Exhibitors Herald (Apr-Jun 1922)

62 EXHIBITORS HERALD April 15, 1922 DIGES Tof PICTURES of fAeWEEK THAT the American public has faith in the future of motion pictures and is demonstrating daily by larger attendance, that "bigger and better"' pictures are necessary is clearly shown in the survey recently conducted by Thomas H. Ince. Mr. Ince sent out questionnaires to editors in all parts of the world and complete returns have been received to nine of his questions. The survey clearly establishes an almost universal demand for wholesome, clean pictures, contrary t<> the insinuation frequently made by unscrupulous purveyors of films that the public wants the forbidden in their entertainment. The insistent demand from every section of the country and from foreign lands is for "bigger and better" films,' Mr. Ince's survey discloses. Although there is a variance of answers to every question the dominant feature of the world-wide canvas is the professed desire on the part of the public for the elimination of unwholesomeness in photoplays and the sincere hopefulness expressed in the great future of the motion picture industry. To the query "What has been the influence of the motion picture on home and community life during the past ten years?" the following answers have been tabulated: Favorable 490; unfavorable 122; non-committal, 107. The comment which strikes the keynote of the general consensus of opinion is that it has "broadened both, but has probably broken up home life of the old type." Most of the editors agreed that pictures were both educational and entertaining and provide amusement at a low cost for thousands who otherwise would be forced to remain at home. It was also declared that the picture theatre of today "keeps young and old out nights." Contrasted to that is the opinion that "it provides a place where the entire family can go together." "Does visualization of wholesome stories of truths of life bring out appreciation of finer things in minds that probably would never be affected by any other agency?" To this question there were 731 favorable answers ; 23 unfavorable and 54 non-committal. Most editors answered "yes" or "decidedly so." A similar unanimous response in the affirmative was received to the question : "Is the motion picture theatre where productions are carefully selected an influence for better citizenship?" There were 695 "yes" answers and 42 "no's." "Do picture-goers make a more efficient censorship authority than a politically controlled committee?" To this 245 answered "yes" and 62 "no" with 77 noncommittal. A large number of editors declared that the solution of censorship lies with the producer, that neither the public nor politically controlled censorship will prove to be efficient. "Politics should not interfere with the movies." "I am too prejudiced against official censorship to answer fairly." "Public Opinion is better than the opinion of a few." and similar com ments were made by those who objected to political censorship committees. — J. R. M. "SISTERS" (American Releasing) presents Seena Owen, Gladys Leslie, Matt Moore, Robert Sellable and Joe King in a refreshing adaptation of Kathleen Norris' novel. It is a drama of the home, clean, wholesome and one that will appeal to audiences of the better class. Directed by Albert Capellani it deserves special mention in the year's better pictures. "THE INFIDEL" (First National) is Katherine MacDonald's latest. While not as strong as some of her previous vehicles, it nevertheless holds the attention by reason of several dramatic incidents that are well handled. It concerns a plot to gain possession of copra interests on a South Sea island. Directed by James Young. "RECKLESS YOUTH" (Selznick) is a thoroughly delightful flapper story with Elaine Hammerstein, the popular Selznick star, in the latter role. The story was written by Cosmo Hamilton and the subtitles are written in this author's customary crisp style. A light and entertaining feature. Directed by Ralph Ince. "WATCH YOUR STEP" (Goldwyn) is another small town story written by Julien Josephson, who contributed so many of Charles Ray's scenarios. William Beaudine directed it and the various roles were in the capable hands of Cullen Landis, Patsey Ruth Miller, Pert Woodruff and John C ossar. A pleasing find clean comedy presented with Goldwyn's usual care as to sets and photography. "UP AND GOING" (Fox) is typically Mix melodrama, beginning in England on a polo field and ending in the frozen North woods of Canada. There 'a plenty of suspense and Lynn Reynolds' story and direction are A-l. Eva Novak and Carol HoIIoway ren der good support. One of the best of Tom Mix'.productions to date. "Till-: LYING TRUTH" (American Releasing) ij a newspaper story with all the small town character well portrayed by Noah Beery, Marjorie Daw. Tulh Marshall and Pat O'Malley. The production was madi and written by Marion Fairfax and contains son* clever titles as well as an exciting and logical climax Should give complete satisfaction everywhere. "THROUGH A GLASS WINDOW" (Realart offers little for patrons who insist upon story, makin up for this deficiency in some degree by good atm< sphere, smooth incident and the redeeming personalit and performance of May McAvoy. An East Side stor omitting most of the implcasantries common to th type, it slips along easily to a mild finish. It is th type of picture women pronounce "darling." "BEAUTY'S WORTH" (CosmopolitanPar; mount ) makes up in elaborate settings, splendid ph( tography, the performance of Marion Davies and th direction of Robert G. Yignola for what it lacks i story. The picture is evenlling, orderly and, at time novel. An occasional laugh helps it materially, is built lor an opulence-loving public, which is larg enough to support any production,