Exhibitors Herald (Dec 1923 - Mar 1924)

March 22, 1924 EXHIBITORS HERALD 55 RE VI E WS "Wes" Barry Good In Cohan Play "GEORGE WASHINGTON, JR.," a Warner Brothers Production, adapted from George M. Cohan's play, starring Wesley Barry. Camera work by E. B. DuPar. Directed and adapted by Rex Taylor. Length, 6.367. Innocent of weighty plot and subtlety. "George Washington. Jr.", Warner Brothers' adaptation of the George M. Cohan stage play, featuring Wesley Barry, is, despite these defects, substantial fun and entertainment. It is the type of picture that censor boards approve and even recommend; the kind of show that mothers are delighted to send their kiddies to. Relating how a very young man whose admiration for the first president of the United States forces him into telling nothing but the truth, gets himself into and out of scrapes, and how he heroically saves important papers for Uncle Sam. "George Washington. Jr." is a classic of joyous kidhood hokum. There are many situations in the photoplay that strike a note of sympathy in the hearts of all "grownup boys" who have undergone the same trials and tribulations as does the hero of this story, originally popularized by George Cohan — he of "Yankee Doodle" fame. As for "Wes" Barry. It's a new freckled-faced youngster we see in this picture. And doubtless if it were not for the shining specs that decorate the countenance of this American boy we would fail to recognize the adolescent youth who found himself under the direction of "Mickey" Neilan. As "George Washington, Jr.", young Barry is a made-to-order type of young American manhood. His oerformance is very creditable and will do much toward furthering his stellar career in pictures. The Cast: Supporting W'esley Barry is a notable cast of players including Gertrude Olmstead, Charles Conklin. Otis Harlan, Eddie Phillips. Leon Barry, Eaton Ham and William Courtright. Western Comedy Moderately Funny "THE NEW SHERIFF," an Educational-Tuxedo comedy in two reels, with "Poodles" Haneford as the Sheriff. There is a lot of fast action in this Reel Comedies, Inc., production, with a wild man shooting up a town, making ardent love to a Spanish maiden and doing some expert riding. The story isn't exactly new, but then in a comedy one doesn't expect much plot. There is the ever-present slide trombone filled with water that squirts a stream fifty feet and has an endless supply of water. "Poo dles" Haneford is the Sheriff, in love with the new school teacher. She is kidnaped by a roughneck, tied to a post and is to be shot at twelve. "Poodles*" dog saves her. He's the best actor in the comedy. McGrath Story Fairly Entertammg "DRUMS OF JEOPARDY," a Truart Picture, starring Elaine Hammerstein. Story by Harold McGrath; photographed by James Diamond and directed by Edward Dillon. Six reels. Fair mystery story, a little draggy in spots, but well produced and very well acted. These stories of stolen Russian jewels are becoming so numerous and there is so little difference in them that the average film devotee will get little kick out of this one. The principal interest centres around the work of Wallace Beery, Jack Mulhall and Maude George, although Elaine Hammerstein is billed as the star. David Torrence as Cutty, war correspondent and soldier of fortune looked and acted the part, and Beery as the villain was eflfective. The story moves along smoothly but there is an apparent struggle to keep up the interest and the suspense is not well sustained. The tale concerns two emeralds, known as Drums of Jeopardy, brought to America and entrusted in the care of a banker. He is found murdered and suspicion is cast upon a young Prince who owns the jewels but who is pursued by secret agents of the Russian government. There is plenty of excitement at the finish where the banker's daughter is kidnapped, the young Russian imprisoned in a room and the final escape and rescue of all hands, with the death of the arch villain. The Cast: Elaine Hammerstein, Jack Mulhall, David Torrence, Wallace Beery, Maude George, Eric Mayne, Forrest Seaburv. Colorful Picture Of American Life "DAUGHTERS OF TODAY,"^ a Selznick production with an all-star cast. Written by Lucien Hubbard. Milton Moore, cameraman. Directed by Rollin Sturgeon. Seven reels. There are scenes and situations ire "Daughters of Today" that will leave lasting impressions upon most audiences. It is a high class picture in every way, acting, direction and sets being of the best and it is refreshingly frank in exposing the idle rich of our so-called social set. The story concerns a motherless girl of wealth, who is neglected by her father, when the latter becomes interested in an adventuress, but has the good judgment to save herself from being drawn into scandal and disgrace by her companions' lolly. There is another girl, quite as interesting, born of poor parents but who falls into the charmed circle of city revelers when she goes to the city to gain an education. That the picture contains a strong moral lesson for thousands of young girls who are at the susceptible age none will deny. There are several excellent punches to the story — particularly where the old, grey-haired mother arrives in the city, to find her daughter ill in bed and hiding from the police. There is a decided letdown in the suspense near the end, but that does not detract from the picture's value as a whole. It's a strong feature and can safely be advertised as such wherever society stories are in demand. The excellent cast is headed by Patsy Ruth Miller, as Lois Whittall. Edna Murphy as the poor girl, Zasu Pitts in a comedy role and Philo McCuIlough as the wealthy chap who causes all the trouble. Ralph Graves is the upright vOung hero. The Cast: Patsy Ruth Miller, Ralph Graves, Edna Murphy. Edward Hern, Philo McCuIlough. George Nichols. Gertrude Claire. Truman Dandvke, Dorothy Wood. Phillips Smalley, Zasu Pitts, H. J. Hobert. Fontaine LaRue Marjorie Bonner. SCENE from the Educational-Tuxedo comedy, "The New Sheriff," starring Poodles Haneford. Amusing One Reeler "OH! CAPTAIN," Educa tional comedy, with Cliff Bowes, Virginia Vance and Sid Smith. Directed by Albert Ray. One reel. This is the old, old comedy plot about the aunt who tries to save her niece from admiring young men and takes her on a long voyage. There are several amusing situations aboard ship and on the whole it will fit in nicely.