Canadian Moving Picture Digest (Apr 1923-Apr 1924)

TORONTO, CANADA. “Flaming Passion” WARNER BROS. Through Regal Films d ues are a lot of good pictures whose box office prospects are being ruined by rotten titles. And ‘there are plenty of equally rotten pictures that get by—for a while— with the aid of a good title. “Flaming Passion” belongs to neither of these classes but it was annoying, to put it mildly, to read that title in place of the original “Lucretia Lombard,” so much so that I decided the next picture advertised with either the word “passion” or “flame” in the name could burn all to bits before I would step across the road to review it. Kathleen Norris wrote “Lvucretia Lombard” and it must make her feel simply grand to see the movie translation of her book name; there is some compensation however in witnessing the nice job the director made out of her story. Jack Conway has built a really interesting dramatic feature with the characters well drawn and the action forceful, leading to a climax that can easily claim superlority to most of the similar stunts being pulled, in fact the forest fire and flood terrors are real and exciting. Lucretia Lombard is a beautiful young woman who is released through the death of a dissipated husband from an almost unbearable bondage. Her “first great love” is bestowed upon Steve Winship, a clever young district attorney, who unfortunately has pledged his troth to his father’s ward, Mimi. The elder Winship, fatally hurt, urges the marriage. The pair are united at his death bed in the absence of Lucretia, With her return comes confession and renunciation, but the lovers’ declaration is witnhessed by the unwanted bride. he forest fire neatly solves the problem by killing off Mimi after Lucretia and Steve have fought valiently to save her. Though they look sad and weary in the final fade out it 's generally understood that they will be very pleased with results after a ood night’s rest and a change into warm clothing, Baie Rich shows great ability. She € distinction of looking like a woman rather than a freak or a manee and she registers easily. Norae Hea: runs Miss Rich a close sh nd for acting honors, as Mim1 © ives us a captivating little in Digest Reviews C genue claiming much sympathy and homage. We take it for granted that Monte Blue was chosen as the much loved young lawyer because of his athletic prowess. This business of going through dash fire and water undoubtedly requires a greater per centage of brawn than beauty. Let it be understood, however, that Mr. Blue showed histrionic ability in keeping with his athletic accomplishments. The picture in keeping with most of this season’s features -runs too long. The close ups are too large and too frequent but the photography generally shows artistry and care. * * *K * “Black Oxen” ASSOC. FIRST NATIONAL Whether or not “Black Oxen” as a picture lives up to your expectations, having the popular book in mind, matters little; it will more than satisfy you as a box-office attraction. This business of keeping young has engrossed femininity through the ages —lots of women old enough to know better cry every birthday. I speak from personal experience. Your chances with this picture are great. Eighty will come with Eighteen, and although Eighty may be a bit shocked at the ultra modern method of preserving the youth of the sex, Eighteen will point out that it is worth the shock to see the beautiful gowns and the way Conway Tearle makes love. | | Few fans have missed “Black Oxen” in book form. Gertrude Atherton’s story of a sixty-year-old wotman’s rejtivenation and her teciprocation of a young playwright’s “Fhe World of Passion” A Stoll Production A recent Dicks ‘editorial entitled “Big English Pictures” which included a reference to that excellent Dominion Films release “The World of Passion,” inadvertently gave the credit of this picture to G. B. Samuelson. Of course it is known that “The World of Passion” is a Stoll production and we hasten to make this correction, trusting that our apologies will be accepted for amy inconvetiience catised either the producers or distributors. 7 Page Seventeen urrent Attractions By H. M. BALL love has formed an enthralling tale for many thousands. With the exquisite Corinne Griffith in the role of Madame Zattiani who is fine enough to renounce this ill-mated love (thereby returning her lover to a most provocative flapper, and herself to the task of rebuilding Austria) picture patrons will enjoy a very satisfactory performance. I find it very hard not to rave ecstatically about Corinne Griffith, though after seeing her in one or two excellent pictures in which she retains that same becoming mood of pensive sadness, I am now hoping for a picture that will require anima tion from this gorgeous looking creature, Frank Lloyd has the happy faculty of securing most able principals—the extras in “Black Oxen’ do not reflect this ability with stars. Conway Tearle is a most attractive lover, and gives a gentlemanly: and appealing portrayal of the young writer. Clara Bow is an adorable flapper, an intriguing young person who I am sure will soon claim the laurels resting on other youthful brows for the moment. Her victory in the end is quite to be expected. Allan Hale completes the quartette of excellent leads. — Amazingly handsome and profuse are the creations worn in this production by Miss Griffith. Poise and breeding are reflected-in the attitudes and movements of this graceful star that will and should create envy in the breasts of many more widely recognized film celebrities. The picture is well handled but at times the. photography is disappointing. The same characteristic weakness of too much . footage also applies in the case of “Black Oxen.” ee eee Miller Stewart Receives Flattering Managerial Offer Miller Stewart, former manager of the Metropolitan Theatre in Winnipeg, who left for San Francisco, Cal., on February 1, has béen asked by a syndicate of that city to take charge of a new theatre they are building at Pala Alto, Calif., which structure will cost $250,000. If the theatre is designed in its interior appointments to conform to Mr. Stewart’s idea of . what a presettt day picture house should be, he will accept the offer. Before Buying Pictures Read The Digest Advertising Pages. \ OO8 1e /