Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1921 - Mar 1922)

50 EXHIBITORS HERALD January 21, 1922 DIGES V PICTURES/ theWEEK AGAIN has D. \Y. Griffith hit the bull's eye. "Orphans of the Storm" has been declared the greatest picture this master of direction and photoplay technique has yet produced and one that will likely stand for a long time to come as a criterion for picture makers of the world. In costuming, sets, acting, photography, and direction it far surpasses anything Griffith has heretofore attempted, having all the drama of "The Birth of a Nation."' the tragedy of "Broken Blossoms" and the appeal of " 'Way Down East." A full review of the picture is printed on page 30. Many no doubt will wonder why Mr. Griffith changed the title from "The Two Orphans" to "Orphans of the Storm." The director has explained that, although he purchased the title and screen rights to the old stage play from Kate Claxton and widely advertised his plan to make the picture under the original title, he was confronted by at least two European productions made some time ago bearing that title. The present title he hopes will identify it as his own work. In commenting upon this matter, Mr. Griffith said: "The motion picture industry has never made an effort to protect itself against such practices." —J. R. M. "NO DEFENSE" (Vitagraph) is a swift-moving, convincing drama of the northwest and San Francisco, well acted and carefully directed. William Duncan and Edith Johnson are the featured players and a capable cast appears in their support. A very good feature. "ACROSS THE DEAD-LINE" (Universal) presents Frank Mayo in an interesting story of the West in which two brothers, one religious, the other a vicious saloonkeeper, are pitted against one another. A love romance runs through the tale. "WINNING WITH WITS" (Fox) starring Barbara Bedford also has in the cast Harry S. Northrup, William Scott, Edwin B. Tilton and Wilson Hummel. It is a story of a girl's fight to save her father from prison. Well acted and photographed, providing a fair entertainment. " I RAVELIN' ON" (Paramount) is William S. Hart's latest opus, a story of an itinerant Westerner, who saves a minister's wife from the embraces of the town bully as well as her husband from the hangman's noose and then rides away into the desert. An average Western melodrama with a conventional ending. Directed by Lambert Hillycr. "TOO MUCH WIFE" (Realart) is a splendid com edy-drama full of bright dialog and clever situations. There isn't a dull moment in the five reels and we heartily recommend it. Wanda Hawley is the star and it is, without doubt, her best vehicle. Thomas Heffron directed it. "RIP VAN WINKLE" (Hodkinson) is different from the usual run of pictures and will prove pleasing entertainment because of the lasting fascination the story holds. It recalls childhood days to the mind of the observer. An excellent version of Washington Irving's story with quaint scenes and characters. "CHIVALROUS CHARLEY" (Selznick) is an acceptable vehicle for Eugene O'Brien, though not his best by any means. It recites the adventures of a big hearted youth who insists on helping every fair maiden in distress that he meets. Five reels. Directed by Robert Ellis. "JACK O' LANTERN." (Hodkinson) A pleasing little comedy-drama adapted from Myrtle Reed's story, in which a special cast headed by Betty Ross Clark and Earl Schenck. There is an element of mystery about it and it holds the attention to the end. Lloyd Ingraham directed this five reel feature. "THREE LIVE GHOSTS" (Paramount) adapted from the stage success by Ouida Bergere, and directed by George Fitzmaurice, is six reels of excellent entertainment. It tells an interesting post-war story with many humorous situations involving the return of three soldiers, supposed to be dead, from a German prison. "RENT FREE" (Paramount) is Wallace Reid's latest comedy, the scenes of which are laid in New York and in whose support appears the charming Lila Lee. While not the strongest of Mr. Reid's late vehicles it should prove a good attraction, especially where this star is a favorite. It was directed by Howard Higgin. "THE SIGN OF THE ROSE" (Garson) is George Beban's latest opus, presented for the first time at the Chicago Theatre, week of Dec. 25. It is Mr. Beban's old vaudeville sketch revamped into a five part feature and with which he introduces his famous flower shop scene with the original players of the screen play. It is entertaining and done in Beban's best style. Made for heart throbs. "THE ROOF TREE" (Fox) is a slow moving story of the Virginia mountains, with William Russell ami Sylvia Breamer in the principal roles. It relates the story of a brother who assumes the blame for a crime committed by his sister and most of the scenes take place beneath an immense tree, known as tlie roof, tree. Five reels.