Exhibitor's Trade Review (Nov 1925 - Feb 1926)

Page 66 Exhibitors Trade Review Johnny Hines and Mildred Ryan in a scene from "The Live Wire," a First National release Johnny Hines Up at the Top Whether you meet Johnny Hines person with him the mission of eliciting laughs is ally, or observe by hearsay some of the a science — he has studied his subject with witticisms that unfailingly drip off his fer the close scrutiny and enthusiastic research tile mind, or — most pertinent of all — sit on of a profound scholar. That subject has the other side of the screen while this fUn been the great American audience, and that maker is doing his stuff on the silver sheet, Tohnny knows just what makes this audience you'll know immediately what has brought 'tick," is concretely evidenced in the way he this comedian to the top in the screen play „ets under the public's skin in such highly er's hall of fame. successful films as, "The Early Bird," "The Johnny Hines, as some earnest critic has Speed Spook," "The Crackerjack," "The aptly put it, is a humorist turned psycholo Live Wire," and "Rainbow Riley." gist, and like other men of science — for * * * Characterizes Her Name Does Sunshine Hart Yes, that's the most apt thing thai, can be said of Sunshine Hart, who appears in Mack Sennett comedies — she characterizes her first name perfectly ; namely, sunshine, and lots ■of it. That's the commodity she brings to the hearts of those who watch her from the other side of the screen. Sunshine made her entrance into films not as an extra as many successful players have done — though it would sound more romantic to say so — but on the stepping stones of a broad stage experience, and natural screening aptitude. One of her latest appearances is in Mack Sennett's two-reeler, "From Rags to Britches," where she is cofeatured with Billy Bevan, and a barrel of chuckles it is. She has been on the Mack Sennett lot for two years. If you asked Sunshine what her chief interest in life is, it is just possible she would say pictures, but more highly probable that the mention of a beautiful daughter, fourteen years old, would play a star part in the answer to that question. % % , DONALD LASHLEY Donald Lashley comes to the pictures on the substantial stepping stones of experience in the legitimate drama. His background in this respect finds him in real "big league" company as witnessed by his last appearance in the stage play "Cape Smoke" with James Rennie and Ruth Shepley. Lashley's most recent appearances have been in the "Price of a Party" produced by Howard Estabrook ; D. W. Griffith's "America," and "Wrongdoers," a MacFadden film. JEAN HERSHOLT Universal's new 1926 star The New 1926 Star Folks who have been watching the consistently excellent character work of Jean Hersholt, who has shown to advantage in the most difficult roles on numerous occasions, are looking forward wi'h ift res" to see what this impressive actor will show in the coveted position of a star. For that's what Hersholt is now, a position that has been gained by him on the stepping stones of his famous portrayals in "Greed," "Stella Dallas," "Don Q," and other important films. Universal is to be congratulated. Elinor King Forging Ahead Not the least among those rising young film stars who will warrant the close attention of producers and the interest of the industry at large, is Eleanor King, who appears as leading lady in most of F. HerrickHerrick's productions, released through Vital Exchanges. Though barely out of the infancy of her powers, Miss King already has an impressive array of performances to her credit. In "Fragments of Life," a series of two-reelers produced by F. Herrick-Herrick, and later in "The Invention," a feature, Miss King acquitted herself with such distinction, that the consequent success of these films has been attributed in no little part to her work. Miss King was born and educated in New York City, entering the picture field about four years ago. Her first screen experience was a "bit" in D. W. Griffith's "Dream Street." For a time after that, she experienced the usual trials and tribulations of a newcomer, but having confidence in the realization of her aspirations she refused to be discouraged. Her first real opportunity came in "Fragments of Life," and she has established a definite position of recognition ever since. * * * Tom Meighan— Personality Plus "Good for you — that's the best you've ever done," exuberantly declared one of the country's most caustic newspaper critics, referring to Meighan's performance in "Irish Luck," his latest release for Paramount. Praise from a critic is praise indeed, but aside from that, what would be most significant in the criticism of any man's work is the fact that his last effort has turned out to be his best. Which means, in the case of this popular player that past successes,, and former achievements are not the resting places on which Meighan places his hopes for future successes. Each new film he makes has to get along on its individual merits. It so happens that the star is blessed with that rare personal attribute called masculine charm, and no matter what the story, what character Meignan plays in it, there will always be that soft, ingratiating quality in the role which is the star's chief contribution. MARY PHILBIN Who created a profound impression by her excellent work in Universal's "The Phantom of the Opera."