Canadian Moving Picture Digest (May-Oct 1922)

Page Eighteen RAY LEWIS REVIEWS ‘DETERMINATION’ AND ‘REMEMBRANCE? *¢PDYEMEMBRANCE,” written and directed by Rupert Hughes is a Goldwyn release which had its premiere showing in Toronto at the Allen Richmond Street Theatre. “Rememhrance” has those intimate touches of human interest with which all Rupert Hughes — stories: abound. — Father, played by Claude Gillingwater, so admirably that one almost forgets everybody else but him, is surrounded by a growing luxury-loving family, wife included. Father works all the time, including overtime, but despite the fact that he has built up a very successful business, the incessant and increasing demands of his family for money almost ruin him financially, and endanger his health. Father. perilously close to death, through a breakdown, brings out the finer spirit of his wife and children, who finally cease to squabble about what they can get out of “poor old father,” and long only for his recovery, Father recovers, business continues as usual, the children reform slightly, the wife appears to be cured entirely and sees that father has a little leisure for the enjoyment of what his wealth can give him also. “Remembrance” has no “Hoorah” scenes, but that does not take away from the merit of the production. The grouping of the various characters was quite picturesque. Patsy Ruth Miller, as the most sincere of all “father’s daughters,” did what she had to do very well. While Cullen Landis fitted his role acimirably. Kate Lester, as the wife, probably had one of the most important roles yet entrusted to her care; and trust was not betrayed. Max Davidson as Ibrig, business rival of “Father” was especially good. Of course, since the picture was all about “Father,” Claude Gillingwater was there most of the time; and the more one saw of his work the more one enjoyed it. ‘“Father’s” should just flock to see “Remembrance.” CPYETERMINATION,” the LeeBradford production — released by Canadian Exhibitors takes its audience through London and Paris. The haunts of the Idle Rich and the denizens of the Idle Poor. “Determination” has been produced with a great deal of attention to detail and atmosphere. . The London scenes are so realistic that it is difficult to imagine that these scenes were not actually taken at Whitechapel, London. “Determination” abounds with distinctive characterizations and such punches as a real good ‘Chapel District, London. hoxing match, and a horse-race, produced with as much = attention as scenes of this kind are produced in pictures where they singly are the sole feature. In “Determination,” these scenes are but two of a great many which register equally as well. The story is centralized around Jehn Morton, a Londoner, and_ his twin brother, James Melvale. Both brothers are unaware of the existence of each other, through the eccentricity of their dead father, who separated the brothers in order that they might each determine their own destiny. ignorant of their relationship aod his wealth which awaited them at thirty. John Morton carves out a career whch brings him among the fine element of society in London; and develops within his nature a desire for Service, which satisfies itself in founding a Mission in the White His brother, Melvale. is more of the “Lucky Devil-May-Care” type, and his interests are expressed in haunting the fashionable gambling rendezvous of Maris and the denizens of the Apaches. The brothers are confused by acquaintances and friends. who, ignor:nt also of the existence of two Dbrothers, accuse John Morton of leading a double life. “Lucky,” a little waif whom Morton has befriended; and who, because of his love for an American girl, Frances Lloyd, leaves London for Paris, happens to meet the brother Melvale in the Cafe of the “Laughing Oyster.” Paris, it is she who afterwards saves Morton from the disgrace of the accusations with which he is surrounded. <All ends happily, The brothers meet, “Lucky” appears to be the choice of Melvale. while the American heiress, convinced that Morton is still the honorable man that she at first believed him to be, does not say no to Morton's proposal of marriage. The picture has many _ beautiful sets which are so well dressed and elaborately planned that they offset the scenes of squalor. ‘“Determination” is a melodrama and as it is melodrama which the public is now demanding, “Determination” properly exploited should get the exhibitors plenty of business. Tie-Ups can be arranged with every welfare organization, for the theme of the story lends itself to exploitation of this kind. “Make Your Will” idea could be brought in also as the will of the father plays an important part. CANADIAN MOVING PICTURE DIGEST Sportsman’s organization could be utilized on account of the boxing match. Jockey Club tie-up on account of horse-race. In conjunction those stores handling goods of this kind could be induced to co-operate. For a Ballyhoo one could employ a regular “Coxey's Army Band” with a drum and banners stating that they had the “Determination” to visit John Morton's Mission House at ——— Theatre. This Band could play in front of the theatre and a woman could be used to represent “Whitechapel Mary,” who would give an address and tell what she was when Morton found her and how he saved her. She could finish by inviting the crowd to see the story of her life as cepicted in “Determination” at -the theatre. “Lucky” could also make a little spiel. “Determination” is the kind of a picture which needs sensational exploitation to make it get over. An ideal picture for the Strand Theatre, Toronto. In its present form it is eight reels, but a cut of two reels would do the trick and do the picture well. David M. Hartford in the Market for Outdoor Stories AVID M. Hartford has entered the arena as purchaser of successful books and stories for screen production and his negotiations to date will furnish his producing organization with enough material to cover nearly two years of continuous effort. “Bulldog Carney” by W. A. Fraser. is the first title announced and it is Mr. Hartford's intention to make a series of “Bulldog Carney” features. The excellence of the plots and splendid types of characters involved, plus the actual rugged Canadian locations already decided upon, will give this series a zest that will have the right kind of box office appeal. With productions of “Back to God’s Country,” “Nomads of the North,” “The Golden Snare.” “The Rapids.” and “Blue Water,” all Canadian stories, to his credit, the successful marketing of this series is a foregone conclusion. “Dave” is a member of the Theatre Owners’ Association and President of the M.P.D.A. of Los Angeles. Two Reel Films Open Shows at St. John The Opera House, and Queen Square, St. John, which are playing tabloid comedy stock, for limited engagements are showing a two reel film preceding, gach show. “Courtesy O28 Service,” Coleman Hlectric Co., 21 Dinca. S'. E., Torsite.