Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1919)

MrevievvsITO ^^^^^^^=^^^^^miiiiiiiiHiiiniiiuiiiiiitniiHi mmm iuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinuiiiiiiiiuniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit]ns^^^==^^^^^^^, Will Rogers in JUBILO Five-part comedy; Goldwyn. Directed by Clarence Badger. Published in December. OPINION : There is good reason to believe that popular judgment will pronounce "Jubilo" the best of the Will Rogers productions to date. The comedy in the play is of keener edge than that in his earlier performances, though from no quarter came adverse criticism upon any of them. It is of the same clean, good-natured variety, based upon the same probable every-day circumstances, but it strikes home more effectively, possibly because the star is gaining that inside knowledge of camera tricks that was not his in the beginning. As the easy-going vagabond known only as "Jubilo," and later as the seriously industrious farm hand, Rogers is in his element. His is the manner of the plodder. His is the wit of the slow speaker. Perhaps it is because he takes his time in delivering his points that they register so keenly. Josie Sedgwick has the opposing role and the two work together harmoniously. Other members of the cast are of standard qualifications, the result being a unified performance of great merit. If the other Will Rogers pictures have served you well, be assured that this one will do likewise or better. SYNOPSIS: Jubilo, a tramp, asks food at the Hardy farm, is mistaken for a criminal sentenced to jail from that community, later vindicated and finally given food and employment upon the farm. He likes the food, and he likes Rose Hardy, but the employment interests him less keenly. In his courtship of Rose many interesting events transpire, among them a severe beating from her father, which makes him realize the necessity for doing a certain amount of actual labor, but the conquest is successful nevertheless and all ends as desired. William S. Hart in JOHN PETTICOATS Five-part comedy-drama; ParamountArtcraft. Directed by Lambert Hillyer. Published in December. OPINION: The national box office was in mind when "John Petticoats" was planned and produced. That same very definite institution will benefit thereby. For "John Petticoats" is essentially comedy, and Hart the comedian is certain of a welcome. Hart the tragedian and Hart the dramatic actor, the Harts that the world knows, have become identified with an established style of photoplay. It is a style which permits of little variation. The best that the consciencious efforts of those concerned in the making of the Hart pictures could Will Rogers and Josie Sedgwick in a scene from "Jubilo," his current Goldwyn picture. accomplish was the changing of setting, alteration of plot sequence and rearrangement of roles. Because the style had made of William S. Hart one of the leading stars of the screen it was with reluctance that the necessity for change was finally realized. Because the change is a desirable one and will doubtless result favorably for all in any way interested in the production, it is well that it has been made. Here Hart begins the picture as a lumber jack, ending it as a noticeably domesticated and agreeably refined business man. That his business consists in the merchandising of ladies ware adds especial piquancy to the situation. People will like "John Petticoats." He will be a popular character'and the picture will please entirely. It is to be hoped that Hart productions which follow will show the same good judgment. SYNOPSIS : John Haynes, lumber man, receives a letter which informs him he has inherited a business establishment in New Orleans. Surprised, but pleasantly so, he goes to that city to look over his heritage. In charge he finds Rosalie Andre, whom he permits to continue the management of the store, living meanwhile with Judge Meredith and keeping his identity a secret. Caroline, the judge's granddaughter, soon attracts Haynes' attention and mutual love ripens. But Rosalie comes to grief, at the hands of one Wayne Page, who is also a rival for the hand of Caroline, and Haynes is compelled to use force to see that Page does the wronged girl justice. This matter cared for in typical Hart style, Haynes and Caroline look forward to the realization of their own happiness. Harry Carey in A GUN FIGHTING GENTLEMAN Six-part drama; Universal. Directed by Jack Ford. Published in November. OPINION: Harry Carey is the "Gun Fighting Gentleman" in the play which takes its title from the star role and is also the most important part of the production. It is his accustomed character, "Cheyenne Harry," that entertains. The plot of the story is of familiar design. It has to do with the Westerner whose property is taken from him by crafty gentlemen who manipulate the law to suit their own ends, only to be recovered after the usual interesting adventures by the crude but purely intentioned son of the plains. No star is better fitted for the work to be done by the leading actor in drama of the sort than Harry Carey. J. Barney Sherry, whose polished demeanor serves him equally well whether cast as villain or hero, contributes a valuable supporting characterization. Producers do well to number Sherry in their casts. He has saved the picture for many a star and will perform that office for many more, unless some keen visioned "scout" secures his signature to a star contract. The settings, for the most part exteriors, are suitable in all cases. The direction of Jack Ford, a gentleman long familiar with the star and his capabilities, gets full value out of the material in hand. The familiarity of the story's general outline is the one point which presents itself for serious consideration. Where drama of the type has not been exhibited so frequently as to have become undesirable there should be no question of the play's pleasing power. SYNOPSIS: "Cheyenne" Harry, ranch owner, is the victim of a plot engineered by John Merritt, land speculator, which by reason of a "doctored" title to Harry's ranch, deprives him of his holdings. Powerless in the face of his opponent's superior knowledge of law, Harry is forced to retaliate by appropriating Merritt's pay roll. A little later he abducts Merritt's daughter and holds her captive pending the settlement of the score between himself and her parent. The settlement is effected in due time, through the regeneration of Merritt, but not before Harry has won the heart of the young lady in question. William Farnum in WINGS OF THE MORNING Seven-part drama; Fox. Directed by J. Gordon Edwards. Published in December. OPINION Louis Tracy's novel, of which "Wings of the Morning" is a picturization, was a best seller when it made its appearance upon the news stands a number of years ago. The newspaper book reviewers gave it their best in the way of publicity by writing wholly commendatory opinions. The result is advance preparation which 69