The billboard (June 1911)

JUI.E tA, X li e 3 1111> o a r d 23 Motion Picture Reviews PATEN TS CO MPANY. THE POWER AKD THE OIiORy. Puthe. Dra- . ma. -Length, 704 tout. Ri'luasetl June 1^. The chief dIUlcult;) one would iiave in Uio- roughlr understandUig tills flUn Is experlenctKl Itt trying to seo jiwt wbat tlie aDtbor or producer is Urlvitur at in tlie deTclopment of lils plot. As tt mere nowspaper story or m an Incident tbe tale la Interesting and, to be sure, tbere is ample opportunity (or tellins It clearly In picture fotm* bat to find an excuse for the wlwle pnMIuction la an entirely dlKerant matter and a dUBcult oaa. An artist who gaina honors for Ills painting of a lady bestows tbem upon tba subject, who baa been injured while or became ot postag. The photography and acting axe excellent and with a better tbeme the film would be an exceptionally fine one, SKVBXSO AlTD HIS DOOa Scenic. Length, ma feet. Sam^ reel as' Tbe Power and the Glory. ° A abort trained dog «bow Is well tdiotograpbed In this part of the film and forms an agreeable filler along wltii tbe short story preceding. Some ot the scenes are comical and la all re- aconble the ordinary raudeville number. X&E XKBTTBORSn^ATE SOLSrEB. Patbe. Military drama. Length, 1,000 feet. Re- leased June 7. A Teiy good military picture Is presented In this film, one In which patriotism Is not brought Into play for effect, the plot luelf being suffi- ciently strong to stand alone. The story tells bow through cbance a dishonorably discharged soldier becomes a bandit and helps hold up Ids former lieutenant, who Is rescued by a member of that race which never forgets, an Indian, to wbom the lieutenant has shown a tiyac. The scenes and actlne are splendid and the whole Is Tet7 findy photographed. A BBOXEir UFE. Patbe. Oroma. Length, 987 feet. Released June 10. ' In Oils film we hare some very fine photog- raphy, done all the way through in a uniform tint, and some very realistic scenery. The monntattt tarem, proprietor and waitress are <±armlngly natural, while the eold-washlng scenes and those on the desert are likewise verj; true to life. Tbe Btoiy la an excellent one and a wonderful example of self-sacrifice where justice would seem the more likely to be de- manded. In the diaractcr of the bold-4ip man there Is presented one of the best bandits we have seen In motion pictures or anywiiere else, while the 'hero, the man who is robbed botli of his fortune and the girl he was to marry. Is admirably played. A fine story, finely played, staged and photographed, are tbe terms wMcb most properly describe Ols production. HEB BROTHER'S PHOTOGRAPH, ~ Drama. Length, 1,000 feet. Released Jnne 13. In this story we baxe a plot to which the Edison players seem most admirably suited. It Is a society play, bat possesses scenes ot scen- ic value aad true natnralness and one in which the air of flnesse so often displayed by Hn Edison company la .entirely In accord wWk the plot and setang. The eirents follow each other In a very natnral sequence, and while some scenes are highly dramatic In sltoation, tiiey are neither over nor underdone and an excellent effect is obtained. The play Itself, even If poorly played, would possess merit, and put on as It is can lay claim to nothing bot praise, as we see It, at least. : vV;; ■ ADVERTISmo FOR iUKA,' Kalem, Drama. Length, 1.010 feet. Released June T.. Tlie main theme in this story is the canning trick or a little girl, which succeeds, with otier things. In uniting her parents who bad formerly been seoarated .tbrough a quarrel, in au effort to build up 'tbe story tbe producers have over- ^adowcd the Ingenuity of the child, and thus the story is not what it could have lieen. It la of a popular type, however, and, no doubt, will please many people. The acting, scenes and photography are all good. THE WORLD'S HOST DARIHG DBIVEBS. . Eesaoay. Scenic. Length, 1,000 feet. Released Jnne 13. Tbe scenes depicted are' those taken at tbe automobile meet, beld recently at Indianapolis, Ind. Tbe great speed of the cars and the pxcpssKe wkltli of the track have hampered tbe getting of very clear pictures, but consider- ing these advcrno conditions the photography is very good. The incidental scenes, such as tbe start, finish, etc., are all included, together with dose