Motion Picture News (Oct 1913 - Jan 1914)

40 THE MOTION PICTURE NEWS the speaking drama because of the facility of real floating ice, a real river, real dogs, etc. But the most wonderful piece of work in the whole production is the fateful death of Legree at the conclusion. This was wonderfully portrayed. "Within the Enemy's Lines." (Edison. Two reels. Dec. 19.) — From the story, "A Captured Santa Claus," by Thomas Nelson Page. An excellent offering, which is sure to "get across." The story is of the Civil War, and vividly describes the heroism of a man who, in disguise, manages to get to his home for Christmas to bring the children their toys. He is known to be in his house, and his little son, knowing that he will be hanged if caught without a uniform, goes after one. Although shot he saves his father's life. The vision and double exposure work is very well done. There is a great deal of realism throughout; one can almost hear the pistol shots. The final sub-title is "The Yankees Didn't Capture Santa Claus." Augustus Phillips looks well in a goatee. Little Yale Boss rendered an excellent account of himself as usual. "Some Elopers." (Lubin. Split reel. Dec. 5.) — Arthur Johnson would have played the lead more capably than the one cast for it. Same reel with "An Interrupted Courtship." Night scenes should have been tinted. "An Interrupted Courtship." (Lubin. Dec. 5. Split reel.) — Same reel with "Some Elopers." The best part was the bathing suit scenes, which excited admiration. As father insists on marrying the widow, his clothes are stolen. They manage anyway and all are reconciled. "An Equal Chance." (Selig. Dec. 9.) — Two girls love the same fellow. The one, rich in worldly goods, gives some of her clothes to the other, and thus lets her win the fellow. A very pretty love story. "The Troublesome Mole." (Biograph. Dec. 11. Split reel.) — -Same reel with "A Foul and Fearful Plot." Beauty doctors and burglars both try to get rid of the mole. Some funny make-ups. "Children of the Forest." (Essanay. Dec. 11.) — An Indian story, dealing with the period when the white people were not plentiful on the frontier. A forest fire is introduced. As is customary, a stray white man is the villain. "A Military Judas." (Broncho. Three reels.) — A most appropriate title for a clever, well-told drama, from the pen of William H. Clifford. Although in parts the action becomes slightly conventional and time-worn, the total effect is very good. Two brothers. Jim and Jack, fighting side by side in the Civil war, are both in love with the same girl. Jim, though the unworthy one, is apparently the favored suitor. While drunk, he is prevented from shooting a man by a spy of the enemy, who obtains such a hold on him that he gains information from him regarding the movements of his army. A letter written on his brother's stationery, falls into the hands of the general. Jack court-martialed and, recognizing his brother's writing, conceals the truth. Jim, in despair, and feeling the qualms of conscience, commits suicide, first confessing his guilt. After the war is over Jack marries the girl whom both he and his brother had loved. "Finger of Fate." (Patheplay. Dec. 18. Two parts.) — The title of this is not self-explanatory. The story is one with a strong moral and makes a worthy release. A young doctor and a girl form a fast friendship. The girl accepts an invitation to dine at the man's apartment. While waiting for her he falls asleep and dreams of what will be the inevitable end of their dinner. The vision is so realistic that he marries the girl before he will allow her to enter his house. Irving Cummings and Eleanor Woodruff play the leads. There is some excellent emotional work registered. "Dr. Kean's Secret." (Cines-Kleine. Two parts. General Film Company Exclusive Service.) — A very interesting story which grips one by its pathos. A doctor having discovered a cure for a deadly disease, dies before he can make known his secret. One of his assistants discovers the cure in its hiding place and sells it. The other assistant discovers the formula and is able to save many lives. "The Trail of the Snake Band." (Essanay. Dec. 18.) — The plot of this story has been worked so often before that it loses some of its interest. A man is accused. of robbery because he has a hatband worn by the thief. He proves his innocence. Rena Valdez and True Boardman are the principals. "A Son of His Father." (Lubin. Two reels. Dec. 18.) — Nothing very convincing about this story. It plays up the worn-out plot about heredity. The son inherits gambling instincts from his father. Later, having deserted his mother, the boy meets his father in the West and a reconciliation follows. There is a little romance and a fight which would be impossible anywhere. "I Hear Her Calling Me." (Selig. Dec. 17. General Film Company Exclusive Service.) — There are n any very beautiful scenes in this rather pathetic story. It is a good release. A girl is killed by a leopard, through her husband's negligence. The view of the leopard in the fight with the girl is by all odds the best of its kind ever seen by the writer. "GUILTY!" Courtroom scene from "Miracle Mary." (Victor — 2 reels.)