Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

□y^rr— ^ Wit E X H B R H R D Sonia Markova in "THE PAINTED MADONNA" Fox drama; five parts, published November 11 As a whole Entertaining Story Well told Star Well cast Support Good Settings In keeping Photography Good "The Painted Madonna" has much to recommend it and pleased large audiences at the Boston theatre, Chicago, where it was shown Sunday, November 17. William Fox made a wise choice in selecting this play for Mme. Markova's debut. The story is one well suited to her histrionic ability and she is accorded excellent support by a carefully balanced cast of players including Sidney Mason, William Lampe, David Herblin, Albert Tavernier, Anita Navaro, Edith Reeves and Julia Stuart. The story concerns the fall and rise of an impulsive country girl who redeems herself and her past indiscretions by caring for less fortunate girls and their children in a home she establishes. The settings are good throughout and the photography is expert. O. A. C. Lund directed. The story: Ruth Dean is in love with an unscupulous cad, John Radon, who betrays her confidence. She leaves home, fearing to bring disgrace upon her aged mother, and joins a show as chorus girl. Her mother dies and she becomes A SCENE FROM "THE PAINTED MADONNA," IN WHICH SONIA MARKOVA MAKES HER DEBUT. (Fox.) hardened toward all men while accepting their bounty. Taylor, an artist whom she had met in her home town, prevails upon her to pose for him as a Madonna. He falls in love with her and later when stricken with color blindness the artist soon loses his self-respect and denounces Claire, as Ruth is known in the city. The artist returns to the village where he meets Ruth worshipping in a church. She saves a youthful companion from Radon's clutches and Taylor learning of her charities, realizes he has misjudged her and asks forgiveness. Dick Rosson in "A CASE AT LAW" Triangle drama; five parts; published November 18 As a whole Well done Story Good preachment Star Splendid Support Good Settings Faithful Photography Good Some people may object to "A Case at Law" on the grounds that there is too much drinking and staggering in it, but the play is well done nevertheless. It is a propaganda play with a good story, and while it might not appeal to all classes those appreciative of good work will enjoy it from that standpoint. Dick Rosson's interpretation of an intoxicated youth is a fine piece of work. Pauline Curley is a petite little wife, and Riley Hatch, as the stern physician, is good. The direction is by Arthur Rosson under the supervision of Alan Dwan. The story: In order to fight his craving for drink Jimmy Baggs goes west, taking his wife with him. In a saloon known as Art's place he becomes helplessly intoxicated. The young wife, frightened, rushes to Doctor Sanger for assistance. From their general conversation the doctor realizes that the young woman is his daughter whom he had left with an aunt while he came west to fight off the drink habit. He has succeeded, and in order to help Jimmy, asks the young folks to make their home with him. Art, angered at the Doctor s interference, is anxious to "get even" with him and when he learns of his attachment for Jimmy lures the boy :i o hi« n'ace again and gets him intoxicated. This arouses the doctor's ire and he goes to the saloon where, pretending to drink and become intoxicated, he shoots at Art, injuring him. The incident, witnessed by Jimmy, brings him to his senses and he makes a vow never to drink again. Doctor Sanger is arrested and tried, but the jury, sympathizing with his efforts, frees him. There is a happy future in store for Jimmy, his wife, and her father. The photoplay pleased at the Pastime Theater, Chicago. Madge Kennedy in "NEARLY MARRIED" Goldwyn comedy; six parts; published November 18 As a whole Splendid Story Humorous Star Excellent Support Fine Settings Well selected Photography Good "Nearly Married" is a production an exhibitor can feel confident every one of his patrons will like. It contains good, clean comedy, done in a refined manner. It is as appropriate for the discriminating audience as for any class and will undoubtedly be enjoyed by everyone. Exhibitors should find "Nearly Married" a good box office attraction. Madge Kennedy, who possesses the art of making you like her, plays the lead and is ably supported by Frank Thomas. Mark Smith, Alma Tell, Richard Barthelmess and Elda Furry. The story is by -Edgar Selwyn and the direction by Chester Withey. The story: It is the evening of Betty Giffon's wedding, the guests are assembled, the minister is waiting but no bride appears. Betty is waiting for her brother Dickie, who is celebrating his admission to the bar, and when it dawns upon him that it is his duty to give his sister away in marriage, he rushes frantically out, steals an auto and is arrested. Betty and Harry Lindsey are married and are about to start on their honeymoon when word comes of Dickie's arrest. Harry is disgusted with Dickie and leaves the house. Dickie, anxious to secure a case, urges his sister to get a divorce. Proceedings are instituted but before the granting of the decree the young people find they still love each other and plan to elope. The arrival of Dickie with the decree interferes with their plans. They make another attempt and find through the insertion of a clause by Betty that they cannot set married in New York state. Betty and Harry then plan to elope to New Jersey but Betty finds the hired co-respondent of Harry's in his room and she refuses to accompany him. Utterly disgusted. Harry is about to leave when Betty denounces her brother and begs Harry to take her with him. And he does. The picture was shown for the first time in Chicago at the Orpheum Theater this week and was well received. Francis X. Bushman and Beverly Bayne in "THE VOICE OF CONSCIENCE" Metro drama; five parts; published Nov. 19 As a whole Average Story Mediocre Stars Good Support Sufficient Settings Suitable Photography Good "The Voice of Conscience" should prove fairly interesting to the average audience. The story is somewhat trite and adds one more dual role production to the already long list. Where Mr. Bushman and Miss Bavne are favorites, undoubtedly their work will be enjoyed. Other members of the cast include Maggie Breyer and Harry Northup. The direction is by Edwin Carewe. The story: William Potter and Jim Houston are both inmates of Leavenworth prison. Jim receives a letter from his sister telling of his mother's failing health. Believing her brother to be a prosperous business man, she asks Jim to come home. The next day William Potter is to be released. There is such a close resemblance between the two men that Jim 30