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Sunday, June 19, 1921
DAILY
Automobile Comedy Presents Some New Business and Several Thrills
Wallace Reid in "TOO MUCH SPEED"
Paramount
DIRECTOR Frank Urson
AUTHOR Byron Morgan
SCENARIO BY Byron Morgan
CAMERA MAN C. E. Shoenbaum
AS A WHOLE Automobile atmosphere created
around good clean comedy with a thrilling race
at the finish STORY Not much plot but carries by action
and amusing comedy DIRECTION Good in comedy scenes and auto
race, but allows overacting
PHOTOGRAPHY .. . . Good
LIGHTINGS Good
CAMERA WORK Excellent, attractive and
breezy in suitable parts SUPPORT Theodore Roberts strong in comedy
role
EXTERIORS Splendid
INTERIORS Sufficient
DETAIL Good. Titles well writen
CHARACTER OF STORY Hero gives up racing to win girl but later wins race, girl and
foreign contracts for the old man LENGTH OF PRODUCTION 4,629 feet
If it weren't for some new business and fresh comedy "Too Much Speed" would be almost identical with . some of Wallace Reid's past performances. Especially "Excuse My Dust" which was produced over a year ago. Theodore Roberts played the pari of automobile manufacturer and father of the girl in both productions. There is the usual gasoline atmosphere, and a little overdone. A grand assortment of latest model 1921 roadsters are run into almost every set of this picture, and are apt to give
one the impression that all the world is on wheels, and nothing else matters. The story, plot, action and even the girl, seem to take back seats in order to allow a few new cars to play in the limelight.
There is, however, a good deal of business and amusing comedy in this feature that is built up to a satisfactory and thrilling climax. This time the automobile race runs on a graded track and a real thrill is produced when the hero's car skids and barely misses a high speed collision. This race received a good deal of applause when played in the Rivoli and can be expected to produce the same results wherever it is shown. It is sure-fire stuff.
Besides the thrills there is some splendid comedy, and in these scenes the honors are shared between the star and Theodore Roberts. In fact there are many shots which center entirely on the splendid comedy work of Roberts. You can expect a good laugh in the scene where the limousine is wrecked and Roberts, as Pat MacMurran, crawls out feet first.
The story is very like the usual Reid automobile comedy. Reid takes the part of Dusty Rhoades, a champion daredevil racer, who gives up racing for the sake of his girl. The girl's father manufactures automobile trucks and is a rival of the company that "Dusty" has just left. Both companies are anxious to receive a large South American order. On his wedding morning, "Dusty," unable to take the other man's dust, starts a race and ditches the car and his intended father-in-law, who now certainly objects to the wedding taking place. An elopment and chase follow and both men land in jail. In the end, "Dusty" drives one of the private cars built by his girl's father, wins the race and a large contract for the old man.
Agnes Ayres plays the girl in this feature with a good deal of charm. Guy Oliver, Jack Richardson, Lucien Littlefield, Henry Johnson and Jack Herbert complete the cast.
Allow Previous Productions to Guide You
Box Office Analysis
Your people will probably remember some of the previous Wallace Reid automobile comedies as "What's Your Hurry?". "The Roaring Road," "Double Speed" and "Excuse My Dust," and will know exactly what they can expect in this one. The star is of course very goodlooking and has quite a following.
Lay stress on the race which is certain to attract your motoring patrons, and also mention Theodore Roberts as the father of the girl. Your folks will
for the Exhibitor
like his acting and enjoy watching the ever present cigar.
The Paramount press sheet will give you many advertising ideas and suggest a way to make an auto tie-up. Wallace Reid drives a MacFarland roadster in this comedy and it might be well to look up the district representative of this car and work a little cooperative plan. The road cops use Fords, but fitted with special cylinder enginees to trap the speeders. Mention this.