Motion Picture News (Jul - Sep 1927)

1000 Motion Picture News Slightly Used Light Story, Fairly Interesting (Reviewed by Chester J. Smith) A FAIRLY pleasing story and one somewhat off the beaten paths is this rather light tale that takes a little too long in the tellingf. It has its amusing situations and is logically conceived and well acted by a good cast, headed by May McAvoy and Conrad Nagel. May McAvoy is Cynthia Mai-tiii, eldest of three daughters of a stern male parent, and she is adored by her old maid aunt, with prospects of herself becoming an old maid. Her tendencies are that way. The stern parent has decreed that the younger daughters shall not marry until after Cynthia has taken the step. So Cynthia conceives herself a husband from the news columns of a daily paper. He has just departed with an expedition for Nicaragua. She makes the announcement to the family. Unfortunately Cynthia then falls in love with a friend of the sisters' boy friends. So she inserts an article in the newspaper announcing the death of Major John Smith in Nicaragua. He sees it, returns and finds who is responsible for it. The Cast : May McAvoy, Conrad Nagel, Robert Agneiv, Audrey Ferris, Anders Randolf, Eugenie Besserer, Arthur Rankin, Datnd Mir, Sally Eilcrs, Jack Santoro. THEME: Farce comedy in daring himself. The meeting of which eldest daughter of three feins marriage so that her sisters may marry. The announced husband later returns from Nicaragua. They fall in love and aU ends happily. PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS: The many comedy twists and complications when the announced husband returns and confronts the young "wife." The climax when he insists upon his rights when de the girl and her father when she announces her marriage. EXPLOITATION ANGLES: The names of the leading players should serve as an attraction. The question of the justification of the elder daughter announcing her marriage to help her sisters. The all around good work of the cast. DRAWING POWER: Nothing extraordinary about it, but should go fairly well. Produced and Distributed by Warner Bros. Length, 6,412 feet. Rel^cased, Sept. 3, 1927. "The Cruise of the Helion" is a story of the sea and primeval passions. Rayart Pictures is releasing it. The Magic Flame A Fine Production In Which Nothing Much Happens (Reviewed by Laurence Reid) THERE'S an old-fashioned picture on view hero — one which employs a dual role, a deal of sentiment and some preposterous melodrama. Its plot doesn't tell much — the idea hardly being substantial enough to cai-ry on for nearly two hours. It tells the story of a beautiful ti-apoze artist who is placed in a triangle situation. She is desired by two men — one a clown in her own troupe (a circus outfit) and a young prince who is heir to the throne of a mythical kingdom through which the circus passes. Before the picture reaches its conclusion the spectator who anticipated moving scenes is sure to be disappointed. It becomes somewhat jerky in its action because it doesn't get away from the beaten track of its story. The picture is a sort of fairy tale — magnificently produced in every way. The pictu7-e is finely acted by Vilma Banky as the fair trapezist and Ronald Colman in the dual role of clown and prince. He acts with creditable restraint — and occasionally shows emotional fire Avhen the scene calls for pathos. The minor parts are capably filled, too. A newcomer, Shii-ley Palmer, sho^vs good screen personality — and talent, too. And there is Gustave von Seyffcrtitz whose character acting is worthy of mention. Henry King did as well as possible by a story that isn't so hot. The Cast: Ronald Colman, Vilma Banky, Augustine Borgato, Gustave von Seyffertits, Harvey Clarke, Shirley Palmer, Cosmo Kyrle Bellew, George Davis. Director, Henry King. THEME: Romantic drama Backgrounds. A tale of college, athletics and young blood is "The Drop Kick," a neui First National production. of love triangle with trapezist wooed by circus clown and prince. PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS: Circus atmosphere. Play of pathos. Introduction of prince. Dual performance by Colman. Scene where clown is recognized as king. Captions. Produced by Samuel Goldwyn. Length, about eight reels. EXPLOITATION ANGLES: Should draw through personalities of stars. Should be advertised for its tone and quality. Play up Banky and Colman. DRAWING POWER: Names of stars should attract them. Suitable for high class houses everywhere. Di^tnbutcd by United Artists. Released, September, \<)2y.