Motion Picture News (Nov - Dec 1926)

y ov ember 2 0 , 19 2 6 1959 The Bells Lionel Barrymore in a Famous Role (Reviewed by Thomas C. Kennedy) THE CHADWICK COMPANY has prepared a handsome package for its presentation on the screen of the far-famed theatrical work, "The Bells." Indeed no play — even a venerable one like ' ' The Bells ' ' — could ask for more respectful treatment when it came to be cast, photographed and produced for the silver sheet. Lionel Barrymore offers freely of his histrionic best in the role made famous by Sir Henry Irving; James Young imparts to the scenes those pictorial qualities which mark his work as a director; and the camera work by L. William O'Connel is a treat to the eye — there is a depth and tone to this photography which lifts it far above the average. The result of all this is an illusion which holds the spectator and commands an unflagging interest in a story built of materials which, naturally enough, seem threadbare now. But the contradictory Mathias, innkeeper and mill owner who aspires to be Burgomaster of the Alsatian village in which he lives with his wife and daughter, proves that there is still drama in the figure of a man haunted by an accusing and avenging conscience — reminding him of his cold and bloody murder for the gold with which he would purchase happiness. "The Bells" is dramatic strong stuff, but there is here a leaven of brightness and picturesque detail which gives the picture every promise of popular success. The Cast: Lionel Barrymore, Caroline Frances Cooke, Gustav von Seyfertitz, Larimer Johnson, Lola Todd, Edward Phillips, Otto Lcderer, Fred Warren. Director, James Young. THEME: Dramatic portrayal its climax in the vision where of a man who kills for gold to pay his debts and then is haunted, finally to death, by an avenging conscience. PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS : The finely spectacular quality of the settings — which breathe "atmosphere." The acting. The highly dramatic incidents which bring the play to Mathias sees himself being tried for the murder of the Polish Jew. EXPLOITATION ANGLES: Stress as version of famous play in which Irving starred on the stage. Title adapted to poster campaign using car, window cards, etc. DRAWING POWER: Good. Produced and distributed by Chadzvick Pictures Corp. Interesting moments in the Fox Films special, "The Return of Peter Grimm," a screen version of the Belasco stage success of years ago The Outlaw Express Pathe's Worth-while Moloney "Western' (Reviewed by Paul Thompson) TO find a new plot or a novel twist to the story of a Western melodrama must keep author, scenarist and director awake nights, not to mention the mental turmoil of the producer. I feel that Ford I. Beebe has succeeded in this piece in which Leo Maloney stars and plays the role of director. He succeeds admirably in both capacities. It results in one of the best of the innumerable Westerns put on the screen in this year of melodrama of that particular brand or typo. The sheriff (Melbourne MacDowell of Shakespearian and romantic drama memory) is suspected of being hand in glove with the robbers of the Wells-Fargo express. It is Maloney 's business as the crack operative of the company to disprove this and pin the guilt on the local agent. He does. His final coup is overtaking the stage coach which is held up by one of the express agents' conspirators and bringing this back with the evidence, which saves the sheriff from a lynching. Good melodrama. A word for the photography by Harry Cooper and Orrin Jackson. The last two reels, taken in a rainstorm, are unusually effective. Maloney 's, naturally the dominant, role is acted with that absence of theatricalism and with a naturalness that account for the favor in which he is held. An adequate supporting company helps. The Cast: Leo Maloney, Joan Rcnce, Melbourne MacDowell, Albert Hart, Henry Otto, Paul Hurst, Evelyn Thatcher, Nelson MacDowell, Fred Burns, Bud Osborne, Frank Ellis. Written and arranged by Ford Beebe. Director, Leo Maloney. Quintet of comedy stills of the Paramount feature length comedy, In the Navy Now" THEME: Solving stage coach robberies in the West. PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS : Rainstorm section with gathering of lynchers and Maloney 's pursuit, capture and return of stage coach. EXPLOITATION ANGLES: Maloney and then Maloney. Novel twist to story. DRAWING POWER: Should be excellent. Produced and distributed by Pathe. Length, 5,479 feet. Released November 14, 1926.