Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

March 2, 1918. MOTOGRAPHY 439 Synopses of the Latest Film Releases FOR EXHIBITORS WHO WOULD KNOW THE STORY OF THE PICTURE Artcraft Blue Blazes Rawden — (Ftve Reels) — February 18.— Starring W. S. Hart in the title role, the river boss of a logging camp. The timberjacks come in from the wilderness and visit the dance hall of "Ladyfingers" Hilgard, the black sheep of a fine English family. His favorite girl, "Babette," flirts with "Blue Blazes" and he kisses her, precipitating a terrific fight between the audacious timberman and the giant bartender, who receives a sound thrashing when he resents the "insult" to his boss. "Ladyfingers" bides his time and when "Blue Blazes" has bcome unsteady from drink he taunts him at the gaming table and challenges him to a duel in dark for the money on the table, the entire resort — and the girl. "Ladyfingers" is mortally wounded by a shot fired in the darkened room, though Babette discovers that "Blue Blazes" has been too befuddled to pull the trigger, and the cartridges in his gun are unexploded. She surreptitiously picks up the pistol and fires a shot and "Blue Blazes" is convinced that he is responsible for the death of "Ladyfingers." The dead man's mother and younger brother arrive from England and the manner of her son's death is withheld from the old lady, who evinces a great affection for "Blue Blazes," believing that he was the friend of "Ladyfingers." She works a powerful influence on the timberjack and he ignores Babette, who revengefully tells Eric, the boy, the forbidden story. Eric shoots "Blue Blazes," who offers no defense, and the wounded man orders his pack and departs for the wilderness. As he staggers away Mrs. Hilgard starts to run after him, but she is gently restrained and by a silent understanding in the camp is kept in ignorance of what occurred. Christie Comedies In the Dark — (One Reel) — February 11. — Comedy featuring Ethel Lynne and Bobby Vernon. Ethel and Bobby were engaged, but a new quarrel that same day caused by Ethel's jealousy was the cause of a new delay. Harry, a friend of Bobby's, felt sorry for the poor lovers, who couldn't control their temper. Aided by the boys af the club, he kidnaps Bobby and Ethel, takes them to a country house and there in the dark a fake marriage ceremony is performed. Harry had read somewhere that this was a great remedy in such desperate cases. In this case the remedy worked wonders. Bobby and Ethel when thrown out of "The Dark," recognized each other, made up and went speeding on their honeymoon, stealing Harry's car. It was more than Harry anticipated. They were not legally married and they didn't know it. Harry and his friends piled in a "Lizzv" and started in pursuit. They learned that the "Newlyweds" had left for Seal Beach and they finally located the hotel where Bobby and Ethel vvere stopping. With the help of the house detective they broke into Bobby's room and told them the truth. A real marriage certificate was put under the detective's eyes by Ethel. Bobby got into action and cleared the place of the intruders. Harry, the real cause of their happiness, had been outwitted by clever Bobby. Metro Weavers of Dreams — (Five Reels) — Rolfe — February 18. —Features Viola Dana as Judith Sylvester, who lives with her Aunt Cynthia Bancroft, a cripple. Judith is engaged to Dr. Carter Keith ; their marriage to take place as soon as their "House of Hearts" is ready. Near by is the home of Martin Chandler, also the victim of a tragic accident. He and Cynthia exchange books and flowers but they have never met. Margery Gordon, Chandler's niece, arrives to live with him. Her vivacious personality, quite a contrast to Judith's more demure manner, captivates Keith. In several heartrending scenes Judith learns of his change of heart and releases him to Margery. Aunt Cynthia, in consoling her, declares no man has ever been absolutely true to one woman. Judith defends the statement by relating the tragedy of her friend Chandler's life. Her story of the railroad wreck, interestingly pictured, in which he and the "one woman" were injured and then set on different paths, takes Miss Cynthia to Chandler's house, where the recognition is mutual. Mutual Star Production The Midnight Trail — (Five Ree s)— American — February 24. — Features William Russell as a young millionaire who believes he could be a great detective. When an attractive girl, a minister's daughter, comes to headquarters requesting that a detective be sent to find out who stole her father's valuables, the would-be detective sets out to aid her. He goes to her father's home, accompanied by his valet, both disguised as theological students. Many things happen, and the detective himself is accused of the crime. He accepts the accusation because he thinks the girl herself is guilty. But in the end the truth is revealed. Reviewed in this issue. Paramount Hidden Pearls — (Five Reels) — February 18. — Starring Sessue Hayakawa, who plays the part of the son of a South Sea Island princess and an American trader. He feels himself an American, for he has been raised in the United States. Here he meets and falls in love with an American society girl. To win her he feels he must have a fortune and quickly. From