The Film Daily (1923)

Sunday, May 13, 1923 =&&< DAILV Unique Story With Some Novel Situations and Well Directed A. B. Maescher Prod. "THE RIP TIDE" Arrow — State Rights DIRECTOR Jack Pratt AUTHOR J. Grubb Alexander SCENARIO BY J. Grubb Alexander CAMERAMAN Harry Keepers AS A WHOLE. . . .An unusual picture likely to prove interesting because of its characterization and unique atmosphere STORY Inclined to be episodic at first but develops into splendid climax that has distinctive twist DIRECTION Gives story first rate production and makes good use of material; provides well suited cast PHOTOGRAPHY Good LIGHTINGS All right PLAYERS Excellent cast headed by Stuart Holmes, Rosemary Theby, Russell Simpson and J. Frank Glendon ; all well suited and capable EXTERIORS Good INTERIORS Appropriate DETAIL Ample CHARACTER OF STORY. . .Indian Prince becomes minister, later temporarily renouncing vows to carry out vengeance, but love of girl prevents it LENGTH OF PRODUCTION 6,270 feet "The Rip Tide" will certainly satisfy those yearning for something different. With a story that is considerably out of the ordinary and atmosphere equally unusual you have something that should prove thoroughly interesting particularly to those who favor unique entertainments. J. Grubb Alexander has used ideas that of themselves are more or less of a stock variety but it is the combination atmosphere and characterization that makes them distinctive. And the story is strong in the latter element. There is much effective character development in the theme that has been splendidly visualized and through the careful treatment accorded it by director Pratt, is made absorbing and quite vivid. Throughout the picture there are effective touches and bits of detail indicative of good direction. There is the opening symbolical sequence which is a definite promise of something new. Dick Sutherland, in an extraordinary make-up typifies the primeval age by arising from what appears to be a pool of thick muddy water and perches on a nearby rock in a pose after the fashion of the well known "thinker." Pratt proceeds with the story following one or two philosophical subtitles. The opening reels may prove a trifle slow as Pratt has taken quite some time to establish a premise and introduce all his characters. While this all serves to give the later plot a solid foundation, it makes the opening at little slow in securing interest although the effective detail included should be able to retain the spectator's attention adequately. The picture's best sequence is in the climax. Throughout Pratt has succeeded in retaining a mystery atmosphere in connection with the character Count Voronsky. You can never figure his "game," whether he is actually in love with the Indian Princess he persuades to marry him, or whether he is up to some sort of political intrigue. Nor can you decide the hero's future movements after the girl he loves marries another and his father commands him to carry out vengeance to preserve the family honor although his clerical vows demand otherwise. One of the best surprise twists is the death of Voronsky by accident. A bit of flame from a candle reaches a revolver and fires it directly in the villain's path. It is surely one of the most original exits that they have ever found for a villain. "The Rip Tide" contains as fine a cast as you could want. J. Frank Glendon gives a first rate performance as the Indian Prince who forsakes his native traditions to become a minister. Stuart Holmes, Rosemary Theby and Diana Alden are quite capable and George Ricas makes a good deal of a minor role, that of a philosopher. Should Be a First Rate Number Where They're Crying For Something Different Exhibitors catering to a clientele that welcomes a variation in their screen entertainment should be able to interest them with this latest Arrow release. You can talk about an unusual story and a picture that is rather novel in atmosphere as well. There is an Al cast with plenty of names to use prominently in your announcements. Mention Stuart Holmes, Rosemary Theby, J. Frank Glendon and Russell Simpson in particular. Box Office Analysis for the Exhibitor In your catchlines talk about the story as dealing with a Maharajah's son who became a minister, was disowned by his father, and later forced to break his vows to protect the family honor. Arrow has compiled an extensive campaign book with suggestions for exploitation that should be a big help in getting vour folk interested. ■ S ce 'a a d st 'e ict' ic id Is sH £. ie r sa ;d ie ie ie st Of st e->. •r St eri he itsihf i 1*8 n ;t ig ve to