Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

EXHIBITORS HERALD 27 Fannie Ward in "ON THE LEVEL" Lasky-Paramount drama; five parts; published September 10 As a whole Well produced Story Western Star Well cast Support . ..' Very good Settings Adequate Photography Clear "On the Level" is a typical motion picture story of a Western maiden who is forced to become a dance-hall girl, who flees from the saloon in the dead of night with the hero: Df a quiet existence on a ranch until the hero's mother comes from the effete East with his fiancee and tries to buy off the Western girl and of her subsequent happiness. Fannie Ward imparts to the role of Merlin Warner, the Dnly child of a sheep ranchman, a certain vivacity and charm hat has won for her an enviable position with film theater ludiences, and the picture will undoubtedly please the majority of picture patrons. Splendid photography, many picturesque scenes of western country and an interesting story nake the film an acceptable offering. In support appears lack Dean, as Pete Sontag, a sort of grand opera villain, who struts and poses in the "heavy" role; Harrison Ford, as the tero, Joe Blanchard; Lottie Pickford as Joe's affianced wife; Edythe Chapman, as Joe's mother; and James Cruse, as Ozman, partner of Sontag. A TENSE MOMENT FROM "ON THE LEVEL." FEATURING FANNIE WARD (Paramount) The story: Merlin, the only child of a sheep rancher, is ;idnapped by Sontag, who shoots her father and drives off he sheep. She is known as Mexicali Mae, in Sontag's sa•oon, where she is compelled to dance nightly. Here she neets Joe Blanchard, a derelict from the East, who plays the >iano in order to secure enough "dope" to satisfy his craving, ■iontag, fearing one of his confederates has "double-crossed"" lim and told about his opium smuggling, kills the man and 'laces the blame on Joe. Merlin helps Joe escape and they ake up a ranch, where Joe finally overcomes his desire for Irugs. Joe's mother and fiancee pay him a visit and Mrs. blanchard tries to buy Mae off and have Joe return East, viae returns to Sontag's dance hall. Joe follows and is coninced she no longer loves him. Mae returns to the ranch nd is about to end her life when Sontag and Joe arrive. In he tussle which follows, Sontag is killed and Joe realizes that >lae reallj loves him. rfADGE EVANS HAS STAR ROLE IN THE WORLD'S "LITTLE PATRIOT" Shortly following the publication of "The Burglar" by \ orld-Pictures Brady-Made, little Madge Evans will appear s the star of "The Little Patriot." The heroine of this drama s cautioned by her father, who is suspected of being a spy, not o say one word to anybody about herself, her home or her ■arentage. When she subsequently goes out and is lost she dheres to this admonition, although suffering under many ifficulties in doing so. William Russell in "SANDS OF SACRIFICE" American-Mutual drama; five parts: published September 24 As a whole Average Story Fair Star Strong Support Good Settings Appropriate Photography Clear "Sands of Sacrifice," featuring William Russell, is a fairly interesting dramatic production, which should entertain most audiences. The photography is clear, and settings have been carefully handled. William Russell's personality predominates throughout the entire production and persons who are interested in this star's work no doubt will enjoy his characterization of "Big Bill" Darcey. Francelia Billington appears opposite him cast as Xora Fames. Other members of the cast are George Periolat, John Gough and Joe King. Tr^e direction is by Edward Sloman. The story: When Enogh Foyle will not make restitution for fleecing Mrs. Fames out of her fortune, her daughter goes to Foyle's mountain lodge intending to kill him. She arrives in the midst of a party of neighbors and when the men start to attack her she is rescued by Bill Darcey, who takes her to his lodge and then in order to protect her name they are married. Darcey learns that he has also been ruined by Foyle and goes to his office. Here he finds Xora and loses •aith in her. He goes to the desert to forget about her and during his absence Nora lures Foyle on. One evening she invites him to her apartment for dinner and secretes detectives in a room. They hear Foyle's confession and arrest him. Darcey has entered and seeing Foyle in the room he prepares to go away, but the appearance of detectives clears things up and there is a happy reunion, with a complete restoration of fortunes. Jack Gardner in "MEN OF THE DESERT" Essanay-Perfection western drama; five parts; published September 24 As a whole Full of action Story Well handled •5*ar Good Support Sufficient Settings Splendid Photography Clear The excellent western atmosphere which has been injected into "Men of the Desert" makes it an offering which should go big with the majority of motion picture patrons. All the rugged beauty of the west is pictured; the story is full of action and altogether it is the kind of picture that offers interesting entertainment. Jack Gardner, Ruth King and Carl Stockdale are the featured players supported by plenty of cowboys. The direction and photography are both good. The story: Jack and his friend wander into a town where it is an everyday event to kill someone. Jack objects to this ruthless way of taking men's lives and accepts a challenge to round up the murderers. After landing two of the members in jail he is attacked by a bunch of wild cowboys. He escapes them and his bravery arouses the interest of May. daughter of a ranger. When Jack is again attacked by the cowhovs May goes out and gets men to aid Jack. Jack is rescued and there is a happy ending. Francis X. Bushman, Beverly Bayne in "THEIR COMPACT" Metro drama; seven parts; published September 17 As a whole Entertaining Story Well produced • Stars Convincing Support Excellent Settings Well selected Photography Clear "Their Compact" is an ordinary story set in western surroundings, but very well produced. At the Orpheum theatre. Chicago, where it played for two days, it drew good houses, and the work of Mr. Bushman and Miss Bayne pleased as this team's playing usually does. An excellent cast appeared in support of the popular stars,, and in settings and photography "Their Compact" lacked nothing to make it a pleasing feature. But one lapse in direction is observed where Mr. Bushman puts on his gauntlet gloves in the cabin and goes out, when lo and behold his hands are bare and the gloves neatly tucked in his belt as he steps out. A moment later he has them on again. The story: Jim (Mr. Bushman) goes west to forget an affair with a vivacious but heartless Eastern girl. He is