The Film Daily (1921)

Iftfe^MSr Sunday, May 22, 1921 Belasco's Civil War Romance Given Splendid Production Tom Terriss production "THE HEART OF MARYLAND" Vitagraph DIRECTOR % Tom Terriss AUTHOR David Belasco SCENARIO BY William B. Courtney CAMERAMAN Tom Malloy AS A WHOLE Thoroughly appreciable adaptation of favorite stage play; delightful Southern atmosphere STORY Provided with a first rate scenario cr.J given realistic and interesting production DIRECTION Keeps his story moving toward the conclusion all the time ; wastes no footage on battle scenes PHOTOGRAPHY Very good LIGHTINGS Some pretty effects CAMERA WORK Well judged PLAYERS Catherine Calvert splendid type for leading role; Crane Wilbur does good work; cast well suited all througli EXTERIORS Always pretty INTERIORS Good DETAIL All right CHARACTER OF STORY A romance of Civil War period in which Southern girl chooses between duty to the South and love of her Northern sweetheart LENGTH OF PRODUCTION About C.OOO feet David Belasco's play of the Civil War has been a favorite for so long that a picture bearing the title "The Heart of Maryland" of itself is enough to attract attention. But that is not all. Tom Terriss has made a thoroughly fine picture that will bear comparison favorably with several of the so-called specials that are being released, although his production is not claiming such prominence. William Courtney's scenario was well prepared in the first place, but it remained for director Terriss to make it a reality. He has retained Belasco's original story, and presented it with a deftness that makes the picture first class entertainment. First of all a delightful Southern atmosphere and real Southern backgrounds are to be found, the old colonial mansion, the costumes and general air characteristic of the people, all add to its realism. The general production values are all splendid. The story moves along smoothly and surely, to a definite conclusion. There are no interruptions to break the well custained interest. There are no long battle sequences to bore, only an acceptable number of short flashes, and then no actual bloody combats are used. Catherine Calvert typifies excellently the character of Maryland Calvert, and her work throughout is interesting. Crane Wilbur, as her Northern sweetheart, plays with sincerity and good discretion. The minor characters are all suitable and do good work. The player impersonating Lincoln bears littls resemblance to the Emancipator, and one or two other soldier make-ups might have been improved upon. Alan Kendrick,, at the outbreak of the Civil War an officer in the U. S. Army, is forced to choose between serving the North or remaining true to his Southern sweetheart, Maryland Calvert. Alan chooses to serve the North, and the engagement is broken. Alan is captured by the Confederates and held prisoner in a church near Maryland's home. When Maryland learns that Alan's life is endangered she risks her life to save him and when the bell which announces Alan's death does not ring Maryland is found hanging to the clapper to prevent the sound. The girl is arrested and condemned as a traitor. In the meantime she assists Alan to escape. Major Thorpe, a traitor to both the North and the South, holds Maryland a prisoner until Alan returns with evidence which causes Thorpe's arrest and gives Maryland back to her lover. Should Make Your Box Office Feel Good Box Office Analysis for the Exhibitor If you want to show a really worth while feature, secure "The Heart of Maryland," and you will be sure to satisfy your folks with it. The fact that it is a war romance should not detract from its appeal since the romance is the prominent feature, with the actual war scenes few and not numerous enough to displease even those who balk at war pictures. You have a genuine Box Office title that shouldn't require further exploitation to get them interested. Tell them they'll be well pleased with Tom Terriss' adaptation of David Belasco's stage play, and you can promise them a fine piece of entertainment. For those who m.j.y suspect long battle sequence be sure to tell them there are but few war scenes, and above all, no long shots of actual combat. Advertise the showing well in advance with large posters bearing the title. (ADVERTISEMENT)