Motion Picture News (Sep - Oct 1926)

S e pte?nber 18 , 19 2 6 1101 "The Texas Streak" is a Universal W estern production starring Hoot Gibson Hold That Lion MacLean Has Had Better Ones (Reviewed by Laurence Reid) HERE is a four-reeler stretched out to approximately seven reels — which is too much, considering the scant idea beliind it. One cannot call it other than an inconsequential att'air which tries awfully hard to be amusing. Let it be said for the star and the director that they do succeed in measuring out a fair amount of humor. It is when the man behind the megaphone strives to hammer home his points that the piece loses its sparkle. The story is one of those romantic pursuits in which a susceptible youth undertakes a globe-trotting tour in order to catch up with a girl who bowled him over with her charm. The chase and the obstacles thrown in the way take up the first part of the film — the latter sequences having to do with the lion hunt. Yes, the girl had gone to East Africa or some out of the way place to capture or kill the big cats. The hero gets his lion and wins the lady. She happens to be Constance Howard (Sam Goldwyn's sister-in-law) and she is an attractive blonde with screen jjersonality. As for MacLean, he gets everything possible out of the story. He deserves bigger game. The Cast: Douglas MacLean. IValter Hiers, Constance Hozvard, Cyril Chadzvick, IVadc Botelcr, George Pearcc. Director, William Beaiidiiie. THEME: Romantic comedy of love-stricken youth who pursues girl to wilds of Africa, where he gets involved in a lion hunt. Captures a lion and wins the girl. PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS: The chase of the girl. The pursuit of star by lion. The atmosphere and color of the African sequences. The titles. The speed of action at the fin ish. The appeal of Constance Howard. The spirited acting by EXPLOITATION ANGLES: Title should be used for a teaser campaign. Bill as typical MacLean film. Play up his new leading woman, Constance Howard. DRAWING POWER: O.K. for all types of houses. Should please star's public. The Strong Man A Top-Notch Comedy — Amusing All the Way (Reviewed by Laurence Reid) ONE has to hand it to Harry Langdon again. He has succeeded in coming through with another clever comedy to keep company with "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp." By the way he is going he'll soon be in the Lloyd class. His artful pantomime is a delight to watch — which proves that he is a master of all the technique which goes under the head of comedy. The piece is a series of strung-together gags — all of which have a place in the Langdon scheme of things. The episodes aren't tied together very snugly, but no one will pay attention to its flaws, so sure is its comedy. Probably the most hilarious piece of funny business has to do with Langdon protecting his virtue. He believes Gertrude Astor is trying to undress him when she is merely trying to extract a roll of bills from his pocket. The star makes the most of his expressive pantomime here. He is also in his element in the bus scene, in which he treats a cold which has fastened itself on him. That's "The Strong Man" for you — a comic film which entertains all the way. It should prove a riot wherever shown. The Cast: Harry Langdon, Priscilla Bonner, Gertrude Astor, IViUiam V. Mong, Robert McKim, Arthur Thalasso. Director, Frank Capra. sode. The romantic scenes. The splendid acting by star. EXPLOITATION ANGLES: Play up Langdon and go the limit on advertising. The star is surely over and turns them away nowadays. Bill as topnotcher. DRAWING POWER: Should pack them in everywhere. Fans are demanding Langdon comedies. THEME: Comedy revolving around soldier who becomes partner of strong man in vaudeville act. Hunts for girl and finds her after amusing episodes. PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS: The army gags. The scenes with strong man. The hunt for the heroine. The episode where vamp tries to take his roll away. The bad cold epi Produced and distributed by First National. Length, six reels. Released September, 1926. Produced and distributed by Famous Players. Length, six reels. Released September, 1926. Al Wilson, stunt aviator, is featured in Exhibitors' "The Flying Mail," an Associated release