Exhibitors Herald (Apr-Jun 1921)

60 K X II I 1-1 [TORS II I". KALI) Mav 28. 1921 DIGEST*/ PICTURES of t/teWEEK A CC( )RL)IXG to the 1920 census the District of Columbia contains 437.571 persons and from recently compiled statistics, which were carefully checked by a committee guided by a desire for accuracy, it lias been ascertained that practically the entire population of the National Capital goes to a motion picture theatre once each week. This proved quite a surprise to the theatremen of Washington as well as to the individuals who gathered the figures, as it implies that a very great many persons visit the picture theatres several times a week, if not every clay or evening. Statistics of this nature would not only be highly interesting but of considerable value could they be obtained for every large city in the country. Washington is no exception in its attendance records and these figures clearh indicate that motion pictures are most certainly "of the people, by the people, and for the people" when it comes to furnishing popular priced amusement. '•.['ACCUSE" (Marc Klaw, Inc.) is declared to be a masterpiece of French cinematic art. It was directed and written by Abel Gance and depicts a sex triangle enmeshed in the grim realities of the late war. Compares with the best of foreign made pictures. Is elaborately produced and very well acted. "KEEPING UP WITH LIZZIE" (Hodkinson) with Enid Bennett, is a satirical comedy of small town life, based on Irving Bacheller's novel. Affords good entertainment and Miss Bennett does splendid work. It is a Rockett production made under the direction of Llovd Ingraham. "THE BROKEN DOLL" (Associated Producers), an Allan Dwan production of Wilbur Hall's story, "Johnny Cucabod." Provides diverting hour's entertainment, concerning the love of a big-hearted ranch hand for a crippled child. Several encounters with an escaped convict furnish the thrilling incidents. Monte Blue in the principal role with Mary Thurman in a small part opposite. "THROUGH THE BACK DOOR" (United Artists) is a typical I'ickford vehicle. It presents "America's sweetheart" in a child role with many whimsical little touches that have endeared her to countless thousands. Beautifully photographed with direction and acting satisfactory. "THE RIDER OF THE KING LOG" (Associated Exhibitors-Pathe) is an adaptation of Holman Day's romance of the Maine woods. The picture possesses excellent entertainment value and is very well acted by a cast headed by Frank Sheridan. Harry O. Hoyt directed and his work lifts this feature above the ordinary. "THE WILD GOOSE" (Cosmopolitan-Paramount) presented with a special cast and directed by Albert Capellani, is a slow-moving story of the neglected wife theme. It has been elaborately staged and Mr. Capellani's direction is responsible for most of the worth of the production. Mary MacLaren, Norman Kerry and Holmes E. Herbert are the leading players. "THE LAST DOOR" (Selznick) presents Eugene O'Brien in a unique role — that of a society "Raffles." Martha Mansfield appears to advantage opposite him and the production is replete with elaborate and tasteful interior sets. There are several thrilling incidents, where O'Brien as "The Magnet," escapes from the police and the unusual twists given the story hold the interest throughout. "THE BEACH OF DREAMS" (Robertson-Cole) is a desert isle story. Contains several new twists and is drama of the best type. The story is well told and it has much unusually good photography. Edith Story has the leading role, that of a society girl who learns to love a rough seaman, who rescues her from a barren isle. Fine supporting cast and clever acting make this Haworth production good entertainment.