The Film Daily (1921)

16 iMk DAILV Sunday, June 26, 1921 Star and Production Good If Familiar Plot Is No Objection Edith Storey in "THE GREATER PROFIT" Robertson-Cole DIRECTOR William Worthington AUTHORS Clifford Howard and Burke Jenkins SCENARIO BY Bennett Ray Cohen CAMERAMAN Eddie Gheller AS A WHOLE Will be favorably received if several of its kind have not already preceded it STORY Crook story that isn't very different but satisfactory portrayals and adequate production help DIRECTION Not unusual though suffices for the material he had to work with; might have made ending less obvious PHOTOGRAPHY All right LIGHTINGS Satisfactory CAMERA WORK Straight stuff STAR Hasn't much emotional opportunity but is pleasing in straight playing SUPPORT Pell Trenton leading man with others in crook roles capable EXTERIORS One or two pretty estates INTERIORS Suffice DETAIL Appears sufficient CHARACTER OF STORY Girl crook falls in love with ex-Army captain who finally marries her regardless of her past LENGTH OF PRODUCTION 4,220 feet There is considerable rivalry among three very popular plots to see which one will be used the most. At any rate it would appear that way from the frequent use <jf all three. First there's the eternal triangle, then the shipwreck and desert island formula, and finally the crook story, for which "The Greater Profit" casts another vote. Edith Storey's latest feature is a thoroughly satisfactory picture, although the theme is not original. Like other girl crooks, the heroine wants to reform when she falls in love, and here is where "The Greater Profit" is like many of the others. The ending is what you expect it to be. For a time you are led to believe that something original will turn up when the hero and heroine separate and she returns to her old life. But the misunderstanding is cleared away and they live happy ever after. The direction is quite satisfactory and good judgment is shown in keeping an uninteresting political feature in the background, except where it is directly brought into play and then no time is wasted on it. No excessive footage is used in reaching the conclusion which might, however, have been made a little less obvious. Edith Storey has but one emotional opportunity in the picture, but is thoroughly pleasing as Maury, the shoplifter. Perhaps some of her feminine admirers will wonder at her rather passe costumes, since the part doesn't call for them. Dorothy Wood, Pell Trenton, Lillian Rambeau, Lloyd Bacon and others appear in support. Mrs. Hardage becomes interested in Maury and brings her into her home, where Maury meets Captain Ransom. Rhoda Hardage sees to it that Maury leaves the house when she realizes that Ransom is in love with Maury and not herself. Maury returns to the old life but one day goes to Ransom's home to warn him against the spurious financial schemes of Hardage, his associate. Finally, the misunderstanding is cleared away and they are married. Will Go All Right Unless They Are Fed Up On Crook Subjects Box Office Analysis for the Exhibitor The bi is to use your own judgment, not that you are likely to disp lease them with the actual lire, but with regard to the familiar theme. If you have given them most of the recent crook theme pictures which have been on the market, then they may not want another. On the other hand if you haven't had one recently, you ought to please them with "The Greater Profit." Edith Sto < nr be used, unless you know that your patrons are not familiar with her. In that event, play up the story with catchlines such as: "Do you believe in the reformation of crooks? If you do, don't bring a girl shoplifter into your home. See what happened in 'The Greater Profit,' and you'll understand why." Or, "Which is 'The Greater Profit'? Honesty or dishonesty? The answer will be found at the blank theater, in one of Robertson-Cole's recent productions."