Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

EXHIBITORS HERALD 25 Ethel Barrymore in "THE GREATEST POWER" Metro drama; five parts; published June 18 As a whole Average Story Padded Star Adeauate Support Gcod Settings — In keeping Photography Clear A slender story, prefaced with pictures and remarks by John Ruskin, and containing considerable padding is "The Greatest Power." The well known stage star plays but a small part in this romance of a laboratory; William Davison. Harry Xorthrup and Frank Courier putting most of the action into the piece. It deals with the discovery of a wonderful explosive which a young man desires to publish to all nations, and a gang of ,well dressed crooks who plan to steal the formula. It is an old plot, bolstered up with pictures of Becky Sharp and the stars and stripes. In fact, it is a very ordinary feature, depending upon the star's name alone to draw. The story: Miriam Monroe dabbles in chemistry to discover a cure for cancer. Simultaneously, John Conrad discovers a high explosive, but lacks funds to further his investigations. They are introduced and Miriam gives up the cancer cure to help John. Miriam's father, who is interested in a large factory, and his board of directors back John. They make a test of the explosive by blowing up a village. Miriam wants to give the secret to the United States, but John refuses. Spies attempt to steal the formula, and John becoming incensed, grants Miriam's request to turn it over to the government which assures the latter of complete victory over the enemy. Marie Osborne in "WHEN BABY EORGOT' Lasalida-Pathe drama; five parts: published June 24 As a whole Boresome Story Poor Star _ Strcng Support Fair Settings Faithful Photography Clear If it were not for Marie Osborne, "When Baby Forgot" would be ridiculous as a film attraction. The story jumps about from one thing to another with no connection, no dramatic value, or no appeal other than the strong winsomeness of the star. The best part of the production is when Marie visits a church for colored folks and the preacher is shown wildly admonishing his flock. For the people interested in Marie Osborne the picture will appeal. However, to the person who is desirous of seeing a strong story well handled, the production will prove a disappointment. Supporting Baby Osborne are Fred Xewburg, Margaret Nichols and Lee Hill. Eugene Moore directed. The story: After the separation of her father and mother. Marie becomes ill and the doctor tells the father that the only thing that will save her is for some one to start her on the little prayer her mother taught her and which she has forgotten. As a last resort the butler goes to the mother and brings her to the sick child. The mother starts the little girl out on her prayer and soon there are signs of recovery. The father, coming upon the mother is at first angry, but the pleadings of the little girl win the father and a reconciliation takes place. Sherman, Texas. — Miss Baettie Fairchild has sold the Lyric Theater to F. A. Crosby, of Omaha. Xeb. Miss Crosby opened the first motion picture theater in Sherman, and has conducted it ever since. Olive Thomas in "MADCAP MADGE" Kay Bee-Triangle comedy-drama; five parts; published June 24 As a whole _ Clean and humorous Story Excellent Star Clever Support Very good Settings Beautiful Photography Clear Olive Thomas' winsome smile won the hearts of Covent Garden (Chicago) audiences, where "Madcap Madge" was shown Sunday, June 24. Xot in a long time has a more delightful little farce-comedy been shown on the screen. The vivacious ex-Ziegfeld "Follies" star captivated everybody and the slight story moved along swiftly and joyfully and literally convulsed the audience. AX AMUSING SCEXE FROM "MADCAP MADGE." FEATURING OLIVE THOMAS (Kay Bee-Triangle) Director Raymond B. West has skilfully handled the excellent company surrounding Miss Thomas, and the many beautiful scenes representing Palm Beach appeal to the eye throughout. The story: Mrs. Flower is anxious to have her daughter Julia marry a man of wealth and prominence. They go to Palm Beach and commence a diligent search for an Englishman traveling incognito. In the meantime Julia's younger sister, Madge, is expelled from boarding school for several capers, and she goes to Palm Beach, where she is kept in short dresses and very much in the background. How she meets a young man who eventually saves her father from ruin, and how Julia marries another stalwart young American, after ignoring the real Earl of Larlsdale, whom she has set out to capture, make a highly interesting and pleasing story. SELIG-WORLD LIBRARY Xumber 7 of the Selig-World Library is an interesting ottering. The incidents have been assembled with a view to entertaining as well as educational values. Topics handled in an interesting manner are the shops of Siam, showing the manufacture of shoes, parasols and lanterns; also the British convict ship Success, which played an important part in the war of 1812. is shown. The various forms of torture used to inflict punishment on prisoners are all shown. Tigers and their haunts as well as a fight between a tiger and a hyena and a tiger and a wild boar brings this interesting reel to an end. Grand Junction, Colo. — A deal has been closed here whereby George L. Walker, of the L>-ceum Theater, acquires the lease to the Palisade motion picture theater.