informed by Heming of her dismissal from the service. He makes the raid himself, but the crooks escape. Sylvia again finds the culprits, raids a cafe, captures the thieves and recovers the diamond. She unselfishly shares the glory with Heming and departs with Prescott, leaving the Scotland Yard man a ball of yarn as a memento of the case. Jack Pickford in "TOM SAWYER" Paramount comedy drama; five parts; published December 16 As a whole Entertaining S'ory Humorous Star Splendid Support Adequate , Settings In keeping Photography Good No doubt the majority of picture patrons are familiar with Mark Twain's Mississippi river tale, and to see one of his works screened and the leading role interpreted by Jack Pickford should be sufficient for most picture devotees. It is a successful laugh provoker and well done. The members of the supporting cast carried out the spirit of the story very well. The story: Tom Sawyer, who lives with his Aunt Polly and his stepsister and stepbrother, is the worry of his aunt s life. He is always getting into mischief and never conducting himself in the manner in which his aunt Polly believes he should. One day he and two other boys of the village decide to get away from their cruel life of having to go to school, washing their faces and various other civilized customs, so they become pirates. After they have crossed the river, their raft floats away. Fishermen find the floating raft and believe the boys have been drowned. There is great mourning and Tom, stealing in the house at night, learns that funeral services will be held for them on Sunday morning. In the midst of the ceremony the boys return and there is general rejoicing. Ella Hall in "MY LITTLE BOY" Bluebird drama; five parts; published December 17 As a whole Good Story Appealing Star Likeable Support Ample Settings Appropriate Photography Clear "My Little Boy" is an interesting and well done production. Its biggest success will undoubtedly come during the holiday season as it is a typical Christmas story. Ella Hall, Zoe Rae and Emory Johnson play the leading roles and are offered good support in Gretchen Lederer, Winter Hall and Harry Holden. The direction is by Rupert Julian, who can, as a rule, be relied upon to turn out a good picture. The story is by Elliott J. Clawson. The story: Although Uncle Oliver strenuously objects to it his nephew, Fred, marries Clara. After an estrangement of six years Fred invites his Uncle Oliver to pay them a visit and see his little boy. Uncle Oliver, a modern Scrooge, comes and is very moody and mean. That night he dreams that they go hunting and an accidental shot strikes little Paul. They bring the child home and he dies. This separates Fred and Clara and they plan to obtain a divorce. However, Uncle Oliver brings them together and just as they have become reconciled uncle wakes up. He rushes downstairs to wish them all a Merry Christmas and there is general rejoicing. Edna Goodrich in "AMERICAN MAID" Mutual drama; five parts; published December 3 As a whole Excellent Story Good Star Well cast Support Sufficient S-tt ngs Good Photography Fine Edna Goodrich and a good production should mean big box office returns for exhibitors. And there is no doubt but that spectators will enjoy "American Maid," because the story is not only interesting and appealing, but the theme is SCENE FROM "AMERICAN MAID," FEATURING EDNA GOODRICH (Mutual.) timely and should be warmly received everywhere. Miss Goodrich does some of her best work in this photoplay and she is well supported by William D. Davidson, John Hopkins and George Henery. The direction is by Albert Capellani. The story: Without knowing who she is David Starr, a convalescing soldier, falls in love with his nurse. He is discharged from service and returns to America, where he learns that the woman he loves is the daughter of the millionaire senator, Lee. He appreciates the marked difference in their social positions and goes west, determined to make some money. He stakes a claim and before he can register it it is stolen by Sam Benson, superintendent of the min^s belonging to Mr. Lee. Much of the gold is stolen from the mine and the senator and his daughter go west, determined to capture the bandit known as "Lonesome." Virginia comes upon Starr in a cabin and he tells her the story of the stolen mine and of his being branded a bandit. Virginia is successful in gathering incriminating evidence against Benson and she and Starr are married. FOX CHANGES TITLE OF FILM A change has been made in the title of Jewel Carmen's first starring vehicle for William Fox. The drama will be called "The Kingdom of Love." Frank Lloyd is directing it. 31