Motion Picture News (Sep - Oct 1926)

1008 Motion Picture News Beau Geste Sure-Fire Appeal in This Fine Picture (Reviewed by Laurence Reid) AS stirring and colorful a picture as has been shown this season is "Beau Geste" — and it flies the Paramount banner. The plot, surging Avilh adventure, seasoned with a thick mixture of mystery — and carrying on a vivid line of crackling action, keeps the spectator right on edge from the moment the characters are planted. It starts off with a terrific amount of suspense — does this tale of the Foreign Legion — and then unfolds in the flash-back manner. One sees a picturesque fort in the midst of the desert. The relief forces arrive and discover dead soldiers at all the embrasures. That is the mystery element which keeps the patron in an ovei-Avhelming state of suspense. How did those soldiers appear in such a manner? It is positively uncanny. The film is best with its assault on the fort — and in those scenes pertaining to the Legion. It has dash, danger, romance, adventure, heroism, brotherly love and villainy in lai'ge measure. Moreover, it is finely directed, finely photographed and finely acted by Noah Beery (who nearly steals the picture), Ronald Colman, Ealph Forbes, Neil Hamilton, William Powell and others. "Beau Geste" is worth anyone's time and money. Even the tragic end of its principal hero is testimony of its honesty and vigor. The Cast: Ronald Colman, Ralph Forbes, Neil Harnilton, Norniav Trevor, Noah Beery, Mary Brian, U'illiain Powell, Alice Joyce. Victor McLacilen. Director. Herbert Brcnou. THEME : Romantic drama of EXPLOITATION ANGLES : Foreign Legion with three brothers swearing eternal love for one another. Two die heroic deaths, leaving the other to renew his romance. PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS: The Arab assault. The excitement, suspense and action in the fort. The acting by Beery, Colman and others. Tie-up with book-dealers, etc. Play up Foreign Legion. Stage prologue. Dress ushers in costumes of Legion. Play up cast. Tie-up with military organizations, etc. DRAWING POWER: Should pull 'em in anywhere. Action, thriUs and cast see to that. Produced and distributed bv Famous Plavcrs-Lasky. Lengtii. about ten reels. Released Scenes from the George H alsh starring vehicle for Excellent Pictures titled "The Kick-Off" Young April Romance Again in the Balkans (Reviewed by Paul Thompson) FOR the inauguration of the new policy of first-run feature pictures at the Hippodrome, New York, in connection with vaudeville, Producers Distributing Corporation wisely selected "Young April." I say wisely, because it sets an excellent standard and gives the Keith-Albee patrons a splendid idea of what the future holds in store for them. There may be captious critics who will say, "What, another of those mythical kingdom pieces?" and was Laertes right, "There is nothing new under the sun?" I disagree with these cavilers. If the treatment be what it should it matters not how hackneyed the theme. Possibly trite but not to me, because the twain falling in love not knowing that they are supposed to marry for reasons of state. Then the crown prince gives up his right to the succession to the throne to prove his love for the supposed American girl and messes things up rather generally. Among other things this catapults her into the arms of his scheming uncle, the new occupant of the throne of Belgravia. For a finale the abduction of Bessie Love in successively, the bridal coach, a high-powered car and lastly over the border to safety in a plane. Pictorially, histrionically— not only by the three principals but by the support, and directorially "Young April" is worthy the imprint of the De ilille Studio. Adajited from Egerton Castle's story l)y Jennis ilacPherson niid Douglas Doty. The Cast: Joseph Scliildkraut. Rudolph Schildkraut. Bessie Tore, Bryant Washburn, Clarence Geldert, Alan Brooks. Dot Farley. Carey Daunierey and Baldy Belmont. Director, Donald Crish THEME: A marriage of convenience between heirs to two mythical Balkan kingdoms. PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS: Girls' school scenes; atmosphere of small kingdom; convincingness of story. EXPLOITATION ANGLES: Reputation and acting ability of three featured players. DRAWING POWER: Good, especially for women fans. Alma Kiihens is featured in this Fox drama titled "Marriage License' I'roduccd by De Mille Productions. Distributed hy Producers I ) istribu ting Corpora tion. Lcnolh. 6.858 feet. Released October 11. 1926.