Exhibitors Herald (Sep-Dec 1923)

November 10, 1923 EXHIBITORS HERALD 61 REVI EW~ by Martin l-Quiojey SPECIAL CAST IN ON THE BANKS OF THE WABASH (YITAGRAPH) J. Stuart Blackton celebrates his return as a producer for Vitagraph with this subject which has a great deal about it to commend it as a box office picture. In the main it is well enacted and it winds up with a splendidly done flood scene which furnishes a legitimate big punch. This picture may not prove that the standard of motion picture entertainment is making any great advance but it does afford an accurate example of just the type of picture that a great portion of the general public really enjoys. A not unusual story has been builded around the title of that very popular song that has lingered on through several generations. It is a quiet and heart-appealing narrative that eventually leads up to a big spectacular effect which is concerned with the flooding of a small town "on the banks of the Wabash". This spectacular effect is decidedly unusual and is as well done as anything of its kind that we have seen. It is suffi the story unfolds in a pleasing manner. There are many beautiful exterior shots and a very effective small town atmosphere is created. The cast is very good, including such ciently strong and effective to insure every kind and type of patron a real thrill. In the early portions of the picture several of the characters appear as if they were working out in a school for dramatic expression. There is much grimacing and much waving of arms but, despite this, well known names as Mary Carr, Burr Mcintosh. James Morrison, Mary McLaren and Madge Evans. An excellent performance is given by Burr Mcintosh as an old river boat captain. Madge Evans, a child actress of but a short time ago, does very well and appears to excellent advantage as the juvenile lead. James Morrison gives a familiar characterization. Mary Carr, who is perhaps not quite as romantic a type as might be desired in the part, does her usual good work. Mr. Blackton has done no experimenting in this production. He has followed tried and proven lines and he has turned out a type of heart-interest story, with a big thrill thrown in. which never fails to afford real satisfaction to the general public. page in world history. It should entertain any audience and has unlimited exploitation possibilities. Items which might have been grisly, are handled with a skill that makes them quite unobjectionable, even to the most sensitive. The dancing, by men and women, sans toggery, comes as a decided and interesting novelty to the screen. It has the elements which have been refined out of the dancing of the more advanced civilization. When Alder made his play the cannibals indulged in all of their native habits. Since that time they have been impounded by the Dutch government. All of their practices including the dancing which preceded their great feasts, have been prohibited. For the exhibitor who is looking for a distinct novelty to vary his usual run of features "The Isle of Vanishing Men" commends itself. Alder will be remembered as the head of the expedition which made "Shipwrecked Among Cannibals" for Universal. CONSTANCE TALMADGE IX THE DANGEROUS MAID (FIRST NATIONAL) Adapted from Elizabeth Ellis' novel, "Barbara Winslow, Rebel" this costume play offers Constance Talmadge ample opportunity to show her ability as a dramatic actress. It is beautifully mounted and well acted and wherever costume plays are in demand, it should fill the bill. Directed by Victor Heerman. Eight reels. It is quite a jump for Constance Talmadge to appear as a maiden of England in 16S5, after her brilliant performance as the lovable "dumb-bell" — "Dulcy" — of 1923. Be it said, however, she negotiates the leap with entire credit and her "Barbara Winslow" will be regarded by many, no doubt, as her best role to date. The story is rather slow moving in spots and although no expense has been spared to mount it and costume it correctly, a heavy hand appears to have been laid on it here and there, with the result that it sags and is rather sluggish in places. C. Gardner Sullivan is credited with writing the continuity, but it is not his best work, either. Constance Talmadge was well cast as Barbara, but Conway Tearle appeared somewhat mature as the lover and Charles Gerrard was much too old as the boyhcod sweetheart to Connie's "Barbara." There were several splendid characterizations, however, notably Tully Marshall as Simon the Peddler, and Lou M orrison as Corporal Crutch. The story is written around Barbara Winslow, an uprising of adherents of The Monmouth cause in 1685, and tilts with the King's troops. Barbara saves her sweetheart from arrest in her garden by throwing her arms around the Captain's neck and kissing him until her lover escapes. A peddler brings a note to her from her brother in hiding, and she prevents him selling the information to the King. Colonel Kirk is attracted by her beauty and vivacity and lures her to his rooms. She is rescued by Capt. Prothero. She dons her brother's clothes to throw the soldiers off the track and is arrested. She escapes but is captured again and thrown into prison. Capt. Prothero attempts to help her escape but they are both caught and fall into the power of Col. Kirk, appearing before Lord Chief Justice Jeffreys for sentence;. Capt. Prothero is ordered shot at sunrise and Barbara to be flogged. A spectacular escape from the pri son follows and Barbara finally outwits Capt. Kirk and forces him to sign pardons for all concerned. Principal Pictures BENNY ZEIDMAX is now editing and titling a six-reel subject for Principal distribution. Owing to changes in the story, which brought Forrest Robinson into the featured role, the working title, "The Good Bad Boy,'' will be changed. Eddie Cline directed the film. + + + THE FOURTH of the series of "Secrets of Life," which depicts the intimate life and habits of insects, will deal with the butterfly. Louis H. Tolhurst, young scientist-inventor is producing this series for Principal. Educational distributes them. THE CAST Barbara Winslow Constance Talmadge Capt. Miles Prothero Conway Tearle Col. Percey Kirk Morgan Wallace Charles Gerrard Marjorie Daw Kate Price Simon, the Peddler... Tully Marshall Private Stich Philip Dunham John Standish Lane. Thomas Ricketts Ray Hallor A Fanner Lincoln Plummer