Motion Picture News (Apr-Jul 1915)

June 5, 1915. MOTION PICTURE NEWS 67 "STOLEN GOODS" (Lasky-Paramount — Five Reels) REVIEWED BY PETER MILNE WHATEVER appeal this drama contains is due largely to the star of the picture, Blanche Sweet. While rendering a peculiarly unanimated performance in the role of Margery Huntley, she successfully brings out the sympathy and pathos of the character. For this reason, if no other, the story will awaken keen interest. In reference to locale, the story embraces both sides of the globe. Starting in New York, the scene shifts to Belgium and then back to America, in California. Those scenes which are laid in Belgium, in and around the hospital, are noticeable for their realism. No little fighting is shown, while an extremely large number of bombs are continually bursting in the air, creating a most natural effect. Dirigibles floating in the air are exhibited on the screen once THE FRENCH AND BELGIANS LEAVE THE CITY or twice. While they can safely be classed as products of the property man's brain, these scenes are good. The photography and light effects are excellent here and all through the picture. The support furnished Miss Sweet is not of the usual Lasky standard, especially in regard to certain minor parts. However, the named cast gives performances of consistent merit. Geo Ridgeley appears as Helen North, the kleptomaniac; House Peters as the American Red Cross surgeon ; and Sydney Deane as Mr. North ; Theodore Roberts and H. B. Carpenter are cast as foreign army surgeons, but appear in only a few scenes. Previous to the European War, Margery has been arrested for stealing, through the conniving of Helen, a guilty kleptomaniac. Having served her prison term, Margery goes to Belgium as a nurse. One day, among the refugees that come to the hospital, Margery recognizes Helen. A bomb bursts near the hospital and rhatters part of it. Margery believes that Helen has been killed, and soon afterwards returns to America, to take her place in the family of a guardian whom Helen had never seen. Things run along smoothly for a time after this. Margery meets the physician with whom she was associated in Belgium. But on the day that he proposes Helen returns to claim her rightful place. However, the doctor, being a broadminded gentleman, his discovery of the girl's deceit makes little difference to him. In dramatic construction the story is pleasing, but at times neglectful in the matter of the observance of small details. Margaret Turnbull is the author, while George Melford directed the production. |.tinlimininn niiiiniimpii mini mi n mum iniiiiiiiiiimiiifliiiiiimniiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiinniiiiiiini mini inn imiiimim<| IN AND OUT OF TOWN |bmum|||ffllllUI|M HARRY R. RAVER is back from Cuba, where he directed the opening of "Cabiria." Joe Farnham and Phil Klein are due back soon. They were scheduled to sail from England May 26 on the Philadelphia. "THE BUILDER OF BRIDGES" (Frohman-World — Five Reels) REVIEWED BY PETER MILNE THE work of authors of recognized ability, whether or not the theme is of an unconventional nature at the present time, is noticeably pleasing to witness when transferred to the screen. Take the case here, "The Builder of Bridges." This drama was penned by Alfred Sutro, whose plays have reached immeasurable success both on the stage and film. The subject combines most pleasing and admirable construction with a theme, which has had the good fortune not to be overworked by scenario writers of the present day. One can pick a number of instances during the development of the plot that in customary pictures appear exaggerated. For instance, the weak-willed clerk's act of stealing, and Thursfield's denunciation of his fiancee, are well "motivated" and realistic occurrences, whereas these very events often appear forced, if not introduced in the correct manner. The story is based on a girl's self-sacrifice for her brother. Arnold is employed in the office of a bridge contracting company. He embezzles a large sum and is unable to return it. Dorothy, his sister, learning of his predicament, goes to the builder of bridges intending to plead with him. He, Thursfield, falls in love with' her. Later he discovers her brother's crime and willingly covers up the deficit from his own pocket. Subsequently he discovers that this is all the girl desired at first and he leaves her. But later both realize their true love for each other and the picture closes happily. C. Aubrey Smith appears in the title role. His performance is most pleasing throughout. We would like to have seen more of him, as before the last two reels he has few scenes in which to display his ability. The girl is Marie Edith Wells, who makes a very pretty and appealing figure. Jack Sherill, as her brother, overacts, all his scenes calling for heavy emotional performances. Miss Kate Meek, G. W. Anson and Edward Mawson have important parts. The direction of the picture, handled by George Irving, is praiseworthy. The settings and photography are fine. The bridge construction scene and again the office scenes are noticeable for SHE RESENTS THURSFIELD'S PRESENCE their realism. The detail is not to be criticized except for the fact that evening papers are not usually read at the breakfast table. The Frohman Amusement Corporation have produced a worthy successor to "The Fairy and the Waif." BALBOA HEAD CONFERS WITH COBE ANDREW J. COBE, president of Alliance, and H. M. Horkheimcr, the president of the Balboa Amusement Producing Company, who arrived in New York recently from the Pacific Coast, have held a number of conferences to determine the subjects to be made by the Balboa company for release on the Alliance program. Mr. Horkheimcr was gratified with the reception that "Beulah" was accorded in every part of the country.