The Film Daily (1921)

Sunday, May 8, 1921 ttfcH DAILY Star Does Good Work In a Role Somewhat Different For Him William Russell in "COLORADO PLUCK" Fox DIRECTOR Jules G. Furthman AUTHOR George Goodchild SCENARIO BY Jules G. Furthman CAMERAMAN George Schneiderman AS A WHOLE Good dramatic quality in picture otherwise of average program merit STORY Not original and a bit inconsistent but still appeals to some DIRECTION Doesn't Create any English atmosphere ; adequate every other way PHOTOGRAPHY Fair LIGHTINGS Poor; backgrounds usually dark CAMERA WORK Average STAR Has less fighting to do in this one but is good in the part SUPPORT Suitable and do satisfactory work EXTERIORS Few western shots at close are good INTERIORS Customary sets DETAIL One or two errors CHARACTER OF STORY Miner with a million saves Englishman from the "Badger" game and then falls for it himself LENGTH OF PRODUCTION 4,700 feet .A good many picture patrons will be satisfied with "Colorado Pluck" regardless of its old situations and regulation program production'. The story is old stuff but still finds favor with a good many because it has the kind of ending they like. The picture from every angle rests comfortably on the average mark all the way through. It contains, however, a good dramatic quality, and works up to a climax that leaves a good impression at its conclusion. And what's more the villain goes his way unharmed, contrary to custom, so that "Colorado Pluck" is not soiled by "moider." The old "badger" game makes up the main situation, and is given good play though it seems inconsistent that the wily miner should avoid the trap in New York and then fall for it in England. But there's a satisfactory alibi in that "love is blind," and when he fell for the English game he was in love. The director has done adequate work with the production and story generally except perhaps he has not made the English sequence very English. A typical butler and a father who sees a joke "sometime later" is all that makes the atmosphere British. One or two minor errors in detail occur. When Russell saves Reggie Featherstone from a couple of quick "workers" in a New York hotel, the latter hands him his calling card bearing a London address, although they later become friends in *New York. Colorado Jim has made a million and comes to New York to enjoy it. He is "on" to the cute little girlie who tries to be friendly and later saves Featherstone, an Englishman, from what might have been his own fate. Later Featherstone invites Jim to visit him in London. Jim is made welcome after the fortune hunting family learn he is rich. Angela, the daughter, is already engaged but to a poor fellow. It is broken and Jim, really in love with her, proposes and is accepted. Angela makes it plain immediately after the ceremony that she will live in his house, sit at his table and spend his money — and no more. Angela, her former fiance, Meredith, and her family manage to relieve Jim of all his money. Then he takes Angela by force back to Colorado, is followed by Meredith who shoots Jim, Angela then realizes she loves her husband and they live happy, etc. Story Isn't Original But You Can Please a Good Majority Box Office Analysis for the Exhibitor The Fox organization seem to be giving their cowboy heroes a whack at drama. Both Farnum and Russell, in their most recent releases, are seen in dramatic roles that call for acting but not action. In "Colorado Pluck," William Russell does some good acting, but he hasn't the opportunity for one real fight, and there's no regular shootin' in the picture. Because it gives the star a part somewhat different from those which he is accustomed to having the picture may appeal even more srtongly. At any rate you can show them "Colorado Pluck" and undoubtedly satisfy them. Catchlines telling the story should interest them. "If your wife doesn't love you, make her. William Russell does it in 'Colorado Pluck.' " Or, "Do you believe in 'cave man' tactics? Here's a husband who did, and made his wife like it." "He was too wise to fall for the 'badger' game, but see what love did to him? William Russell in 'Colorado Pluck' at the blank theater."