Visual Education (Jan 1923-Dec 1924)

January, 192 3 27 eeping' Abreast 9; rthe /Screen Brief comments on current films for the special information of parents and teachers Camille A modernized version of the worldfamous play and novel, with Nazimova playing the part of the lovely though tubercular sinner, and Valentino enlisted to serve as the impassioned Armand. Nazimova is utterly affected, artificial and unappealing throughout, with the exception of a fleeting scene under the apple trees, when she surprises you with an exhibition of real womanly charm and sweetness. Far more of a disappointment is Valentino, for we are fairly well trained by now to expect pose and mannerism from the Russian actress. Alas for the lady fans who have loyally worshiped at the Valentino shrine! If we may judge from this most recent film of his, prosperity has brought dullness, indolence and corpulence. Only in the gambling scene does he evince a particle of animation. Shades of Dumas, Bernhardt and Modjeska! What would ye have said to an Armand not only sluggish, but positively fat? (Metro.) The Dangerous Age The dangerous age for Lewis Stone was at forty. When spring decked the lea, his mature soul yearned for the romance which his good wife denied him. Whereupon he promptly left to seek youth and romance. How he came through this temporary hysteria and discovered that when one is forty home is best, is pleasantly narrated in a well planned and well photographed picture. The wife incidentally learns a little lesson of her own, and of course the opttence has the opportunity to learn two lessons. The picture will probably, not have any special significance for children. (Famous Players-Lasky.) A Daughter of Luxury This picture represents the type of film upon which the public seems to dote. Through its footage moves a fairfaced star attractively gowned and supplied with just enough emotional demands to make a story but not to furrow her countenance. Agnes Ayres is the daughter of luxury who, masquerading as an heiress, moves from a hall bedroom to a mansion where there is an eligible son. Of course the inevitable eventually happens. The film is innocuous, save for a scene where the heroine combs her hair in a man's bedroom, and that really isn't as dreadful as it sounds. (Famous Players-Lasky.) East Is West "East Is West" is a capital picture, even if one had the good fortune to see Fay Bainter in it on the stage. Constance Talmadge as the mischievous little Ming Toy has many opportunities for comic pranks and the use of her expressive eyes. Without apparent effort she wins the laughter of the audience. The old Chinese protector, however, has not the nobility of the character in the stage production. In places the action is "jazzed" dangerously near to the point of slapstick. But these flaws are compensated for by the acting of Miss Talmadge and by the wealth of detail — ■ the natural advantage of a film presentation. The plot and spirit of the picture are innocent enough, but some of the details — such as the extreme dancing and the selling of girls on the loveboat — make one hesitate to recommend it for children. (First National.) Ebb Tide This picture, based on a story of Stevenson's, presents George Fawcett, Raymond Hatton and James Kirkwood as gentlemen of fortune stranded on a South Sea island. Unusual circumstances lead them to the domain of a pearl merchant with strange manias and a daughter, ineffectively portrayed by Lila Lee. The following complications are enough to occupy much footage. The three gentlemen first mentioned do exceptionally good work. Children should not be allowed to see this version of what goes on in the South Sea Islands. (Famous Players-Lasky.) The Impossible Mrs. Bellew Here is Gloria Swanson again, this time posing as an impossible person — a role she should have little difficulty in interpreting. Of course, she is really not impossible, just misunderstood and sinned against. When Miss Swanson discards the grotesquerie of her costumes and headgear and appears quietly garbed, she has her moments of real effectiveness ; at other times she lets her gowns speak for her. The picture is one of modern society and has rapid action and a variety of aristocratic scenes. Its presentation of murder, divorce, revelry and abduction of children is not for the child. (Famous Players-Lasky.) Rich Men's Wives A modern social drama featuring House Peters. Like most modern social dramas, it attempts to justify its existence by pointing a moral. Since the moral is a somewhat superficial one, aimed at the fluttery moths which get their wings singed playing with fire, the average person attending the film will not be appreciably stronger or nobler for seeing it. Theoretically the play belongs to House Peters, but practically it is Claire Windsor's, whose beauty and genuine ability swing it along. Children will not be benefited by seeing this picture. (Al Lichtman Corporation.) Sherlock Holmes John Barrymore brings to the role of Sherlock Holmes all of his talent and artistry. There can be no disappointment about the quality of his interpretation. Capable also is the presentation by Gustave von Seyffertitz of that master criminal, Moriarty. The film, itself based upon the stage play of the same name, is crowded with dramatic incidents culled here and there from the various stories of Conan Doyle. There is suspense and surprise. But now for the rift in the lute. The film provides the master detective with a romance. Sherlock Holmes engaged ! The Sherlock Holmes we used to know regarded a woman with infinitely less emotion than he would have a piece of evidence. Why did the intelligent Mr. Barrymore let them thrust a woman into his arms? Alack and alas! Any child who reads "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes" may safely see the picture. (Goldwyn.) Slim Shoulders The slim shoulders of Irene Castle do not have to bear a very heavy story, although the little dancer is kept sufficiently busy. She drives a motor-boat, performs a solo dance, engages herself to a loathed suitor and burgles a house with equal facility. The picture is average entertainment. (Hodkinson.)