Motion Picture Magazine (Aug 1926-Jan 1927)

Advertising Section tfT,M0TI0N PICTURI7 InBI I MAGAZINE K The Picture Parade (Continued from page 63) of them are related) make various entrances and exits and become involved in all kinds of situations— from the triangle to the mother-love idea. Naturally, it all spells confusion. The director has striven for too much detail. He should have aimed for a simple treatment and built the picture from some well-chosen strokes. By presenting symbolic touches of the four horsemen galloping across the sky he brings back memories of the original steeds and their riders— and the new impression is not so good. A large cast of players has been selected, but not one has been able to do anything in the way of characterization because of the plot ramifications and the frenzied manner in which the figures are handled. Jean Hersholt contributes the outstandingperformance. — First National. Skinner's Dress Suit — Romantic Comedy ""They've lugged this story to the movie mill again. It earned its laurels several years ago with Bryant Washburn as the chap with the evening togs. At that time it proved to be something entirely different from the general run of light comedies. Today it doesn't look so novel, tho it stands to the credit of the director, William Seiter, and the star, Reginald Denny, for pepping it up with amusing by-play in which the Charleston figures importantly. There isn't so much weight to it. And it skips about at times without head or tail. But it never is boring. Denny is a capable comedian with most any kind of material — and he cuts up capers with all the abandon of a trouper who is sure of himself. Laura La Plante and a host of others are present and most of them seem to get keen enjoyment from it — especially the La Plante person. This is the type of story which fits her. And she should remain in light comedies and not venture in emotional numbers like "The Midnight Sun." — Universal. The Wise Guy — Drama ■"There was quite a run on the crook story, as it concerned fake preachers after "The Miracle Man" was produced. Sensing the popularity of that work, every picture mogul did his "darnedest" to cash in on its appeal. The idea was used so often that it tired the public and, naturally, it was dropped. Now it has cropped' up again and makes a rattling good picture — one that is logically developed — and which, making allowances for dramatic license, is consistent and convincing. There could be no better choice than James Kirkwood for the role of the fake preacher who conducts a mission on wheels. He has surrounded himself with some "religious" talent who are just as shady as himself. And so he saves souls by preaching with sincerity in his voice. And like the central figure in "The Miracle Man." he really gets religion by falling in love with a girl. There is a healthy moral lesson behind the picture and it is well balanced with humor to keep it from becoming too drab in its plot. Kirkwood gets good assistance from George Marion, George Cooper and the others. — First National. Silence — Melodrama The shadow of the noose looms very large in this melodrama starring H. B. Warner. Upon the stage it provided many anxious moments thru its suspense and the restrained emotion contributed by Warner. Xow that he is playing the same role of the burglar upon the screen, he is giving the picture the benefit of his shadings and moods. The film follows the play in practically all of its essentials. The prolog shows the condemned man waiting for the noose to be slipped around his neck. His lawyer pleads with him to tell who really committed the murder. But the crook is obstinate and refuses even when they perform a psychological third degree upon him. Then the real plot opens and explains in terms of more or less tense action and incident why the crook is in jail. Twenty years of a hectic life elapse — years in which crime and punishment and what-not are ever flirting with the burglar. "Silence" is a good mystery picture and is capitally acted by Warner. The director has taken advantage of all of its melodramatic trimmings by keeping in mind the value of suspense. — Producers Distributing Corp. The Rainmaker — Melodrama Comething different in racing stories is unfolded here — one which, while not so original in its theme, manages to release some novelty in its characterization and the manner in which the scenes are manipulated. Certainly it doesn't lack for dramatics— there being enough of the element known as action to supply an old-fashioned serial. Not only is there a racing episode to start it off, but it continues with its punch when -a fire and epidemic are added for good measure. Naturally, this all builds a plot which becomes truly "in-tri-kut" and difficult to accept as real. But no one can deny that it fails to tickle the pulse. The hero is a jockey who knows how to pick a mud horse and ride it to victory on a rainy day. His barometer is his arm, which having been wounded in the war, gets rheumatic enough to tip him off on the approach of inclement weather. The racing episode gets over quickly — and the following scenes introduce the romance and the melodrama. Indeed, the love interest enters and stays with the dramatic moments to the finish. William Collier, Jr., gives a most convincing portrayal of the jockey. He succeeds in admirably blending the pathos with the humanities. Georgia Hale is satisfactory as the girl, while Ernest Torrence gives a perfect characterization of a "diamond-in-therough." — Paramount. Why Girls Go Back Home — Romantic Drama Ane would think that this was a home^ and-fireside melodrama to judge from its title — a melodrama in which Pop and Mom wait patiently for their erring daughter to return by the light of the parlor lamp. In a measure this is true, but the director has wisely seen the obviousness of it in time to brighten it up with humor and humanities. While the plot gets out of hand occasionally, it doesn't take itself too seriously. Where it errs is in the method employed to drive its message home. The girl of the title pursues an actor to New York after -he has trouped in her town. When the thespian gets on the front pages she, having become a chorus girl, falsely announces her engagement to him. (Continued on page 123) Ma£t© Learned Easily At Home Astonish Your Friends— Gain that magnetic popularity that makes you the center of any crowd. Business and social success is assured the man who can perform mystifying tricks. You can earn big money either on the side or as a professional, as well as being the most popular person in your crowd. Why envy others' skill? You can learn Magic yourself, quick and easy. Earn $250 to $1000 a Month Even sleight-of-hand, generally supposed to require long practice, is NOW made simple to learn. For Dr. Harlan Tarbell, one of the really Great Magicians, has finally opened up the secrets of his profession in a completely illustrated course offered at a merely nominal cost. Through the wonderful Tarbell System you will be able to mystify and entertain your friends with simple tricks taught in your very first lesson. After that Dr. Harlan Tarbell takes you through the entire maze of sleightof-hand, card tricks and elaborate stage divertisements. The apparently superhuman doings of the accomplished magician become as simple as ABC when you just know how. Mail Coupon for Special Offer ! There is a tremendous demand for magic entertainment. Clubs, Lodges, Charity and Social affairs — all will pay high fees to the man who knows Magic. Dr. Harlan Tarbell really gets as high as $250 for a half hour's work right now. Opportunity everywhere to make money aside from your regular occupation. Salesmen find it a tremendous asset. Find out all about this unprecedented opportunity to learn Magic. The coupon brings full details without any obligation. Mail it TODAY. Tarbell System, Inc. 1926 Snnnyside Ave.,StndioC126 Chicago a Tarbell System, Inc. ■ 1926 Sunnyside Ave.,Studio C-126 Chicago B Tell me all about Dr. Tarbell's new and simple g system by which I can learn the secrets of B MAGIC. No obligation on my part. " Name I ■ Address. a a .Age. When you write to advertisers please mention MOTION PICTURE MAGAZINE. 121 PAG I