Motion Picture News (Jul-Oct 1915)

128 MOTION PICTURE NEWS Vol. 12. No. 12. "Never Again." (Kay-Bee. Wed., Sept. 22.) — We have in this a rather tense and active comedy. A society girl, invited to a week end in a Catskill camp, misses her train, and arrives later, to find the station deserted. She walks to the camp, where everybody has retired, and in trying to get in, is mistaken for a burglar, and fired at. She escapes and flees back to the station, arriving there coincidently with a bear who is pursued by hunters. Climbing to the station roof, she vows never again to leave the city. Leona Hutton, Harry Keenan, Jack Hamilton and Virginia Philly are in the cast. "It Was Like This." (American. Sat., Sept. 24.) — Adams is hoping for a son on the same night that "Spider" Barlow plans to rob the Adams' house. "Spider" climbs in, but is cornered bv the maid. Adams comes in and explains the need for quiet, and leaves the maid on guard with a gun. The burglar takes the gun away from her, gags her, and rifles the house. When the doctor comes the crook admits him, and removing the maid's gag long enough to kiss her several times, he departs in the doctor's limousine with the doctor's coat and bag. Edward Coxen and Winnifred Greenwood are excellent in their interpretations of the leading roles. They are supported by George Field, Lizette Thorne and Robert Klein. "Cats, Cash and a Cook Book." (Beauty. Thurs., Sept. 25.)— Through his wife's extravagance. Jeremiah Brown, a broker, needs $5,000 to tide him over a crisis. He asks his Aunt Clarinda for the money, but she has just endowed a home for stray cats. She promises to visit him and bring a jewel of great price. _ This gem turns out to be a cook book. Hearing of the jewel, a burglar tries to find it, but Aunt Clarinda captures him and gets the $5,000 reward, which she gives to her nephew. John Stepling, Bessie Banks, Nan Christy and Dick Rosson all contribute to the fun of the comedy. "Merely Players." (Reliance. Two reels. Sun., Sept 26 ) — A rambling plot which arrives nowhere in particular, and gets there late, is the feature of this comedy. A stranded theatrical troupe decides to stage a "fake" holdup of its leading lady, for the sake of publicity. The holdup is spoiled by a village swain, who adores Miss Limelight, and is not in . the publicity secret. The village editor refuses to print the story, as agreed, unless the actress completes her rescue by marrying the swain. This she does, and immediately after is wired that a booking has been obtained for her in a New York theatre. She brings her husband along, and he is engaged for another part, that of protecting the heroine^ from the advances of the villain. As the villain is the man who obtained the booking for the actress, the husband has some real protecting to do lhe cast includes "Billie" West, Charles West, Frank Bennett, Howard Gaye, Harry Moody and Wilbur Higby. "The Treasure Box." (Cub. Fri., Sept. 24.)— Terrv again has an active afternoon beginning with the discovery of a roll of bills and a reward of a quarter from the grateful owner. He tries to spend the quarter in a restaurant, but it is stolen, and he has to make a run for it. Hiding under a cafe table, he hears the plans of two blackmailers. The blackmailers, routed by the police throw their infernal machine under the table, and Jerrv seizes it. Later he is taken home by Colonel Biff, and put to work. The machine explodes, clearing the stage effectually. When the dun settles Terry is seen hanging from a chandelier. Assisting George Ovey m the cast are Louis Fitzroy, Janet Sully, Goldie Colwell, Gordon MacGregor, Jefferson Osborne and Ray Lincoln. "The Woman, the Lion and the Man." (Centaur. Two reels. Thurs.. Sept. 23.) — Extended review of this picture will appear in the issue of Oct. 2. PATHE EXCHANGE INC. "Neal of the Navy," No. 4. (Panama-Pathe.) —In this episode, entitled "The Tatter*ed Parchment," we have Annette (Lillian Lorraine) rescued from her burning home and in the power of Hernandez and his fellow conspirators. A detachment of U. S. Marines appears and rescues Annette, chasing Hernandez to the roof of the Lonesome Cove Inn. By one of the most thrilling and sensational jumps ever reproduced by the camera, he escapes, and makes his way to the shore, where he and his companions get away in a motor boat. William Courtleigh, Jr., as Neal, Ed. Brady and Henry Stanley are also in the cast. "Toilers of the Sea." (Pathe. Three reels.)