Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1921 - Mar 1922)

THE CAST Michael Cardigan William Collier, Jr. Silver Heels Betty Carpenter Sir William Johnson . Thomas Cummings Walter Butler William Pike Lord Dun more Charles E. Graham Marie Hamilton Madeleine Lubetty Lady Shelton Hatty Delaro Sir John Johnson Louis Dean The Weasel Colin Campbell Jack Mount Jere Austin Chief Logan Frank R. Montgomery Dulcna Eleanor Griffith Quider Dick Lee Colone! Cresap Jack Johnston Molly Brandt Florence Short Patrick Henry George Loeffler John Hancock William Willis Paul Revere ...Austin Hume SPECIAL CAST IN CARDIGAN (AMERICAN RELEASING) lessmore Kendall's production of Robert W. Chambers' romantic novel of revolutionary days is worthy of special attention from all who are interested in better pictures. Its popularity ought to be assured. Care has been taken to reproduce faithfully the scenes of those stirring times of 1774 and many of the exteriors were taken on the actual locations of the historical episodes. Directed by John W. Noble. Seven reels. calculated to stir interest in American history. The battle between the Americans and the Red Coats, the fights in the stockades, the ride of Paul Revere and the assembling of the Minute Men are but a few of the high lights of the picture. One of the pleasantest romances runs through the film also, conceived and written in Chambers' best style. "Cardigan" offers many unusual angles for extraordinary advertising and exploitation. Everyone is interested in American history and the younger generation which has not read the novel will be as anxious to see the picture as those who are familiar with the Chambers tale. The story opens in Johnstown, New York, two years before the outbreak of the Revolution. Cardigan, a young Irish boy, and the ward of the English governor, is in love with Felicity Warren, CARDIGAN" was a "best seller" known as "Silver Heels." Capt. William back in 1901, when historical Butler is also a suitor for her hand, novels were popular, and the .nerican Releasing Corporation's initial pduction is destined to repeat Robert I Chambers' book's popularity in 1922. The story is based on America's early S uggle for independence and all the l ed characters of the Chambers story — (rdigan, "Silver Heels" Felicity Warren, i' William Johnson, guardian of Cardiff and Commissioner of Indian Affair* f' the Crown, Walter Butler, the despic<e, Lord Dunmore, The Weasel, Jack -)unt, Chief Logan, and for good measly Patrick Henry, John Hancock, and Jul Revere. The most interesting and dramatic mor nts of Robert W. Chambers' novel IVe been deftly woven into a swiftly r ving and mighty interesting screen py. There are touches that remind one c D. W. Griffith— such as the flight of I icity to the attic and the pursuit by the \ ainous Butler; the ride of Paul Revere al the meeting of the Minute Men. Ml in all it is a very finished piece of seen fiction and the various performa:es come up to the level of the picture. \ lliam Collier Jr. contributes a splendid pee of work as Cardigan; Betty Carpent s Felicity Warren is delightfully sinc e and full of charm. Jere Austin made aine Jack Mount, and Colin Campbell a adequate "Weasel." William Pike as \ Iter Butler makes a good villain and s gested as well as acted the role of a r ian with keen understanding. "he picture is of more than passing inWbst because of the historical incidents d icted which are presented in a manner Young Cardigan undertakes to deliver a message to a distant point, is betrayed by Butler and almost meets death by being burned at the stake for the murder of Chief Logan's children. A runner saves him, however, and later he is admitted to the secret councils of the Minute Men. He hears Patrick Henry utter the famous "Give me liberty or give me death" speech and sees John Hancock sign his name to the declaration of Indepedence "large so the King can read it." There follows the famous ride of Paul Revere and the battles of Lexington and Concord, with the retreat of the British. The final scenes work up to a splendid climax and a pleasing finish. We feel certain "Cardigan" will satisfy and be a good business builder for any house. ETHEL CLAYTON IN THE CRADLE (PARAMOUNT) A logical "next" in the Clayton series of domestic dramas. As the title indicates, a picture for an audience not indisposed to tears or callous to not markedly subtle appeal to emotions. Not quite as well devised a vehicle as the star's performance merits, but materially bolstered up by the latter. Directed by Paul Powell. Five reels. With carefully calculated sob music to dull the obviousness of certain well-worn situations and subtitles that cast their shadow before them, "The Cradle" may be made effective entertainment. It is not as good a picture as Miss Clayton's performance in it, and it is her consummate characterization that gives it claim to consideration. There is no cradle in the play, the gifted child about whom interest centers being well beyond cradle age, but the title is well chosen for exploitation purposes and the picture satisfies its promise. The story is less familiar as enacted than as synopsized. The star is cast as a physician's wife. An attractive patient wins him from home. A divorce follows; he marries the patient. His wife marries an old admirer, and the child is assigned to the custody of each parent for alternate periods of six months each. Both step-father and step-mother resent the child's presence in their homes and estrangement disturbs both households. Serious illness of the child results in general realization of the fact that the bond of parentage is stronger than manmade marriage and the picture closes with two more divorces and one re-marriage in prospect. William Collier, Jr. and Betty Carpenter in a scene from "Cardigan" (Am. Releasing). "U" Changes Title "Slipper Tongue," Frank Mayo's latest starring vehicle, which was reviewed in The Herald Feb. 4 issue, has been renamed "Tracked to Earth."