The Film Daily (1924)

THE DAILY Thursday, January 3, 1924 III. XXVII Ni. 2 Thursday. Ian. 3, 1924 Prici 5 Cents Copyright 1923, Wid's Film and Film Folks, Inc., Published Daily except Saturday, at 71-73 West 44th St., New York, N. Y., by WID'S FILMS and FILM FOLKS, INC. Joseph Dannenberg, President and Editor ; . W. Alicoate, Treasurer and Business Manager; Maurice D. Kann, Managing Editor. Donald M. Mersereau, Advertising Manager. Entered as second-class matter May 21, 1918 at the post office at New York, N. Y., under the act of March 3. 1879. Terms (Postage free) United States. Outside of Greater New York, $10.00 one year; 6 months, $5.00; 3 months, $3.00. Foreign $15.00. Subscribers should remit with order Address all communications to THE FILM DAILY, 71-73 West 44th St., New York, N. Y. Phone Vanderbilt 4551-4552-5558. Hollywood, California — Walter R. Greene, 6411 Hollywood Blvd. 'Phone, Hollywood 1603. London Representative — Ernest W. Fredman The Film Renter, 53a Shaftesbury Ave., London, W. I. Paris Representative — Le Film, 42 Rue de Clichy. Central European Representative — Interna tianale Filmschau, Prague (Czecho-Slo vakia), Wenzelplatz. Quotations High Low Close Sales East. Kod. .109^ 109 109 700 F. P-L 7VA 70 70 3,000 do pfd .... 895^ 895/6 89§^ 100 Goldwyn . . . 9y2 9 9*/2 400 Loew's WA U% 17 H 1,400 ([©UucaXicrrval U-ictuAjU^ Foreign Distribution of Motion Picture Productions ^* Katm rpo*»UOtV Kjy*r 220 West 42nd St. New York, Chick. 2355 Cables— Geokann, N. Y. THeFr~T,Nec<>. America.inc. 729-71^ Ave. N.Y. Bryant ZI5B The Mackler Process WAS USED TO TREAT-PROCESS THE TEN COMMANDMENTS BEFORE SHOWING-"WHY" $ut timber "West of the Water Tower"— F. P.-L. Rivoli AMERICAN—* * * one of the most exact reproductions of Main Street, with every detail, that we have ever seen.* * * No where could we find a better Guy Plummer than in Glenn Hunter.* * * If you have not read "West of the Water Tower," you are going to be enthusiastic about the picture. If you have read the book you will be less fervid in your praise. DAILY NEWS— All movied up it is simply gnarled romance, * * * the Pollyanna touch laid on to "West of the Water Tower," is so sticky as to be funny, almost, instead of reasonable. Glenn Hunter * * is easy to believe in. EVENING WORLD— He's a capable young screen actor, every one admits that, but he set himself too high a mark by his stage work in Merton. * * * they haven't put "West of the Water Tower," as Homer Croy wrote it onto the screen ; not by a long way. But they have put a fairly interesting picture before the public and one that, unless we are very wide in our guess, will start the box office pulse a fluttering. HERALD—* * * we found it pretty dull. It is beautifully acted, it possesses many fine and authentic reflections of the typical American scene, but it is so poorly constructed that its moments of dramatic value are few and far, far between. Mr. Hunter does much to overcome the stodginess of the story, but even he becomes monotonous after a while. MAIL — The film is a labored attempt at a study of a small town through a story that is poignantly human in its appeal but so long drawn out to lose its full effect * * * we gained the impression that the photoplay was a succession of animated illustrations from the work of the author, rather than a dramatic presentation of the plot and theme through pictures. MORNING TELEGRAPH— While the screen version * * * may differ very much from Homer Croy's book, it is nevertheless an interesting picture from start to finish chiefly because of * * * the very fine performances of Glenn Hunter and his able little ally, May McAvoy. POST — The picture is an uninteresting mass of closeups and titles, and in spite of the excellent work of Hunter, George Fawcett, and Ernest Torrence, it has little to hold the interest. SUN — * * * a fairly workmanlike adaptation of Homer Croy's story, * * * Hunter gives a homely, worthy performance of a story of youth's passion without embroidery, and Ernest Torrence as his father again upholds the honor of the Torrence family, * * * But for us the best part of the picture was May McAvoy * * * TELEGRAM— This is an excellent film version in the best manner of Paramount of Homer Croy's popular study of life in a small town. TIMES—* * * and they have culled from the book a photoplay which for the most part is not uninteresting. Of course, no production with Glenn Hunter and Ernest Torrence could fail to have certain merits, * * * The comedy-relief is brought out by the town drunkard, and appears to be hammered into the production, and not really funny at that. However, as a study of some small town this story of Junction City, Mo., has entertaining periods, especially those in