Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

George Loane Tucker presents "I BELIEVE" George Loane Tucker photodrama; eight parts As a whole Impressive Story Praiseworthy Cast „ Meritorious Settings _ Suitable Photography Fine To George Loane Tucker, author and director of "I Believe," a wreath of laurels should be presented. The story deals with a gigantic subject — that of God and His subjects. Mr. Tucker tears holes with a vengeance into the theories of such unbelievers as Neitsche and Haekel and surely proves to scoffers that they cannot exist without the soul which only God can create. Mr. Tucker further proves his capabilities in handling this weighty subject by adding a lot of comedy touches. His fights, accident scenes, and his characterizations, all are more than commendable. ONE OF IMPORTANT SCENES FROM DRAMATIC PRODUCTION, "I BELIEVE" (Cosmofotofilra Co.) A notable cast assists him. Milton Rosmer's interpretation of the role of Stephen Ferrier entitles him to recognition as a star. Edna Flugrath makes a lovable and pathetic child. The rest of the cast, giving a splendid performance, includes Charles Rock, Barbara Everest, Hubert Willis, Frank Stanmore, Kenelm Foss, Hayford Hobbs, Bertram Bingleigh, Edward O'Neill, Lewis Grant, Minna Grey, Janet Ross, Louise Manning, Phillip Hewland, Arthur Walcott, Dorothy Tree, James Reardom, Douglas Munro, Phyllis Broughton. This is a picture which can be booked with absolute assurance that it will receive a unanimous vote of approval. The story: Stephen Ferrier and his father are ministers of the Episcopal Church. They are fighting the influence of an unbeliever named Gedge. This man and his henchman Harden have acquired a powerful hold upon the working element. Realizing the pernicious influence, Stephen opens a mission. Blit his followers are few until Walton is killed by a piece of machinery. Harden refuses to comfort him in his dying moments with the explanation that he will have nothing to do with what is finished. Ferrier is summoned and tells Walton to fear not that his life is not ebbing away, but is only beginning. The sinner believes and dies happy. Stephen has been instrumental in saving the daughter of Juicy Joe from the obnoxious attentions of Walton's son. Most of the men have now swung over to Stephen's side. Little Lucy is pursued to Stephen's house by the irate father, but when Stephen tells him he will marry Lucy he consents to let her remain. He marries her, although she tries to run away from him, believing that he cares nothing for her except to save her from the wicked influence of her father. Stephen meets Gedge and Gedge sows the seed of doubt in his mind. Gedge also explains to him that he can create life. The father deplores this and tells Gedge he might be able to do that but he cannot create a soul. Gedge laughs at such a thing as a soul. Gedge and Stephen are talking in the laboratory and in leaning against an electric wire they both receive a shock. Gedge recovers almost immediately and discovering that Stephen is dead, he infuses him with life. And the thing that he creates is without a soul and commits dastardly crimes. But when this thing of loathing is alone he realizes that he is alone. He goes to Gedge and even he, his creator, turns from him. The little girl-wife, who had taken refuge in a convent, tells him to pray to God. Gedge assists with his cry "I Believe— help Thou my unbelief." And in regaining his soul he risks his life to save a little bird which has fallen out of a nest. As he falls he comes to realize there is a Creator and so does Gedge, in his vision since he had seen the harm that might come from life created by man he thanks God that he can believe in Him as the only creator and ruler. Franklyn Farnum in "THE CAR OF CHANCE" Bluebird comedy; five parts; published July 9 As a whole _ Entertaining Story _ Amusing Star Pleasing Support — Good Settings _ Typical Photography _ _ Clear Of that cheerfulness that has become so appealing and delightful to spectators is "The Car of Chance," with which exhibitors should find it a very easy matter to fill their houses. The story is of the same entertaining type that has been found in previous Farnum productions. The subtitles are clever and amusing, and as a whole the film has been handled in a manner which will soon prove entertaining to any class of audiences. Supporting Mr. Farnum are Brownie Vernon^ Helen Wright, Molly Malone, Mark Fenton, H. J. Bennett, Walter Belasco and Harry De More. The story is by Waldemar Young. William Worthington directed. The story: John Baird has provided in his will that unless his son Arnold settles down and takes life seriously he shall receive nothing but a touring car and $500, which money shall be used for nothing but gasoline and repairs for the car. Arnold loves Ruth Bennett, the daughter of the president of the traction company, but because of his lack of wealth Bennett will not allow Arnold to call on Ruth. The street car men strike because Bennett will not increase their salary. As revenge Arnold forms a company providing machines for taking the people to and fro. He makes gains of wealth, while the car company makes nothing. Finally Bennett is willing to compromise and consents to the marriage of Ruth and Arnold.