Exhibitors Herald (Mar-Apr 1924)

52 EXHIBITORS HERALD March 29, 1924 j)IGESr^HCIllBES°(fcMK] LIFE for the exhibitor is comparatively easy when he has plenty of big pictures from which to choose. Two films reviewed in this week's issue of The Herald — "Why Men Leave Home," and "Women Who Give" — especially the former, are immensely entertaining and will prove satisfying attractions. Business in the central west has been good, according to reports from our readers, and they attribute the steady attendance to good pictures. "WOMEN WHO GIVE" (Metro) with Frank Keenan, Barbara Bedford, Renee Adoree and others is one of the strongest sea pictures that has been offered in some time. It is beautifully photographed, well directed and intelligently acted. It is the story of two romances between poor and well-to-do families, with a vein of comedy running through it that is delicious. "THE HILL BILLY" (Allied P. & D.) starring Jack Pickford, contains strong heart interest and should prove an excellent attraction for any theatre. It is a story of the Kentucky mountains adapted from John Fox, Jr.'s novel. Lucille Ricksen, Frank Leigh, Snitz Edwards and others are in the cast. "THE ARIZONA EXPRESS" (Fox) adapted from a Lincoln J. Carter stage play, with Pauline Starke, Harold Goodwin, David Butler and other wellknown players in the principal roles. It is a typical thrill melodrama containing jail deliveries, train wrecks, floods, etc. Seven reels in length. "EXCITEMENT" (Universal) is Laura LaPlante's first starring vehicle and she fully establishes herself as a star in this light little farce. The story concerns a young lady who chooses a novel manner of selecting a husband and the interest is never allowed to lag while Miss LaPlante is on the screen. Robert H. Hill directed. "THE VAGABOND TRAIL" (Fox) a Western tale, about a man who searches for his lost brother. It has its exciting moments but it needs a bit of humor to brighten it up. Marian Nixon is the feminine lead with Charles Jones starred. Not the best of Mr. Jones' vehicles. "THE STRANGER OF THE NORTH" (Security) has good entertainment value. It is a story of Nova Scotia, directed by John Noble with a well balanced cast including Charles Graham, Richard Travers, Ruth Dwyer and others. It is good comedy-drama. "FLOODGATES" (Lowell Productions) is replete with heart punches and thrills and should therefore prove an excellent box-office attraction. It is an original story written by L. Case Russell and there are many pleasing small town types in the story. John Lowell has the leading role. It was directed by George Irving. "WHY MEN LEAVE HOME" (First National) is a thoroughly enjoyable little modern domestic problem play, with Lewis Stone, Helene Chadwick, Alma Bennett, Mary Alden and William V. Mong in it. Louis B. Mayer made it and John Stahl directed. A delicious little play, well acted. "HAPPINESS" (Metro) an adapted J. Hartley Manners' play, with Laurette Taylor in the leading role. It is pleasing though not distinctive entertainment, with Miss Taylor occupying most of the picture. King Vidor directed. Pat O'Malley gives an excellent performance as an inventive electrician. "THE GALLOPING FISH" (First National) is a five reel farce comedy, based on one of Frank R. Adams' stories. Sidney Chaplin, Louise Fazenda and others get about all the fun out of the comedy that there is in it and for lovers of farce it will serve every purpose. Del Andrews directed. J. R. M. Laurette Taylor and Pat O'Malley in two scenes from the Metro production, "Happiness," written by J. Hartley Manners.