Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1923 - Mar 1924)

52 EXHIBITORS HERALD March 8, 1924 D. W. Griffith's "America" Is a Wonderful Picture "AMERICA," a D. W. Griffith production from a story by Robert W. Chambers, directed by Mr. Griffith assisted by Herbert Sutch. Historical arrangement by John L. E. Pell and photographed by Hendrick Sartov, G. W. Bitzer, Marcel Le Picard and H. S. Sintzenich. Thirteen reels. Reviewed liy John S. Spargo D. VV. GRIFFITH has given another epoch to the screen. His "America" which had its premiere at the 44th Street Tlieatre, New York. Thursday, Feb, •i\, inakes new lihii history. It is to the screen of 1924 what "The Birth of a Nation" was to the screen of 1915. As an historical document that will live when other similar efforts are forgotten, it is all that the most ardent admirers of the master director could hope. .•\s a strictly entertainment production, aside from all historical or patriotic elements, it might almost be said to be in a class by itself. That neither thought, time or cost w'as considered in the making of this remarkable screen classic is evidenced in every foot of the thirteen reels in which it is now being shown. In spite of its length it is tensely holding, and so filled with thrilling situations, fast action and beautiful scenic effects that never for an instant is there a dragging moment. Fifteen reels is a long time to sit through a picture, even though this is broken by a five minute intermission, but many who saw "America" on the opening night will regret that it is to be cut to twelve reels, which is Mr. Griffith's announced intention. One of the most outstanding features of the production, and one which attests the genuis of the great director, is the remarkable manner in which he retains the historical atmosphere, depicting with startling effectiveness scene after scene of actual occurrence during the stirring times of revolutionary days and weaving into this a charmingly sweet love story. So perfectly is this done that it requires but a little stretch of the imagination to believe that the characters in the love theme are as authentic as are the actual historical figures in the action. The love romance centers about the adventures of Nathan Holden. a young patriot leader and the daughter of Justice Montague, a Virginian, who is intensely a loyal Tory, the daughter being fully as strong a partisan of the English king as is her father and her younger brother, Neil Hamilton enacts the role of tiie young patriot, Carol Dempster that of Nancy Montague and Charles Emmett Mack, the brother. Every love story must have a villian and the villian in this romance is Captain Walter Butler, the representative of the English crown in the handling of the Indians who were aligned with the Tories in the great conflict, Lionel Barrymore makes the character of Captain Butler as detestable as could be desired by the most rabid patriot. The action of the production starts in the quiet little village of Lexington before that peaceful hamlet became the scene of some of the most stirring incidents in the making of American history. The meeting of the Virginia House of Burgesses at which the thrilling speech of 5'oung Patrick Henry proved the balance which caused Virginia to cast her lot with the Northern colonies, is interestingly shown. The action again reverts to Massachusetts and takes the spectators through the Siege of Boston, the Ride of Paul Revere, the first stand of the patriots against the British at Lexington, the retreat to Concord and the defeat there of the British regulars, the Battle of Bunker Hill and in fact, all through the history making times up to the restoration of peace at the end of the conflict. It would be hard to conceive of anything more thrilling than the Ride of Paul Revere to arouse the Middlesex farmers to resist the advance of the British regulars. Some of the most superb horsemanship ever shown on the screen is seen during this spectacular scene as the spirited horse ridden by Revere at breakneck speed leaps streams, fences and gates as the rider stirs the minute men to action. The battle of Bunker Hill, with the patriots entrenched and the British regulars attacking presents another thrilling spectacle. The handling of the two armies is done with a master touch and apparently every one of the vast throngs of extras knows and does exactly what he is supposed to do. \'al!ey Forge is shown with a most realistic snow storm and equally realistically are depicted the intense sufferings and heroism of the patriots under Washington, striving and with success against almost overwhelming odds to withstand the rigors of cold, hunger and lack of clothing and still maintain themselves as an army in the field. Of particular interest is the battle at Concord made immortal by the verse; "By the rude bridge which spanned the flood Their flag to freedom's breeze unfurled Here the embattled farmers stood. And fired the shot heard round the world." Many of the incidents in the production of "America" would in themselves seem to provide material for complete pictures and it is a matter of regret to lovers of American history that these were forced by the vast scope of the subject to be passed over with so little footage. This is particularly true of Valley Forge and of some of the events in Virginia which are only touched on. The Cast: Neil Hamilton, Erville Alderson, Carol Dempster, Charles Emmett Mack. Lee Beggs. John Dunton, .\rthur Donaldson. Charles Bennett. Downing Clark, Frank Walsh. Frank McGlynn. Jr., .\rthur Dewey. P. R. Scammon. Lionel' Barrymore, Sidney Deane, W. W. Jones. E, Roseman, Harry Semalls. Harry O'Neill, H.^ Van Bousen. Hugh Baird, James Milaidy. H, Koser. Michael Donovan, Louis Wolheim, Riley Hatch. H, Paul Doucet. W, Rising. Daniel Carney, E. Scanlon. Emil Hoch. Lucille La\'erne,. Edwin Holland, John Gilbert Does Not Show at Best "THE WOLF MAN," a Fox procluction, starring John Gilbert. Written by Frederick and Fanny Hatton. Directed by Edward Mortimer. Six reels. It makes one just a bit tired to seeJolm Gilbert, who seems capable of so much, given a picture such as this. The picture was well directed and well donein every way for the first four reels, but it certainly flopped in the last two. Actually, had w-e not read the press sheet just previous to the showing we would have been considerably at a loss to knowjust what the ending was. .\nd then — Gilbert is not the type of man who can run aromul with his shirt half off and a three days' growtli of beard and looklike anything. The story concerns a high born Eng «.! ^-r-^"^ & ■Jim* • . )mim. s f^ Earl Foxe and Anna Q, Nilsson in the C. B. C. production "Innocence," soon to be released. Owen Moore and support in the Maurice Toumeur production "Torment" (First National.)