The Film Daily (1924)

THE ■c^m \ DAILY Sunday, August 17, 1924 Tom Mix in "The Last of the Duanes" Fox As a Whole.... GOOD WESTERN BUT HASN'T AS MUCH CONTINUOUS ACTION AS SOME OF MIX'S STRAIGHT PROGRAM RELEASES. THIS IS MORE OR LESS OF A SPECIAL. TOO MUCH FOOTAGE FOR AMOUNT OF STORY. Star. .. .Satisfying, as usual. But inasmuch as this is supposed to be a special his admirers are going to be a bit disappointed. He hasn't as much fast and furious action as they'll expect. Makes the most of opportunities that come his way, however. Cast Usual types, — villains, cowboys, sheriffs, etc. Cast includes Marion Nixon, Bringsley Shaw, Frank Nelson, Lucy Beaumont, Harry Lonsdale. Type of Story Western meller; from Zane Grey's novel of the same name. This is Fox's second production of the Zane Grey novel. William Farnum was starred in the first version, released in 1919. Inasmuch as the current production is supposed to be one of Fox's specials it is somewhat disappointing There is not the continuous fast action that Tom Mix's admirers will expect of a feature in which he appears. The trouble is that Lynn Reynolds has expended too much footage. He could readily have saved nearly two reels and made a much faster entertainment Mix has a well suited role and enough opportunities to "do his stuff' 'and he does it in his usual satisfying style. That there is toe much uneventful business intervening between his action bits is no fault of his. The star plays Buck Duane, who becomes an outlaw through no fault of his own. His adventures in fighting off pursuers and evading Bland and his notorious bands furnish first rate thrills, culminating in his final re ception into the famous rangers band, and acquittal. There is a love interest woven in with Mix saving the girl he loves from Bland. Box Office Angle Will likely suit the audience favoring western entertainments and Tom Mix's admirers. Slow spots can readily be speeded and help the picture considerably. Exploitation Let them know this is' a new picture. If they recall the Farnum film they may figure this out as a re-issue. Be sure to mention that Tom Mix's famous horse, Tony, appears in the film. A trailer will suffice to give them an idea of the picture, its fine locations and the sort of action contained in it. Show them Mix escaping his captors by way of a falls. Fox' press sheet suggests various appropriate tie-ups for further exploitation. Direction Lynn Reynolds; good but should have speeded the action. Author Zane Grey Scenario Edward J. Montague Cameraman , Dan Clark Photography Good Locale The West Length 6,942 feet. Short Subjects Fleisher Novagraph — Max Fleisher Absorbing and Novel Type of production scientific film If anything in films justifies the appellation "something different", the Fleisher-Novagraph is that fihn. Conibining ordinary photography with slow motion pictures and still pictures m a manner that is entertaining, but puzzling to comprehend, the Novagraph is a tribute to those venturesome souls in filmdom who are probing the potentialities of the motion picture camera. The present film treats of dancing and acrobatic subjects in various stages of motion. It is understood that Fleisher plans a series of educational and sports subjects for the future. "A Sage Brush Vagabond"-Universal Speedy Western; Full of Action Type of "production 2 reel western This might best be described as a miniature feature, for it has all the elements of the longer western story condensed so as to make a fast-moving absorbing drama. There are some fine bits of wild riding, a picturesque hero, who, when he is not taking up the cause of law and order, tinkles a mandolin to the admiring gaze of a lovelorn maiden. The hero in question takes action by the scruff of the neck in one or two episodes, in which his flying fists make Firpo's seem like baby's mittens. The red-blooded ones in the audience are going to pulsate with no little excitement as they watch the young "irrepressible" clean up a nest of "bad men" and win the girl who has ravished his heart. "High Society"— "Our Gang"-Pathe Fast and Furious Type of production 2 reel comedy In this two-reeler the well-known group of clever juveniles are up to their usual performance, with a few extra knick-knacks in the way of breaking up house, thrown in. Mickey Daniels is the kiddie who holds the center of the stage when the action is at its roughest, and what he doesn't do to a snobbish high society cousin isn't worth recording. Suffice it to say that before