Exhibitors Herald (Jul-Sep 1922)

42 EXHIBITORS 1 1 E RAID September 23, 1922 DIGES V PICTURES of fAeWEEK THOMAS H. INGE says "there never existed a public that will pay money to be bored." The lack of success of many pictures can be attributed to just that. Pictures which have been well exploited, twenty-four sheeted and ballyhooed, and yet were failures as box-office drawing cards. It is Mr. Ince's belief that appealing novelty is the big feature that will be demanded in pictures henceforth and he as well as other producers generally realize it. A picture whether made by one of the old line companies, or an unknown, independent producer, if it has the stuff, will be welcomed by every theatre patron. Exhibitors know this, yet time and time again they book features and comedies which fall far short of being entertainment. Mr. Ince thinks something must be done if the films are to retain their hold upon the public and the screen is to "remain the greatest medium of expression since the printing press." The pioneer days are past, according to Mr. Ince, and it is high time to give the public the best the industry can produce in careful productions and high class showmanship. — J. R. M. "LOVE IS AN AWFUL THING" (Selznick) should prove a good money-getter in any house. It is a riot of fun, with well written subtitles, good acting and clever direction. Owen Moore scores again in this light, farcical comedy, and with the assistance of a very capable cast keeps the interest and the fun at a high pitch. Seven reels of mirth-provoking humor. "YOUTH MUST HAVE LOVE" (Fox) is ordinary program material, with the capable Shirley Mason in a role that gives her little opportunity to display her talents. The story concerns a father who is pressed for money and desires his daughter to marry a man of money, but she prefers and marries the youth of her choice. "TIMOTHY'S QUEST" (American Releasing) is a dramatization of Kate Douglas Wiggin's book of the same title. It is a slow-moving story, devoid of intriguing incidents and cannot be compared with other features distributed by this company. Lengthy subtitles, taken from the book, are one of its failings. It is much too long. The youngsters are good and the characters well drawn. "HEROES AND HUSBANDS" (First National) presents Katherine MacDonald in a serio-comic production, telling the story of an authoress who directs her talents as a writer to winning a husband and untangling the marital difficulties of an estranged couple. Not the star's best by any means. "CONFIDENCE" (Universal). This is undoubtedly as fine a five reel production as any in which Herbert Rawlinson has appeared. It is genuinely enjoyable entertainment from start to finish, fast moving, and with a strong humorous undercurrent. It will delight and please any audience. "FACE TO FACE" (Playgoers Pictures). A strong element of suspense holds absorbing interest in this Playgoers Production which evolves about a criminal case that remains unsolved until the final stages. It is interpreted by an excellent cast headed by Marguerite Marsh — and, with a dash of romance it makes quite an acceptable bit of entertainment. Six reels in length. "MOONSHINE VALLEY" (Fox) is a machinemade melodrama of the gold country, with William Farnum and a small company doing their best with the material offered. A triangle play well produced but mechanical throughout. Six parts. "THE SNOWSHOE TRAIL" (F. B. O.) presents Jane Novak and Roy Stewart in a story of the North woods, with several thrilling episodes introduced to give it the needed action and punch. While it is strictly melodrama, it is well done and the romantic element will doubt*Iess please the majority of picturegoers. "BARB WIRE" (Sunset) is a Western of conventional pattern with Jack Hoxie in the role of a rancher who wins out against a gang of crooks. The usual lights and "shoot-ups" are supplied with a spectacular escape from a court room. Will please patrons seeking this type of material. Two scenes from the Cosmopolitan production "When Knighthood Was in Flower," in which Marion Davies is starred in the role of Princess Mary Tudor. Paramount is distributing it.