Exhibitors Herald (Apr-Jun 1922)

02 EXHIBITORS HERALD May 20, l922 DIGESVPICTURESo/ tAeWEEK THE Ottawa (Canada) Journal in commenting on picture producers and the public quotes Ernest Shipman as stating "the public is ahead of the producers'' in the standard of its appreciation of picture plays. Mr. Shipman contends that this condition of affairs has long been suspected by all but the producers themselves. He was speaking particularly of a film made from a well-known Canadian writer's book. The picture, which was a Canadian-made film, was exhibited privately to a group of Canadians, and had failed to end in the orthodox manner. Instead of a happy ending there was a logical ending. Beneath its activities were spiritual values. For once the public did not get what it "wanted" — and the film was an outstanding success. For a long time the producers have clung tenaciously to the doctrine that the public insists in favoring only pictures that end in a regulation way, conforming to certain childish conventions, that depict life as running in a narrow and undeviating groove, but a few producers and directors have dared to deviate from this of late, and much to their surprise have found the public likes a change, and in reality was in advance of them in this respect. Of course the young folks like the happy endings, but there are also the older, and more serious patrons that have to be catered to as well.— J. R. M. "THE ORDEAL" (Paramount) relates in unconvincing manner a melodramatic story of family difficulties solved after protracted and heavily drawn misfortunes by the young widow enacted by Agnes Ayres. Brilliant background and rapid action are assets that entitle the picture to place as a program attraction. Conrad Nagel is badly cramped in the secondary role. "SECOND HAND ROSE" (Universal) is Gladys Walton's latest. The story is of the Ghetto, suggested by the title of a popular song, and presents "the flapper star"' in an appealing and sympathetic role. Lloyd Ingraham directed it and although a trifle slow in getting started it has a fine dramatic finish. "SHACKLES OF GOLD" (Fox) is an intensely interesting and dramatic story of Wall street with William Farnum in the leading role. It was adapted from Henri Bernstein's famous play "Samson" and furnishes Farnum with excellent opportunity to display his art as an actor. There is considerable suspense and a well knit story culminates in a smashing climax. "HUMAN HEARTS" (Universal) is an adaptation of the old stage melodrama. The Universal company has given every detail of its production sincere thought and the screen play grips you as the old stage production did. House Peters and an excellent sup porting cast put this over with fine understand! King Baggot directed. "LONESOME CORNERS" (Pathe). A northwoods story with a unique trend and an element oi mystery that makes it an interest absorbing program feature. Edgar Jones heads the cast with Edna May Sperl and Henry Van Bausen carrying important parts "MR. BARNES OF NEW YORK" (Goldwyn adapted from the novel and play by Archibald Gunte provides Tom Moore with a dashing and altogether unique romance. Moore gives a most delightful char acterization and he is accorded excellent support b Naomi Childers and Anna LeKr. "THE MAN FROM HOME" (Paramount) is a excellent screen adaptation of Booth Tarkington's a Harry Leon Wilson's play, made famous by Willia Hodge. It was produced in Italy by George Fitzmaurice and its scenic beauty alone would carry it to success aside from the very interesting story presented. "THE CLOSED DOOR" (Klein) is a French ma picture dealing with the theory of spiritualism. The are some very beautiful exteriors, scenes taken in the Swiss Alps, and the various roles are well acted by French players. It is a three-reel subject but contains plenty of thrills and is an interesting story. "THE DEUCE OF SPADES" (First National) is fairly pleasing story of Western life, with Charles R in the role of a restaurant keeper in a small mini town of Montana. Good character drawing, and i typical Ray finish are its outstanding points. The ston is built around an old card trick, used by a couple of gamblers to fleece the boy from Boston. "RESTLESS SOULS" (Vitagraph) refers to the women. It is an adaptation of Richard Harding Davis story, "Playing Dead," and furnishes Earle William! with an ideal vehicle. It is a whimsical little comedy drama concerning a wife who goes in for neo sym holism and a husband who attempts to bring her hap piness. "THE REFEREE" (Selznick) presents Conwa} Tearle in the role of a prize fighter and an honest ret' eree. It is splendiel propaganda for the manly art ane a fast moving, logically eleveloped story of the ring Ralph Ince directed, from an adapteel "Red Book" stor; by Gerald Beaumont. "ACCORDING TO HOYLE" (Western Picture} Exploitation) is David Butler's latest starring vehicle In it he is cast as a tramp who finds a set of rules oi how to become a success in life. He follows them ane finds success. There are many excellent small towi types and a good chase in the picture.