Exhibitors Herald (Mar-Apr 1924)

March 29, 1924 EXHIBITORS HERALD 53 REVIEWS Thrilling Melodrama Will Please Audiences "FLOODGATES," a state right attraction made by Lowell Productions, starring John Lowell in a clever story by L. Case Russell, directed by George Irving, photographed by Joseph Settle. Seven reels. When John Russell produced "Ten Nights in a Bar Room" for the independent market he gave the state right field its biggest money making attraction of the year. His newest production, which is based on a subject which has been the cause of many bitter battles, both legal and otherwise, will undoubtedly prove as good if not a better feature for the box offices as did his picturization of the old-time classic. "Floodgates," which is from an original story by L. Case Russell, is a tensely interesting and logical picture tale of the lumber country and the fight for their lands which are threatened by a power company's greed for water power. That the author gave much study to the subject is evidenced by naturalness of the action and the excellent characterizations of the people used in the cast. Aside from the principals there are many types that can only be found in the small towns of the lumber country. As the rugged lumberman, inherently honest and looked upon as a leader in the community, John Lowell gives a thoroughly convincing performance. His supporting cast, which includes Jane Thomas, Evangeline Russell and Ivy Ward, all of whom were with him in "Ten Nights In a Barroom," and "Lost In a Big City," give excellent portrayals of the parts in which they are cast. Tbe direction, which is by George Irving, is exceedingly well handled, the interest is speedily and skilfully developed and the thrilling sequences follow each other smoothly and logically. The photography is of an unusually high order and the settings are worthy of comment. While there are many thrilling scenes the big punch comes when a crowd of land owners, discovering they have been cheated out of their holdings by the representatives of the power company, blow up the dam. In this they are led by Dave Trask (John Lowell), who goes to what looks like almost certain death in rescuing his crippled child and the son of the villain as the latter's home is washed away by the rushing waters. Through all the battling by the land owners for their rights and the power company to gain possession of the coveted land there is a charming love story, the principals of which are the sister of Trask, played by Evangeline Russell, and the son of the villain, played by F. S. Keating. As in all good melodramas a happy ending is provided and the young lovers, after many tribulations, are happily united for the final fadeout. The Cast: John Lowell, Evangeline Russell, Jane Thomas, Ivy Ward, William Calhoun, F. S. Keating. William Kavenaugh, Frank Montgomery, J. N. Bradt, Homer Lind, Arthur Ludwig, Hap Hadlcy. Bedroom Farce Has a Few Laughs "GALLOPING FISH" First National attraction, produced by Thomas H. Ince, with Sidney Chaplin and special cast. Written by Frank R. Adams. Max Dupont cameraman. Directed by Del Andrews. Five reels. Frank Adams' story "Friend Wife," which appeared in a popular magazine, made good ' reading. It was humorous and well planned but as is so often the case when transferred to the screen the humorous situations have apparently lost their tang and "The Galloping Fish" isn't near as funny as "Her Temporary Husband," a companion piece recently published by First National. The main idea, that of a distraught nephew introducing a strange lady to his uncle as his own wife, to gain the uncle's favor while temporarily estranged from his spouse, isn't new to pictures. It has been the backbone of comedies since they first started to make them, hence its lack of originality in this respect robs it of some of its value. However, there is enough good, clean fun, action, and near the end, thrills to satisfy any lovers of comedy. You'll enjoy the antics of Sidney Chaplin as Freddy Wetherill, the young husband and of Louise Fazenda, as Undine, the vaudeville performer and owner of a trained seal. Chester Conklin was extremely funny as the taxi driver and Lucille Ricksen as Hyla Wetherill, the perlexed wife. "Freddy" the seal was a real surprise as a motion picture actor and the way he tumbled in and out of cabs, ran up and down stairs and followed Chaplin about was a revelation. A flood scene at the finish added zest to the tale and furnished a punch. The story tells of Undine, a diving Venus in Vaudeville, who owns a trained seal Freddy. A process server attempts to take the seal for an unpaid hotel bill and Freddy Wetherill is asked to take the seal home to save it from the sheriff. When asked to visit his uncle's house Freddy, who is temporarily separated from his wife, takes Undine and introduces her as Mrs. Wetherill, and Undine's sweetheart, as his man servant. The arrival of Freddy's wife complicates matters, and the rising flood submerges all including the seal. The Cast: Undine, Louise Fazenda; Freddy Wetherill, Sidney Chaplin; George Fitzgerald, Ford Sterling; Jonah, Chester Conklin; Hyla Wetherill, Lucille Ricksen; Cato Dodd, John Steppling; "Freddie," the seal, By Himself. Miss Taylor Pleasing But Greatly Overacts "HAPPINESS." Metro production, starring Laurette Taylor. Written by J. Hartley Manners and adapted from stage play. Directed by King Vidor. Eight reels. On the strength of the title and the popularity of the stage play, in which Miss Taylor starred, this little comedydrama, based on quite an ordinary theme will doubtless please the majority. It gives the gifted stage star an opportunity to be her own vivacious self and the story — which is the "Pollyanna" type — will be found clean entertainment devoid of any sensational angles. It consists of a series of incidents in the life of a shop girl who is given an opportunity to rise above the eight dollar a week class and through her spreading happiness as she goes along, gains success. In the role of Jenny Wreay, Miss Taylor is in almost every scene and it is entirely due to her efforts that the screen play is the pleasing feature it is. At times she is inclined to overact, with soft pats here and there and a tiresome handkerchief incident in the early footage. Pat O'Malley saves the picture from the male angle. He is cast as an ambitious inventor and electrician, who finally persuades Jenny to marry him. Hedda Hopper scored in the role of Mrs. Pole, the wealthy lady who befriended Jenny. Cyril Chadwick was dull as Philip Chandos, friend of Mrs. Pole. Edith Yorke played Mrs. Wreay indifferently. It was well staged and well photographed. In advertising it stress the popularity of Laurette Taylor and that this is one of her outstanding stage successes. The Cast: Laurette Taylor, Pat O'Malley, Hedda Hopper, Cyril Chadwick, Edith Yorke, Lawrence Grant, Patterson Dial. Langdon Looks Like a Comer "SMILE PLEASE," a MackSennett Pathe comedy in two reels, featuring Harry Langdon. Harry Langdon, who is absurdly deliberate in the nonsense known as "Smile Please," looks like another Sennett find. He has a way of his own, which is what it seems to take to make a comedian, and he gets a great deal more out of the present script than really is in it. The reels narrate the ridiculous incidents attendant upon the courtship, marriage and subsequent misfortunes of a photographer whose wife's beauty and charm is almost outbalanced by the woes her numerous and dumb family inflicts. Much of the action is dipped from the brimming Sennett barrel of seasoned hokum, but it always was good and, as presented, still is.