The Film Mercury (1926-27)

Page Eighteen THE FILM MERCURY, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1926 Hollywood, Calif. VIEWS AND REVIEWS “THE FIGHTING DON,” a Universal release, directed by Irvin Willat, starring Richard Talmadge. Critical Viewpoint : For this, his first pretentious film offering, Richard Talmadge has essayed to play a rather dramatic character role. Critically speaking, he does splendidly with the part, but whether he was wise in departing from his usual screen personality and whether his followers will take him in an ambitious role of this kind, is another matter. Talmadge is in a position now where he needs expert handling to get him into the big money. False steps will be very costly. “The Fighting Don” is an attractively mounted film with much class throughout, and has been splendidly handled by Irvin Willat. In this respect it makes an auspicious production for Talmadge’s debut on the Universal program; but it would seem that a more appropriate story could have been selected. Talmadge works a few of his typical stunts into the action, but for the most part it is apparent that he hopes in this production to win prestige for himself as something more than an acrobat. As previewed at Bard’s Hollywood, “The Fighting Don” was still slow in spots and showed the need of a little more cutting. Box Office Angle : While many admirers of the star may not care as much for him in this production as in some of his earlier hits, “The Fighting Don” nevertheless is by all means the best staged production he has appeared in, to date. It looks like money and should be a good bet even for first-class houses.— T. L. * * * Matiesen Signed for New Blackton Picture Otto Matiesen has been signed for a role in J. Stuart Blackton's forthcoming production, “The American,” which Black' will produce in co-operation with George K. Spoor, using natural vision or stereoscopic photography. “THE OVERLAND STAGE.” First National release, direced by A1 Rogell. Critical Viewpoint : An attempt is made to put this picture over as an epic of the history of the overland stage, but the production fails to click in this respect. It is a fairly good western, however, somewhat better than the average release and might have been even more effective if the story had been better handled. In an effort to make the film sure-fire, a great deal of superfluous footage has been injected into the action. This only serves to prolong the film and complicate the plot unnecessarily. There are some good thrills and attractive scenic backgrounds, but on the whole the direction is conventional. This is particularly noticeable with the scenes filmed on the Indian reservation, where all the shots are filmed from the same camera angles. Ken Maynard has very little chance to display acting ability, but he looks good on a horse and does some clever riding. Box Office Angle’. This film has plenty of action and in spite of its critical faults should prove a good box-office attraction with patrons who enjoy western thrillers. — T. L. Barthelmess Back Front European Trip Richard Barthelmess returned to the coast this morning to start work on his new First National picture, “The Patent Leather Kid.” The star has been vacationing in Europe for several months. The new picture, which will be directed by Alfred Santell, will go into production within the next few days, it was announced from the star’s headquarters at the Burbank plant of First National. * * * Potboiler Production Opening Postponed “Processional,” the jazz drama of American life, bv John Howard Lawson, which was to have been presented this week at the Potboiler Art Theater, will have its first performance Monday evening, December 20, and run through the week, including Christmas night. The deferred opening was caused by the extension of the run of “The Little Clay Cart” now playing at the Potboiler Theater. Shannon Day will play the leading feminine role and Lila Leslie has the leading character part. * * * Micky McBan Signed For Warner Picture Micky McBan has been signed by the Warner Brothers studio for a supporting role in Patsy Ruth Miller’s next production. E. M. Hopper to Direct Three Prevost Films E. Mason Hopper, who is handling the megaphone on Marie Prevost’s latest Metropolitan starring production, “Getting Gertie’s Garter,” has been assigned to direct the next three Marie Prevost comedies for Metropolitan. The first of these will be “The Night Bride.” Harrison Ford will play the leading male role opposite Miss Prevost. * * * Edwin Justin Mayer Signed by U niversal Edwin Justin Mayer, playwright and author, has signed a contract with Universal to write an original story, “The Best Policy,” scheduled as one of the future productions starring Reginald Denny. Mayer is the author of “The Firebrand," the play in which Joseph Schildkraut was starred in New York. * * * New Pollard Comedy “Under Repairs” is the title oL Snub Pollard’s latest comedy, to be made for release by Artclass Pictures Corp. James Davis is handling the megaphone on the new comedy. * * * McEveety Starts W ork New York — Bernard McEveety has started work on “His Rise to Fame,” starring George Walsh. It is a fight story and was written by Victoria Moore. It will be released by Excellent Pictures. Robert Lord George Nicholls, Jr. TITLES FILM EDITOR Management of Harry Spingler A NEW IDEA! 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