Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1923 - Mar 1924)

48 EXHIBITORS HERALD March 8, 1924 DMSraaURES^i^'ME I\ "AMERICA" D. W. Griffith has given the world another picture that makes new fihn history. As a historical document it will live long after many others have been forgotten, is the belief of those who witnessed it on the opening night in New York, last week. No time or expense was spared in making the production and the cast numbers well known names of the stage and screen. It is replete with stirring incidents such as the battle of Bunker Hill, the midnight ride of Paul Revere, the hardships endured at Valley Forge, together with the romantic love story of Nancy Montague and Nathan Holden. The picture is now fifteen reels in length, but will be cut to shorter footage it is said. However, in its present form it is tensely holding and a beautifully produced story. "YOLANDA" (Cosmopolitan) an adapted Charles Major story, gives Marion Davies another splendid costume play. In the matter of accuracy of sets and costumes and in magnificence of settings it is the last word in picture production. An unusually well chosen cast surrounds the star numbering Holbrook Blinn, Maclyn Arbuckle, Lyn Harding, Ralph Graves and others. "TORMENT'' (First National). First rate crook story built around the earthquake in Japan and the Russian revolution. Owen Moore, Bessie Love, Maude George, James Kilgour and others in the efficient cast. Maurice Tourneur made it and it serves admirably to pass an hour's time. "THE NIGHT MESSAGE" (Universal) written and directed by Perlej' Poore Sheehan, is a well done melodrama, entertaining and logical, with plent}' of thrills. The cast includes Gladys Hulette, Charles Cruze, Edgar Kennedy, Howard Truesdale and others more or less well known. "SHADOWS OF PARIS" (Paramount) contains plenty of action and gives Pola Negri an opportunity to demonstrate her talent as an emotional actress. It is a story of France in the days of the world war and is cleverly staged and directed Charles DeRoche appears opposite Negri as an underworld character. "LOVE LETTERS" (Fox) starring Shirley Mason is a machine-made unconvincing story concerning a box (if love letters which certain ladies desire and which a cad who holds them is loath to give up. A small but adequate cast appears in support. It was directed by David Solomon. "THE WHITE SIN" (F. B. O.) a story furnished by the Palmer Photoplay Corporation, serves but fairly as a vehicle for Madge Bellamy. It is not very novel in theme and depends upon a spectacular fire finish for its punch. It was directed by William Seiter. "DADDIES" (Warner Bros.) is one of those delightful little comedies that appear every now and then and renews one's faith and interest in pictures. With a splendid cast and a good clean story, director William A. Seiter has delivered one of the most entertaining films of the season. "THE YANKEE CONSUL" (Associated Exhibitors) adapted from the succesful stage play, gives Douglas MacLean another sure-fire hit and one in which he scores at every turn. It is a snappy, happy, fast-moving story well made in ever}' respect, with a well chosen cast. Patsy Ruth Miller appears opposite MacLean to advantage. "THE WOLF MAN" (Fox) presents John Gilbert in a six-reel production, which while well directed and well acted for the most part ends in conventional and, unconvincing manner. It isn't a role exactly suited to Gilbert's talents. "LOVE'S WHIRLPOOL" (Hodkinson) is an excellent crook tale, well staged and very well acted by James Kirkwood and Lila Lee. The story contains many dramatic situations and it will undoubtedly please those who have a penchant for tales of underworld characters. "DEFIANCE" (Wm. B. Brush) is a melodrama directed by Bertram Bracken and written by John T. Prince. It concerns an immigrant girl who falls into the hands of several Italians and a Chinese doctor, and makes a fairly entertaining program picture. "THE NEXT CORNER" (Paramount) is an ordinary program feature with a well worn plot and rather long drawn out. There is, however, an all-star cast, headed by Conway Tearle, Dorothy Mackaill, Lon Chancy and others and they make the most of their opportunities. J. R. M.