The Film Daily (1923)

THE 5^2 DAILY Sunday, May 13, 1923 ti t. b t< l1 c n tl tl d P t P I I I I I i E I I C C c u I I I I I I c c c c c ( ( i A Good Tom Mix Picture With First Rate Mixture of Action and Thrills Tom Mix in "THREE JUMPS AHEAD" Fox DIRECTOR Jack Ford AUTHOR Jack Ford SCENARIO BY Jack Ford CAMERAMAN Dan Clark AS A WHOLE Usual western with conventional plot but some good action and star offering some excitement with his stunts STORY Regulation western formula that works out pretty much in the same fashion as the majority DIRECTION All right; distributes action, comedy touches and romance nicely and furnishes some thrills in climax PHOTOGRAPHY Satisfactory LIGHTINGS Natural STAR In a typical role, does good work and will please his admirers SUPPORT Francis Forde and Harry Todd supply some laughs; Alma Bennett, the girl in the case; others Edward Piel, Joe Girard, Virginia True Boardman, Margaret Joslin EXTERIORS Good western locations INTERIORS Not many DETAIL All right; titles sound like Ralph Spence CHARACTER OF STORY Cowboy rescues man after handing him over to enemy when he learns he is father of girl he loves LENGTH OF PRODUCTION 4,854 feet Shown in a Broadway house to an early morning audience consisting mostly of men, "Three Jumps Ahead" seemed to prove thoroughly satisfying judging from the laughs accorded the humorous touches and the audible surprise at some of Mix's more daring feats. This latest Mix release, while consisting of situations of a conventional order, offers a good western entertain ment for those who like this brand and the star can be relied upon to keep them interested through what he is given to do as the cowboy who plans revenge upon a certain enemy and then rescues him when he discovers his prisoner is the father of the girl he loves. Of course the theme follows along a familiar formula with cattle rustling starting off the plot. Then comes a fairly unexpected twist in that hero Tom is actually overpowered and held prisoner, retaken upon his attempt to escape and once more held. It isn't like the hero to be "up against it," in this fashion. The action is effectively distributed but the best, as usual, is reserved for the climax when there is plenty of fast riding, with the camera securing some fine shots, and some old and new stunts in the saddle which Mix gets over to the satisfaction of the crowd. The overtaking of the stage coach offers a thrill and what is probably the best stunt in the picture is the spectacular leap that Tony, Mix's horse, makes, with Mix in the saddle, over a ravine. Francis Ford and Harry Todd, as the uncles of hero Tom, are responsible for the laughs through their rivalry for the heart and hand of the girl's aunt. Jack Ford has directed the picture satisfactorily, sustained the interest nicely and provided an all-around good production with a suitable supporting cast working with the star. Mix gives his usual performance with the added feature of some new stunts and some more risks that will make him go big with his admirers. Mix still wears white gloves and doesn't even take them off when he's eating Wonder why? Story : John Darrell is held prisoner by Taggert, head of a band of cattle rustlers. Boone McLean and his uncle are also taken prisoner and Darrell forced to flog them after a futile attempt at escape. Darrell makes a get-away, returns to his family, and Boone is released on condition that he bring Darrell back. He does and then learns that Darrell is Ann's father. Boone being in love with Ann rescues her father and all ends happily. Enough To Talk About And Should Please A Good Majority Box Office Analysis for the Exhibitor Here is another good Mix feature that will go very well where he is liked or with the regulation "fan" crowd. You can promise a good, fast moving western with plenty of action, some thrills and enough laughs to make it interesting. For those acquainted with Mix's horse "Tony" you can tell them that he plays a more or less prominent part and use some stills or posters showing the spectacular leap over the gorge. Use the star's name and whatever exploitation is necessary to get them interested. Mention of the star's name should be sufficient to let them know this is a western and the stills in the lobby will do the rest. The picture is sufficiently short to permit a good accompanying short reel program and all told should give you a first rate and interesting program.