Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1917 - Jun 1918)

VIEWS William Russell in "HEARTS OR DIAMONDS" Russell-Mutual drama; five parts; directed by Henry King; published April 29 As a whole Excellent Story Good Star Virile Support Strong Settings Exquisite Photography Commendable W illiam Russell is unusually full of snap, pep and ginger n this first picture made by his own producing company. / rhere is action all the way through and on the foundation furlished by William Hamilton Osborne's story of society dianond thieves. Russell has built a most entertaining screen diversion. As in his former productions under the American manner, his athletic prowess is given full sway. He literally suts a wallop into the picture, jumps over high hedges and nghts three or four men at a time, as the case may be. The settings, both interior and exterior, are exquisite, while the lighting effects rise to new heights in point of beauty Utained. Charlotte Burton, as Russell's new leading lady is fairly acceptable. Howard Davies. Carl Stockdale, John Gough ind Robert Klein furnish excellent support. The story: Larry Hanrahan. diamond connoisseur, through a chance meeting becomes friendly with Col. Paul Gascoyne and his daughter Adrienne. Gascoyne claims to ywn a formula for the manufacture of diamonds: A series of diamond robberies set the city in a furor of excitement. Hanrahan, confident of the safety of his private safe, wherein his collection of diamonds is kept, refuses Gascoyne's advice to -emove them to a safer place. He is next to feel the operations of the thieves. An odor of delicate perfume from a scarf left by the intruders turns Hanrahan's suspicion toward Adrienne. Gascoyne meets his accusation with a show of right. Hanrahan is finally overpowered by other men in the house and bound, but is released by Adrienne. Gascoyne wounded, confesses to being head of the band and absolves Adrienne and Hanrahan's proffer of his love is acceptable to Mae Marsh in "THE FACE IN THE DARK" Goldwyn drama; six parts; directed by Hobart Henley; published April 21 As a whole Fine Story Well developed Star Excellent Support Ample Settings In keeping Photography Excellent It is the little things in "The Face in the Dark" that tend to t pake this photoplay the excellent example of fine screen entertainment it is. It is the sort of production any exhibitor might take pride in booking at his theatre. While there are several doubts as to the why and wherefore of certain phases of the story, it has been handled in an excellent fashion and the exact outcome of the story remains a complete secret until near the end and then, while it does not come as a direct surprise, it is pleasing and there is a satisfied feeling in seeing happiness brought to diminutive and inimitable Mae Marsh. Mae Marsh, Hobart Henley and J. C. Bitzer, the cameraman, may well feel proud of their latest achievement. Mae Marsh is herself all the way through, capable, charming and adorable; the little touches which Mr. Henley has introduced. t such as a gang of youngsters coasting, proves his appreciation of humanness in screen story telling: and the high lights which have been brought into the production's lighting and that beautiful reddish glow which was prominent in many of the scenes shows Mr. Bitzer's ability at the crank. The story: The bank at Hammond is robbed and Richard Grant, the cashier's assistant, is held. Jane Ridgeway, daughter of a famous detective, in love with Dick, believes he is innocent and does a little investigating on her own part, the discoveries of which lead her to believe her father guilty of the crime. She is therefore, both surprised and pleased when she finds it was all a trick of her father's to capture an elusive German spy and with her father's cleverness and Dick's love, she looks forward to a happy future. Henry B. Walthall in "WITH HOOPS OF STEEL" Paralta drama; five parts; directed by Elliott Howe; published April 29 As a whole Very good Story Interesting . Star Fine Support Well cast Settings Appropriate Photography Clear Another one of those Paralta productions that shouldplease and entertain is "With Hoops of Steel" in which Mr. W althall assumes a role different from anything which he has undertaken thus far under the Paralta banner. And he does it in a most pleasing fashion. All the excellence of direction, photography and acting which have characterized previous Paralta productions are in evidence in this latest Walthall vehicle. Mr. Howe has intro A BIG SCEXE FROM "WITH HOOPS OF STEEL." FEATURING HENRY WALTHALL. (Paralta.) duced subtle little touches which warm an audience to the characters and make them feel a personal interest in the telling of the story. Mary Charleson accords Mr. Walthall good support. Ann Walthall is another member of the well balanced and carefully selected cast. The entire story is laid in the west and the scenes vividly portray vast fields of cactus and mountains reaching far into the sky. The story: Tom Meade is considered responsible for the disappearance of Will Whitaker, whom the villagers believe to have been murdered. Tom refuses to give himself up until the villagers can prove Will's death. The disappearance of the little brother of Mary Delarue, with whom Tom is in love, locates the missing Will, clears Tom's name and unites Tom and Marv. Margery Wilson in "THE LAW OF THE GREAT NORTHWEST" Triangle drama: five parts; directed by Raymond Wells published April 14 As a whole Good Storv Good Star' Weak Support Excellent Settings Northern Photography Fine Excellent photoplay combined with a good selection of types to portray this story of the northwest combine to make "The Law of the Great Northwest'' good entertainment. The broad expanse of territory manned by the Northwest Mounted Police has always been a popular background for a photoplay and this offering contains much action and moves swiftly enough to sustain interest. Margery Wilson in the leading role is rather a disappointment. She does not seem to enter into the spirit of the thing and gives a rather passive portrayal of the girl about 23