Motion Picture News (Sep - Oct 1926)

lOlO Motion P i c t n r c X c w s Speeding Thru Better Than Average Program Effort (Reviewed by Harold Flavin) REPLETK with action, thrills, romance and conuMly, this is above the average program production even though lacking in so-called production values. It is an auto-race comedy drama very much similar in treatment to the stories of this tyi)e in which the late Wallace Reid appeared, though in this case it is the girl who has the "fat" part as it is she who drives the car that wins the race. Creighton Hale, the popular player, gives an excellent performance as the college youth with a passion for fast cars aiid Juda King more than satisfies with her characterization of a flapper with a positive mania for speed. The story and its denouement is obvious, being that of the automobile manufacturer's daughter who saves daddy's business by winning the Classic, which results in the awarding of a large contract to him. An attempt is made to inject a suspensive element but one forgets it, or the lack of it, in ATOtching the vivacious Miss King jazz her way througli the six reels. The scenes of the auto race are particularly good and there's many a thrill as the "spills" occur. Robert McKini, the villain, and Lionel Belmore, the serio-comic manufacturer, coiitril)ute sti-rling performances in their respective roles The Cast: Juda Kiiuj, CrcigJitoii Hale, Lionel Bcliiiorc. Robert McKint. Director, Bertram Rraekeii. THEME: Comedy drama of The acting of Miss King and rivalry between automobile manufacturers with the daughter of one defeating the other with the help of a college boy who wins her love. PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS: The girl's altercation with the police. The scenes at the dance. The fight in the deserted cabin. The "spills" which occur during the race. Creighton Hale. EXPLOITATION ANGLES: There are many possibilties for a tie-up with automobile manufacturers. Play up acting of Juda King and Creighton Hale. DRAWING POWER: Should have no trouble getting over in cecond run and small town houses. It is a picture that the whole family can see. Produced by W . T. Lackey and distributed by Elbee Pictures Corporation. Length, 5.5QO feet. Released September 15 Action hijililijihts. front the Fox W eslrrn prodticlion. "The f/vi'/i^ Horseman" The Show-Off Funny But Not Up to the Play (Reviewed by Laurence Reid) WHAT was expected has happened here — and that concerns I lie inability of the camera to catch the j)sychology of the central character from which the play and picture took its name. "The Show-Off" is a disappointment in that it has lost much in its transference from stage to screen — much of its force and logic. It loses a great deal of its subtleties and shadings — (lualities difficult to capture when they have been woven so deeply in dialogue and characterization. Again Ford Sterling has a tendency to burlesque the title role. Which is excusable, inasmuch as he was foi'ced to compensate for the raucous langh that scored so highly (111 the stage. The jiicture is funnier than the play. The latter was desci-ibed ill the program as a "transcript of life," ))ut on the screen it is treated for its mirthful measures. As comedy it evokes sufficient laughter to score most anywhere — and Ford Sterling makes ^[r. Show-Off a self-satisfied, demonstrative person given to boobish outbursts. Gregory Kelly, however, walks away with the acting honors. TJic Cast: Ford Sterling, Lois Wilson, Louise Brooks, Gregory Kelly, C. IV. Goodrich, Claire McDorcell, Josepli Smiley. Director' Mai St. Clair. THEME: Comedy-drama of demonstrative person who misrepresents himself and things in order to be recognized as a super person. PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS: The comedy. Ford Sterling's characterization. The human interest touches. The exteriors in Philadelphia. EXPLOITATION ANGLES: Bill as film version of one of the greatest hits of the stage. Play up title and handle with throwaways on history of play and character of show-oflf. DRAWING POWER: Play is widely known and its popularity will appeal to filmgoers who will want to see screen version. Should pull 'em in wherever shown. Highliplil.s from the (iolhnni production "The Golden Web" Produced and ilistributcd by I-'amous Players. Lengtii. si.v reels. Released in .UK/ust. V)2b.