The Film Daily (1922)

always a favorite, scores heavily as Ichabod Crane NEW YORK REVIEW: "The Headless Horseman" does credit to the great story by Washington Irving. It should be hailed with a good deal of delight by the lovers of the ever-fascinating tale of the "romantic Ichabod Crane." Will Rogers, alvi^ays a favorite, scores heavily as Ichabod Crane. His characterization is clever and his performance all one could ask for. "The Headless Horseman" shows what can be accomplished when an intelligent and sympathetic director decides to undertake the picturization of one of the classics. Why can't we have more such directors as Mr. Venturini and such actors as Will Rogers? "The Headless Horseman" brings to the moving picture world something new and something well worth keeping. MOVING PICTURE WORLD: Will Rogers has achieved the unusual in picturing the loveless Ichabod. The characterization is one that presents extreme difficulties, in understanding the type of man who is not likeable enough to win your entire sympathy, yet preserving something that keeps him from being at all times ludicrous. Mr. Rogers has avoided burlesque even though there seems to be plenty of temptation. He is funny in a natural consistent way, as one can imagine the author intended. The ride of the Headless Horseman is the dramatic triumph of the picture. It is comic and weird by turns. These scenes have been vivified by skillful lighting and shading, and some spectacular shots of the sky at night. The whole production shows great care, and unusual regard for detail and a faithfulness in the characters and settings that bespeaks fine directing. HARRISON'S REPORTS: It is well directed and for the most part well acted and artistically and realistically produced. NEW YORK REVIEW EXHIBITORS HERALD: Will Rogers fits the role of Ichabod Crane about as perfectly as anyone could desire and he is given excellent support by Lois Meredith and others. It is well staged, excellently photographed and on the strength of the author's name should attract attention and should win appreciation from varying types of audiences. THE MORNING TELEGRAPH: Bringing one of the outstanding American classics to the screen is in itself a worthy achievement. "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," by Washington Irving, is one of the required pieces of literature in every school and should be seen in its screen version by all students, as it has been carried out with as much of the original charm of Irving as accurate settings on the actual location of the story can give it. The picture remains a delightful record of the life of other days and will serve to stimulate interest in the reading of the Irving story. FILM DAILY: Rogers does fine work in vivid picturization of popular Irving story. An amusing and convincing Ichabod Crane will delight everybody with his work in this. Exhibitors should have very little trouble to induce their patrons to see "The Headless Horseman." Everyone is familiar with Irving's story, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," and they have probably all read it whether they wanted to or not — in school. You can promise an interesting presentation of the story and a good wholesome entertainment in C. S. Clancy's production. EXHIBITORS TRADE REVIEW: "The Headless Horseman," adapted from Washington Irving's "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow," will be a rare bit of entertainment. It has been beautifully produced and Will Rogers gives a screamingly funny portrayal of Ichabod Crane. -^HEADLESS HORSEMAN" 'AA M VO C E L DtSTRtBUTOR ''"^^'^1*" I*PIAYEPS RIM SERVICE LTD I 'ADtAN DISTRIBUTORS iPresented by Cdirl Siearns Clancij from ike Great Classic by mSHINGTON IRVING Uie Legend of Sleefyy Hollow HODKINSON PICTURES