Camera (May 1922-April 1923)

Page Fourteen The Digest of the Motion Picture Industry" CAMERA I "THE FAST MAIL" (Fox) "Bernard Duming has certainly brought Lincoln J. Carter's novel to life in a production that can boast of being the most melo of 'mellers.' But it is sure-tire stuff, and for lovers of melodrama they couldn't ask for anyahing more complete than 'The Fast Mail.' It includes every trick of melodrama that was ever thought of, the kind that brings them to the edge of their seats and sends the gallery crowd into shouts. "Sequences follow in snappy succession, and the film is so short that it seems hardly on the screen until it is off. "Carles Jones, Fox's cowboy, is too heavy as the jockey, but otherwise is the right one for the heroic role, and he does fine work, taking great chances in some of the thrill scenes. Eileen Percy is more attractive than ever with her bobbed hair. Adolph Menjou is good as the villain." — The Film Daily. " 'The Fast Mail' is certain to make the blood tingle even in the veins of an anaemic spectator. The gallery gods will stand right up on their hind legs and shout for joy. "The incident is well put together so that lapses in ahe continuity are never noticed. Charles (Buck) Jones will surprise you. You never expect to see him apply himself to such rugged heroics after witnessing him in easy performances. Yet he makes his work easy through an adaptability which might well suit Fairbanks. — Motion Picture News. "Another famous old time melodrama reaches the screen in the Fox production of "The Fast Mail," which thrilled theatregoers of the last generation and toured the country, played by various companies, for over twenty years. "The continuity proceeds as smoothly as necessary in a film of this sort and the director has done his share in handling the scenes well and mountinj; them appropriately, not to say anything of the arrangement of the mechanics that permit of the hair-raising episodes." — Moving Picture World. "A very satisfactory blond objective for Mr. Jones' sensational exploits is Miss Eileen Percy, who is very Southern, confiding, loyal and all else that the part requires. Adolph Menjou is an agreeably obnoxious villain, and if he keeps right in the track he followed on 'The Fast Mail' he very likely will become one of our best hated ligurantes in pictures. The other principals in the cast, which includes William Steele, Harry Dunkinson and Jim Mason, are quite acceptable. "This young and coming Bernard Durning, who is credited with the direction, is entitled to especial mention. He has done a splendid job with the famous Lincoln J. Carter story. Several highly important action scenes are handled in a thoroughly creditable manner." —Exhibitors Herald. "THE DUST FLOWERS" (Goldwyn) "Of all the modern Cinderella themes "The Dust Flower" is about the most improbable and an introductory subtitle conceals a bit of apology for it, at the same time taking a whack at the cynics who may dislike it for its improbabilities. . . . "Lovers of romance will be well pleased with Basil King's story and the happy ending will meet with their complete satisfaction. . . . Rowland V. I,ee provides a suitable production and has secured a good cast. "Ilelene Chadwick handles the Cinderella role capably, but <loes not photograph as well in this as in some more recent pictures. James Reniiie is the matinee idol type of hero, and Claude Gillingwater makes a good deal of the role of Steptoe, the butler." — The Film Daily. "A thoroughly satisfying story of a modern Cinderella, containing a clean wholesome plot, the characters of which are portrayed by a cast of uniform excellence. The players are one of the big features of this production, and one will go a long way before he will meet up with such a sterling cha/acter actor as Claude Gillingwater. Of course, it's alv.ays a real delight to watch Helene Chadwick act. These two dominate the picture, and should be given credit for lifting it to a place in the sun. "Edward Peil, as the stepfather, has the heavy role, and is convincing in it. . . . Mona Kingsley is good as Barbara, the fiance and a soicety belle. . . . 'The Dust Flower,' like all Goldwyn attractions, is finely mounted throughout." — Motion Picture News. "Added to the splendid cast is the evidenc eof painstaking direction." — Motion Picture News. "Exquisite taste has been used in the settings and the direction has been exceptionally well handled. "Claude Gillingwater, playing what might be called a comedy butler, with emphasized acting, gives the outstanding performance in the picture. . . . Helene Chadwick is charming to look upon, and whenever she is called upon for acting that is not easy she performs it with most excellent results. The others in the cast give notable performances." — Moving Picture World. "There are instances when 'The Dust Flower' really takes hold of the spectator's attention and something like an illusion is approached, but nothing of a very permanent worth comes of the proceedings, which hew close to the line of the familiar ■^nd the customary. "Helene Chadwick is at her best, which means that her performance lacks little in acting skill and absolutely nothing in personal charm. Claude Gillingwater