Exhibitors Herald (Oct-Dec 1922)

54 EXHIBITORS HERALD December 16, 1922 Digest of Pictures ^/^Week IT 7 ILL color photography revolutionize the motion picture industry ? Every once in a while someone comes along with a new process and we are informed it is just what the world has been waiting for. The latest is Prof. Daniel F. Comstock of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. His picture is "The Toll of the Sea," which is reviewed in this issue of the Herald. Undoubtedly the Professor in his two-color process has come nearer perfection, with less eye strain, than anything heretofore presented upon the screen. Even so high an authority as Maxfield Parrish, the artist, in speaking of the Technicolor picture, says it has endless possibilities and its application should prove a revolution in screen art. However, while the addition of color to a picture-play may enhance its value, the industry's greatest need at the present time is bigger and better stories. No amount of color in a picture will make up for its lack of originality in plot or construction. Color photography as employed in scenics, travel pictures and educational subjects is of invaluable aid in depicting things in their natural state, but the addition of color to a colorless story will add little to its commercial value as a feature in the average motion picture theatre. The subject chosen to exploit Prof. Comstock's color process was a good one, a story somewhat along the lines of "Madame Butterfly." It has a picturesque locale and the photography brought out the beauty of backgrounds and costumes. The industry has long been waiting for a color proposition that lends itself readily to plays with plenty of action and we hope at last a suitable process has been discovered and will be improved upon with succeeding pictures. — J. R. M. "A DAUGHTER OF LUXURY" (Paramount) owes its meagre interest to Agnes Ayres, Edward Martindel, Sylvia Ashton and an attractive title. Paul Powell did little for its benefit in direction, and the stage play, "The Imposter," from which it is taken, provides an ancient plot with few and impotent new angles. "A DANGEROUS GAME" (Universal) is an amusing and entertaining comedy-drama of a little waif who is befriended by various families, following the death of her father. Gladys Walton has the leading role and is given good support by Otto Hoffman, Kate Price, Edward Jobson and a half dozen others. "BOSS OF CAMP FOUR" (Fox), a Charles Jones starring vehicle, with plenty of action and not a few thrills. It was adapted from Arthur P. Haskins' story and concerns an engineering job that has to be completed by a certain date to save the contractor's ranch. It affords good entertainment. "THELMA" (Film Booking Offices) is a well made and very entertaining adaptation of Marie Corelli's book. The atmosphere of the Norwegian coast is well simulated in sets and exteriors and Jane Novak gives a pleasing and thoroughly convincing performance in the stellar role. "THE TOLL OF THE SEA" (Metro) is a special feature made entirely in colors. Its story follows closely the tale of "Madame Butterfly" and it is a distinct step forward in the art of the industry. It is in five reels and was directed by Chester Franklin. "CONQUERING THE WOMAN" (Associated Exhibitors). This picture is built on a familiar theme but the story is so well told and well acted by Florence Vidor and David Butler that it is pleasant and satisfying entertainment despite its familiarity. Six reels in length. "HEROES OF THE STREET" (Warner Bros.) is an excellent state right offering, a drama of real life, enacted by a well chosen staff of players. Wesley Barry has the stellar role. The story of a policeman's family, of an eventful Christmas eve, with its tragic moments and touches of comedy. "YOUTH TO YOUTH" (Metro) presents Billie Dove in a pleasing little comedy-drama of stage life. It was directed by Emilc Chautard, who has given us several similar stories of late. Well staged and well acted, this should prove a good box office attraction anywhere. "JUNE MADNESS" (Metro) with Viola Dana in the stellar role, has its moments of good comedy, but as a whole is not to be compared with "The $5 Baby," or other previous Metro attractions. The story is a familiar one and has been treated conventionally.