The Film Daily (1922)

THE Sunday, April 9, 1922 j?B^ DAILV 15 Rawlinson Has Interesting Crook Story for Latest Vehicle Herbert Rawlinson in "THE MAN UNDER COVER" Universal DIRECTOR Tod Browning AUTHOR L. V. Eytinge SCENARIO BY Harvey Gates CAMERAMAN Virgil Miller AS A WHOLE Satisfactory entertainment of crook variety; good interest and works to effective climax STORY Contains a rather good suspense and mild romantic twist; first rate atmosphere DIRECTION All right; tells story in straightforward fashion and wastes no time when ending is sighted PHOTOGRAPHY Very good LIGHTINGS Natural STAR Adequate in the part SUPPORT Proper types; includes Barbara Bedford, Geo. Hernandez, Wm. Courtwright, Willis Marks and others EXTERIORS Appropriate INTERIORS In the minority DETAIL Ample CHARACTER OF STORY Reformed crook saves townspeople from swindlers by beating them at their own game LENGTH OF PRODUCTION 4,566 feet The point that Universal is stressing in connection with Herbert Rawlinson's latest feature is the fact that the story was written by a man serving a life sentence in the Arizona state prison for a crime of which he was convicted on circumstantial evidence. And in all probability this will be a good angle to work on in connection with putting the picture over. The story is interesting and thoroughly capable of satisfying those who like crook stories. The plot is not unusual but contains a good suspense and some first rate twists such as that in which the swindlers are beaten at their own game. At first it isn't very clear just what hero Rawlinson is going to do, but it develops the interest and arouses the spectator's curiosity. The fake oil well ofifers a comic touch and George Hernandez, as Daddy Moflfat, Rawlinson's pal, usually contributes the laugh. The director has provided a suitable small town atmosphere with realistic exteriors and towards the end builds to a first rate climax that contains some good action in the way of an automobile chase after the escaping crooks. A good touch is that in which two of the swindled "hicks" start after the thieves in a broken down car. A shot now and then shows the progress they "aren't" making. Herbert Rawlinson suits the part of Paul Porter, reformed crook, and makes the most of the opportunities the role affords. He would be a whole lot more pleasing, however, if he would occasionally forget that he is an actor and appear a little more natural. He is too fond of showing the whites of his eyes. Barbara Bedford hasn't very much to do as leading lady but wait around to supply the romantic touch at the end. The other members of the cast do good work. Story : Paul Porter returns to his home town with his pal, Daddy Mofifat. Paul is a reformed crook. He learns that Wiley and Lang are selling fake oil stock to the villagers, having already collected a hundred thousand dollars. Paul sets out to beat them by putting up an oil well on Col. Culpepper's property and installing an artificial gusher. Wiley "bites," offers Paul a hundred thousand for it. Paul sells, taking cash only. Wiley rushes back to Col. Culpepper, who holds the money, after he discovers the fraud, steals the money and departs. Paul goes after him and gets the money wJiich he returns to the people, once more gaining their confidence. Likely to Satisfy the Majority With This Box Office Analysis for the Exhibitor This latest Universal release offers a satisfactory entertainment of its kind and you shouldn't have any trouble pleasing them with it, particularly if they have shown a liking for crook stories in the past. If the star happens to be popular with your patrons, of course give his name good prominence and use the title with catchlines that will give them an idea of the story. Probably one of the best bets for putting it over will be the fact that the author is a life convict in the Arizona state prison. Handled properly you ought to arouse unusual interest because of the connection. The Universal press sheet contains short readers which you might try to get into your local newspaper,