Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1921 - Mar 1922)

GEORGE ARLISS IN THE RULING PASSION (UNITED ARTISTS) The delightfully human portrayals of Arliss and his supporting company; the clean, wholesome thought back of this Earl Derr Biggers story puts this production in a class by itself. For those seeking the best in photoplays we can think of nothing finer. Directed by Harmon Weight. Seven reels. Here is a real treat for the picturegoer. A wholesome, worth-while comedy, adapted from the story, "Idle Hands," by Earl Derr Biggers, and carefully transferred to the screen by Director Weight. The role of James Alden, in which Arliss is seen as a kind-hearted philanthropist, is quite a departure lor this popular stage actor who has heretofore presented excellent portrayals of the cynic, satirist, or crafty, designing schemer. He displays a keen sense of humor and no doubt will be called upon to play more of these quaintly humorous, yet subtle, roles. It is a splendid piece of work and he was accorded excellent support by Doris Kenyon, Edward J. Burns, Ida Darling, J. W. Johnston. Ernest Hilliard, Harold Waldridge and one or two others, well chosen for their parts. Miss Kenyon was especially pleasing as Angie, the daughter, and Mr. Bums as Bill Merrick. The picture pleased mightily at the Ziegfeld theatre, Chicago, where it is having its mid-west premier this week. James Alden is persuaded to retire from the auto manufacturing business by his wife and daughter, and he accepts his physician's advice and goes to live quietly at his Long Island home. Being active and healthy, however, he is not contented, and secretly buys an interest in a garage with Bill Merrick, a youth just back from overseas. He assumes the name of John Grant and complications arise when Angie. his daughter, meets Merrick, who doesn't know that his partner is her father. The man from whom they purchase the garage threatens to force them out -of business. Merrick, feeling sorry for his partner who "has a wife and daughter depending upon him." decides to applv to James Alden for help, because Grant has stated he worked for him for years. James Alden refuses aid. however, and Angie tenders her own check to Merrick. Finally Alden has to confess he is Merrick's partner when that astonished young man comes to ask for Angle's hand. But James Alden wins back his health and acquires a stalwart son-in-law. SESSUE HAYAKAWA IN VERMILION PENCIL (R-C PICTURES) Popular Japanese actor in dual role, gives typical performance in photodrama replete with sensational and dramatic situations. Pleasing love story, beautiful sets, good lighting and well handled climax give it an air of substantiality. Directed by Norman Dwan. Five reels. A scene from "The Vermillion Pencil." (R-C Pictures) There is a certain intriguing quality about Sessue Hayakawa's latest opus that lifts it above the average run of pictures. Perhaps it is Hayakawa's performance, or that of pretty Bessie Love. At any rate, the photography and sets will catch and hold your attention, for both are very beautiful. Like his former vehicle, "Five Days to Live," the scene of "The Vermilion Pencil" is laid wholly in Japan, and many of the players are native Japanese. It will be found interesting and the story culminates in a highly dramatic climax. Able support is given Hayakawa and Miss Love by Sidney Franklin. Thomas Jefferson and Omar Whitehead. The story was written by Homer Lea. There is a long lapse of time between the beginning and the end of the story. It concerns Tse Chan, whose wife is executed under the sentence of Ling Chee, and he becomes an outcast, living in the mountains where years later he meets his son, Li Chan, a successful civil engineer, in charge of the construction of a large dam. Li falls in love with Hyacinth, who is betrothed to Fu Wong, the viceroy. Li obtains a position as tutor to Hyacinth. He is caught making love to her and both are thrown into prison. On the day Hyacinth is to be executed at the signal of the vermilion pencil in the hands of Fu Wong, a volcanic eruption destroys the town, Li escapes from jail and rescues Hyacinth There is a spectacular scene where "The Unknown" Li's father, throws himself into the crater of the volcano as a sacrifice. HARRY CAREY IX MAN TO MAN (UNIVERSAL) Star does excellent work in this picture which contains an interesting story with plenty of typical Western action. The photography is excellent and there are many beautiful and picturesque shots. Lillian Rich is in support. Directed by Stuart Paton. Six reels. "Man to Man" is a good vehicle for Harry Carey. It is a pleasing Western story that abounds in action with plenty of o-enuine Western atmosphere. The scene with thousands of cattle in a stampede is well done and makes an impressive sight. There is fighting, gun play and other thrills, rounded out with a pleasing little tale of romance between Carey and the pretty Lillian Rich. The picture has been given a novel introduction with Carey playing the part of Steve Packard, a derelict and ex-jailbird in the South Seas. Here he receives word of the death of his father and instructions to return and assume charge of the ranch left him. On his arrival at the ranch he learns that his grandfather has designs on the ranch. In the scheme of obtaining it he is abetted by Blenham, who is employed as a foreman on Steve's ranch. Steve discovers that Blenham is double crossing him when the latter attempts to rob him of a sum of money. A realistic Western rough and tumble fight follows and Steve leaves the ranch to return to the elder Packard. In his courtship of Terry Temple, who runs a neighboring ranch, Steve is handicapped by his past reputation. She asks him to be allowed to graze her cattle on some extra land he has obtained belonging to the elder Packard, in a transaction which he believes to be perfectlv legitimate. When the elder Packard learns of this he plans to stampede the cattle over a precipice. Steve and the girl are placed in a perilous position before the oncoming herd in an attempt to head them off. Steve proves himself a real man when he saves her and her cattle. When the elder Packard learns that Steve really believed the land to be his, Blenham's scheming comes to light and in a fight at the edge of a cliff Steve throws him over the precipice, Steve and his grandfather are reconciled, and, of course, Steve's courtship of Terry from then on is easy sailing. Reissue Billie Rhodes Films A second edition of five Billie Rhodes features will be published for state rights distribution by the Anchor Film Distributors. Inc., according to Morris R. Schlank. president.