vlttwB of some of the participants. The film Is highly interesting and makes a pleasing one upon a program of the ordinary subjects. TEir MIGHTS IH A BARROOK, Selig. Drama. Length, 2,000 fe«t. Two reels. Released (I) June 12: (2) Jnne 13. This Is a very peculiar film in more respects than one. Besides being a two-reel subject, it 'is a very peculiar story and pat on In an extra- ordinarily fine way. The story Is long snd In- volved and. In fact, -bard to follow. It contatna a large number of Just cndlnary events and thus more nearly Is suited for fiction than motion photography, but tbe acting Is so well done that the long-drawn-out scenes read as action and are thus Interesting Instead of boring, as Is most always the case where the plot moves slowly. Although staged In the open and In Intense llgbt, the pbotography la good. Tbe staging la adequate In evny leqiect. The film because ot Its peculiar natuze needs to be bandied caretUly In placing It upon a pro- gram, bat once Id the right place It comes vetjr near being a featote, THE TBASPER'8 DAVOHTES. Vttagrapb. Drama. Full length. Released Jnne 13. The scenes In this photoplay are laid In tbe extreme Nortb and, considering the difficulty under wblcb the aCtora worked, their acting Is very good. The scenes are put on with great care and, could the story tiave been a little better, a wonderfully well-made production would hare been tbe lesalt. As It li, bowever, the story lias only a mediocre ending after begUmlng a most Interesting plot. THE COOS, Lnbln. Comedy. Length, 600 feet. Released June 12. A story offering very few chances for hamor Is presented in this film and conseqoently a rather mediocre result has been otrtained. It Is little more than a joke, in which a anmber of girls are dralted into service as cooks, while the arrival ot a new cook Is awaited. Tbe cowboys receive another jolt when after fussing up quite a little for the coming of -the lady they discover ahe la a negress. ATHLETIC CARHIVAL. Scenic. Length, 400 feet. Same reel as Tbe Cook- Some very Interesting scenes of an athletic meet at tlie University ot Fennsylvanla, Phila- delphia, Pa., are given in this film, showing first the cheering to tbe movement of the leader and then the varions events. Including a relay race, putting the shot, tbrowlng tbe hammer, running broad jump, running high jump and pole waiting. The pole vaulting views seem to be the most Interesting, Atide frooD the fact Hiat the scenes aza : cat, some- what tOtaet, Hie film Is zonarfcably Interesting. VAK BIBBER'S WX PKBTltBTO. - Edlscm. Drama. Length, 1,000 feet. Released June IG. Tbe story presented In this film Is absolutely without newness In any way, shape or form, but tJie remarkable maimer In which It is put to- gether, scene by scene, and the great merit of the acting: make the film an exceptionally high- class one from .all points of view. The experi- ment is that of treating a released convict with all-the cooSdence In his integrity, as one would treat an old acquaintance, and thereby reforming him. The scenes wblcb lead up to tbe ■ experiment Increase the vitality of the interest - In - tbe characters to such an extent that when the experiment, is tried the -audience seems to know the people, and herein lies the success ot tbe film. This kind of production Is a new kind, and the fact that the story Is of a familiar color, only Increase* the interest attached to It, a« an^d situation brought to one's door is a more Interesting situation than a new one brought to the same place. FORGIVEKESS nr DEATH, Essanay. West- ern drama. Length. 1,000 feet. Released June 10. " This is a rather peculiar story and when tbe film is ended leaves one very much in doubt as to what the situation is or what the story Intended to portray. It is new, if that. fact will add to the praise of tbe film. One man is betraying the other, Tlie betrayed one Is shot and tbe other confesses the betraying. He is then shot dorlng tbe same Indian fight, and before death comes to either, they clasp "bands, tbe one who lias been played false evidently for- giving tbe other, while the latter seems to be thanking him for ills pardon. With hands clasped botb men die. There is ao conrasie, true-heartedness, valor or anytUng praiseworthy (Continued on page 70.) SALE S COM