Canadian Moving Picture Digest (May 1925-May 1926)

Page Two CANADIAN MOVING PICTURE DIGEST Compiled Class B Reviews of “The Spotlight’’—continued CLASS B—“GET BEHIND THESE”—Photoplays of real merit, but which require more or less bally-hoo in the way of exploitation to gain the deserved box-office results. CLASS B “MY WIFE AND I” (Warners) Irene Rich, one of the most charming and womanly of screen personalities, is here given a rather creaky vehicle to convey her in her latest story. It is based on a forgotten novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe, brought up to date of course because it has limousines, Long Island Millionaires and—a vamp. This vamp is played by Constance Bennett who is industricusly creating a large gallery of portraits of young women devoid of moral sense, captivating chits whose ears one longs to box, yet whose allure to the male of the species, young and old, one has to admit. Irene Rich is lovely and sympathetic, as always, and her sincere performance as the wife and mother would save a much worse picture. Huntley Gordon is plausible as the husband who “falls for” the same little vamp that has ensnared his son. Not a great picture by any means, but one which will respond satisfactorily to exploitation. Boost Irene Rich and her antithesis—Constance Bennett. * * * * CLASS B “BLACK CYCLONE” (Pathe) This amazing film is not only unique and novel in the extreme, but it is entertainment in all that the word implies. That remarkable Rex, who appeared last season in “The King of Wild Horses,” is featured in this—and what a “leading man” he is! No mere posing or hogging the camera for him, he lives the part. So does a wicked looking big stallion called the “Killer” and lcoking the part for he has been deftly touched up with a paint brush so tnat he presents a properly sinister appearance as befits the villain of the piece. A touch of equine romance is given the story by introducing a gentle, graceful mare “Lady” who is sought by both Rex and the Killer. The horses are truly wonderful in their carrying out of the story, and though there are humans in it, they are of secondary importance though they do well the little they have to do. The fights between Rex and the Killer are real fights not “reel” fights, (as for instance when Tom Moore licks Bill Russell) and the interest never lags for one second during the story. Let’s have some more of Rex and the Killer, there are certain leading men and heavies we should like to forget (names furnished on request). If this is played up as it should be, theatre owners will have not only the greatest novelty of the season, but also one of their best B. O. attractions. * * * * CLASS B “BAREE—SON OF KAZAN” (Vitagraph) A very fine James Oliver Curwood story, featuring Anita Stewart who does more satisfactory work in this vivid story of the Hudson Bay country than we have had from her in a long time. “Wolf,” the famous war dog is plausible—that is the stunts he is called upon to perform are plausible, and not just dragged in to give him an opportunity to show what he can do. The picture starts with a rush and its pace never lags. Its highlight apart from “Wolf” and Anita are the splendid acting of Donald Keith as the hero and Jack Curtis as the villainous factor, whose vile machinations are foiled by the dog. A picture whose entertainment value will appeal to every member of the family, and whose exploitation possibilities are almost endless, owing to the fact that about 800 newspapers are running this story as a serial. CLASS B “THAT DEVIL QUEMADO” F. B. O.) This drama of dashing adventures and picturesque romance ought to establish Fred Thomson among the leading darerevils of the screen. The story is of the type made popular by “The Mark of Zorro,” and concerns the adventures of a college-bred youth who returns to the land of his Spanish ancestors. Thomson, a graduate of Princeton and champion all around athlete while in college, is a most human and personable hero, who will, if he continues to get such excellent stories as this, soon become one of the prince favorites of action pictures. Gloria Hope is fine as the proud Eastern girl who finally succumbs to his charm, while Alan Roscoe is sufficiently sinister as the other fellow. Boost this one big, with no fear of disappointing your patrons, and you will be rewarded by having established another name which will draw customers to your theatre. * * * * CLASS B “UP THE LADDER” (Universal) This familiar story of a caddish husband who, upon reaching the upper rungs of the ladder of success, straightaway forgets and neglects the loyal little woman who helped put him there is told once again. James Van Cinton (Forest Stanley) is one of those chaps (whose name is legion) who cannot stand prosperity, and who is only faithful when he is poor. Virginia. Valli as the wife is sincere, sweet and appealing— much more so than Margaret Livingston as the “other woman.” George Fawcett is splendid as always; and Priscilla Moran, a darling child is very nearly the best thing in the entire picture. Holmes Herbert, a fine actor, has not enough to do. A new quirk is given the story by showing a television-phone—the husband’s invention— this ingenious contraption enables one to see the person to whom one is speaking over the phone, and eventually proves hubby’s undoing. A worthwhile picture on account of the heart interest, and the new angels given a tried and true story. * * * * CLASS B “ZANDER THE GREAT” (Metro-Goldwyn) This is only an ordinary picture. Yet we give it a B rating advisedly, because of the tremendous pre-publicity given it by the Hearst papers, as well as for some exceptional comedy acting on the part of Marion Davies. In fact her comedy scenes are of the highest order. If the picture was not so drawn out—in spots, and Marion’s work as fine in its dramatic moments as in its comedy moments, the picture would be deserving of the very highest rating. A truly all star cast has been assembled in support of the star, and includes Harrison Ford, Holbrook Blinn, Hobart Bosworth, Harry Myers, Harry Watson, George Siegman and others. In the orphanage scenes which open the picture, Marion Davies is surprisingly like Mary Pickford in her portrayal of the homely, freckled little waif. Later while her own beautiful self, she is somehow very much less convincing. However, it is on the whole very satisfying entertainment, and well worthy of extensive exploitation. Geogr Pictures Read The Digest Advertising “Pages.