Exhibitors Herald (Oct-Dec 1920)

86 EXHIBITORS HERALD November 13, 1920 Alice Joyce, Robert Gordon and Ellen Cassidy in a scene from "The Vice of Fools.' ( Vitagraph) ALICE JOYCE IN THE VICE OF FOOLS (VITAGRAPH) An evenly-moving, society drama of average worth, its demands unequal to the star's abilities. A pleasant picture with an out-ofthe-ordinary ending to a romantic situation frequently presented. Settings are attractive and the cast plays well. It seems strange that the charm and artistry of Alice Joye should be expended on a picture demanding no more of her proved abilities than this. "The Vice of Fools" is not to be vigorously condemned, but its tepidity and almost negative character certainly demand no more than casual comment. It falls into that class of pictures which are neither wholly bad nor entirely good. The extreme prettiness of the star redeems it from even more indifferent appeal, although she is cast in the role of a flapper that is not as becoming a part as she has had heretofore. Robert Gordon plays opposite her and makes considerable of a mediocre role. Ellen Cassidy plays well the part of the superficial Diana Spaulding. The various scenes are presented against attractive backgrounds about an estate where a house party is in progress. Lighting and photography are admirable. The story is that of Marion Rogers who loves Cameron West, her father's ward. Their ultimate marriage was taken for granted by the girl until Diana Spaulding comes into Cameron's life. Marian decides to adopt the plan of flirting with Raymond Bloomer, Diana's lover, hoping to distract the latter's attention from Cameron. Diana, in a fit of pique and jealousy, marries the latter, however, and they live unhappily until Diana's faithlessness and her love for Bloomer bring about their divorce and brings the tardy realization to Cameron that it is Diana whom he always has loved. J. WARREN KERRIGAN IN THE HOUSE OF WHISPERS (HODKINSON) A story of mystery and adventure in an apartment hotel, with J. Warren Kerrigan well cast as the hero. A picture of superior settings and well sustained plot. The hero in a house that is haunted by whispers that drive an elderly couple to seek quarters elsewhere and nearly sacrifice the reason and life of a beautiful young bride-to-be, is the role of which J. Warren Kerrigan makes a great deal in his latest Hodkinson feature. Mystery is sprung at the start when the hero is attacked while waiting in a park to keep a dinner engagement, and moves with a rapidity certain to satisfy even the most impatient. Fritzi Brunette and Margery Wilson play important feminine roles with a grace and naturalness that is characteristic of the acting of the whole cast. It shows direction exceptionally capable, and offers a novelty of plot and situation that will make it welcomed everywhere as a feature out of the ordinary. Kerrigan appears as Spalding Nelson, nephew of Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Gaston, whose nervousness at living amid ghostly whispers drives them off for a rest while they leave their nephew in their apartment to solve the mystery, if possible. His arrival there is the signal for the "spooks" to move with increased energies and one of his first adventures is, the finding of a young girl just escaping from his room, where sire has been searching for the voice of her former husband, reported killed in France. The sister, who alone shares the knowledge of her marriage with this man, soon introduced as a crook plotting with the owner of the hotel, Kent, and his telephone operator accomplice, aids Nelson in his search for clues to the mystery. The disappearance of his aunt's pearl necklace inspires his activity, together with the confidence of the sisters. The husband, Roldo, bungles an assignment and murders an actress in the building. He also kidnaps Clara, his wife, and conceals her under the care of the telephone girl. Nelson is accused of the murder and police appear, but in the end it is revealed that Clara's marriage was illegal and that her fiance was aware previously of this secret. The pearls are recovered and the trio of crooks is convicted. TOM MIX IN THE TEXAN (FOX) A Western comedy-drama of better grade. Tom Mix gives a fine impersonation of a playful, doubleshooting gentleman cowboy. High spots of humor in titles. Many exciting feats in roping contests and daredevil plays promoted by Mix. Certain to please universally. Even the patronage scorning the Western feature will "sit up and take notice," laugh and approve when this latest Tom Mix picture play is offered them. It is nearer an example of what the Western film should be and can be, wholesome, humorous, clean and intensely exciting, than the ordinary play set in this atmosphere of cactus and sage brush country. Tom Mix is excellent tonic to jaded spirits. He plays the role of a "cactuseating bachelor" (to quote his own classification) a fearless, gleeful, michievous double-draw Westerner. He puts punch into every twist and turn of the picture and does notable work with his lariat. His is an exceptionally attractive performance. The picture concerns chiefly one girl, an Easterner, and two men, one from her own civilization, the other the "elemental, primitive" hero that she thought she wanted for a husband; but changed her mind. For that reason Tex Benton does not win her in the end, although the trouble to which he goes leads two opposing bands of cowboys through successive exciting episodes. To add to the fun and excitement there is a rodeo; a faked lynching, wild chases in the mountains and the roll down the mountain side of a cabinfull of bad men, and the roping of an engineer in his train cab. Gloria Hope is attractive as the girl and Robert WalkeT plays well as the rival. The titles are noteworthy fori their humor.