PANY, LAW ASD ORDER OK BAR L RASCH, Amwi- can. Western ccmc^. Ijength, 350 feet. Released Jnne IS. Some rather forced comedy la sSiown in this film and nnfortnnately the sunlight was some- what too bright to secore .perfect photography, but otherwise the story Is a good little joke. Tbe stunts perfacmed. bjr the cowboys are of tiia true Weston type and siirely langbalde. THE COWBOY'S RUSE. Weston' Comedy. Same reel as Law and Order on Bar L Ranch. Length, OM feet. In this film tbe clever little ruse by which a cowboy gains the good will ot his best girl's father Is well put on and photographed. The. cowboy plans a b<dd-up by his pals. In which me girl and her father are the victims and be tbp rescuer. He, of course, gaina the good will ot the father. ALL FOB A BIG ORDER, Imp. Comedy. Length, 1,000 feet. Released Jime 19. One Of the favorite pastimes of the travel- ing purchasing agent Is well used in this aim as .Uie basis of the plot. The ownoc of a laige mercantile, boose, in xader to secnni an oratf ti»m the bnyer wJien lie cornea to town. endeavocB to get him a female com- panion for the eivenlng. Unalde to secure any- pne else. Ills wife offers her services. . Some oamplicati<«a ensue, bat tbe man finally se- cures his big Older and all ends imppily. The acting and scenery are very fine alt through the film. THE HERIOT'S GOLD. American. Western drama. Length, 990 feet. Released June 22. In this film a very peculiar story is presented and one which would ordinarily be set in the East The story is of . a girl who would marry tm money, but after CBaung much trouble for her two rival suitoxs and obtaining . the money by other means, refuses to marry at alL Some ot t&fr scenes are very disagreeable, both be- cause tliey are nattmally so and because they are overdrawn. A hermit Is never an agree- able person to look upon and If the aim of the producers was to make their hermit and his surroundings disagreeable, they ibave succeeded. Tbe story la evidently Intended to portray a moral,' and that a girl who loves money is not tbe one to court. The opportunity for bring- ing this out is ample, but In some way or other tbe opportonlty is missed. XSE : TWO ROADS. Xankee. Drama. Full length. Released June 23. A RafBes story with a very thin plot is pre- sented In this film, tbe story being merely a peculiar situation which continues tor a number of years. Raffles Is bunted during these ye&rs by a college cbum of bis and finally, wlien caught. Is not apprehended. In a play like this a large number of near exposals are needed to bold tbe Interest,, with a thick plot running along with the detective story. This does not occur here, but the acting, insofar as Uiere is opportunity for the same. Is well done. THE YIDDISHER COWBOT. .^erlcan. Com- edy. Length, 500 feet. Released June 19. This Is a truly comical Western play, depict- ing very naturally the character of the He- brew. As soon as he makes a little money as a cowboy be sets up a pawnshop and does a thriving bnslncss. Securing tbe guns of the other cowboys .he has quite. a .little fun. The parts are all well-playcd. THE BBONCHO-BirSTER'S BRIDE.: Comedy. Same reel as Tbe YiddLsher Cowboy. Length, 420 feet. This Is a clever comcdj". somewhat original In treatment, althoupli an old tbeme. This com- bination should and docs make an interesting play. : The bride is city-bred and lets the bronco-buster -lo the . housework. . The cow- boys abduct her and break ber into real hard work, from which she Is rescued by' her hus- band. After the experience or initiation she is thoronghly reformed. A PIECE OF STRING. Imp. Drama. Length, 1.000 feet. .Released June 13. Some remarkably good acting, is displayed lu this film and in p^irtrayal of an Interesting theme. Tbe dire results of clrcnmBtantial evi- dence, when it is misleading and taken as conclusive, are well shown. The ending of this story Is weak, but the building of the plot la quite strong and, as stated, finely played. A man is suspected ot stealing a lost pocfcetbook and. because he had part of it In liis pocket; the suspicion lasts until It has driven him mad.' ■• . . THE OOFFm SHIP. Thanhonser. Drama. Full length. Released June 20. A tlnrllllng sea story is told In this film with the ose ot some.very extensive property and by remarkably