which Mr. Torrence and Mr. Hunter appear. TIMES SQUARE DAILY— For the benefit of the censors, the screen version marries them off and takes other liberties that rob the picture of much of the appeal of the book. The picture lacks action, but is interesting, due to the "atmosphere," splendid cast, photography and production. TRIBUNE — It is our suspicion that Rollin Sturgeon has made one of the best pictures of the year in "West of the Water Tower." * * * it is simply done, that it has charm and naturalness and that considerable imagination has gone into it. It is a beautifully satisfying, finished product. A true, finely acted play of country town life. * * * WORLD— Glenn Hunter * * * is seen in one of the most adroitly written and acted screen performances which we have ever seen. Newspaper Opinions "Three Miles Out" Rialto DAILY NEWS — There's no getting away from the fact that Madge Kennedy, with her bag of movie tricks, is one of the best entertainments to be had. It is good romance. Mr. Ford is one of the manliest of the heroes. EVENING WORLD—* * * bootlegging and excitement, gives the fair star * * * a chance to do a few film stunts that are more or less pleasing and, take it all in all, we're rather glad "Three Miles Out," swam in for the holidays. MAIL— This picture is old fashioned melodrama with some conscious humor and some that was unconscious. In other words, the audeince sometimes laughed when it was supposed to gasp. MORNING TELEGRAPH— In "Three Miles Out," she (Madge Kennedy) vindicates our idea that she will never drive any one away from a motion picture theater, but will account for many a long line outside a film house.* * * It is amusing and thrilling, and entertainment of a high order. POST — * * * John Emerson and Anita Loos adapted it for the screen, but it does not measure up to their usual clever scenarios. However, Madge Kennedy, equally as charming on the screen as she is on the stage, carries the film on her fair shoulders and makes it good entertainment. SUN — Madge Kennedy, * * * takes the stuff of which movie producers were won't estwhile to make serials * * * injects thereinto the spirit of the comic, making the whole, * * * very much more than palatable. TIMES — There was more sniggering than sobbing and more smiles than tears * * * Years and years ago it might have carried a different sort of appeal to spectators, but nowadays they manifest a keen sense of humor. TRIBUNE — This is \ crazy story, which gets you all worked up and thrilly, although you know that it couldn't possibly be true. * There are a number of excellent parts and an equal number of excellent performances. WORLD — A brisk, but not sternly consequential melodrama * * * Thanks to the vibrant personality of Madge Kennedy it succeeds as an amiable diversion. "Her Temporary Husband" — 1st Nat'l Strand EVENING WORLD— To us, and what seemed like 99 per cent of the others present, Sid Chaplin was delightfully funny, especially in many scenes that called upon him to bring into play all his pantomimic powers. * If you enjoy a good, hearty, genuine laugh go see "Her Temporary Husband." You'll laugh even harder than you thought you would. MORNING TELEGRAPH— As an entertaining picture it is highly satisfactory. It contains six reels of comedy which at times is decidedly of the slap-stick variety and at all times succeeds in being funny and on occasions very, very funny. POST — Every one expected to see comedy, but was entirely unprepared for the broad farce which followed in "Her Temporary Husband" at the Strand Theatre. It is a screamingly funny film * * * TELEGRAM—* * * Sydney Chaplin is an uproariously funny Sydney in "Her Temporary Husband," wheih is a fast-moving comedy * * * Credit for ingenious direction goes to John F. McDermott. TIMES — * * * the situations in it are sufficient to wring laughter from a most ascetic individual. The theme is not new, but that does not matter.* * * But we must admit that we have not heard as many laughs at any picture in the Strand since Harold Lloyd was seen there in "Why Worry?" TIMES SQUARE DAILY— It is built for comedy purposes, with the titles getting as many laughs as the action. TRIBUNE— The picture is one of the most arresting comedies it ever has been our good fortune to see. "Her Temporary Husband" is a riproaring farce, done in a legitimate way, and it is funnier than any of the out-an-out comedies we ever saw, with the exception of about three. WORLD — Beginning as a conventional light comedy this curious narrative turns into the most boisterous of farce, quite in the Mack Sennett manner, and manages thereby to be exceptionally funny. HAL ROACH'S SPAT FAMILY COMEDIES "Laughing Purposes Only" 1 reel Pafh6comedy I othei half I