Exhibitors Herald (Jul-Sep 1922)

30 EXHIBITORS HERALD September 30, 1922 "When Knighthood Was in Flower" Splendid Achievement Cosmopolitan Production Sets High Standard — Marion Davies' Greatest Picture By MARTIN J. QUIGLEY b w \T THEN Knighthood Was in Flower," the most pretentious producyy tion yet undertaken by W illiam Randolph Hearst's Cosmopolitan corporation, will be compared with the finest things that have been done for the screen — and it has nothing to fear in the comparison. Although a great deal was promised in this production — and in consequence a great deal was expected — the initial public exhibition of it at the Criterion theatre, New York, on Thursday, Sept. 11, provided a genuine surprise. IT is a picture of tremendous beauty. For sheer pictorial appeal, it sets an enviable standard. It has the complexion of genuineness throughout. It is enacted THE CAST Henry VIII Lyn Harding Louis XII William Norris Charles Brandon Forrest Stanley Duke of Buckingham Pedro de Cordoba Sir Edwin Caskoden .... Ernest Glendinning Duke Francis William H. Powell Cardinal Wolsey Arthur Forrest Due de Longueville Macey Harlam Will Sommers Johnny Dooley King's Tailor William Kent Grammont Gustav von Seyffertitz Sir Adam Judson Charles Gerrard An Adventurer George Nash Sir Henry Brandon Arthur Donaldson Queen Catherine . Theresa Maxwell Cbnover Lady in Waiting Flora Finch Lady Jane Bolingbroke Ruth Shepley Mary Tudor Marion Davies Directed by Robert Vignola — twelve parts. by as competent and satisfying a cast as could be wished for. It is, on the whole, the sort of production that reflects glory upon everyone who has had a hand in achieving the final result. "When Knighthood Was in Flower" gives evidence throughout of having been fostered by a tremendous determination to make a great picture and this determination is to be credited to Mr. Hearst, who, since the death of Lord Northcliffe. has no near contender for the distinction of being the world's greatest newspaper publisher. We regard the genius of Hearst and his fortunate interest in motion pictures as a great asset to the business and we believe "When Knighthood Was in Flower" gives concrete testimony to the value of this asset. A high order of intelligence is impressed on this production in many of its finer phases and, with all due acknowledgment to his lieutenants, it should be registered that much credit for it is due to Mr. Hearst. One of the outstanding surprises of the production is the work of Marion Davies. Miss Davies' pictorial capabilities have long been recognized but not so with hei ability to execute adequately certain dramatic requirements. In this production, however, she registers effectively and convincingly throughout and does in fact make her histrionic effect one of the conspicuous qualifications of the picture. The picture has been built as have few, if any, that have gone before it. The settings are not only beautiful and effective but they are also pregnant with suggestions of fidelity and genuineness. There is an almost magical loveliness about many of the scenes which alone is sufficient to make the picture a celebrated one. There is also a massiveness and stability to the settings which cannot help but serve to impress the spectator. Joseph Urban, who is responsible for the settings may properly be credited with a real triumph. In the finished production Robert G. Scene from "When Knighthood was in FIt>we (Cosmopolitan -Paramount) Marion Davies in another scene from "Whe Knighthood was in Flower" Vignola proves that he was well qualified to undertake the responsibility of this pretentious and costly undertaking. With a splendid scenario provided by Luther Reed, Mr. Vignola has taken the famous story of Charles Major and has picturized it in a thoroughly satisfying manner with all its romantic interest, picturesqueness and colorful setting retained and in many instances emphasized. It is a distinguished screen rendition of a great picture story. The picture has a wide range of emotional appeal and every phase of it is creditably done. In its romantic moments the picture is delightful and intriguing; in its spectacular incidents it is powerful and thrilling. The cast is a distinguished aggrega Another dramatic scene in the Cosmopolitan picture "When Knighthood was in Flower" tion of players and they provide an enactment of the various subsidiary characterizations that has been seldom excelled in genuine merit. Lyn Harding is an extraordinarily fortunate choice for the role of Henry VIII. Forrest Stanley as the romantic hero is an engaging personality and registers satisfactorily. Other particularly notable characterizations are to be credited to William Norris as the French King; William Kent as the King's tailor; Johnny Dooley as the court jester and Pedro de Cordova as the Duke of Buckingham. In view of picture history of the past year, "When Knighthood Was in Flower" appears to be an ideal subject. It is a costume drama with court settings which permits the Cosmopolitan corporation to contend — and successfully — against various creditable things in this sphere that have been done by German producers. In a measure it follows the trail blazed by Griffith in "Orphans of the Storm," and by Fairbanks in "The Three Musketeers." At any rate we know that it is the type of picture that, if well done, the public is clamorous for at this time. The Charles Major drama tells a wellknown story. With the England of Henry VIII as the background it recites the romantic and spectacular adventures of Mary Tudor, played in the picture by Marion Davies. The story is a romantic adventure and it affords picture material of the most desirable kind. As a widely popular attraction the picture has a great deal to recommend it. It supplies many unusual opportunities upon which to make a strong advertising appeal. In a season of many big pictures it is an entertainment of outStanding merit. Saenger Company to Open Three Lichtman Exchanges in South (Special to Exhibitors Herald) NEW YORK, Sept. 19.— Negotiations have been completed whereby three exchanges will be organized and incorporated at once for the distribution in the southern states of the product of Al Lichtman Corporation. For several days E. V. Richards, acting for Saenger Amusement Company of New Orleans, has been here in conference with the Lichtman officials. The new corporations will be owned equally by the Saenger company and the Lichtman corporation. Three subsidiary companies will be organized at once to open Al Lichtman Exchanges at Dallas, New Orleans and Atlanta. Henry Ginsburg, Lichtman sales manager, has left for Atlanta to open the branch there. E. C. Leeves has been selected manager of the Dallas office.