Exhibitors Herald (Jun-Dec 1917)

W*M E X H B I O R H R D The Blacktons in "THE LITTLEST SCOUT" Paula Blackton's Country Life Series, No. 7; five parts As a whole Fascinating Storv Gripping Cast Excellent Settings Elaborate Photography Good "The Littlest Scout" is as charming as a child's story can be and fills a crying need for such material. It is refreshingly free from sophistication or precocity on the part of the children and, therefore, will be as great an attraction for children as for adults. The picture was taken at Oyster Bay, L. 1., at Commodore Blackton's home, and Colonel Roosevelt's troop of Boy Scouts take part in the picture. It is said that Colonel Roosevelt himself taught Charles Stuart Blackton, "The Littlest Scout," to salute. The submarine chaser used is the "Vita," Commodore Blackton's yacht. The cast includes the Blackton children, Charles Stuart and Violet Virginia, whose work is in a class by itself. Paula Blackton, who wrote the story, and who enacts the roll of mother to the children, is a welcome relief from ingenue leads. Her emotional work is superb and her beauty pleasing. Wellington Plater, William Bittner and Frank Stone furnish capable support. Little Stephen Carr as the pacifist's sen did a fine piece of work. The story: Brother and sister Wyngate are interested in everything pertaining to the war and are ambitious to take active part in Boy Scout and Red Cross work. Mrs. Wyngate sends for a Scout uniform for "Brother" and the children are blissfully happy playing until they are interrupted by Harold, the son of a pacifist. The children tease him for being a " 'fraidy-cat" and little "Brother" punches his nose. His father comes in time to comfort him and the mother of the little patriots hears the story. She tries to convert the father of the boy and he listens to her with great interest. He is a widower and she a widow, her husband having died in battle in France. She tells Harold's father of the death of her husband and he resolves to enlist in order to win her. She is to return to France to continue her Red Cross work. Before she leaves little Harold is hurt while playing with the Wyngate children. He is cared for at the Wyngate home and begs to stay there always. After his recovery his father lets him wear a Scout uniform and the three children go to play near the water front, where an old wrecked vessel is being used by spies. While playing around Harold and Sister are kidnaped by the spies and put in a corner while they tap the wires of the government. Brother runs to tell that the others are being held and his report results in the capture of the spies by the Boy Scouts. shown. The transient wins the love of the gambler's sweetheart and is about to be married to her when his wife and four children appear on the scene. THREE EBONY COMEDIES Produced by the Ebony Film Corporation; one reel comedies; open market In producing successful comedies the complete casts of which consist of negroes, the Ebony Film Corporation has accomplished something which has met with failure in the past. They have put at rest for all time the theory that members of the race could not be photographed well for the photography of these comedies is remarkably clear. The comedies depict without affectation the happy-golucky characteristics of the colored race. They are of the slapstick variety and are well worked out. "Wrong All Around" is the story of a lovesick swain who is told by his prospective father-in-law if he would claim the hand of the fair Lucindy Snow he must show some tendency toward work. He tries street trench work, waiting in a restaurant, wire stringing with a line gang and finally knocks out a jockey and rides in his place in a race after which he is pursued by the entire attendance at the affair, but makes his escape. "In At The Finish" is chuck full of slap-stick. The scenes are laid out on a farm and concern the activities of a farm hand in love with the daughter of the farmer. A rebuff from the girl sets the suicide microbe working, but he cannot hit himself with a shotgun. The report, however, frightens two burglars in the act of dividing their spoils and the farm hand finds the loot and assumes ownership. He finally saves the farm by paying off the mortgage and is awarded the daughter and the farmer's gratitude. "The Busted Romance." This one-reeler centers about a stray "coon" living by his wits, a town gambler and a parson whose conscience can be made retroactive when monev is Bessie Barriscale in "THOSE WHO PAY" U. S. Exhibitors' Booking Corporation's drama; seven parts; published State rights. As a whole Fasc:nat'ng Story Splend d Star Convinc ng Support Excellent Sett.ngs Lav sh Photography Fine "Those Who Pay," produced by Thomas H. Ince, is a drama of special interest to motion picture theatregoers. It is an engrossing narrative of love, romance and political intrigue that should hold audiences spellbound. Under Mr. Ince's supervision the picture carries an atmosphere of realism that has seldom been equalled. The excellent direction is by Raymond B. West, and to the author, C. Gardner Sullivan, no little credit is due, for few stories have so fine a plot, containing the force and, at the same time, exquisite delicacy and tremendous moral as "Those Who Pay." Bessie Barriscale handles a difficult role with a great deal of sympathy, understanding and delicacy. She plays with admirable restraint throughout and in the role of Dorothy RESSIE BARRISCALE AND HOWARD HICKMAN IN A SCENE FROM "THOSE WHO PAY." (U. S. Exhibitors Booking Corp.) Warner has a fine opportunity to display her unusual skill. Howard Hickman put sincerity into his work which carried conviction and realism. He gave one the impression that they were witnessing life itself. Melbourne McDowell played the "boss" with force and power. Dorcas Matthews, as the wife of the hero, is a most patrician type and brought to her portrayal of the part many rare qualities that added greatly to the charm of the picture. The Story: Dorothy Warner, with a little sister to support, faces a poverty-stricken Christmas. The little sister, sick, cries for a big doll. Dorothy has no monev but goes to a shop to price dolls, hoping to find one. She yields to temptation and takes a doll, is seen by the shop detective and stopped. Senator Graham comes to her rescue and pays for the doll. Deeply moved by her story, he takes her home. The sister is dead when they arrive and Graham leaves money to cover all expenses. He gives Dorothy work in his office where they learn to love each other. A political "boss" runs Graham for District Attorney and sees Dorothy in the office and is very much impressed. Graham and Dorothy, while out in an auto, are overtaken by a storm. They spend the night in a cottage together where temptation overcomes them. Graham establishes Dorothy in an apartment and the "boss" who tries to win her and fails, notifies Graham's wife. She sends for the girl who confesses her love but agrees to give Graham up because of the baby his wife is expecting. Graham finds them together and denounces her. The "boss" tries to get from Dorothy compromising letters written her by Graham, in order to defeat him at the polls, but Graham is sent by his wife to apologize to Dorothy. She sends him back to his wife and, as they part, gives him back his letters. 30