— This is a dramatic story of love in a fishing village, which not only triumphed, but healed old sores, and ended a feud of years' standing. It has the charm of the salt air tang, and the characters are real, and the story logical. The cast, composed of Gordon Sackville, Dorothy Daven port, Fred Whitman, Philo McCollough and Joyce Moore, is capable and convincing. Mildred Bruce is in love with George Scott, but the two families are at swords points, and the wedding is forbidden. Bruce desires that his daughter shall marry Capt. Dennison, and the latter conspires to make young Scott appear a thief. He is arresed, but released on bail, and, with his mother, kidnaps and marries Mildred. They return for forgiveness, but the elder Bruce will not relent, until he meets Scott, his ancient enemy, on the beach, where the old feud is patched up. "Jocko the Lovesick Monk." (Pathe. Split Reel.) — This is a ludicrous cartoon comedy. The Pathe people announce that they even laughed at it themselves, and they had two excellent reasons : it is really funny, and looks like a moneygetter. It is by J. R. Bray, and on the same reel is Part Seven .of "An Intimate Study of Birds," showing carrier pigeons in flight, and in races. "Pathe News," No. 72. (Pathe.) — New second level tracks built over Ninth Avenue "L" railroad, New York ; relaying the famous steps to the Capitol at Washington ; world's bicycle championship' races at Newark ; steamship rammed and partially sunk at Seattle pier ; features of horse show at Rochester, N. Y. ; classic barefoot dances by social leaders at Los Angeles ; Pathe American fashions; Cartoon — Dr. Worsen Plumber concocts a new explosive. UNIVERSAL PROGRAM Animated Weekly, No. 184. (Wed., Sept. 15.) — Ex-Governor Slaton of Georgia at Universal City ; the new national golf champion, Robert A. Gardner; Cardinal Gibbons leaing the White House after a conference with President Wilson ; the surviors from the S. S. Arabic reach Queenstown ; Italians departing for the war from Brooklyn, N. Y. ; W. M. Johnston, the new national tennis champion, and Hy Mayer's cartoons are the most interesting events in this number. There are others, however, whic!h make the entire reel very entertaining. "Under Southern Skies." (Broadway Universal Feature. Five reels. Mon., Sept. 20.) — Reviewed at length in issue of August 28. "It Almost Happened." (Nestor. _ Mon., Sept. 20.) — A four-cornered comedy laid in that convenient motion picture stage, the summer hotel. Both husbands and both wives are extremely jealous. Compromising positions are manufactured from innocent tete-a-tetes until finally they all get together and effect a reconciliation. It's quite a funny picture, although easily surmisable from the very first scenes. Lee Moran, Neal Burns and Billie Rhodes are the leads. "The Tenor." (Gold Seal. Three reels. Tues.. Sept. 21.) — This is a strong drama of unusual merit in practically every respect. It was written by F. McGrew Willis and produced by Leon Kent. Hobart Henley is featured in a dual role, a physician and a singer, twin brothers. The physician's wife drives him to drug by her extravagant demands. They separate and immediately the woman entrances the singer, but the ruined husband lays bare her true character to his brother and causes him to return to the girl he really loves. Gretchen Lederer and Carmen Phillips appear to good advantage in their respective roles of the extravagant wife and the singer's helpmate. The three reels offer a wide variety of scenes from Italy's pretty country to the opera house in an American metropolis. Everything is good about the direction save for the appearance of a most plainly artificial back-drop. "His —This turning house, Lessey oughly theme, as the others Home Coming." (Imp. Tues., Sept. 21.) is the familiar story of the husband reto find another family occupying his his wife having moved next door. George wrote and produced it, making a thorenjoyable comedy from the hackneyed King Baggot, always a favorite, is cast husband, Marie Wierman is his wife, while are Ned Reardon and Miss Spencer. "A Scandal in the Family." (L-Ko. Two reels. Wed., Sept. 22.) — Several_ lovers, several sweethearts and several combats in ' this two-reel slapstick number. Contained in the cast are Hank Mann, Gertrude Selby, May Emory and Reggie Morris. It has some funny stuff in it and nothing deliberately vulgar, although we believe it would be kindlier received if Hank had been given more to do. "Not a Lamb Shall Stray." (Victor. Wed., Sept. 22.) — A picture taken in a New York Hebrew Infant Asylum showing the care of infants and their amusements. "The Cry of the First Born." (Laemmle. Three reels. Thurs., Sept. 23.) — Reviewed at length elsewhere in this issue. the stage, showing the