The Film Daily (1921)

II m Sunday, June 19, 1921 tMA DAILY 15 Buried Treasure Story Given Very Pretty Production Edith Roberts in "THUNDER ISLAND" Universal DIRECTOR Norman Dawn AUTHOR Beatrice Grimshaw SCENARIO BY Wallace Clifton CAMERAMAN Thomas Rea AS A WHOLE Rather a novel number with pretty water spectacle atmosphere; locations sure to attract STORY After the plan of "Captain Kidd;" interests, but plot isn't over substantial DIRECTION Very good; has given artistic detail much splendid attention and gets a fair amount of action in climax PHOTOGRAPHY Excellent LIGHTINGS . . . .. Good CAMERA WORK First rate STAR .Always pleasing; plays a short sequence in a double role SUPPORT Fred De Silva well cast as villain; Jack O'Brien the hero ; others suitable EXTERIORS .... Quite picturesque INTERIORS Good DETAIL Satisfactory CHARACTER OF STORY Mexican orphan girl being forced into an unwelcome marriage escapes and is saved by white man LENGTH OF PRODUCTION 4,279 feet Edith Roberts' latest starring vehicle for Universal offers a really novel little picture that contains considerable splendid artistic effort that isn't always expended on features not included in the "super specials" list. Norman Dawn has provided Beatrice Grimshaw's story with a charming sea atmosphere, that together with the appearance of the star, makes "Thunder Island" quite worth while. The plot is along the lines of the well known pirate and buried treasure theme, which has already been done so many times that it's hard to remember the number, but even though "Thunder Island" hasn't anything very new or substantial to distinguish it as a story, the production given it practically covers up all other shortcomings that might otherwise make it commonplace. The climax is not quite as forceful as most folks will expect it to be. There is considerable fighting, but it doesn't seem big enough, and then too, it ends the story a bit abruptly even though it is opportune. Miss Roberts is always pleasing as Isola Garcia, the Mexican girl, and in the first reel she plays a double role, that of brother and sister, in first rate fashion. There is one shot, probably double exposure, which is excellent. Others in the supporting cast are suitable and do adequate work. Isola and her brother Juan tend sheep in the coast fields. One day Juan is killed by sheep thieves. Paul Corbin, a white man cruising along the coast in search of a buried chest of pearls, helps Isola to drive off the raiders. Corbin bids Isola good-bye, when the Don of the principality sends for Isola, the girl wife whom he had married two years before, when it was thought he was dying. The Don desired to leave his fortune to Isola. But he had recovered and was sending for the girl. Don Pio, the escort, in the meantime learns that the Don is really dead and plans to get Isola for himself. She escapes and goes aboard Corbin's boat. Pio follows, but is overcome by Corbin, who has fallen in love with Isola. Air Cleansed — Dustproof PRINTING DEPARTMENT DO YOU PUT A VALUE ON YOUR TIME? Then should you waste it in personally being annoyed or burdened with your Developing and Printing? Isn't it a wasteful plan for a busy Producer to be compelled to spend time at the Laboratory in order to get results when the chief function of a well organized Laboratory is to lift this burden from the Producer? The Republic can and is willing to think and act for you in all such matters. Republic Laboratories, Inc. 128 West 52nd Street New York City PHONES CIRCLE 5828-5829