Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1917 - Jun 1918)

□-rg-^fj— _ X H B O R H R D Leah Baird and John Mason in -MORAL SUICIDE" Graphic Film Co. drama; seven parts; published State rights As a whole Well produced Story Gripping Stars Excellent Support Very good Settings Adequate Photography Very Good "Moral Suicide," written and directed by Ivan Abramson, presents a rather unique version of the sex problem. It contains a strong moral lesson which has been handled in a discreet manner and should not give offense to the most sensitive. In less able hands the strong points of the story would have suffered. But as it was presented at the New York theatre, last week, it brought forth considerable favorable comment from the large audience. John Mason, as Richard Covington, gives a forceful, effective interpretation of the senile, weak man in his dotage who commits moral suicide by marrying a depraved woman. Anna Luther as the daughter, displays unusual ability and skill in the portrayal of the role of Beatrice, the daughter. She wore many beautiful gowns and played the part with sympathetic understanding. In the difficult role of the wanton, Leah Baird surprised her many admirers by her finished performance, and while it naturally is an unsympathetic role, her characterization was so well drawn it called forth the plaudits ot her spectators. Claire Whitney, Alan Hale, Sydney Mason, Hazel Washburn, Jack McLean and William Lampe appear in the cast, truly an all-star cast. The piece was nicely mounted and aside from an unusually long and somewhat confusing introductory paragraph as well as a disconnected closing chapter, was very well presented. The story holds one throughout and contains many big situations that make for good screen entertainment. 7 he story : Richard Covington, wealthy social leader, meets and marries Fay Hope, an adventuress, ignoring his daughter's protest that his marriage will mean moral suicide. Rodman Daniels, Beatrice's fiance returns to California from New York and asks her to name their wedding day. Beatrice, however, discovers that Fay and Rodman were once intimate. This is followed by Beatrice being ordered from home by her father, through a whim of Fay's. She is about to commit suicide when she is saved by her brother Waverly. Waverly also discovers that Fay is false to his father's trust and being mentally weak, shoots Fay. Covington drifts to New York where he finds Beatrice. There is a happy ending. Carmel Myers in " THE WINE GIRL" Bluebird drama; five parts; published March 25 As a whole Entertaining Story Intrigue Star Good Support Sufficient Settings i Fitting Photography Good A typical Carmel Myers production is "The Wine Girl," in which the actress reverts to Italian impersonation. While the picture is not out of the ordinary it is a well produced program feature. Romance intermingled with a blackhand plot combine to sustain the interest. Kenneth Harlan is again seen in support of Miss Myers and is at his best as the son of a wealthy woman -who seeks employment in a vineyard so as to have the juice of the grape for "breakfast, luncheon and dinner." 7 he story : Andrea Minghetti. owner of a vinevard and a wine manufacturer, has assumed the care of his niece, Bona, upon the death of her father. He insisted that she repay the money spent for her passage from Italy by working in his kitchen. Chico, leader of a blackhand gang, makes demands upon Andrea for money and also for his niece. In the meantime Frank Harris, a young aristocrat, has gone to work for Andrea as a lark. He persuades Bona to go to work for his mother as a cook. What is supposed to be the body of Andrea is found in a wine vat and Chico is sought for the crime. Bona is notified that she is heir to her uncle's estate and upon taking charge is again annoyed by Chico. Harris comes to the house to declare his love for Bona and is set upon by the blackhand chief. The police arrive and place Chico under arrest for the murder of Andrea and are amazed when the latter walks' in on them. He orders Bona back to the kitchen again but in the arms of Harris his order has no meaning for her. Gladys Brockwell in "THE DEVIL'S WHEEL" Fox drama; five parts; published March 17 As a whole . . . Interesting Story Enjoyable Star Pleasing Support Good Settings Faithful Photography Very good A story built around the roulette wheel and so new and interesting that it is a pleasure to watch its unfolding, is what A TENSE SCENE FROM "THE DEVIL'S WHEEL," STARRING GLADYS BROCKWELL. (Fox.) "The Devil's Wheel" has to offer. It is well directed and presented in an entertaining manner. Miss Brockwell has a good role and she handles it pleasingly. In her support appear William Scott, Lucille Young, Bertram Grassby and Fietro Buzzi. The direction is by Edward Le Saint. The story: A fall deranges the mind of Blanche and not knowing who she is she becomes an Apache. "The Stag," leader of the Apaches, loves Blanche and when he learns that an operation will restore her mind but will also bring about forgetfulness of himself and the Apaches, he makes the big sacrifice that Blanche might be happy. The doctor's theory is not altogether correct, because Blanche constantly longs for someone and when "The Stag" rescues her from the undesirable De Guise, she knows what it is. "The Stag" and Blanche marry, following the former's reformation. ^.IIIIIIIIEIIltllllllllllllHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIlIIIIIIIIIIIIIlllllllllllIIIIIIIlIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIlIlllllIllllllfllllllllllllllllllllllllltllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllflllllllltltf 1 THE "HERALD'S" REVIEW SERVICE § § The dominant aim of the reviewers on the staff of the EXHIBITORS HERALD is to supply the exhib E E itor zvith the information necessary to enable him to appreciate intelligently the production under considera = E tion — to knoiv if the picture is exceptional, if it is of standard quality, if it is suitable in theme and treatment E = to his requirements. The review department is absolutely essential to every person who books pictures. Its 5 E independence, strict impartiality and fairness guarantees an accurate estimation of every important production = E published. 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