amusing antics of trained pigs. This should be of particular interest to children. The reel is closed with a subject entitled "Life of the Frog," a Ditmars educational. "When the Call Came." (Imp. Two reels. Fri., Sept. 24.) — This was produced by Sidney Goldin from one of Bruno Lessing's stories. Mr. Lessing has written an intense tale about the immovable barrier that stood between a Christian and a Jewess, greally in love with one another. It should appeal to both races, without giving offence to either. Produced with evident attention to detail and customs of both religious sects dealt with, the picture entertains at all times. Our only criticism of the picture^ is that the mart in the case, who represents a minister, possesses pronounced Jewish features. "When Lizzie Went to Sea." (Nestor. Fri., Sept. 24.) — Lizzie and Eddie have all sorts of ridiculous adventures in this while escaping from the avenging wrath of Tony, the wop. Here the old triple combination gets together — Eddie Lyons, Victoria Forde and Lee Moran — and the result is very good comedy. "A Message for Help." (Bison. Two reels. Sat., Sept. 25.) — This is an Indian drama of more than usual significance. It has the usual accoutrements of such a production — 'Several realistic fights, fine expansive scenes and a true Western atmosphere. The story is notable for its heart-interest qualities. Richards, working for the Government in the West, betrays a pretty Indian girl. When her father discovers that the white man was merely playing with his daughter he attempts to kill him, but instead the arrow finds its resting place in the heart of the girl. If Indian dramas still retain their popularity this should score a success. "Every Man's Money." (Powers. Sat., Sept. 25.) — The girl, spurred on by her aspiring guardian, marries a rich man for his money, but shortly afterwards discovers that his fortune has been swept away. Then, of course, she discovers that she really loves him and everything is satisfactory. This is from a scenario by Harvey Gates and features Sydney Ayres and Doris Pawn. It is a typical Ayres subject as presented under the direction of Lynn Reynolds. "He Wouldn't Support His Wife." (Joker. Sat., Sept. 25.) — One of Allen Curtis' genuinely funny reels with William Franey, Gale Henry and" Bob Vernon. The lazy husband is forced to work by his wife's former sweetheart, th" chief of police. The closing scenes introduced several situations of the most humorous sort. "The Fascination of the Fleur de Lis." (Rex. Three reels. Sun., Sept. 26.) — An effective dra na written by Bess Meredith. The photographic work and scenes, all of which transpire in a mythical European country, are exceedingly good. Joe De Grasse produced it so the beautiful locations are easily accounted for. The story relates of the lofty ambitions of a peasant girl, how they were attained but with disgrace, and how she finally returns to the man she first loved. In the leading roles are Cleo Madison, Arthur Shirley, Lon Chaney and M. K. Wilson. "Avenged By a Fish." (L-Ko. Sun., Sept. 26.) — A seaside comedy with Harry Gribbon, May Emory and Henry Bergman leading. It's a fairly good reel, although nothing uproariously funny is introduced. "The Ham Actors." (Powers. Thurs., Sept. 23.) — Another of the vaudeville sketches taken on CORPORATION STATISTICS (New incorporations, increases or decreases ire capital stock, and dissolutions are noted in this column.) At Albany, N. Y. : WHITMAN AMUSEMENT COMPANY, INC., New York. General motion picture business. Capital, $200,000. Directors: Frederick C. Simons, M. P. Winne and Samuel S. Slater, 107 West 76th street, New York City. P. & B. AMUSEMENT CORPORATION, Bronx. Theatrical and motion pictures. Capital, $1,000. Directors: Louis Weinberg, GeorgeDavis and Robert Lewenberg, 1006 Stebbing avenue, Bronx, New York City. KESSLER THEATRE COMPANY, INC., New York. Theatrical and motion pictures, etc. Capital, $10,000. Directors: David Kessler, David Mendel and Louis Lehren, 709 West 11th street, New York City. ZIEGFELD FILMS CORPORATION, New York. Films and motion pictures. Capital, $50,000. Directors: William K. Ziegfeld, Walter E. Koch and Irwin S. Cochran, 6 Tennis Court, Brooklyn, N. Y. VIC'S BIG HITS, INC., New York. Films, slides and projecting machines. Capital, $5,000. Directors : Vic Persig, Emanuel T. and Samuel' Ginsberg, 56 West 112th street, New York City. NATIONAL PROJECTOR COMPANY., INC., New York. To manufacture motion pictures, cameras and projecting devices. Capital, $10,000. Directors : H. Jermain Slocum. M. S. Slocnmand John L. Feeny, 43 Exchange Place, Brooklyn.