The Film Daily (1922)

THE iSEg^ DAILY Sunday, July 16, 1922 A Human Story, a Fine Production, and Excellent Acting "HUMAN HEARTS" Jewel-Universal DIRECTOR King Baggot AUTHOR Hal Reid SCENARIO BY Lucien Hubbard CAMERAMAN Victor Milner and Otto Dyar AS A WHOLE Heart interest drama that scores successful entertainment and should prove good box office attraction STORY Wholesome and interesting; moves along in splendid succession of events and never drags DIRECTION Gets the spectator's interest at the start and never loses it; very good all the way through PHOTOGRAPHY Excellent LIGHTINGS Excellent PLAYERS House Peters gives another of his very worth while performances; an exceptionally fine cast including Russell Simpson, Gertrude Claire, George Hackathorne, Edith Hallor and others EXTERIORS Very pretty INTERIORS Good DETAIL Good CHARACTER OF STORY .Son of countryman marries city girl against father's wishes and later serves a prison term for the murder of his father whom he believes his wife murdered LENGTH OF PRODUCTION 6,350 feet There have been a number of pictures similar in theme to "Human Hearts" but in this instance the production is not going to suffer because of being like so many others. It is just strong enough and different to hold its own and satisfy the desires of those who like wholesome dramatic entertainment. The story is by Hal Reid and has served as a popular stage play in the past. It provides an entirely suitable and worth while vehicle for the screen and with the fully satisfying production accorded it by King Baggot, has every chance of being a real box office number, the feature of greatest importance to the exhibitor. The atmosphere of the small town with its typical townspeople and associate characteristics is remarkably well represented, not only generally, but in numerous individual touches that really stand out prominently. There is the blacksmith shop, the typical town cronies and events in the life of the village such as the annual picnic with its greased pig contest. These are only a few of the touches that makes the picture seem to live, gives it an atmosphere of realism. The situations are not what you would probably call strictly original but they have been skilfully handled and so well acted that they become distinctive. The director leads up to the dramatic climaxes with a surety and increasing interest without forcing it and throughout he touches it off with a mother love that is obvious though never dominating. Lastly, he has assembled a cast that is capable and well suited to the most unimportant member. House Peters' performance in "Human Hearts" is worthy of stellar prominence. His playing is careful and yet natural and he seems to have an unfailing ability to make himself fit in with surroundings. He'll gain more admirers with this. Gertrude Claire, as the mother, gives the next most impressive performance while Edith Hallor, George Hackathorne and Russell Simpson are equally capable and dependable. Story : Logan, a farmer, cuts off his son, Tom, when the latter marries what his father calls a scheming city woman, Bar1:)ara Kay. Tom and Barbara are happy with their babe until the wife begins to long for the city. An old admirer kills Tom's father when he interferes with an elopement plan. Tom, thinking Barbara committed the murder, assumes the guilt and goes to jail. Barbara joins her lover but finally confesses, Tom is released and they go back home to Tom's mother. A Good Entertainment But It's Up To You To Put It Over Box Office Analysis for the Exhibitor You know pretty well by now how your folks take to heart interest stories such as that contained in "Human Hearts," and just about what the picture can do for you. Where they like clean, wholesome dramatic entertainment you should be al)le to make a profitable return through the exhibiting of this feature. It will bear any promises you care to make for it in the way of good production, fine acting, and a worth while story. It would probably interest the "fan" crowd to know that the author is the father of Wallace Reid. Play up House Peters' name and tell them not to miss his performance in "Human Hearts." It is worth the price of admission. The title is a good one and will go well with catchlines and whatever exploitation you can give it. A trailer will arouse their interest and stills in the lobby will be enough to let them know the picture is good to look at.