Exhibitor's Trade Review (Sep-Nov 1922)

October 21, 1922 EXHIBITORS TRADE REVIEW 1369 Illustrated Screen Reports Edited by George T. Pardy James M. Davis, Assistant Editor Skin Deep Thos. H. Ince Production. Released by Associated First National Pictures, Inc. Story by Marc Edmond Jones. Scenario by Lambert Hillyer. Cameraman, Chas. Stumar. Directed by Lambert Hillyer. Length, 6303 Feet. CAST AND SYNOPSIS Bud Doyle, Milton Sills; Ethel Carter, Florence Vidor; Boss McQuarg, Frank Campeau ; Sadie Doyle, Marcia Manon ; Joe Culver, Joseph Singleton ; Dr. Langdon, Winter Hall ; District Attorney James Carlson, Charles Clary ; Baby Carlson, Muriel Frances Dana; Mrs. Carlson, Gertrude Astor. Bud Doyle, crook and gangster, comes back from "over there," eager to live straight, but he was too typical a crook in appearance to live down his past. While "over seas," his wife Sadie had grown friendly with Joe Culver, confidence man belonging to the gang of Boss McQuarg, a political leader. To get rid of Bud, they frame him for a burglary committed by Culver. Bud is confided and sent to the penitentiary. As the end of his term approaches Sadie and Joe conspire to put him back in prison through another frame-up. Sadie tells Bud that Culver is showering her with unwelcome attention and threatens to put her in jail unless she does as he says. Bud plans to escape but meets with an accident and is carried to a hospital, that is conducted for ex-service men. Through plastic surgery his whole facial expression is changed and when he comes out is not recognized. Going to Sadie's apartment, he overhears a plot to rob Dr. Langdon's hospital of the fund for disabled soldiers, and also sees enough to confirm his suspicions of the relationship between Culver and Sadie. He returns to Carlson, the District Attorney, but before they could warn Dr. Langdon, the robbery had taken place. Bud leads the police to McQuarg's headquarters and aids them to recover the fund. He then returns to the penitentiary to give himself up, but finds that a letter from the governor had preceded him, granting a pardon at the request of the District Attorney. An enjoyable crook story through which an appeal is made for the ex-service man. The picture is not essentially a war story although some vivid shots are shown during the first few feet serving as more or less of an introduction. Its principal length, however, is taken up by the unfolding of an interesting story that has to do with a returned hero. It is full of action, has some humor and pathos and should not only satisfy but win real praise from the majority. Points of Appeal. — To the man who has seen service "over there" the picture will carry the greatest message. Sympathetic interest is sustained throughout and a good climax is reached. The manner in which the plea, for the service man is made accomplishes its purpose without being too flagrantly exhibited or any undue playing upon the sympathies of the public. Most of this is done through a Dr. Langdon in the story who has devoted his time and fortune to the care and restoration of the fellow who was wounded in the war. The other elements that go to make up the story are fairly well known to movie goers but succeed in holding the interest. Cast. — Milton Sills is scarcely recognizable in the first part of the picture due to the fact that his make up is so realistic although rather repulsive. His portrayal is excellent and played with feeling. Other members of the cast render very able assistance. Photography, Lighting. Direction. — The shots that are used as war atmosphere are splendid. All exteriors and interiors are appropriate and good lighting prevails. Continuity and direction good. Calvert's Valley Released by Fox. Story by Margaret Prescott Montague. Scenario by Jules Furthman. Cameraman, Don Short. Directed by Jack Dillon. Length, 4416 Feet. CAST AND SYNOPSIS Page Emlyn, Jack Gilbert ; Hester Rymal, Sylvia Breamer ; James and Eugent Calvert, Philo McCullough ; Judge Rymal, Herschel Myall ; The Widow Crowcroft, Lulu Warrenton. Hester Rymal, after a two years' absence, finds her feelings have changed and that she no longer cares for James Calvert, her financee. Calvert begs her to marry him, but without avail. Later, he goes to make a business call on Page Emlyn, a young lawyer. While they are inspecting a tract of land a neighbor offers them some liquor. Emlyn, taking strong drink for the first time in his life, is befuddled. Calvert leaves Emlyn, and the latter, still dazed, follows him. A few minutes later Calvert meets his death by a fall fron a high cliff. Emlyn is in the immediate vicinity when Calvert is killed, but does not know what has happened until an old woman tells him that he has just pushed Calvert off the cliff. When a crowd gathers, however, the old woman, apparently out of sympathy for the young men, says Calvert met his death accidently. Emlyn's moral sufferings are deepened by the fact that he finds he has fallen in love with Hester. He declares his love, confessing at the same time he is the murderer of her former sweetheart. Hester admits that she loves him. Emlyn attends a revival meeting. Moved by the words of the evangelist, he impetuously stands up and confesses that he is the murderer, and is sent to jail to await trial. At the trial, the old woman, who had first convinced Emlyn that he was a murderer, confesses that ,t was her half-witted son who really committed the crime. Emlyn is freed to find happiness with Hester. "Calvert's Valley" is a dreary, morbid story, well acted but creating an exceedingly depressing feeling throughout. There is not a vestige of mirth about the whole production although a faint touch of romance runs through the story but it is also of the heavy class and does little or nothing to relieve the strain. The mystery about which the story is built is long drawn out and contributes it share of depression. It is a picture that may thrill and delight some few patrons but we should judge it as being rather unsatisfactory for those who seek amusement of a lighter and less strenuous nature. Points of Appeal. — If one has no objection to sitting through a story that leaves an unsavory taste then "Calvert's Valley" should be readily acceptable. Of course there is John Gilbert playing the lead and that helps some but generally speaking the heaviness of the story is overpowering and tiresome. The usual happy ending is brought in but not until the succession of ill events has run its course and done all the harm it could. Cast. — John Gilbert's acting and pleasing personality help out the picture Considerably. He is, however, seldom given material in this that touches the right spot or that is satisfying to any great extent. Sylvia Breamer is also handicapped by the same conditions. Phil McCullough does a dual role well. Lulu Warrenton as the Widow Crowcroft is also good. Others in the cast give capable performances. Photography, Lighting, Direction. — There are some attractive long shots and other exteriors good. Interiors are artisticallv arranged and well lighted. Direction satisfactory.