Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1919)

EXHIBITORS HERALD V N «JiJ*itriiiiiif Jiiiiii*iirii«tiitiifiijjttii(*iJin(«ii;:i jft#«iii»iUTiiiiiiri juiiinirimnnEjm 'i us* i i:r r r i i 1 1 cti ! 1 n 1 ti 1 e iff tutu njiitri rT:: :tti 1 1 rrrt : 1 if ri if 1 1 1 1 1 1 iu t: r ; ! t e rTf 1 1 iiftf 1 itii 1 nil itiiTiiiif tfi till mil 1 1 l 11 u : : 1 i 1 1 1 • 1 u 1 1 1 in 1 1 eu 1 c :Ti?ru • :D I C jJ'^-S il OF PICTURES OF THE WEEK ii:uiilliiiiiiiiliiiiiuiiiimiiiiiiPliiiiiiir.;iiniiii:::iiin iiiiiiiiiiiiiihiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiin^^ A YEAR of sturdy growth, steady improvement, bold, strong strides forward draws to a close. Pictures that were considered good in January, 1919, would receive scant attention published as new today, a short twelve months later. Pictures that were specials then, if published today, would compare little more than favorably with the regular publications of today. These things mean progress. The betterment noted on every hand, the rapidly moving tendency to a higher standard of production, is promise for a better new year. Better pictures cost more. They are worth more. The public must be brought to realize these facts in 1920. They will be brought to realize them. "Better pictures" were accomplished in 1919. "Better prices" should be the outstanding accomplishment of 1920. Exhibitors instrumental in bringing it about will prove themselves real leaders in the exhibiting business. "EVBEYWOM A N " ( ParamountArtcraf t ) should eclipse in screen form the notable success it made as a stage spectacle. George Melford, directing a cast which reads like a directory of stars, has made the transposition without loss, indeed with profit. A complete review of the picture will be found on page 108. "THIEVES" (Fox) fulfills expectations born of the announcement of Gladys Brockwell as the star and "crook melodrama" as the nature of the story. The picture bears the usual marks of Fox production management, is well developed and logically plotted. It is very much of a piece with similar productions featuring the same star in the past. "TOBEY'S BOW" (Goldwyn) depends primarily upon Tom Moore's personality and the work of a well selected and capable supporting cast. The story is of familiar outline. The elements of production are Goldwyn standard, therefore excellent. The play will entertain by reason of the star and the acting of the cast. "THE LONE WOLF'S DAUGHTER" (Hodkinson) is a worthy successor to "Sahara," Louise Glaum's last production under the direction of J. Parker Reid, Jr. It is a splendidly done photoplay and has a quality of compelling interest that should make it an attraction of universal satisfaction. "MORE DEADLY THAN THE MALE" (Paramount-Artcraft) the line from Kipling's poem makes an admirable and fitting title for this compact little comedy-drama dealing with feminine logic and emotions. Ethel Clayton will increase her following by reason of her appearance in the production. "THE PRINCE AND BETTY" (HamptonPa the) depends upon amusing situations and the well fashioned humorous subtitles for its entertainment power. William Desmond, cast as an American consul to a small principality, gets full value from the role assigned him. "WHAT'S YOUR HUSBAND DOING?" (Paramount-Artcraft) proves to the satisfaction of all that the first Doris May-Douglas MacLean comedy was not an accidental success, but the work of really able and exceptionally pleasing young stars. This, a comedy of young matrimonial partners, is downright funny. "THE BEAUTY MARKET" (First National) is a story of present day social life admirably suited for the appearance and talent of Katherine MacDonald, the star. Some of the best acting of her career is registered in the production. It should please universally. "THE HEART OF A GYPSY" (Hallmark) tells a complicated story with beautiful photography and unity. Florence Billings, the star, has a role which she handles sincerely and convincingly. Support is uniform. "BEHIND THE DOOR" (ParamountArtcraf t) returns Hobart Bosworth to the screen after a long absence, during which time he has devoted himself to direction. He is the same strong, virile actor who won a wide following in days bygone. He will be remembered by fans, and they will heartily approve of his present vehicle. "THE ADVENTURES OF RUTH" (Pathe) introduces Ruth Roland as producer, author, director and star. If the first three episodes may be taken as representative of the serial it will be one of the most popular ever distributed by Pathe, which is saying much. "THE INVISIBLE HAND" (Vitagraph) features Antonio Moreno and is of the type that will cause serial fans to come back for more thrills each week. Pauline Curley has the chief supporting role. The early episodes are laid in San Francisco and deal with the enterprises of a band of criminals that the star, cast as a detective, seeks to capture.