Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

374 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XIX, No. 8 Reviews of Current Film Releases WRITTEN BY MOTOGRAPHY'S TRAINED MOTION PICTURE REVIEWERS The Woman Between Friends Vitagragph Blue Ribbon, Starring Alice Joyce. Released February 11. Reviewed by L. J. Bourstein FHE many novels written by Robert Chambers have proven themselves interesting soreen subjects; the latest offering of the popular author's writings is an adaptation of his novel "Between Friends." It may be that in picture form it makes a more The new model brings inspiration. interesting subject for, interpreted as it is by an exceptional cast, it is one of the most intense dramas seen in some time. The story relates the experiences of two men, who had been friends for twenty years, when it is discovered by one that the other had proved himself unworthy of the trust placed in him. An artistic atmosphere pervades the entire story as the two leading characters are American artists living in Paris. Both meet a girl who later proves the woman between friends and although she is, loved devotedly by one her affections are for the other. An unfaithful wife causes disruption in the lives of the men but when death is about -to claim both, the girl intervenes and time brings about forgiveness and restoration of health. Alice Joyce is the girl who enters the lives of the two men and her work is fully in keeping with what she has already done. Marc McDermott plays the part of Drene, the sculptor, and Robert Walker is Graylock, an artist. Each fulfills his role with utmost satisfaction and the combined efforts of all three have made this a really delightful and entertaining release. The story: Twenty years of companionship terminate when Drene marries and leaves :his old friend, Graylock, alone in bachelorhood. Drene is commissioned to make a statue protraying Chastity and uses his wife as a model. His work is just begun and he is so engrossed in it that he neglects his wife, who seeks solace in the company of Graylock. Later Mrs. Drene leaves her husband, who is unaware that his friend is the other man. Graylock and Mrs. Drene go to Nice, where he renews friendship with a flower girl who is induced to pose for him. Mrs. Drene is introduced as Mrs. Graylock. Soon after Drene comes to Nice and during the revels of the carnival Mrs. Drene is burned to death and her husband does not yet suspect Graylock. The flower girl, Ceci'.ie, is induced to come to Paris and there she continues to pose as Graylock's model while Drene is unable to find the inspiration to finish the statue. Secretly Cecelie loves Drene and agrees to pose for him and one day picks up a picture of his dead wife. Cecelie tells Drene that she had known the woman as the wife of Graylock, who is now revealed. Graylock is confronted with proof of his duplicity and in revenge Drene exacts a promise that Graylock will kill himself on a certain day. When the day arrives Graylock shoots himself, but is only slightly wounded. Drene has suffered greatly and suddenly relenting tries to halt the fulfillment of the past. But then Cecilie comes in and tells; him that Graylock will live; Drene and the girl confide in their mutual love and all ends happily. 'The Guilty Man" Paramount Picture, Starring Gloria Hope. Released February 18. Reviewed by L. J. Bourstein ANOTHER screen version of the many A. H. Woods' stage ■^^ successes is "The Guilty Man," announced for release in the very near future. On the stage this play proved to be one of the best dramatic successes in many seasons. In screen form, the picture lives up to the standard set by "the stage success and should acquire a great following of admirers. The story is known in all circles and the characters have also earned a place in the hearts of many. Claude Lescuyer is one to be both pitied and censured ; his irate father brings about his desertion of the girl, but the passing of the years had not brought a desire to Claude to find her. Engrossed in his work as criminal prosecutor of Paris, his former wife is brought to him, but is not recognized. How Claude is brought to a realization of his errors is cleverly and excellently portrayed in the picture. Gloria Hope enacts the role of Claudine with sincere emotion and William Garwood as Lescuyer is equally as acceptable. Vivian Reed is very good in the part of Marie, the deserted girl. The production has been staged under the supervision of Thomas H. Ince and is fully up to his usual mark of perfection. Irvin V. Willat directed. The story: Marie and Claude Lescuyer have been living together for some time as man and wife and are finally separated by Claude's father, who has arranged a more suitable marriage. Claude is a promising lawyer and to preserve his assured future submits to his father's wishes. The years pass rapidly and Marie, to give her child a name, has married Flambon, owner of a cafe in Paris. Claude has achieved his success but the years had brought death to his wife and he was alone. Marie and her child Claudine are treated brutally by Flambon and suffer greatly by his wickedness. Claudine possesses a voice of sweetness and charm and is compelled by Flambon to sing in the cafe, where she meets Gaston, a young writer. Many meetings cement their friendship and soon ripens to love. Unable to stand Flambon's cruelties, Claudine decides to run away with Gaston ; Flambon enters her room and beats both Claudine and her mother. Fearing lest the man kill her mother, Claudine shoots Flambon and is taken to jail. The case is left in the hands of Claude, who is the criminal prosecutor of Paris. Marie is taken to his office and is revealed by a friend of hers who is familiar with the early life of Claude and Marie. Claude is confronted with the results of his desertion and when the trial comes up denounces not Claudine, the murderer, but himself, the guilty man. He asks leniency for the girl, who is acquitted, and resigns his position as prosecutor to devote the rest of his life to Marie and Claudine, who is now happy in the love of Gaston. The parting of the ways.