Close Up (Oct 1920 - Aug 1923)

NIGHT LIFE IN L. A. (By “The Rounder”) MISSION — When the Universal Film Company started to produce “Human Hearts,” I — like a great many others — was ready to congratulate them for doing so, and when Universal selected King Baggot to direct this Universal-Jewel Production, I felt as if the very best man had been engaged to direct it. In the latter statement, I still feel' that I am right, but in my former assertion regarding the story I am inclined to believe I am wrong, for “Human Hearts” merely comes under the heading of ordinary melodrama with a morbid ending that doesn’t make for the complete success of the picture. There isn’t any doubt in my mind that very much good material has been cut out of this vehicle that should have remained in. The knowledge of incidents and detail are so absolutely proven by King Baggot’s judgment in this production that I can easily guess that, for shortening purposes, a great deal of sequence has been eliminated to bring the feature within a reasonable distance of public patience. I would not like you to infer that this Hal Reid Feature is altogether lacking in entertaining value or merit, for such is not the case. It abounds with very clever characterizations, and a few thrills — some of them misplaced, no doubt, and quite a lot of amusement. It is bound to please many mo^e than it will displease. It will not excel previous box office records at this theatre but, people who will see it will at least say that it is free from objectionable angles which are so often seen in pictures. House Peters played his part with a thoroughness that needs no commendation. Russell Simpson is invariably good. Mary Philbin does not do a tremendous lot, but you can see that the director has taken special pains to bring out certain talents which I did not believe her to be possessed of. This little girl is bound to be successful. George Hackerthorn gave a very sincere performance. Edith Hallor is not only a splendid screen personality but has every indication of becoming something worth while in pictures. Ramsey Wallace can always be counted upon to render the best that is in him, which he does. Snitz Edwards is not only an amusing character but he is one of the finest actors on the screen. Gertrude Claire played her part with just the right human note, so it is very evident that the cast made good; the director made good, the photographer, Victor Milner, more than made good; unfortunately, the story didn’t quite reach the level of expectations, nevertheless, as I have said before, “Human Hearts” cannot be considered a failure. But it would have been if King Baggot hadn’t directed it! ORPHEUM — About one of the worst punishments that can be meted out to any human being is to be cooped up in a bcrx office in these particular dog days. Such happens to be the case with Signor Perry, who has had to amplify his multifarious duties by shouldering the duties of Billy Hucknall, whom I mentioned in the last issue went off dear hunting for a while. He is expected back as soon as he cools off. PANTAGES — Will King seems to have made a home for himself at this theatre. His “Musi-Komedy” has been going over with a “bang.” The vaudeville is fairly good, while Ruth Roland in the “Timber Queen” acts as the “CHASER” for an otherwise good bill. H. B. Warner was featured in “The Sheik of Araby,” a splendid picture with a splendid star. KINEMA — “The Primitive Lover,” featuring Constance Talmadge, directed by Sidney Franklin. Merely a hodge-podge of nothingness, nevertheless, it is entertaining. She wanted a caveman and she got him, with quite a few entertaining episodes that follow it. The Sherwoods’ tantalizing band are enhancing their artistic value from week to week. Their repertoire seems to be unending. Their revues, songs and ideas are more than captivating. SUPERBA — After a fairly long absence, I beheld Edward Gibson in the Universal western thriller, “The Loaded Door.” You get plenty of action in it and that’s all you can expect when you see (Hoot) on the screen. Lee Moran in “Apartment Wanted” lives up to his high repu THE INCUMBENT Re-elect George S. Richardson police judge. Vote at the primaries, Tuesday, August 29th. He stands upon an eight years’ record of fair and fearless public service. tation of a refined comedian with original angles to him. Jack Howard claims that he hasn’t yet heard one patron express dissatisfaction with the bill. I can readily believe this, when I take into consideration the smile which seems to be continuously on the face of Noble Hearne, the manager. LOEW’S STATE— Mr. Bostick, the new manager of this beautiful theatre, certainly deserves much better from California than the treatment he has lately received. He had only been here a few days practically, when he lost his helpmate and pal, and through it all he had to render his duties to amuse the public; when his heart was a-break with the loss of his wife. I earnestly sorrow with him in his misfortune. The vaudeville here is not quite up to the standard quality, although Tom Mix in “For Big Stakes” makes up for the lack of the other end of the bill. Billy Shoup is acting as Mr. Bostick’s official assistant and, again, I reiterate that Mr. Bostick can be congratulated on this fact. CALIFORNIA— “Rich Men’s Wives,” presented by B. P. Schylberg, a Premiere. Here is a picture that (Continued on next page.)