The Film Daily (1920)

Sunday, November 28, 1920 TdtjA DAILY 21 Society Crook Story. No New Twist But Adequate Production Gladys Walton in "RISKY BUSINESS" Universal DIRECTOR Harry B. Harris AUTHORS Douglas Doty and John Colton SCENARIO BY Douglas Doty and John Colton CAMERAMAN Leighton Moore AS A WHOLE Fair picture done in a satisfactory way but lack of originality makes it ordinary STORY Hackneyed in idea and with all familiar situations and usually obvious DIRECTION Probably does the best that could be done with the story PHOTOGRAPHY All right LIGHTINGS Clear CAMERA WORK Average STAR Pleasing and vivacious SUPPORT All do what is required of them EXTERIORS Many of beautiful estate INTERIORS . Good DETAIL Fair CHARACTER OF STORY Society crook reforms through girl's influence and trust LENGTH OF PRODUCTION .... About 5,000 feet Lack of originality is probably "Risky Business' ' biggest fault. True enough, the director had poor story material to work with in the first place, a story composed of all familiar situations and with the endins: obvious almost from the star. However, there has been no effort or attempt to cover up this obviousness on his part and the story is unfolded just as you expect it with no new twist or novel touch. The society crook, the missing pearls and the pretty daughter of the crook's victim are the familiar characters who have to do with the "(Risky Business." Gladys Walton as the ingenue is pleasing and her performance does much to relieve a very "movie" sort or story. Some bits are never explained. For instance, Mrs. Renwick receives a letter from a friend saying that a certain Captain Chantry will visit her. It turns out that Captain Chantry is "English Harry," society crook. Whether there was a real Captain Chantry due to arrive or whether the crook forged the note, is never disclosed. The production end of it has been well enough taken care of. Some pretty exteriors of a country estate and adequate interior sets make appropriate backgrounds. The supporting cast including Lillian Lawrence, Maude Wayne and Lewis Willoughby do what is required of them well enough. Mrs. Fanshaw Renwick entertains elaborately at her California home. Phillipa, (Miss Walton), is the youngest daughter and Ericca, the older, married daughter whose husband is away while she carries on a flirtation with a Mr. Ralli. Mrs. Renwick announces the arrival of Captain Chantry to her guests but is disappointed when he begs to be excused from attending her masked ball because of the effects of shell shock. Phillipa falls for the "captain's" war stories and thinking him quite a hero begs him to take her to the ball. He agrees on condition that she tell no one. Phillipa, disguised, startles the guest by a dance during which the lights go out and later Mrs. Renwick misses her pearls. Chantry is apologizing for his necessary early departure when Ericca begs him to save Phillipa from Ralli. It seems that Ericca had intended carrying her flirtation a bit too tar and Phillipa hearing of her intention to go aboard Kalli's yacht went in her sister's stead. Chantry has fallen in love with Phillipa and so he risks capture by the police to save Phillipa. He does and then confesses to the two sisters that he is a thief and produces the pearls. But the Mrs. Renwick understands that the pearls are "found." while Chantry goes away promising to return for Phillipa when he can prove himself worthy. Announce Another From Universal's New Star Box Office Analysis for the Exhibitor Miss Walton as Universal's latest star seems to 'Risky Business?' And does it pay? See Gladys have proven herself quite capable so far, so if you have Walton in her latest picture for Universal." shown any of her pictures you probably will satisfv them with this despite the story's lack of originality. The society crook idea is still popular in many neighborhood houses and for the sake of those who still favor this sort of material say: "Is stealing always a You can announce it as the story of a mischievous young sub-deb who falls in love with a crook. "If you'r entertaining some notable be sure you have the real person or you'll he minus your pearl necklace. See 'Risky Business' and you'll know why."