Canadian Moving Picture Digest (Apr 1923-Apr 1924)

AN TORONTO, CANADA. Page Eleven Digest Reviews Current Attractions By H. M. BALL “Happiness” METRO Through Regal T’S a bit difficult to category “Hap piness.” With all Laurette Taylor’s inimitable charm and all the excellent support by a group of well cast players the piece is sadly lacking. The difficulty seems to be partly with the adaptation of J. Hartley Manners’ play and partly with the direction—an effort has been made to prolong the subject matter into eight reels of screen entertainment and “Happiness” is not worth that much in the screen version. Nevertheless Laurette Taylor has such a traditional popularity, and the picture stresses the captivating charm of the clever little actress with such considerable effect, it is just possible your audience will be patient in awaiting the definitely punctuated bits of humor. Mostly the star is sweet and attractive, but occasionally too much light gives her an unpleasant expression. _As the messenger girl employed for eight dollars a week in a huge and fashionable New York costumer’s, Miss Taylor is an appealing little Creature, whose sole ambition is to manage a shop of her own, instead of aspiring to social leadership — the usual development at this stage of the story. A pretty spoilt darling, recently divorced, likes the philosophical outlook of the keen young mind and decides she would like to possess this nice little ray of sunshine. he child who radiates happiness, however, sticks to her principle, and though she trots around in the wealthy lady’s automobile occasionally, she refuses to be adopted, keeps her mind on her objective and finally acquires a smart little shop and a pleasant young Irishman for a husband. He in turn owns an electrical Shop and the picture fades out with the electric signs of these two hard earned commercial enterprises blink ing at each other just across the Street. Hedda Hopper is the beautiful lady whose selfish heart is put right by the smile of the urchin, Cyril Chadwick is the handsome suitor who paces up and down until this metamorphosis iS accomplished. Pat O’Malley is a suitable electrician and Edith Yorke 1s the timid mother. King Vidor di “A Society Sensation” UNIVERSAL Few feature pictures have created as much interest as a two-reeler recently released by Universal. At the Toronto premiere of this short subject, it was featured over the feature. The picture is titled “A Society Sensation” and Rudolph Valentino is the star. This is the only picture on the market at present starring the famous sheik of shadowland, and is destined for a rather amazing run, especially in view of Valentino’s approaching return to the screen and his adoring fans in “Monsieur Beaucaire.”’ Universal’s timely release will meet with quick response from the live exhibitor—this chance to show the idol Valentino will not be overlooked. Moreover, the picture in itself, though a re-issue, is quite interesting. Carmel Myers is seen in support of the star; and the story which deals with the romance of a society youth and a fishermaid who is posing as a “Duchess,” provides some good old fashioned thrills. Perley Poore Sheehan, who adapted “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” wrote the story, and Paul Powell directed. You will also love to see that young genius, Zasu Pitts, in the comedy role. * OK ok OX “A Couple of Down and Outs” G. B. SAMUELSON Through Regal Rare indeed is the demonstration of approval in the cinema these days. “A Couple of Down and Outs” succeeded in rousing Tivoli audiences to enthusiastic applause during its Toronto run, proving that real merit wins approbation in spite of the skeptic’s slur on the fans’ depraved tastes. This charming English chronicle of life as lived by two war heroes rouses the dormant sympathies and plays upon the heart strings of the people who are prone to close their eyes to the tragedies of life and shine only on the joys. While the picture, which is one of the many artistic products from the G. B. Samuelson studios, appeals strongly and consistently to the emotions and calls for tears and smiles alternately, there is nothing rected, or did he fail to diree? OO ge" about the story. It tells in pg puaing Pictures Read The Digest Advertising Pages. simple terms of a youth who has retained little of his good fortune after the war. He joins the throngs paying tribute at the cenotaph on Armistice Day and the weeping mothers about him, the brave smiling sweethearts and the innocent fatherless children stir memories — temporarily dispelled by the more immediate pangs of hunger. By a strange trick of fate the warrior sees his war pal, “Jack” (a horse that had seen heroic service with him in France), being led to the wharf ready for shipment back to Belgium, there to be killed and used as food. The injustice of this ingratitude prompts the lad to steal the horse. He seeks shelter from the police at the home of a police constable, whose son had given his life for his country and whose daughter readily takes up the cause of the gallant young soldier. Her gentle persuasiveness and inspiration help to reinstate the lad in his former post and ensures-. future happiness for them all. The story is simple beyond belief but it deals with three strong loves —love of country, love of womanhood and love of man’s great friend, the dumb creature. There are some remarkably appealing shots and some unusual evidences of artistic photography—there are scores of exquisite touches which rouse the audience to genuine applause, there are many scenes of historical significance, and the work of the principals is admirably supported ‘by the entire cast. Even if your audiences are Gloria Swanson admirers they will fall beneath the spell of Samuelson’s delightful story. a George Marion, Jr, =§ Ss. To Write F. B. O. Titles George Marion, Jr., son of George Marion, one of the best British. character actors -and stage directors in the history of the theatre, has been engaged by General Manager B. P. Fineman to -serve ‘as ‘head of the titling department of the F. B. O. studios. Mr. Marion has served. for a number of years as title writer and film editor for some of the foremost producers. His father will be remembered as the father. in “Anna Christie,” which role he created with high distinction in the original stage production,of the play.