The Film Daily (1922)

tHE Sunday, September 10, 1922 ■^m DAILY Sheiks and Desert Atmosphere In Latest Melford Production "BURNING SANDS" Geo. Melford Prod. — Paramount DIRECTOR George Melford AUTHOR Arthur Weigall SCENARIO BY Olga Printzlau and Waldemar Young CAMERAMAN Bert Glennon AS A WHOLE Rather interesting desert story with some good dramatic sequences and fairly forceful climax STORY More "Sheik" atmosphere; slightly illogical but offers entertainment of type that appeals to many DIRECTION Very good; has staged picture with a tendency toward the spectacular and has gotten in much effective detail PHOTOGRAPHY ' .Good LIGHTINGS All right PLAYERS A carefully selected and capable cast with Milton Sills and Wanda Hawley in principal roles; Jacqueline Logan, Robert Cain, and others EXTERIORS Good desert shots INTERIORS Appropriate DETAIL Given good attention CHARACTER OF STORY Philosopher, living among Arabs, is rewarded for his good deeds at death of Sheik whose unfaithful son is foiled in his effort to secure the honor for himself LENGTH OF PRODUCTION 6,919 feet Although "Burning Sands"' differs considerably from many of the other recent Sheik stories, in substance and as far as atmosphere goes, it is similar to those that have preceded it — the familiar love theme running through and the conflict of the desert tribes. All of which is to say that Arthur Weigall's work is another desert story and as such will either appeal or not, according to whether or not they happen to like or dislike this kind of story. It is a typical George Melford production, rather spectacularly handled and with the director's customary careful attention to detail and a bid lor a punch in the climax. He works up a good suspense toward the close and, in fact, all of the more dramatic moments carry a force that make them register definitely. The night attack of the Arabs has been staged with care and photographs realistically. The atmosphere of the desert is conclusive and it is obvious that expense was not spared to make it so. The story contains good screen material and it has been well adapted by Olga Printzlau and Waldemar Young. It may strike some as being fairly illogical at times. The plotfing of the hostil-e tribes is. done so openly that it is just a trifle too convenient for the dancer to overhear their plans and warn the hero. The dancer's ride from Cairo to the desert is another improbable bit since she could hardly have arrived in safety and rescue her lover with the place surrounded by the enemy. However, it is action the public wants, so it will likely overlook improbabilities. The cast is very good. Milton Sills plays the philosopher whose life is saved by the dancer, Jacqueline Logan. Wanda Hawley is the daughter of a British Commissioner, Winter Hall, and Robert Cain is the villain. The cast, on the whole, does very satisfactory work. Story : Daniel Lane, a philosopher and confidant of the old Sheik, is made leader of the tribe upon the Sheik's death, his son having played him false. The son enlists the aid of Barthampton, an English officer, to get Lane out of the way. Lizette, a dancer once befriended by Lane, overhears the plot and warns Lane. Meantime Lane has been followed to his desert camp by Muriel Blair, an English girl, who loves Lane and seeks his forgiveness for having spurned him. The renegade Arabs attack and Lane is held captive, but later freed by the troops sent by Muriel's father. Lizette is killed while trying to escape. Will Go Over Very Well Wherever They Like Sheik Stories Box Office Analysis for the Exhibitor With "Burning Sands" a lot depends upon whether or not your folks like pictures with desert atmosphere. If they have shown a liking in the past for similar subjects tliey will undoubtedly be well satisfied with George Melford's offering. It is an interesting picture of its kind and well produced but it is for you to decide what it can do for you at your own particular box office. Exploitation will be easy and besides the name of the producer, you have several well known names in the cast to help interest them. Catchlines will do to give an idea of the story or a trailer might be a better means of acquainting them with it.