The Film Daily (1920)

14 JiJiM DAILY Sunday, November 28, 1920 Colorful Production Given to "Sea Wolf" Type of Story "THE BRUTE MASTER" J. Parker Read, Jr. Prod. — Hodkinson DIRECTOR Not credited AUTHOR Charmian London SCENARIO BY Ralph H. Dixon CAMERAMAN J. O. Taylor AS A WHOLE Spends its best action for a start after which it holds fairly well until near the end STORY Of the "Sea Wolf" type; fine sea atmosphere and splendid tropical setting DIRECTION Has put fine force into big moments but should have paid more attention to in-between bits PHOTOGRAPHY Some very good work LIGHTINGS Pleasing effects CAMERA WORK Good PLAYERS Hobart Bosworth gives usual meritorious performance; several small parts handled capably ; Anna Q. Nilsson adequate EXTERIORS Wonderful backgrounds secured INTERIORS Correct DETAIL Titles might have been much better CHARACTER OF STORY Skipper of the "brutal" type threatens honor of girl sailing in his care and later regenerates LENGTH OF PRODUCTION 5,600 feet "The Brute Master," by Charmian London, wife of the late Jack London, is very much after the fashion of the latter's "Sea Wolf" in theme and as far as the production itself, has been given a thoroughly realistic and splendidly acted presentation. The action aboard the vessel is undoubtedly the best in the picture. However, it's really too big in the opening reels for the latter climax is weak in comparison. And after the burning of the vessel in the opening, the interest drops in the switching of the action to a tropical island with the characters all assembled there to continue the story. Charmian London's "Brute Master" has not the force of the "Sea Wolf" though Hobart Bosworth's performance contributes in no small way toward making the production a good audience picture. The last reel is a bit slow and the closing shot not convincing since it is hard to understand that a girl who has lived in fear of a man of the "Brute Master's" type could believe sincerely enough in his sudden regeneration to fall in love with him. However, this may make his awakening of conscience more complete and effective with some. A rather strong sex appeal runs through the story and even borders on the extravagant at times but here again for the purpose of making a point more forceful, this may not offend. . The photography is very fine and there are several splendid effects; notably the firing of the boat and the scenes attendant upon this sequence. Madeline Grey, spending the winter in a tropical resort, is suddenly called home to San Francisco. Walter Maxwell, also a member of the winter colony, and Madeline secure passage on a schooner owned by Bucko McAllister, known as "The Brute Master" for his brutality. One day while in the skipper's cabin Madeline is approached by McAllister in a way that frightens her. When he attempts to force his unwelcome attention's, Madeline hands him a violin to play for her. This calms the "brute" and he leaves the girl. A very unconvincing touch, this. One of the crew, enraged by a blow from the skipper, s,ets fire to the ship. All make their escape in life boats but McAllister, who is trapped on the burning vessel. Madeline and Maxwell, together with members of the crew reach an island and with the help of friendly natives get along well enough until McAllister appears on the scene and takes charge of things. However, in the long run, after Maxwell turns the natives against the skipper, and also loses his life for his trouble, McAllister shows his better nature and when he is left alone on the island Madeline decides to remain with him. A Good Audience Picture to Base Your Promises Upon Box Office Analysis for the Exhibitor Despite its various implausibilities and the fact that there are one or two bad slumps in the action and times when the interest drags along for a bit, "The Brute Master," a rather pertinent title by the way, will undoubtedly prove a strong audience picture. The big scene, the ship afire, in the early reels will get them interested right at the start. If you have played "The Sea Wolf," it might be well to mention the similarity in this and the fact that the wife of it's author is responsible for "The Brute Master." Catchlines linked up with the titles can be used as follows : "He was called 'The Brute Master,' but when he .'saw himself as others saw him.' See for yourself the regeneration of Bucko McAllister, the tyrannical skipper."