Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

January 5, 1918. MOTOGRAPHY 37 Reviews of Current Film Releases WRITTEN BY MOTOGRAPHY'S TRAINED MOTION PICTURE REVIEWERS "The Devil Stone Artcraft Picture with Geraldine Farrar. Helen Rockwell Reviewed by A RAPID change from a fisherwoman to an ultra-fashionable being is one of the extravagant feats which "The Devil Stone" allows Geraldine Farrar to accomplish in this picture, The fatal jewel. which is absolutely devoid of human interest. Perhaps one doesn't expect to find heart interest in a detective or mystery picture, but if this offering aims at being in either category it misses fire, for there is no suspense, and it certainly fails to mystify. Thus Geraldine Farrar is left as the one power of attraction, and she is not seen to good advantage. As a sum-up it would be difficult to classify this picture as it attempts a wee bit of almost everything — in a highly congested manner. It takes a fling at mysticism, hints at reincarnation, employs a scientific detective and withal would be profound — but only succeeds in being dull. Too many plots have spoiled the soup. Two features stand out as being pleasing, the beautiful scenery in the first part of the picture, and the excellent acting of Tully Marshall, who portrays the miser, Silas Martin. Mr. Marshall gives a performance which is in every way commendable and his work gives to the picture its one artistic touch. Geraldine Farrar is cold throughout and fails to win sympathy. She is seen to best advantage in love scenes and there are few of these in "The Devil Stone." A splendid cast, as far as reputations are concerned, gives her support, including Wallace Reid, Hobart Bosworth, James Neill and Mabel Van Buren. The scenario was prepared by Jeanie Macpherson from the story by Beatrice DeMille and Leighton Osmun. The story: Marcia Manot, a fishermaiden, finds a gorgeous emerald which fancy tells her at one time belonged to a Norse queen and is the "Devil Stone," a harbinger of bad luck. Silas Martin, a miser, and owner of the fisheries, sees the stone, and wishing to obtain possession of it, marries the girl. In New York he steals the stone, has it appraised at three million dollars, and starts action for divorce against his wife, using as a means his young manager, Guy Sterling, who greatly admires Marcia. Marcia, discovering the loss of her jewel, employs a detective, Robert Judson, who suspects that Silas is the thief. Later, when Marcia finds the emerald in her husband's possession, she attempts to recover it, and in the ensuing struggle she kills Silas in self-defense. At the coroner's inquest she is acquitted, but Judson, investigating matters further, finds proof that she is guilty. He, however, generously overlooks the fact because of his high regard for her. Marcia and Sterling have been united at the death of Silas and there is evidence of peace at last reigning in Marcia's life, as she has returned the evil stone to a priest. 'The Girl by the Roadside" Violet Mersereau in Bluebird Play with Mystery Flavor. Reviewed by Genevieve Harris MISS MERSEREAU plays a grown-up role throughout thi story. There is more plot and more action in this pictur us icture than in many of the vehicles she has had previously. As a whole it is rather a different type from her usual pictures, although the star's acting is done in her well-known manner. Somehow we have come to expect Miss Mersereau to appear as a harum-scarum child or young girl, and many of her admirers will think this more sedate role less amusing. The plot, which has a mystery element, is not as clearly worked out as it might be. It is nicely photographed, the sets are good and the acting satisfactory. It is a good average offering and while not so humorous as preceding Mersereau plays, will succed in attracting and entertaining the star's admirers. Theodore Marston directed the play from the story by Varick Vanardy, arranged for the screen by John C. Brownell. In the supporting cast of players are Allen Edwards, who plays the hero, Ann Andrews, pleasing in a small part, Cecil Owen, Robert F. Hill, Royal Byron, Kenneth Hall and Sam B. Minter. The story: Judith (Miss Mersereau) travels with her brother and his wife. She knows little of their business. One day she goes riding and is thrown from her horse. Her ankle is sprained and she is helpless, when she is discovered by Boone Pendleton, who takes her to his hunting lodge nearby. A storm comes up and they remain in the lodge all night. In the morning a group of policemen arrive to arrest Judith. She escapes from them and goes back to her hotel. She is told that her brother and his wife have been put in jail. She goes to them and they give her directions about a mysterious package. She continues to elude the police although she does not know why they want her or what her brother has done. The brother and his wife escape from prison. Boone, who has fallen in love with Judith, succeeds in finding her again. After much excitement we learn that the brother and his wife were counterfeiters but that Judith is innocent. The guilty ones escape after promising to live better lives and Judith and Boone are married. The police were searching for them.