good acting. A frail Ship is started on a voyage by the owner, althongh the captain has warned lilm that the ship waS not seaworthy. The owner's daughter has been secretly married to tbe captain and, in order to surprise him, stows away, not knowing of the condition of tbe ship. SlB>rtly after mak- ing her presence known aboard, water begins to leak into tbe hnll'and before long tite ^p is about to sink. The captain and the - girl get aboard a raft and after many^ days are picked up still alive but weak from ratigue and hunger. In tbe meaittlme the elrl's father has suffered nntold agonies worrying over his daughter's plight of whliA he had been informed -and vows never to allow an .unsound vessel to leave the port again.. The scenes of the slnk- llng shin are splendidly worked up and also photographed. The scene on the. raft and tiie I rescue: are good, and : in fact^ ttlue film.'Is a j featoK from start In lln^h; : IFOZT : GBAHTOCA, ' Tbanbmraer. ' Comedy- j drama. Full . ^ngtb. ! Released June 23. i. Grandma Is given; ample opportnnity to display her foxlness ;ln this playlet, and she. does it to good adrantase, Ker granddangliter' . iiaving deserted her. country lover for the at- tentlons of a young city broker, grandma de-. cides to determine the latter's worth, and, posing as tbe girl In the latter's costume, she makes love to blm. Sbe determines from bis actions that he Is not the man for the girl,' and clears the for the country lad, who all too freely takes his opportonlty to make good. A little drawn out, the film Is' yet an Interesting one and grandma Is a good laugh. FOOLSHEAD IS JEALOUS. Iiala^ > Comedy. SpUt rceL In this reel we see Foolshead In love. He becomes jealous every time anyone looks at his lady and, insomuch as several people do look at ber and rather in an Interested manner, he Is given ample opportunity to get into trouble. With bis accustomed alacrity and self- confidence he attacks those who bare aroused his jealousy, and some .very 'exciting and enter- taining scenes ensue. as THE . BHOWX' BTnaOTS OF XOiniT - BLAHC. Scenic. -sSame reel as Fools- head Is Jealons. Olils part of tbe film is very short, but a number of interesting views are given of Mount Blanc, which mountain we are Informed la tbe firm Is -the lilghest In STarope. The photography Is very good. CAJff BE SAVE HER. Eclslr. Drama. LengUi. . .: S1S feet. Release July 3. The story In this film Is only mediocre, bot tbe scenery and acting are so far above the ordinary that tbe film must rank as a top- notch production and a splendid film. The main theme is tbe rescue of a woman from the hands of an Idiot, the whole being viewed by tbe woman's daughter and husband through a telescope. Tbe outdoor scenes are beautiful, to aay the least, and perfectly phatogTaptaed. The ' naturalness of '-'the people Is not-'.-alone pleasing but surprising: TOVacz WANTS TO BE AK ACTOR. Comedy. Length. 4SS feet. STame reel as Can He '■ Save Her. This is a European comedy ot a very humor- ous type although simple in plot. It describes the various attempts Tommy makes to secure and bold a position lu a company of actors. After being bounced 4t all .other places be finally secures a position as a clnematogr.ipb actor and goes to see . the show in which ills picture is shown. The Him. Is a novelty all the way tlirongh and Is entirely Interesting. AT SUKSET BAHCH. Kestor. Western drama. Split reel. Released June 21. . In this film a thoroughly interesting and rapid- fire Western story Is told with a display of vor.v remarkable photography. A real cowboy returning from tlie East is taken for a tender- foot and is also, suspected of stealing some money, being on the gtonnd alone when the (Continued on page 70.). DIIIE'S EXCLUSIVE TERRITORY At reasonable rates, for the most sensational film ever produced, entitled TEMPTATIONS OF A GREAT CITY Pasaed by tt«a National Board of Censorahlp LENGTH, 2,500 FEET THRB REELS Address P. P. CRAFT, 111 E.14th St.,NEW YORK WARNINGI "Temptations of a Oteat,(Sty" 'is fully protaotad by tlie aew copyright law. aTioIation ot waioh is a criminal atTenae. The law. also pcoTidat tor haaTydamacM and aaiaute of picatisal film. $500 REWARD for itdiotmatian wluah may laad to tba antst and eon- T^at!oB of aay ana infiini^ac oar copyrights. HELL, and