Close Up (Oct 1920 - Aug 1923)

WARNER BROTHERS PRESENT “MAIN STREET” WITH ALL STAR CAST. NOVEL BY SINCLAIR LEWIS, SCENARIO BY JULIEN JOSEPHSON, PHOTOGRAPHY BY HOMER SCOTT. MISSION THEATRE, WORLD PREMIERE. DIRECTED BY HARRY BEAUMONT. REVIEWED BY EMM. ELL. I can quite understand now why so many young people leave the small town to flock to the city, after viewing “Main Street,” and strangely enough this is the first time that I have seen the citizenry of any small “Berg” display such ill-manners, both in their treatment to others, and their table manners! I presume there must have been a banker, preacher, teacher, and others of social prominence, including their daughters, who at least knew that it wasn’t customary to eat everything from the knives! Also I presume that Dr. Will Kennicott must have taken Carol Milford out once in a while in Minneapolis while courting her, and surely being a devotee of all things beautiful she would have noticed how ill-mannered he was at the table! Why was it necessary for the adapter of the story to exaggerate things which any audience could see through? Then, I presume (altho it wasn’t indicated in the story that the doctor was wealthy), that the doctor and his wife were wealthy enough to stage such a splendid ice carnival, etc., etc. It is too apparent that much license has been taken with the original. Perhaps this had to be, to make a coherent sequence of events, so I’ll let it pass at that. The big thing that stands out in my mind is the marvelous direction of Harry Beaumont. He seemed to have grasped at least the intent of the author, and succeeded in bringing out many colorful bits of acting characterizations and whimsical humor. He also managed to keep the current of the story in easy flow, with its vivid action at many points, altho I do take exception to an arm being presumably amputated, and then to see Noah Beery fondly caressing his hand and fingers in the sling! But aside from this and a few other slight defects to our imaginary powers the picture should stand out as a REAL CLASSIC OF SMALL TOWN STUFF. It is doubtful in my mind if there are three directors who are capable of extracting humor out of situations! Chief of the three, in my mind, ranks Harry Beaumont! Furthermore, he gives you action — more action — and still more action. The photography by Homer Scott deserves a great deal of credit, particularly so in the snowstorm that occurs during the carnival. It is the most vividly depicted thing I ever saw outside of Big Bear, and I understand that this was a made-to-order storm on Sunset Boulevard. The continuity is smooth and understandable; the acting as a whole will compare to anything I’ve seen on the screen recently. Space forbids mentioning each individual and merit, so I’ll just mention the name and classify their ability in order. Monte BJue sincerely acts his part; Florence Vidor gives the most charming characterization in the story; Robert Gorden is very convincing, although a little bit insincere in his love making. Noah Beery makes the most forceful impression on the mind; his part stands out very vividly. Alan Hale renders the part of a Swede with a faithfulness that draws many sympathetic sighs of contentment at his splendid acting. Louise Fazenda overdraws her character, and almost makes a caricature of her part as the maid (why was she killed off so suddenly?). Harry Meyers didn’t amount to much in this story; he must have worn out many pairs of suspenders! Josephine Crowell, as usual, is amusing and well cast. Otis Harlan is good. This same criticism also applies to Gordon Griffith, Lon Poff, J. P. Lockney, Gilbert Clayton, Jack McDonald, Michael Dark and Estelle Short. Glen Cavender showed a streak of exceptional ability, while Kathryn Perry and Aleen Manning showed that if they had “fatter” parts they could handle them easily. Mrs. Hayward Mack, Louis King, Josephine Kirkwood, Louise Carver and Hal Wilson were all possessed of talent, but need a more restricted vehicle to stand out exceptionally. Altogether this classic of the screen will stand comparison with any picture with a theme such as this story has. I’ll go further and say that it will be many moons before such a colorful picture is directed again of small town life, and I further assure you that the Warner Brothers went a mile in the right direction when they selected Harry Beaumont to direct “Main Street.” A Popular I. Miller Shoe Th — 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 •VWTH^iH’OLIV* ^ B.HDYAS CO.