Exhibitors Herald (Sep-Dec 1918)

EXHIBITORS HERALD AND MOTOGRAPHY dollars from Silas Taylor, and Billy Taylor, Silas' nephew, finds himself cut off with $50. Sally, despite the pleading of her sweetheart, Sam Joplin, goes in for society, dragging her sister, Babe, along. Billy falls in love with Babe and on finding his affection reciprocated declares he will marry her despite the efforts of Sally to have her sister marry a title. Billy succeeds, but not until he has rescued Babe from the hands of a society man bent on her destruction. Meanwhile Sally's eyes are opened and she returns to Sam. Antonio Moreno and Carol Holloway in "THE IRON TEST" Vitagraph serial; Episode one; directed by Paul Hurst; published October 21 As a whole Thrilling Story Interesting Stars Very good Support Very good Settings Excellent Photography Very good Starting off with a circus setting, the first episode of this new fifteen chapter Vitagraph film gives promise of a tensely interesting serial. The story was written by Cyrus Townsend Brady and Albert E. Smith, who have been responsible for other serial successes, and with two stars of proven worth, the picture has everything in its favor. Antonio Moreno is called upon for a good deal of action in the initial chapter and responds with a proficiency that would do credit to the counterpart of his character in real life. He is cast as "a cowboy shooting star" and not only does he measure up to the demands of the part, but he throws in some extra thrills not on the program. Chet Ryan has the heavy role, that of boss canvasman, and he looks the part and acts it with such realism that he earns the hatred of spectators and increases the sympathy for Moreno and Miss Holloway. Others in the cast are Barney Fueray and Frank Jonasson. The story: Bert Forde. bereft of his father by death, joins a circus of which Louis Craven, his first cousin, is the business manager. The real name of Forde and Craven is Beresford, but Forde has dropped the name because his wealthy grandfather ill-treated his father, while Craven dropped the name for ulterior purposes. Soon after Forde has joined the show Craven learns that the wealthy grandfather has died and that Forde is the only heir. He conceals the information from Forde and seeks Forde's life so he will get the money. Forde meanwhile has won the love of Ruth. Paige, a bareback rider, with whom Craven was in love, and this intensifies the latter's hatred. Carol saves Forde's life and they become engaged. Fritzi Brunette in "THE VELVET HAND" Bluebird drama; five parts; directed by Douglas Gerrard; published September 30 As a whole Interesting Story Fair ■ Star Convincing Support Good Settings ... Excellent Photography Verv .^ood This photoplay based on Edith Barnard Delano's short story tells a colorful tale of Italian life, a vow that was never fulfilled, and the usual passionate outbursts that are associated with our swarthy ally across the water. An entertaining though not particularly clever tale. Fritzie Brunette enacts the leading feminine role, that of Gianna; Fred Turner is Russo Russelli; Eugene Corey, Russino; William Conklin is Count Trovelli, and Wedgwood Nowell is Prince Viscomte. The piece has been splendidly staged and the direction all that could be desired. The story was adapted to the screen by F. McGrew Willis. The story: Gianna's brother attacks Prince Viscomte when he finds him in the company of his sweetheart, Countess Michetti, and is killed accidentally by the prince. Gianna comes upon the scene of the murder as Count Paul Trovelli is examining the body of the fallen man. She swears vengeance upon her father's dagger. She wins the count's love and he sacrifices his fortune to satisfy her whims. The count is found stabbed. Gianna nurses him back to health and a message left by Prince Viscomte clears up the murder of her brother. 'How Stars Twinkle Away From the Studio" One-reel novelty; published state rights There should be instant appeal to the film fan in this novel single reel subject, "How Stars Twinkle Away From the Studio." As suggested by the title, the film deals with activities of the leading motion picture actors and actresses outside their profession. All the scenes were taken during the raising of a war relief fund in Los Angeles for the construction and maintenance of hospitals to care for returned crippled and maimed Yankee soldiers. Close-ups of twenty-one stars are shown, including Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, Charles Chaplin, Nat Goodwin, Sessue Hayakawa, Frank Keenan, Bessie Barriscale, Fannie Ward, Charles Ray, and others. D. W. Griffith, Cecil B. DeMille and Mack Sennett also appear. A percentage of the proceeds from the rental of the film reverts to the fund mentioned above. The subject is distributed in the Chicago territory by the Doll-Van Film Corporation. "Treason" New Edna Goodrich Play Has a Strong Patriotic Theme A strong patriotic theme, it is said, runs through the story of ''Treason," the new Edna Goodrich special production, which will be distributed by Mutual in early autumn. The action centers about the wife, the part played by Edna Goodrich, who feels that she is being neglected by her husband who is at work on a powerful explosive which means much to the government at this time. A secret service operative is placed in his house as a guest in order to protect the inventor and his formula from any possible activities of the enemy. The wife does not know the mission of the government man and resents his constant usurption of her husband's time. She is torn between love of her husband and child and a desire to seek more attentive society. A German spy who gains access to her home as a guest unwittingly effects a reconciliation when he induces her to steal the formula just to teach her husband a lesson. The story was written by Harry R. Durant and was directed by Byrton King. Assisting Miss Goodrich in the interpretation of "Treason" are Howard Hall, as the husband; Mildred Clair, in the part of the child; Clarence Heritage, who plays the part of the government agent, and Stuart Holmes, in the role of Herr Graff von Aachen, the German spy. Seven Fox Productions Being Filmed By Companies in East and West Seven productions are now in work for the Fox Film Corporation. Two of these are being made in the West and the five others in the East. In the West William Farnum is in his second week on "The Man of Power," the big picture which Frank Lloyd has written and is directing. Tom Mix is on his third week in the filming of "The TwoGun Man," which is a picturization of the famous novel of the same name, written by Charles Alden Seltzer. Scenes for the "Two-Gun Man" are being taken at Prescott, Ariz., which furnished the locale of the book. The picture is being directed by Lynn Reynolds. George Walsh Doing Comedy In the East, George Walsh is working under the direction of his brother, R. A. Walsh, on a rapid-fire comedy picture entitled, "How Do You Get That Way?" Peggy Hyland, supported by a large cast, has been out on location for the last week working on "Marriages Are Made." Richard Stanton and Kenean Buel, Fox directors, each has a large production under way, Mr. Buel being busy working on the new Evelyn Nesbit picture. Arvil E. Gillstrom, who has just joined the Fox force of directors, is in the third week of the picture which Jane and Katherine Lee are filming, "Swat the Spy," and Virginia Pearson has finished work on "The Queen of Hearts." Lila Lee in a Curwood Story Lila Lee's second Paramount picture will be "Such a Little Pirate," based on James Oliver Curwood's novel and prepared for the screen by Monte Katterjohn. George Melford, who so successfully directed "The Cruise of the Make-Believes," will direct Lila's next Paramount offering. 37