Close Up (Oct 1920 - Sep 1923)

.3 NIGHT LIFE IN L. A. (By “The Rounder”) CALIFORNIA — “Westbound Limited” is a thrilling railroad story produced by Emory Johnson, who selected a fine cast of genuine actors including Ralph Lewis, Johnny Harron, Ella Hall, Claire McDowell and Taylor Graves. Mr. Lewis is the star and holds this spot rightfully throughout the film. The others did fine work. After viewing this picture we feel that Mr. Johnson should be placed in the ranks of “the best directors.” He has given the public a good, interesting program feature. Let us see more of his work. MISSION — It is still “Down to the Sea in Ships” here. There are "oceans ’ of thrills for those who haven’t seen this yet. Raymond McKee and Marguerite Courtot play the leading roles. Oh yes, there’s a whale in this who should have screen credit, too. ORPHEUM — Fannie Brice alone is enough to keep Mr. Perry busy, but still he has all the fans of Blossom Seeley to take care of. It has almost been too much for him. This is probably the greatest bill ever presented here. Just try and get a seat! A hint to the wise — And the rest of the bill is a corker. Especially G e o r ge Olsen’s gang of melody makers. They’ve got real pep! KINEMA — Lon Chaney again as a Chinaman! In “The Shock” we find this master of make-up doing the almond-eyed stuff again. And he is probably the only screen actor who can truly portray characters of the yellow race to perfection. Virginia Valli as the leading lady is very good. We expect to see her starring soon. “The Shock” is a good picture even if the title is a bit strange. If you like Chinese atmosphere and the dim-light stuff be sure and see this. MAJESTIC — "The Bad Man” is going very good, and Holbrook Blinn is increasing his number of fans with every performance. And during the day he is putting on screen make-up for Edwin Carew, who is directing the famous stage success for First National release. It will very very unusual to see him on the stage and then to wait for the story to appear on the screen. LOEW’S STATE— “Is your wedding ring brass?” That question is being answered by the Warner Bros, production of “Brass,” taken from the widely known novel of Charles G. Norris. The story is rather threadbare, but still there are situations that are unusual, and Sidney Franklin directed the picture skillfully. Those in the cast worth mentioning are Marie Prevost, Monte Blue, Frank Keenan, Helen Ferguson, Miss du Pont, Irene Rich, Pat O’Malley, Harry Myers, Cyril Chadwick and Vera Lewis. MOROSCO — It is still “Fair and Warmer.” We’ve told you before that this was worth seeing, and it’s near the end of their limited engagement, so you’d better hurry. The “sold out” sign is being used at every performance. MILLER’S — Plarold Lloyd is still “Safety Last”-ing and giving us the FIRST REAL THRILL in a full length comedy of clever gags. Mil dred Davis (Mrs. Lloyd) and Mickey Daniels flash through for their well-deserved honors of mention. By all means see this. METROPOLITAN — Another mystery by Bayard Veiller entitled “The Woman With Four Faces.” Herbert Brennon directed a flock of the Lasky players through a series of staged thrills and trick sub-titles. Betty Compson is featured among such players as Richard Dix, George Fawcett, Theodore von Eltz, Joseph Kilgour and Guy Oliver. The title is very clever, but it is not nearly as good as Veiller’s other successes, “Within the Law” and “The 13th Chair.” However, it was good entertainment and typical of the Lasky system of turning out screen stories. HILLSTREET — The photoplay this week is none other than “A Friendly Husband,” with the famous English comedian, Lupino Lane. This is really a clever comedy and there are some very good gags placed on a WHAT IS IT? It is something that will be of vital interest to everyone connected with the acting angle of motion pictures or the speaking stage. IN THE NEXT ISSUE I WILL EXPLAIN WHY Will Become a Dressing Room “Slogan” Within a Short Time Watch Inside Cover of Next Issue for the Message It Originated in Hollywood