Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

X H I B I O R H R D k .. i. Charles Ray in "THE SON OF HIS FATHER" Ince-Paramount comedy-drama; five parts; published Oct. 29 As a whole Fine Story Entertaining Star Splendid Support Ample Settings Appropriate Photography Clear Exhibitors and patrons should not be disappointed with "The Son of His Father," as it is a fitting production for this popular star to make his appearance under the Paramount banner. Mr. Ray's talent is given a wide range in characterizing Gordin Carbhoy, and he handles the role to a perfection which will no doubt please the most fastidious. The production is a clean, high class comedy which can be shown intelligent and refined audiences with as much confidence as it can be run to the class of audience with lesser intelligence. Mr. Ray is well supported by Viola Vale, Robert McKim, George Nicholls, John K. French, John P. Lockney and George Hoffman. Victor Schertzinger directed the production. The story is adapted from Ridgewell Cullum's novel. The settings have been very well chosen and the photography is excellent. The story: Gordon Carbhoy, the spoiled son of a wealthy father, owner of several railroads, is sent out by his father to turn $5,000 into $100,000 in six months, as Gordon has said he can do. He meets Silas Mallinsbee, who resides at Buffalo Falls, and is anxious to have the railroad build a station at that point. Mallinsbee cannot come to an agreement with Slossom, Carbhoy's representative. Gordon takes things into his hands, has Slosson made a captive and the next day when his father arrives, he also is made a captive. Using his father's code, Gordon orders the train crew to Buffalo Falls, and construction is begun. After the work is well under way, Gordon brings his report to his father, who is proud of his son. And then, the little love affair which had been going on between Gordon and Hazel, daughter of Mallinsbee, comes to a head, and Hazel promises to become Gordon's wife. Theda Bara in "CLEOPATRA" Fox super picture drama; ten parts; published October 14 As a whole Overwhelming Story Tremendous Star Magnificent Support Exceptional Settings Sumptuous Photography Gorgeous Cleopatra, the Siren of the Nile, lives again in the stunning characterization of Theda Bara in this production of over powering import in the history of pictures. J. Gordon Edwards has reached the pinnacle of directorship, for his handling of the vast crowds as well as the delicate manipulation of close-ups, affords the public an opportunity to see a picture that has no equal. There are entire Egyptian and Roman cities with their entire population in action. The battle of Actium is the first great naval conflict to be filmed. Miss Bara achieves by the sheer force of her magnetic personality a brilliant star in the diadem of her many successes. Her work is daring in the extreme, human in understanding and divine in beauty. She is ably supported by a cast including Fritz Leiber, Thurston Hall, Albert Roscoe, Herschel Mayall, Art Acord, Henri de Vries, Dorothy Drake and Genevieve Blinn. The story: Cleopatra, by a clever ruse, reaches Caesar and he falls a victim to her charms. They plan to rule the world together, but Caesar falls. Cleopatra's life is desired by the church, for the wanton's rule has become intolerable. Pharon, a high priest, is given the sacred dagger to take her life. He gives her his love instead, and when she is in need of vast sums of money, leads her to the tomb of his ancestors, where she tears the treasure from the breast of the mummy. With this wealth she goes to Rome to meet Antony. He leaves the affairs of state and travels to Alexandria with her, where they revel. Antony is recalled to Rome and married to Octavia, but his soul cries out for Cleopatra. He sends her a message to arm her ships and meet his at Actium, where they battle the opposing forces. They are overpowered and fly to Alexandria. There they are captured by Octavius. Antony dies in Cleopatra's arms. And before Cleopatra is dragged at the chariot wheels of Octavius. Pharon, the priest, who has never ceased to love her, brings her the serpent she joyously takes to her breast and she dies royally with her crown on her head and her sceptre in her hand, as becomes Egypt. Charles Conklin in "A PULLMAN BRIDE" Mack Sennett-Paramount comedy: two parts; published Nov. 18 A production with suggestive comedy and vulgar humor best describes "A Pullman Bride." If an exhibitor is anxious to keep his high class patrons it will be well not to book this comedy. But if he wants to entertain audiences with nauseating risque comedies here is a good one. Little more can be said about it. The story tells of a waiter, in the guise of a count, who marries a rich girl. They go for a honeymoon and on the train encounter many misfortunes, which, portrayed as they are, often disgust. FOUR SCENES FROM "CLEOPATRA," THE BIG FOX PRODUCTION