Exhibitor's Trade Review (Sep-Nov 1922)

October 21, 1922 EXHIBITORS TRADE REVIEW 1371 Fortune's Mask The Sin That Was His Released by Vitagraph. Adapted from O. Henry's story, "Cabbages and Kings." Scenario by C. Graham Baker. Directed by Robert Ensminger. Length, 5016 Feet. CAST AND SYNOPSIS Ramon " Olivarra alias "Dicky Maloney," Earle Williams; Pasa Ortiz, Patsy Ruth Miller; Losada, Henry Herbert; General Pilar, Milton Ross; Madame 'Ortiz, Eugenie Ford; Vincenti, Arthur Tavares; Espiration, Frank Whitson ; •Commandante, Oliver Hardy ; Captain Cronin, William McCall. Diekey Maloney comes into the little city of a Central American republic during the time that presidents daily come and go. He falls ardently in love with Pasa Ortiz! who has many suitors but she herself approves of the lovemaking of the young Irishman. They are married against her mother's consent and Dickey opens up a little tobacco shop. Dickey has won the admiration of all the townpeople except the ruling faction. He is accused of conspiring against the government and is put into the jail. He makes a successful getaway and on the fete day appears before the large crowd that has gathered in the plaza and his identity is then made known. He is the son of a former president of the republic and after discarding his red wig takes his proper place in the affairs of the country with Pasa by his side. "Fortune's Mask" is an adaptation of the O. Henry story "Cabbages and Kings" and although not closely following the original it is sprinkled with some very Humorous situations. The Spanish atmosphere is well taken care of and the highly romantic story possesses an appeal that should be generally satisfactory. In view of the fact that many other stories of this character lave recently found their way to the screen it may be well to have it made known that this is one of O. Henry's stories that has been most widely read. The manner in which it has been handled will no doubt prove to be thoroughly enjoyed. Points of Appeal. — The romance between Dickey Maloney and the delightful little Spanish girl is pleasing. There is plenty of good action spread through the story and some exciting moments. The whole story is nicely told and the succession of events takes place rapidly and without any visible evidences of having been padded. Cast. — Earle Williams looks a bit unfamiliar with his wig but does his role of Ramon Olivarra with ease. He is always at his best in this style of story and in this case will most likely please his admirers. The wig, however, is dispensed with towards the end of the picture. Patsy Ruth Miller is attractive as Pasa Oritz, the young Spanish beauty. Other members of the cast are good. Photography, Lighting, Direction. — The exteriors are nicely filmed and lend pleasing background. Interiors good and well taken care of in the matter of lighting. Continuity speedy and direction good. Hobart Henley Production Released by Selznick. Story by Frank L. Packard. Scenario by Frank L. Packard and Edmund Goulding. Cameraman, Jules Cronjager. Directed by Hobart Henley. Length, 5,600 Feet. CAST AND SYNOPSIS Raymond Chapelle, William Faversham ; Velerie Lafleur, Lucy Cotton ; Father Aubert, Pedro de Cordoba ; Madam Lafleur, Miss Sherman ; Madam Blondin, Lulu Warrenton ; Blondin, Robert Conville; Bishop, John Burton. Raymond Chapelle, destined originally for the priesthood had gotten into bad company and became a professional gambler in a small mining town. Shaw, the parson, incites the men to drive the gambler from town. Raymond's pal dies after obtaining a promise from Raymond to take his money-belt to his mother, Madam Blondin. On the train he meets a young priest, Father Aubert, who tells him that his destination is the same. A violent storm is raging. Raymond finds his way to the home of Madam Blondin. She is dozing, and her son opens the door. He insists that Raymond gave him the money, but Raymond insists on seeing the mother. There is a scuffle and Madam Blondin hearing the noise fires a shot that kills her son. Raymond escapes as the priest approaches the house. A tree, uprooted by the storm, falls on the priest knocking him unconscious. Madam Blondin rushes down the streets declaring that her son has been murdered. Raymond quickly divests the unconscious form of the1 priest, changing attire with him. When the villagers appear on the scene he is standing above the body. They assume that he is Father Aubert, the new incumbent, and that the unconscious man is the murderer. The priest recovers, but is a victim of asphasia. The district bishop, who is acquainted with the real Father Aubert, arrives on a visit. Raymond tells him the whole story. They go to the jail in time to save the priest from execution. Memory returns to Father Aubert and Raymond is put in jail. Madam Blondin makes a deathbed confession that she fired the shot. "The Sin That Was His" featuring William Faversham is a picture that is full of appeal with possibly a thrill for everyone who sees it. The theme although traversing religious paths is completely devoid of casting any unfavorable remarks or actions shown towards any sect or creed and neither does it favor any. The interest is well kept up during the whole picture and quite a bit of suspense is developed. It is a story that if properly exploited should draw a large attendance and thoroughly satisfy. Points of Appeal, — Coming from the pen of Frank L. Packard, the man who wrote "The Miracle Man," one might be able to get somewhat of an idea of the type picture it is. The character that the author has drawn and the portrayal that Mr. Faversham has given makes Raymond Chapelle one of the sort that almost lives and breathes before you. The spectator is not befuddled with solving the mystery of the story but is kept constantly in suspense anticipating the confession. There is every reason to believe that this picture will go over big. Cast. — William Faversham makes an admirable contribution to the screen in his role as Raymond Chapelle. His work shows fine character all the way through. Excellent support is given by all the other members of the cast. Photography, Lighting, Direction. — The atmosphere throughout the story is well carried along. The village scenes are typical and the interiors successfully worked out. Lighting sufficient and direction O. K.