Exhibitors Herald (Oct-Dec 1920)

180 EXHIBITORS HERALD December 25, 1920 DfGJCST OF PICTURES OF THE WEEK imitmmiuim iiinuii mi wxwwtiwawiwww.wwwr wwwwMtr wwwia jiwmmwwww—wi wwi inwwit w— i— w— win— wmii iwii nit mm-.: '•>"■ nvrnmemmmtm \ E of the great handicaps that picture proilm-erare working under, according to Rupert Hughes, is that everyone is trying to make pictures that are intended to be universal in appeal. It's a fact. Any time you try to please every one you are likely to please no one. Mr. Hughes blames the high cost of production and distribution for the producer's belief that he must interest all theatregoers in every picture he makes. But there are a few directors who have stepped from the beaten path, whose work is differentiated so that it means something distinctive. This tendency, Mr. Hughes says, "is bound to continue, and it is one of the most hopeful things about pictures." Mr. Hughes has recently taken a hand in directing some of his own stories and with men of such keen insight entering the field we may look for many unusual productions from this source. He has already demonstrated that he knows whereof he speaks in the literary field. You can't write books that will interest everyone, and more than one producer has been convinced the same thing applies to pictures. "OH LADY, LADY" (Rcalart) is an adaptation of the stage success and by reason of the catchy dialogue, beautiful sets, effective lighting and practically an all-star cast in support of the star, Bebe Daniels, makes splendid entertainment. Major Maurice Campbell directed it and made the most of a slender plot. "BAIT" (Paramount,) is a Tourneur production of a crook drama with Hope Hampton in the leading role. Exciting, mysterious and fascinating, although lacking, by reason of its' nature, the beauty of the usual Tourneur setting. "SKYFIRE" (Pinnacle) should be booked if only for the educational value and the photographic beauty of the legend of the Northern Lights. Scenically lovely, exciting and interesting as a drama of the Royal Northwest mounted police. Neal Hart starred and directed it and made a good job of both. "RISKY BUSINESS" (Universal) offers Gladys Walton in a highly attractive ingenue role and a story that has much pleasant humor tinting it. A mystery thread is supplied in a jewel robbery. It is a society drama attractively set and with good supporting players. "THE CHARM SCHOOL" (Paramount) offers Wallace Reid and Lila Lee in an exhilarating combination. A story of youth and romance, cleverly handled. Will please. Important because of the star's popularity. "DICE OF DESTINY" (Metro) offers H. B. Warner skilfully impersonating a crook. Exciting and dramatic with action that moves rapidly. Excellent supporting cast and absorbing plot. Will particularly please the lovers of the crook play. THE I . P. TRAIL" (Hodkinson) is a Zane Grey -toi . u >rked oul with all the attractions of "Desert Gold" and "Riders of the Dawn." An all-star cast, including Knthlyn Williams, Roy Stewart and Margaret de la Motte, all well cast. Beautiful of setting, thrilling and entertaining. Rich in exploitation possibilities. "BFXTY PULLS THE STRINGS" (Goldwyn) is one of the superior comedy-dramas of the day. Adapted from a successful stage play. A wholesome -tmv of "home folk*" set in Scottish background. Leatrice Joy, Josephine Crowell, Cullen Landis and Casson Ferguson give excellent performances. Deliriously humorous and clever. '"SOMEONE IN THE HOUSE" (Metro) is a crook-society drama worked out in an exceptionally clever way and concerned with the theft of a diamond necklace. Considerable entertainment value, exciting and absorbing. An uncommonly good picture. "THE LITTLE 'FRAID LADY" (RobertsonCole) is Mae March's "come back" after a considerable absence. An exciting story that is tinged with melodrama, but one in which the star plays skillfully and appears delightfully. A rapidly-moving feature and one certain to please. "THE IRON RIDER" (Fox; presents William Russell in a feature that does not qualify as meeting his late standard. Weak of story, but moderately exciting. The usual Western stuff.