The Film Daily (1921)

Sunday, January 2, 1921 a!d!4 DAILY 11 Really Pleasing Picture With Carey in a Role Out of the Ordinary Harry Carey in "HEARTS UP" Universal DIRECTOR Val Paul AUTHOR Harry Carey SCENARIO BY Val Paul CAMERAMAN H. Fowler AS A WHOLE Thoroughly satisfactory program picture ; clean cut production and a smooth continuity obvious STORY Pleasing human interest theme gives star the sort of material that suits him best DIRECTION Very good all the way; several good effects PHOTOGRAPHY Very good LIGHTINGS Clear CAMERA WORK Well judged STAR Has less of the cowboy spirit in this SUPPORT Migonne Golden a pleasing little lady; others good EXTERIORS Good INTERIORS Look like the real thing DETAIL All right CHARACTER OF STORY Bachelor ranch owner suddenly finds himself playing father to a girl he loves LENGTH OF PRODUCTION 4,782 feet In "Hearts Up," Harry Carey's latest Universal production, the cowboy star is seen in a role with less of the cowboy trimmins' and for the sake of variety alone, the offering is a pleasing diversion from the type of picture in which this star is usually seen. Carey is credited with writing the story so it must be that he doesn't aim to confine his efforts altogether to the sombrero and saddle. The story has a real human interest appeal and the production end of it has been really well taken care of by Val Paul, who has injected many very fine touches. Some scenes taken aboard a moving train are good and there's a splendid fire scene. In this bit there is a very effective bit of photography in the way of a double exposure. Carey has just rescued from the burning building, a man who had once saved his life. The double exposure shows the man saving Carey from drowning. There is just one thing that may be criticised and that is the fact that it isn't quite comprehensive that a man as old as the hero is supposed to be, would be in love with a child such as played by Mignonne Golden. The lady is pleasing but a little older looking girl would have made Carey's falling in love much more plausible. Jim Drew, a squaw man, receives word that his wife whom he had long before deserted, has died and that his daughter is coming to live with him. But before the girl arrives Drew is injured when his cabin is burned and dies just as David Brent (Carey), arrives to pay back a debt of gratitude. He has the girl's letter saying she. will meet her father in San Francisco. Thinking to repay his dead friend, Brent decides to meet the girl and tell her her father is dead. But Lorelei believes Carey is her father and she is so happy with her beautiful home and the kindness of Brent, that he can't bring himself to tell her the truth. On the train Lorelei had met Gordon Swayne, a surveyor, whose friendship she retains and Brent, realizing he loves Lorelei is unhappy. Eventually Gordon learns that Brent is not Lorelei's father and he threatens the ranchman , Finally when Lorelei learns the truth Brent decides to go away and leave the girl mistress of his home. Lorelei stops him and tells him she loves him only. Should Give General Satisfaction Especially to Carey Fans Box Office Analysis for the Exhibitor If you have Harry Carey fans among your clientele be sure to get this for them. It shows the star in a role somewhat different from that in which they are accustomed to seeing him and it gives him a chance to show what he can do minus the sombrero and other cowboy paraphenalia. You can talk about the human interest theme, tell them hcty the star plays "Daddy" to a little girl although he loves her as a woman. Say that Carey also wrote the story. That should interest them. Val Paul deserves mention for his splendid direction and you can link up the title with catchlines effectively. "If a little orphan girl was happy in the thought that you were her father, would you tell her the truth?" Or, "She loved him as a father, but he loved her as a woman. See how it worked out in 'Hearts Up,' Harry Carey's latest Universal production."