The Film Daily (1921)

Sunday, January 9, 1921 tM^ DAIL.V 19 Charm of Star and Unusual Theme Puts This Over Elaine Hammerstein in "PLEASURE SEEKERS" Selznick — Select DIRECTOR George Archainbaud AUTHOR John Lynch SCENARIO BY Edwin Montague CAMERAMAN Not credited AS A WHOLE Interesting story of married life. Well directed, well acted, and carries a punch STORY Makes good screen material, with role well suited to the star DIRECTION Has handled characters skilfully, making good contrasts PHOTOGRAPHY Good LIGHTINGS Good CAMERA WORK All right STAR Looks attractive and is well suited to the part. Lacks emotion in some scenes demanding it SUPPORT Frank Currier combines humor and pathos effectively. Rest adequate EXTERIORS Few of them INTERIORS Very good DETAIL Nothing wrong CHARACTER OF STORY Wife's struggle to keep her pleasure seeking husband, and to reconcile his father to their marriage LENGTH OF PRODUCTION 5,500 feet With a story away from the general run of themes selected for pictures, and one which lends itself particularly well to picturization, "Pleasure Seekers" offers interesting and thoroughly high class screen entertainment. It isn't great or a particularly noteworthy production, but it holds the interest all the way, and the work of the star and her support is well and pleasingly done. The outstanding impressions of Elaine Hammerstein's performance are sincerity and refinement, and she plays the part with an air of both that will charm almost any audience. There was an absence of great emotion when it was naturally expected. The direction has had a big hand in bringing out and developing the characters, and in keeping interest unflagging until the finish. The introduction of a new angle to the plot after it is presumably being wound up, has been skilfully dene so that it comes as a pleasant surprise. Frank Currier gives a particularly entertaining performance. The whole cast is competent, however. Craig Winchell is threatened with disownment by his wealthy father, unless he gives up his wild ways, and particularly Mrs. Clara Marshall, a divorcee with rather a tarnished reputation. Craig, determining to try and follow his father's wishes, leaves for a long motor trip. His car breaks down before the home of Rev. Richard Snqwden in a small town. There he meets Snowden's secretary, Mary Murdock (Elaine Hammerstein), and falls in love with her. The death of Snowden permits Mary to leave, and she and Craig are married. Craig brings his bride hack to his father, but John Winchell refuses to see her, imagining the type of wife Craig has chosen. To win over Craig's . father, Mary secures a position as his secretary, and completely captivates him, so that when lie discovers she is Craig's wife he is overjoyed. It is then that Craig accidentlv again meets Mrs. Marshall. The lure of the old gay life is too great and lie promises to attend her party the next night. Mary learns of the party, and that her husband has lied to her, and when John Winchell threatens to drag his son away, Mary says that it is her place to get him. Dressed in the finest gown that John Winchell can buy, Mary' goes to the home of Clara Marshall, and when Craig compares the two women face to face, his remorse is sincere as he appreciates the true value of the wife he has deceived. Use the Star's Name and Promise An Unusual Story Box Office Analysis for the Exhibitor Elaine Hammerstein's name will be one of your self to talk about the star. Tell them that in "Pleasure best points of exploitation for this, and you can promise a mights' pleasing performance by the star. Win will be justified in say>ug that her work in this is fully equal to anything she has done. If her popularity is established with your patrons, this will prol Seekers" the} will see a picture with an unusual theme. Play up the fact oi its difference from the average pic ture plot. In the title you have suggestions for a com parison of a riotous wild life with the right kind in advertising and displays. You need not be afraid to ably be almost sufficient, but you need not limit your make promises of entertainment.