Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

X H I B R H R D Carlyle Blackwell in "THE GOOD FOR NOTHING" World comedy-drama; five parts; published December 10 As a whole Splendid Story Interesting Star Fine Support Capable Settings Appropriate Photography Clear A production that should please all classes of audiences is "The Good For Nothing." It runs along in a light entertaining vein and holds one's interest throughout. The production is recommended for all classes and exhibitors should find it a good drawing card. Carlyle Black-' well is cast to very good advantage and is given good support by Evelyn Greeley, Muriel Ostriche, William Sherwood, Kate Lester, Eugenie Woodward and Katherine Johnston. The story is by A. A. Thomas and direction by Mr. Blackwell himself. The story: After a separation of ten years from his mother Jack Burkshaw, all around man in the general store of Caraopolis, decides to visit her. He does not receive the warm welcome he anticipated because his mother has married the aristocratic Eugene Alston and Alston's daughter and son regard the countryman as an intruder. Jack secures a position as manager of a cattle ranch in a neighboring town and Marion Alston comes to the conclusion that Jack is nicer than she thought and frequently calls upon him. While Jack is visiting his mother a necklace belonging to one of Marion's friends disappears and Jack is accused of the theft. He learns that Jerry Alston is guilty of the theft, but he does not deny the charge. Jerry is engaged to marry Laurel Baxter, but in order to shield her honor he should marry Barbara Manning. On the night before his wedding Jack kidnaps Jerry and takes him to his farm where he keeps him under guard and forces him to work. Jerry soon appreciates what Jack has done for him and consents to marry Barbara. Marion learns that Jack is innocent of the theft and turns once more to Jack. William Stowell in "FIGHTING MAD" Butterfly drama; five parts; published December 3 As a whole Poor Jtory Confused Star Fair Support Average Settings Suitable Photography Agreeable "Fighting Mad" is a western tale beginning with the days of '49 presenting William Stowell, Helen Gibson, Betty Schade and Hector Dion in the leading roles. There is plenty of incident and for the most part the story moves along swiftly. However, the plot is not sufficiently well defined at times to make the story appear convincing. Especially is this true where Mrs. Larnbert elopes with West. She is seen riding along a country road in a carriage and this might be taken to mean that she was being escorted to the station instead of running away. The direction is by E. J. Le Saint. The story: Dr. Lambert and his wife arrive in the west to give spiritual and medical help to the inhabitants of Arapaho Flats. Mrs. Lambert meets "Clean Up" West, a notorious gambler, and is persuaded to leave with him. Some time later she returns to her old home and a child is born. Lambert becomes "fighting mad" and attempts to kill West. He loses his reason and becomes a derelict. One day West and Faro Fanny, a girl of the dance hall, come to Arapaho Flats and when she finds that West is attracted by the charm of Lilly Smith, she endeavors to protect the girl. She tells Lambert Lilly is his own daughter, his mind becomes clear and the picture ends happily. Emily Stevens in "ALIAS MRS. JESSOP" Metro drama; five parts; published December 10 As a whole Average Story Melodramatic Star Poorly cast Support Fair Settings Faithful Photography Poor While "Alias Mrs. Jessop" might prove an interesting subject for lovers of melodrama, it will not be found appropriate for discriminating audiences. Miss Stevens plays a dual role, the character not being an appropriate one to display the charm and talents of this likeable star, and altogether the pro duction does not come up to the Metro standard. The photography is exceptionally poor, being hazy and indistinct. Other members of the cast are William Tooker, Lillian Paige, Howard Hall and Donald Hall. The direction is by Will S. Davis. The story: Janet and Lillian Ford, cousins, resemble each other very closely, but Janet is quite respectable and sensible, while Lillian is selfish and not quite so respectable. Lillian marries Anthony Jessop, but continues her life of gaiety and neglects her husband and boy. Disgusted, Anthony leaves the house and Lillian is called to the bedside of her dying father. The glamor of the gay white way soon distracts her attention from her father and when she receives a message to return to him she sends her cousin Janet. The father marvels at the change in his daughter and soon recovers. A cable comes to Lillian, advising her of the illness of her son, but Janet is unable to locate Lillian and so goes in her stead. The boy and the servants cannot account for the change, and when Anthony returns he is happy in his wife's devotion. Lillian learns that her husband has become an earl and returns to England, advising her cousin of her return. However, the man who had accompanied her to America returns to her and when she will not leave with him, he kills her. Anthony is told of Lillian's tragic end and he finds that he loves Janet and asks her to become his wife. Gladys Brockwell in "A BRANDED SOUL" Fox drama; five parts; published November 25 As a whole Well done Story Dramatic Star Fine Suppose Capable Settings Faithful Photography Good There is every reason to believe that motion picture audiences will enjoy "A Branded Soul." It is a well constructed dramatic feature that should appeal to followers of the silent drama. It tells a melodramatic story of Mexican oil fields that should fit in to any program very well. Gladys Brockwell does some very good work in an emotional role and is well supported by Lewis J. Cody, Colin Chase, Vivian Rich, Gloria Payton, Willard Louis, Fred Whitman and Barney Furey. The scenario was written by Franklyn Hall and the direction is by Bertram Bracken. A TENSE SCENE FROM "A BRANDED SOUL," FEATURING GLADYS BROCKWELL. (Fox.) The story: John Rannie, wealthy owner of rich oil wells, has no regard for the poor Mexicans who live happily in the neighborhood of these wells. His cruel treatment incites their enmity and Conchita Cordova goes to Rannie to plead with him. Rannie endeavors to force his attentions on her, but Conchita flees. Rannie learns that Juan, Conchita's betrothed, is a spy and while he imparts his knowledge to Conchita, the Mexicans set fire to his wells. They then take Rannie and tie him to stakes near the burning wells. Conchita hurries to the American border line and brings U. S. troops to Rannie's assistance. Conchita later realizes that she loves Rannie. The picture pleased at the Alcazar theater, Chicago, where it was shown last week. 32