The Film Daily (1921)

Sunday, May 8, 1921 DAILY 21 Attractive Settings And Good Production Save Familiar Story Eugene O'Brien in "GILDED LIES" Selznick Pictures DIRECTOR Wm. P. S. Earle AUTHOR John Lynch SCENARIO BY The R. Cecil Smiths CAMERAMAN Jules Cronjager AS A WHOLE Has well sustained interest that holds the attention; variety of atmosphere STORY Not unusual and has no original twists to distinguish it ; gives star satisfactory part DIRECTION Secured attractive settings for the story and is otherwise adequate PHOTOGRAPHY Good LIGHTINGS Sometimes too bright CAMERA WORK Good STAR Does good work SUPPORT Martha Mansfield pretty but doesn't show emotional ability ; others suitable EXTERIORS Many pretty shots INTERIORS All right DETAIL Correct CHARACTER OF STORY Explorer, given up for dead, returns to find his fiancee married to another LENGTH OF PRODUCTION About 5,000 feet Eugene O'Brien's latest offering for Selznick release is good to look at, despite its very familiar story situations. Director Earle has obtained attractive locations for the action, which make up in a good measure for what is lacking in originality otherwise. The idea of .the sweetheart given up for dead, and who returns to find his fiancee married to another, has been done time and again. Regardless of the handicap, "Gilded Lies" holds the interest throughout the five reels and reaches the obvious conclusion twice, the latter affording a bit of a thrill, but being hardly necessary to finish the story. There is a good variety of atmosphere for your pleasure. The opening scenes are "north of 53°," later it is the city, Florida, and finally a mountain spot. There are many very pretty shots, particularly those in the South and in the mountain lodge. The production generally is quite satisfactory, and the camera work and photography good. There are some interior shots which have been taken at too far a range, keeping the players too far in the background. The star has a part that affords him good opportunities and he is supported in the main by Martha Mansfield, who is very pretty and wears gowns well, but seems lacking when the moment requires real emotional acting. When she learns her former fiance is alive, right after her marriage, she certainly doesn't act as though she felt as badly as the titles try to make out. Helen Thorpe consents to marry Martin Warde, newly rich "asphalt king," when her Aunt and Warde persuade her to believe that her fiance, Keene McComb, an explorer, has perished with his expedition. McComb returns to the city and later leases an estate in Florida, afterwards learning that Helen and her husband are neighbors. They meet and McComb realizes that Helen is not happy with her husband. One night Helen seeks refuge in McComb's home when her husband beats her because she will not aid him in roping McComb into a "phony" financial deal. A note found on Ward's private dock next morning indicates his suicide. Helen and McComb are married and spending their honeymoon at a mountain lodge when Warde appears to fight it out with McComb. Warde falls from a cliff and is killed. Should Go Well Enough In Majority of Houses Box Office Analysis This is a thoroughly satisfactory program attraction which should satisfy a good majority. If they like the star, so much the better. "Gilded Lies" is the sort of story that still appeals to a good many, women especially, and you might make known what it is all about by use of lines such as : "She consented to marry the rich man because she believed her sweetheart dead. But on her wedding day — . 'Gilded Lies' will give you the answer." Or, "If you married a man for the Exhibitor believing that the one you really loved was dead, and he suddenly returned, what would you do? See how it works out in Eugene O'Brien's latest Selznick picture, 'Gilded Lies.' Some of the New York theaters are introducing the idea of using trailers of pictures prior to the showing. It seems to be proving effective. You might try it. Stills of some of the exteriors in the lobby will attract. You could also use the name of Martha Mansfield in your advertising notices.