scores most conspicuously as the butler, James Rennie makes much o fhis role, and George Periolat attracts attention as the cabaret man "Mr. Lee showed fine judgment and skill in his direction of the piece." — Exhibitors Trade Review. "SMUDGE" (First National) "A pronounced departure from anything Mr. Ray has done recently, but one that presents him to advantage. . . . Until the inventive young mind of the hero contrived a smokeless heater, the country round about the fruit groves became all 'smudged up' following use of the frost prevention. On this informative basis has been well worked out an interest-compelling plot, a cross between comedy anil drama, and in either instance, of great general appeal. "In 'Smudge,' Charles Ray has a story that is interestingly told, and a vehicle that is well acted throughout. "Ora Crew, in support of the star, is charming, and thelil mis brightened »also by glimpses — too short — of other good looking girls that would go a long way toward lending attractiveness to any production. "There are speeding automobiles and motor-cycles that play a part in the story's progress, and will please those who favor fast action, and the photography is one of the details that deserve special commendation." — Moving Picture World. "COLLEEN OF THE PINES" (Chestes Bennett Prod. — P. B. O.) " 'Colleen of the Pines' is a good picture as far as production, direction and actin gis concerned, but it is rather doubtful if the story will meet with the same satisfaction. There has been such a run on stories of the Northwest with the Royal Northwest Mounted Police officer playing an imporaant part, that people are beginning to tire of loo much of the same thing. "Chester Bennett has done pretty well with his material, except that several times he permits things to reach what the audience expects will be the climax. Then he continues on until it leads to another near-climax. — The Film Daily. "Jane Novak delivers a convincing interpretation of Joan, known to her lover only as "Colleen of the Pines.' Charlott Pierce, as her younger sister Esther, portrays an impetuous child in an appealing manner. Both girls are pretty and are well cast for the respective roles. "The male members of the cast might have been improved upon. Especially is the father over-acted. Yet 'Smoke' Turner as the half-breed Indian, makes considerable out of a minor part. Those who are called upon to tight do it convincingly. Edward Ilearn, as the hero, rides well. The picture has marked scenic value and has been well directed." — Motion Picture News. People Wheeler Dryden has been elected second vice president of the Playerafters Club. Elmo Lincoln, strong man, will portray the role of the village blacksmith in the screen version of "Quincy Adams Sawyer." Joan Standing has been assigned a part in Reginald Barker's production, "Timber." Mrs. C. A. Collins has received a wire that her husband, "Chick" Collins, has arrived in New York and is pleased with his position as representative for Curtis Photoplay corporatioti in New Y'oik. Lincoln Stedman has been added to the cast of "The Dangerous Age," to be directed by John M. Stahl. Claire McDowell will play the part of Mrs. Putnam in the Metro production of "Quincy Adams Sawyer." Dorothy Phillips has been engaged for the leading role in "The World's a Stage," to be directed by Colin Campbell, at United. Bill Crinley is casling for Irving Cummlngs' next production. Frederick Jobson has the leading character role in "The Young Rajah," under production at Lasky studio. Max Linden's "The Three Must Get Theirs" will be released by United Artists in the early fall. David Torrence, formerly with the Maude Adams and Jane Cowl companies, is in support of Mary Pickford in "Tess of the Storm Country." Mike Rosenberg and Irving Lesser have bought "The World's a Stage," by Elinor Glyn. Frank Borzage, director of "Humoresque" arrived in Los -Vngeles Saturday, where he will probably start work. Murray Miller, formerly with Sanford, is now at Goldwyn's. Mark Goldaine is gag man with Ben Wilson. Norma Talmadge and her company returned from Santa Barbara, where they have been making exteriors for "The Voice of the Minaret." I i J Ward Caufield returned from New York City where he has been combining business with pleasure. Tom Gubbins returned from the Orient after spending five months there gathering data, costumes and first-hand information on customs of the people in those countries. Francis Carpenter and his mother returned from Catalina, where they have been sojourning for two months. The little chap, who made famous Jack in "Jack and the Beanstalk" for Fox years ago, is anxious to get back to' the screen. Fred Datig, casting director at Universal, is not going to turn his new Hudson coupe into a transportation bus between Hollywood and Universal City. Walter Israel, is designing costumes of the period of Louis XVIII in Norma Talmadge's "The Eternal Flame," and has been engaged to design the costumes to be worn by Miss Talmadge and her company in "The Voice from the Minaret." Wesley Barry is now working in "Little Heroes of the Street " Chester Bennett has started a production at R-C studios under the working title "Thelma." starring Jane Novak.