Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

EXHIBITORS HERALD 31 Corona Cinema Company Presents "THE CURSE OF EVE" orona Cinema Co. feature; eight parts; published state rights As a whole Interesting Story Sermonic Cast ". Fair Settings Excellent Photography Novel "The Curse of Eve" is a sermon feature that deals with ie treatment accorded men and women after they have nned. against society. The allegorical introduction to the cture is by far the best part of it, though the personal ap■arance of a man in flowing robes as the Creator is a shock at is unduly sacrilegious. The rest of the story should be )nsiderably shortened. The cast includes Enid Markey, arion Warner, Clarissa Selwyn, Laura Lyle, Miss Grissom, iss Besserrer, Edward Corcoran, Jack Standing, Raymond ye, Wm. Quinn and George Kuwa. The story: A minister takes for his text the chapter on eation and preaches a narrative sermon about instances in s young life which deal wtih the story of Eva Stanley, who engaged to John Gilbert. John is sent on a government :pedition and on the way to his post meets the cast-off istress of Leo Spencer, brother of the District Attorney, e engages her to be his secretary and she intercepts all va's letters to him and his to her, thereby causing the breakg of the engagement. Eva meets Leo and they become indved in a flirtation that results in the ruin of Eva. Leo arries Eva's chum. John returns to Eva, who confesses r guilt to him. She goes to Dr. Burton, John's best friend, persuade him to relieve her situation. He refuses her but ter consents to help John by ameliorating her condition, he scorned secretary discovers it and reports it to the istrict Attorney. Dr. Burton and John are both convicted at e trial and serve their sentence. At the termination of eir term John marries Eva for his love has outlived the test. Sessue Hayakawa "THE CALL OF THE EAST" Paramount drama; five parts; published October 15. As a whole Average Story Far East tale Star Convincing Support Excellent Settings Beautiful Photography Clear "The Call of the East" is the story of a wronged Japanese ntleman, his novel method of revenge and of his final renun■ition of hatred when love lights the way. This is a draggy pry that would be less interesting and convincing in the hands mediocre players. The excellent Lasky cast headed by ssue Hayakawa manage to inject enough action to make it teresting, and it can be classed as an average program picture, is produced with the usual Lasky care as to detail and the 'terior scenes are very beautiful. 1 The story: Sheila Hepburn, the half-sister of Alan Heprn, is the daughter of a Japanese. While visiting Alan, who employed in Tokio, she attends a festival with her Japanese aid, dressed as a Japanese. Here she meets Arai Takada, a :althy Jap. Alan has betrayed O'Mitsu and her brother, Arai ans a terrible revenge. Alan loses heavily at cards to the Jap d to forget his losses accompanies Arai to his country"home. ere he is about to be thrust into a pool of quicksand to die, len his sister appears upon the scene, she having been warned Arai's plans. Takada sees that they do not meet. Finally agrees to release her brother when she wins his love and spect. At that moment Alan appears, having escaped from 5 prison, and strikes the Jap down. Sheila bursts into tears d runs to the fallen man and Alan realizes that it is the "call" the East and departs. Charles Richman, Anna Q. Nielsson in "OVER THERE" Lewis J. Selznick's drama; six parts; published November 1 As a whole Stirring Story Patriotic Stars Convincing Support Adequate Settings Expensive Photography Excellent ''Over There" is a thrilling, rousing story of an eleventh>ur awakening of a slacker. The picture is directed by mes Kirkwood, which insures success, and the scenario a particularly well written one by Charles Richman. Mr. chman's work on the battle field and Miss Nielsson's im pressive scene driving the ambulance through the firing line lift this picture far above the rank of the patriotic pictures of the hour. The excellent supporting cast includes Gertrude Berkeley, Walter McGrail, Walter Hiers, James A. Furey, Veta Searl. The story: Montgomery Jackson and Betty Adams, son and daughter of two old aristocratic families, are betrothed. When war is declared Monte holds back instead of rushing to the colors. Because of prenatal influence, he cannot stand the sight of blood and is a physical coward. As time goes on Betty becomes more and more ashamed of his attitude, and finally breaks the engagement and accepts Walter Mason, an old admirer, who has enlisted. Betty goes to the front as a Red Cross nurse and all Monte's friends leave to do their duty. He is left alone with the white feather which Betty scornfully gave him when she broke the engagement. After much persuasion from his mother Monte enlists and finds his way to Col. Adams' company at the front. During a frightful battle the Colonel and Walter are both wounded and Monte saves them, bringing them safely through the fire at the risk of his life. He is wounded and his last conscious words form the request that the stained white feather be given to Betty. She nurses him back to health before she leaves on sick leave. After his recovery he makes a recruiting tour of America and they meet again. Walter has magnanimously given her up to the man she really loves, so she is free to forgive him and they spend their united efforts working for the flag. Helen Hesperia in "CAMILLE" Hanover-General drama; six parts; published October 7 As a whole Very ordinary Story Alexander Dumas' tragedy ■ Star Voluptuous Support Very poor Settings Adequate Photograph Good "Camille," Alexander Dumas, Jr.'s immortal tragedy of Marguerite Gautier, the courtesan reclaimed by her love for Armand Duval, as presented at the Rose theatre, Chicago, last week, "sent them away smiling." Dumas didn't write "Camille" as a play to be funny, but as presented by a foreign cast of mediocre players with Helen Hesperia, "the queen of the Parisian cinema," at its head, it proved too much for serious-minded audiences. Cinema patrons laughed and walked out before it was finished. The title was sufficient to lure picture-goers into the theatre, but the film wasn't strong enouuh to hold them there. Helen Hesperia, who attempted to portray the woman wiio loved not wisely, but too well, was miscast. She was not exactly the type of woman Dumas had in mind. She was too healthy by far and lacked much of the spontaneity of the passionate Marguerite. One feared the consequences should she throw herself into the arms of the frail Armand, but luckily she refrained from any demonstrative love making and died gracefully at the feet of her lover and in full view of the camera. The costuming of the characters and the effects used were an odd mixture of belt-back modern clothes and muzzle-loading pistols. The "atmosphere" of this Hanover Film Company production was good. Exhibitors who haven't any conscientious scruples and wish to capitalize on the name will no doubt catch a few with this poorly made "Camille." David Powell Now Working on "Her Sister," New Empire Corp. Play David Powell is now at work on his sixth picture for the Empire All-Star Corporation. Last February Mr. Powell was engaged to support Ann Murdock in "Outcast" and to play the role of Geoffrey, a part he knew by heart, having played it with Elsie Ferguson in the stage play. Then came "The Impostor," and again Mr. Powell was cast in the leading male role opposite Miss Murdock with Dell Henderson directing. "The Richest Girl" and "The Beautiful Adventure" followed in succession, after which Mr. Powell took a rest. When he resumed work it was with Miss Olive Tell in a series of new pictures. "Outcast" issued Sept. 10 was such a success and Mr. Powell received such favorable notices that the next picture "The Beautiful Adventure," to be published Oct. 15, is eagerly looked for. At present Mr. Powell — having just finished 'The Unforeseen" with Olive Tell — is at work in "Her Sister" with the same star.