Close Up (Oct 1920 - Sep 1923)

“PENROD AND SAM,” FROM THE STORY BY BOOTH TARKINKTON; PRODUCED BY J. K. McDonald; directed by william beaudine; photographed by ray june: ADAPTED BY HOPE LORING AND LOUIS LIGHTON; TITLES SUGGESTED B.Y BOOTH TARKINGTON; RELEASED THROUGH FIRST NATIONAL; PRE-VIEWED AT HUNTLEY’S THEATRE MAY 10TH. BY CLOSE-UP JUNIOR Recently we have seen a great number of the so-called “kid” pictures, but up to the present time we have never viewed anything so splendidly handled as “Penrod and Sam.” There are more real laughs and pathetic touches in this than in any six ordinary pictures. William Beaudine proves many times that he is a very capable director and exceedingly original in his manner of directing. The cast is composed of Ben Alexaner as Penrod, Joe Butterworth as Sam, Buddy Messinger as Roddy B,itts, Joe McCray as Verman, Gene Jackson as Herman, “Cameo,” the dog, as Duke, William V. Mong as Mr. Bitts, Gladys Brockwell as Mrs. Schofield, Rockcliffe Fellows as Mr. Schofield, Newton Hall as Georgie Bassett, Mary Philbin as Penrod’s sister, Gareth Hughes as Robert, and Gertrude Messinger as Marjorie Jones... There are so many fine things and bits of acting in this feature that it is difficult to give credit to all in this limited amount of space. Gertrude Messinger and Ben Alexander gave the best performance of any two kid actors I have ever seen. The scene in which their playmate, the dog, is killed beats the best of mother sob stuff. The comedy situations put some of our greatest comedians and comedies in the background for a few feet of good film. Gladys Brockwell again shows us just what a wonderful actress she is. Rockcliffe Fellows surpasses some of his best work and adds many laughs to the picture. William V. Mong does the best “mean” role we’ve seen on the screen. Newton Hall is a perfect “sissy.” Joe Butterworth did some fine acting in spots. Other times he could have been better. Mary Philbin and Gareth Hughes had very small parts and were only fair. Now again we congratulate Mr. Beaudine on his fine, even and super direction. This is undoubtedly one of the best pictures of the coming year. There is more real entertainment in this than a dozen other program pictures. “SIXTY CENTS AN HOUR,” STARRING WALTER HIERS; DIRECTED BY JOSEPH HENNEBURY; STORY BY FRANK CONDON; ADAPTED BY GRANT CARPENTER; PHOTOGRAPHED BY FLAXEN DEAN; PRE-VIEWED AT THE ROOSEVELT THEATRE BY CLOSE-UP JUNIOR Walter Hiers is the overly fed, discontented and generally picked-on soda clerk in a small town of one village queen and stereotyped crooks. In this comedy part he tries very hard to be funny and he might have been had the gags come from professional fun men. Walter is very funny, however, when he breaks away from written orders and really acts. Jacqueline Logan, one of the best leading ladies in the business at present, acts like an old trouper through silly situations, and a role which was far too small for such a clever actress. Riccardo Cortez, discovered by Jesse Lasky as a good sheik to file away for future reference, stands out remarkably well as a villain, who — according to the villains’ union — smokes long cigars, laughs sneeringly at the hero, takes the heroine riding in his racer-like car, and generally messes things up for a couple of reels. Aside from this, Mr. Cortez will undoubtedly be one of the leading figures in the picture industry soon, as he has great ability, and of course there is a certain amount of feminine appeal. That alone is enough box office attraction. Another member of the cast is Vervyn LeRoy, a young chap who is making wonderful progress in the films as an actor of the modern school. There is something about him that appeals to both young and old. He has a style — something new for actors. He is well worth watching. Others in the cast are: Charles Ogle, Robert Dudley, Clarence Burton, Guy Oliver and Cullen Tate. A Popular I. Miller Shoe The “SCANDAL” — It would seem untrue that one style in particular should have the ability, in loveliness and delicacy, to out-step any or many of the little models designed and made by I. Miller. — However, the “Scandal” here sketched is a successful captain. It has an odd and artistic forepart, three graceful straps and dainty perforations. Something to be seen and thought about. Patent Leather only. At the Ville — Fifth Floor, where I. Miller Footwear is carried exclusively in Los Angeles WVENTM ^JKTOUV* B.H.OTA8 CO.