the last inch of film has passed the shutter Mickey and the gang have caused the fire department, the police department, the ambulante djoctors, the undertaker and the civic authorities to do their stuff with a capital "S". The kiddies will like this comedy. "The Blow Out" — Century-Universal Fast and Funny Type of production 2 reel comedy Buddy Messinger steps out in this one to attend a party, accompanied by his faithful "Bubbles", a little dynamic black boy. Buddy has two reasons to regret "Bubbles'" presence at the party, first because the dark youngster disgraces him, and second, because in this reviewer's opinion he steals the acting honors clean away from Buddie. But that doesn't rob the picture of any of its fun. In fact, it adds to it. The way the kids romp around, the room is a caution, and the part in which Buddy simulates a crackerjack pianist on an electrically operated pianola, has a masterful comic touch from which many a laugh will emanate. The make-up of Buddy and his partner, "Bubbles", is not the least part of the fun in this picture. Something the kiddies will like. las "Hoofbeats"— Sportlight-Pathe Type of production 1 reel sport magazine In "Hoofbeats", the care and training of the thoroughbred race horse is the subject enlarged upon by Grantland Rice. It presents a comprehensive account of the treatment of the sensitive creatures which the eugenic experts declare — receive closer atention than human babies. The film at one point shows "Mad Hatter" with Sande up doing a mile in 1 :36 2-5. This will prove interesting and diverting. "Oh Teacher!"— Juvenile-Educ'l Hilarious Two-R.eeler Type of production 2 reel comedy Kid capers, rural cut-ups, a pretty school teacher, fireworks and a generous sprinkling of amusing sub-titles place this two reeler among the really entertaining comedies. One particular situation, where the new professor is giving setting-up exercises to the class, with the instruction that everybody do what he does — not knowing that some enterprising wag has dropped a handful of bugs down his neck — packs more laughs than a centipede has toes. It's a hilarious comedy all right, and one which the youngsters will view with delight. Everything clean, wholesome and fast-moving. "East of the Water Plug"— Sennett-Pathe Enjoyable Comedy Type of production. .2 reel burlesque This picture marks the first of a new series of Mack Sennett Star Comedies featuring Ralph Graves, and is a burlesque based on the title of "West of the Water Tower". It is all gorgeous slap-stick stuff smeared on with a generous hand, with plentiful gags of the hick variety. Ralph Graves as the blundering star in a play staged by the rural community is genuinely funny with a sort of 'low comedy' face. You'll enjoy "East of the Water Plug". " Drenched"— Cameo-Educ'l Swift-Moving Comedy Type of production 1 reel comedy This one has its funny moments, starting with "The Weather Bureau, Where the Art of Guessing Originated," until our hero. Cliff Bowes, is washed down a sewer. This variety of comedy borders between the acrobatic and slap-stick and moves swiftly without let-up. Virginia Vance, the bridal heroine, offers adequate support and is more than easy on the eyes. as an exhibitor ask yourself these ques»| tions; " Has the story on which the play i based been written by a man of let ters whose creations have endear© him to the public? Do the cost and directoral staff i elude well known names that are great p^iblic demand? Is the picture as a whole of th; texture which will without fail buil up for me an everlasting clientele? THE FOOLIS VIRGIN gives the completely satisfying answer! to these questions. ELAINE HAMMERSTEINJ playing the leading role, possesses^ that rare charm that simply melts inj every scene and creates perfection ir.i harmony that is very rare to find. GEORGE W. HILL/ possesses a directoral mind secoiKJ:' to none and successfully blends ?'| /" the elements of the play as seldoni/i done before. '''^f^ THOMAS DIXO^|^ is a veteran in the creation of gre» novels whose popularity assures ready-made public demand. These, indeed, are definitely sa^ fying characteristics of public demOi To the exhibitor good old cash ini box office. ^ SECURE YOUR BOOKINGS NOW FROl | « THE EXCHANGES LISTED BELOW^r De Luxe Film Co., 1318 Vine St., Pi delphia, Pa. ; Commonwealth Film Corp., Seventh Ave., N. Y. C. ; Standard Film vice Co., 2nd Floor, Film Bldg., Cleve! Ohio,; Standard Film Service Co.. 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