his father's brother he learns that he is hereditary king, through his mother, of one of the South Sea Islands which contains a treasure in pearls kept hidden by the natives. His uncle urges him to go there and claim his rights and so win the pearls. This he does, being aided in his search by a native girl who falls in love with him. But his plan to escape with the pearls is discovered and the infuriated natives take him captive. He is helped to escape, however, by the native girl who is sentenced to death for her share in the undertaking unless the prince returns in ninety days. This the prince does not know, but he does know that he knows no peace for his part in the theft. He at last decides he must restore the pearls, a decision which reveals to him the mercenary character of the American girl and the cupidity of his uncle. He conceals the pearls, with the aid of a native, in the flesh of his arm and makes his way as a stoker, suffering innumerable hardships, back to the island. There he restores the pearls, saves the life of the native girl, who has been set adrift in a leaking canoe, and at last finds happiness with her as the hereditary king of the island. The Thing We Love — (Five Reels) — February 11. — Starring Walace Reid and Kathlyn Williams. Reid has the role of a young American, who, though innocent, serves a prison sentence of seven years, coming out embittered at the country of his brith. He looks upon society as an enemy and this nation, about to enter the world-war, as something to be despised. But memories of the part his ancestors have played in the country's history and the stirring of his manhood save him at last and call him to the country's service. His struggles to do the right thing are intensified by a love affair with the daughter of a munitions magnate who is attempting to further his own ends and increase his profits at the expense of the government. When the hero is forced to choose between hatred of the nation which has falsely punished him and betrayal of that nation's interests in time of crisis, he stands by the call of patriotism, even though it means losing the girl he loves. His choice of the bigger love wins him the affection of the girl, however, and when he marches away as an enlisted man he wears in his buttonhole the American flag given him by the girl. Pathe Loaded Dice — (Five Reels) — February 10. — Starring Frank Keenan. Picture reviewed in this issue. — — — — — ■ S l Mutual Pictures : ■ '■ Up in the Air — (One Reel) — Strand — February 26. — Comedy starring Billie Rhodes. Mary is in love with Jack, a daring young aviator, but father favors an elderly suitor possessed of wealth. Persuading her girl chum to act as a vamp, the aged suitor is captivated and transfers his affections to Mary's friend, who promises to marry him. When father learns the situation, he reluctantly consents to Jack as a son-in-law, and a double wedding is arranged. Mary is married first, but the second ceremony is interrupted by the arrival of a man accompanied by two children, who wants to know why his wife (Mary's chum) doesn't come home and get his supper ready. The ancient and prospective bridegroom gives up in disgust. Mary's chum goes out to lunch with the alleged husband, who is an accomplice in the plot, while Mary and Jack start on their honeymoon. Gei A new portrait of the stately Madame Petrova. Check Your Hat, Sir? — (One Reel)— Essanay — February 16. — Comedy featuring Don Barclay. Don enters the cafe for an evening of pleasure. After outwitting the check room boy, he occupies a seat of prominence as the entertainment begins. He mimics the classic dancer to the hilarity of the other patrons and when Whystewso, the Italian tenor, attempts to sing, Don appropriates a pie, furnished by another disgusted guest and slams it in his face. Ordering his dinner, Don is forced to go through several yards of red tape to obtain sugar for his coffee, only obtaining it when the manager signs an order for the luxury. The sugar (one lump) is brought in, set in a jewel case and as the waiter times the procedure with his watch, the lump is dipped into the coffee. As the evening progresses Don becomes somewhat inebriated and staggering to his feet, clutches the air, ripping off the waist of a young woman at his side. He stumbles backward and ends his evening in a big trough of flour. Wild Algy of Picadilly — (One Reel) — Essanay — February 23. — Comedy. Algy arrives in the west, fresh from London, and is made the brunt of numerous cowboy tricks. His tiny 22-calibre revolver, daintily draped with blue baby ribbon, arouses merriment from the dance hall crowd. Algy is stripped of his wealth at a game of cards in which he holds but five aces against his opponent's six. Algy plans revenge and shoots a bullet bearing a message, at one of the westerners, informing that he is out for revenge. He comes in later all disguised and wearing a mask. After holding up the crowd, he floors the villain who robbed him, and sees a picture protruding out of the man's pocket. He recognizes it as that of his mother and asks the fellow what he is doing with it. "She is my wife," he says. "You scoundrel," retorts Algy, pummeling him again, "I've been searching for you for twenty -years for deserting my mother."