Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

28 EXHIBITORS HERALD Gertrude McCoy in "THE SILENT WITNESS" Authors Film Corp.-M. H. Hoffman, Inc.; ten parts; published August 14 As a whole Intense Story _ Good Star _ Talented Support Capable Settings _ Adequate Photography *. _ Superb When one has seen Gertrude McCoy cavorting charmingly through a comedy role in "Madame Sherry" it seems impossible that she can with so much realism go through a heavy dramatic part so intensely. And it may be said that the entire cast deserves much credit for the success of the picture, and it|is no vague statement that classifies the cast as all-star; that is, in work, if not in name. The story, intensely dramatic and gripping throughout, is that of a lad born out of wedlock, who, while his mother is on the road selling silk, lives very much in the sackcloth as he works himself through college by working on the campus and doing other divers jobs. A cad at college has heard the scandal connected with the boy's life and taunts him with it, which means undying enmity. The lad is overheard to threaten to kill the cad if he repeats the story. The two boys get into a fight and the cad is killed accidentally, for which the unfortunate youth is arrested. Through the efforts of an assistant district attorney, acting in the absence of the district attorney, and who wants to make a reputation on his first case, he is about to send the boy to the gallows when the district atorney returns and learns that the boy is his own son. The attorney sees the boy is acquitted. The story runs on without a fault in interest and presents many dramatic incidents that will make it a big attraction for the exhibitor. The story was written by Otto Hauerbach from a tragedy that took place in NewYork city two years ago, and while it points no particular moral it is decidedly worth while. Publication will be made through M. H. Hoffman, Inc., who has keen discernment in the selection of heart interest photoplays, and this looks like another winner. Jackie Saunders in "BAB THE FIXER" Horkheimer-Mutual comedy-drama; five parts; published August 13 As a whole Splendid Story Enjoyable Star _ Entertaining Support _ Fine Settings Well selected Photography Good Practically all of the Jackie Saunders productions have been good and have contained the kind of humor the majority of film theater patrons enjoy, but after "Bab the Fixer" has been seen it will no doubt be declared the very best. The exhibitor who wants to give his patrons an evening of enjoyment will find that "Bab the Fixer" fills the bill. It is full of good, clean humor, with just enough pathos to make it a well-balanced production. It is especially adaptable to the neighborhood house, as there is nothing objectionable about it, and the story is not of the hackneyed and much-used type. Jackie Saunders, as usual, is the hoydenish girl with the big heart, and her work is enjoyable and entertaining. Arthur Shirley and Mollie McConnell arc among the members of the cast. The story: The Porters, having lost their fortune, make their home on a ranch. Mrs. Porter is very much dissatisfied until one day oil is discovered on the ranch. After the property has been disposed of the Porters return east to their place in society. Bab is engaged to Richard Sterling, a rancher, and while she is at school Mrs. Porter breaks the engagement. When Bab learns the true state of affairs she wires Sterling to come east. He docs so, explanations are made, and all goes weli with them; but Mr. and .Mrs. Porter separate. Bab doi everything in her power to bring about a reconciliatio but only when her father becomes very ill does tl _ mother repent. She apologizes to Sterling, and as Bab': husband he becomes a member of Porter's firm. THREE CENTURY COMEDIES Longacre Distributing Co.; two parts; published Sept. 1 The Universal Company will publish the Century cfl edies, featuring Alice Howell, one each month, startin; September 1. At a private showing in the Universal Thea ter, Chicago, to which many exhibitors were invited, th first three, "Balloonatics," "Automaniacs" and "Xeptune' Xaughty Daughter," were show n and were received by th exhibitors with considerable laughter. There arc many points of humor in all of the picture and the trick photography is well done. For the classes c audience who enjoy slapstick comedies, these films shoul be a "howling" success. Alice Howell is pretty, phot< graphs well, and she is funny. The settings have bee well chosen in accordance with their respective stories, an the photography is good. The first, "Balloonatics," deals with a young son ( a wealthy family who marries the maid. The chef is i love with the maid, and to get revenge he gets into balloon and, flying over their little bungalow, picks 1 right up with the anchor. A trip to the clouds follow Father learns of his son's predicament, and although 1: lias cast him off, he becomes worried and pursues in i airplane. "Automaniacs," the second picture, deals with aut mobiles. Alice, the stepdaughter of a garage owner, is love with the chief repairman. When her lover meets vampire he leaves Alice on the day of their wedding at goes to the home of the vamp. To get revenge, Ali dons the attire of a man, and, securing a Ford, hires ' out as a taxi, in which her lover and the vampire take ride. She drives madly on and on, and finally, dashii through the walls of her father's garage, the machine sto suddenly. At the point of a revolver she forces the m to marry her. "Neptune's Xaughty Daughter" is the tale of a Quak family who fear for the safety of their eldest daught Alice and her sailor sweetheart go to an inn. He Alice meets another sailor, and after a night of merrimt gets up on the stage and helps the hula-hula dancers. H sailor sweetheart rescues her and takes her home, wh<| she is met with shots from her father's gun. FAIRBANKS ARRIVES IN WYOMING TO MAKE "FANCY JIM SHERWOOD The Douglas Fairbanks special, consisting of two Ptl mans and three freight cars, carrying Fairbanks' hoi "Smiles," which he rode in "Wild and Woolly," and twreil other horses to be used in the new Artcraft play, "Fata Jim Sherwood," arrived in Laramie,' Wyo., last week. Among those who arrived on the Douglas Fairbail special were Eileen Percy, Frank Campcau, known for 1 characterizations of Trampus in "The Virginian"; H. I Strickland, champion bucking horse and bareback rider* the world; Fred Burns, who holds many records for trB roping; Rhea Haines, prominent film actress; JoscB Henabcrry, who with Fairbanks will stage "Fancy Sherwood," assisted by Millard Webb, technical direct and others. To quote Douglas Fairbanks, "Fancy Jim Sherwood* real western comedy-drama, dealing principally witljh gang of rustlers who are known as the "Hole in the gang," with stamping grounds in Wyoming.