Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1921 - Mar 1922)

March 25, 1922 EXHIBITORS HERALD 63 GARETH HUGHES IN I CAN EXPLAIN (METRO) Rather weak story here, concerning a youth who gets into many tight pinches, through being misunderstood by jealous partner. Mildly entertaining. Well directed. Well photographed. Six reels. "I Can Explain" is about the weakest vehicle Gareth Hughes has yet had. It was directed by George D. Baker, from a story written by Edgar Franklin, and while we do not take issue with Mr. Baker, he having made a clean, light comedy, with amusing siftiations generously sprinkled through it. there wasn't enough material to make a six-reel feature. As a result the story drags in spots and there is a repetition of the choking incidents, the whole bordering on slapstick. Hughes has the role of a much misunderstood, weak youth, who is persecuted by his jealous partner whenever he catches up with him. Herbert Hayes was especially well cast as Dawson the partner. Grace Darmond appears as his wife, Dorothy. Bertine Burkett plavs Jimmy's sweetheart, Betty Carson, and Victor Potel, Nelson McDowell. Edward Wallock and Tina Cedottie complete the cast. The types are all well selected. Excellent photography abounds. Jimmy Barry and Howard Dawson are partners in business. Dawson is very jealous and when he finds Jimmy and Mrs. Dawson together on the golf links, he tries to shoot Jimmy. He maintains that he "can explain everything." but the jealous Dawson won't listen. He proposes to have Jimmy removed to the New York office, and later to South America, to get him away from Mrs. Dawson. Howard's wife, however, takes the same boat and further complications arise when they are found together upon disembarking. Dawson is thrown into jail by President Gardez, and they become involved in a revolution that is being staged by outlaws. They finally escape on a passing ship and Jimmy convinces Howard that he is in love with Betty . Carson and not Mrs. Dawson Jimmy arrives in time to save Betty from an unwelcome wedding. MAY McAVOY IN A HOMESPUN VAMP (PARAMOUNT) Not one of this charming little star's best Realart productions. Obvious plot, with postofhce robbery, compromised girl and other incidents included to give it life. Directed by Frank O'Connor. Five reels. At the State-Lake theatre, where "A Homespun Vamp" had its Chicago premier last week, it awakened little enthusiasm among the spectators. Miss McAvoy is a favorite with audiences at this theatre and while she succeeds in getting the atmosphere of romance into the piece, the story is trite and in spite of the charm of the star, it held but little interest for them. The story was written by Hector TurnLull and adapted by Harvey Thew. both veterans in screen writing. However, it is nothing but an average piece of screen fiction. May McAvoy is cast as Meg Macken zie the orphan niece of two crabbed, stingy old men, Donald and Duncan Craig, brothers in a small country town. They force her to become engaged to Joe Dobbs, assistant to his mother, who runs the village blacksmith shop. Steohen Ware, who is writing a novel in a shack nearby, is accused of robbing the postoffice and he hides in the Craig home over night. The brothers return and force Meg to marry Stephen at once. The real burglar is discovered and Stephen's name is cleared. Then Meg finds she loves Stephen and besides furnishing him with the inspiration for the concluding chapter of his novel wins him away from Beatrice Carlisle, the young lady he was previously engaged to. There are many typical rural types, played by Lincoln Stedman, Josephine Crowell. Charles Ogle, Guy Oliver. Darrel Foss plays the role of Stephen while Helen Dunbar is Mrs. Ware and Kathleen Kirkham is Miss Carlisle. AWAY DULL CARE (PRIZMA) "Away Dull Care" is fine propaganda for Summer vacations, made especially for the tired business man. The opening title states it was made for the man who knows how to play — and the man who doesn't. At Ascher Bros.' Roosevelt theatre, where this colored two-reeler was shown last week, it attracted unusual interest. It shows how to hunt, fish, ride, skate, toboggan and indulge in other sports and get the most out of them. Beautifully photographed and nicely cut. The First Unit of the MIAMI STUDIOS NOW OPEN FOR BUSINESS Everything New and Modern — Nothing Shop-Worn or Second-Hand Complete Laboratory — Fully equipped Shops — Finest Lighting Equipment Dates for Two Companies Now Open Apply The Miami Studios, Inc., Miami, Fla. Or F. L. Faurote, 677 Fifth Avenue, New York City, Plaza 8988