Motion Picture News (Nov-Dec 1923)

2592 Motion Picture News Pleasure Mad (Metro— 7547 Feet) (Reviewed by Laurence Reid) CARRYING an obvious preachment for the sanctity of the marital vows, this picture carries on in the familiar fashion — showing as it does, a self-sacrificing wife and mother — her irresponsible children — and the husband's inability to stand prosperity— with all the attendant disgrace and ultimate reconciliation once he has come to his senses. Nothing new is exposed in plot or treatment — and the continuity is uneven — which does not bring logic to the action. The idea is wholly conventional — for at the start we are shown the self-sacrificing mother performing all kinds of arduous duties in keeping her family together. There is no suspense for one can anticipate every scene. Furthermore the players are allowed to overstress every point. There are gaps in the action — one being noticeable when the father is taken ill. The story is a long time in reaching its dramatic moments. And these arrive when prosperity carries them to the city. It is of faulty construction to permit the father to kick over the traces so suddenly and encouraging his children to forget their mother. I' doesn't smack of humanity. But such pictures must be sharply divided in order to lend contrast to virtue and villainy. So to the false premise of the children following their father in a pursuit of mad pleasure — while the mother sits home and broods. Eventually the father is brought up sharp with the law — when he nearly kills a young bounder caught in an attempt to dishonor his daughter. The usual finish is obeyed — when the wife forgives her trespassing husband. The plot is crude in its development — the argument toward divorce being especially faulty. But there is a human touch visible — and it appears in Mary Alden's portrayal of the long-suffering wife and mother. She is never out of character — and acts with a real flash of sincerity. There is an audience for this picture and doubtless it will please them — what with its conflict and climax — and moral. Had it been treated less bluntly, with its scenes properly dovetailed, it would suggest finer humanity. THEME. Domestic drama featuring a mother's selfsacrifice toward husband and children. When prosperity comes, the father and children turn on their mother and become involved with scandal and the law — but the mother remains loyal and aids them to be reclaimed to society. PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS. Mary Alden's human performance. Norma Shearer's charming performance. The scene when husband becomes involved with the law. The intimate scenes between the family. DIRECTION. Has worked out laborious treatment of orthodox plot — with scarcely a semblance of human values. Handles players fairly skillfully, and develops story to rather dramatic climax, but is unable to prevent it from looking artificial throughout. EXPLOITATION ANGLES. This picture carries an obvious moral — and you might emphasize the dangers which accompany the breaking up of family ties. Feature the players — and mention what prosperity does. DRAWING POWER. For neighborhood and second class houses. Should draw with feminine patronage. SUMMARY. The same old treatment on the breaking up of home, showing poor husband and father neglecting his marriage vows when prosperity comes to him. Orthodox throughout — with no surprises and very few human touches. THE CAST Hugh Benton Huntley Gordon Marjorie Benton Mary Alden Elinor Benton Norma Shearer Howard Benton William Collier, Jr. Geraldine De Lacey Winifred Bryson Templeton Druid Ward Crane John Hammond Frederick Truesdell Hulda Joan Standing Based on novel, "The Valley of Content," by Blanche Upright. Scenario by A. P. Young. Directed by Reginald Barker. SYNOPSIS. Father is devoted to wife and children until he becomes prosperous. His wife is loyal and is always performing sacrifices for him and the children. They move to city — and husband tires of wife and finds companionship with younger woman. Starts divorce proceedings and encourages children to leave mother. When he becomes involved with the law he realizes his wife's loyalty and returns, a sadder and wiser husband. Stephen Steps Out (Paramount — Six Reels) (Reviewed by Frank Elliott) A REFRESHINGLY new personality has hit the screen. " Doug " Fairbanks, Jr. A chip off the old block. He's got Dad's smile and he really can act just as natural as some of the veterans. And he has that valuable screen asset — youth. We would say that the debut of the younger Mr. Fairbanks is thor-' oughly satisfactory. An ideal story has been picked out to exploit the abilities of the new star. It is one of Richard Harding Davis' best and in book form was called, " The Grand Cross of the Crescent." Paramount has made it into a picture crammed full of action, heart appeal and thrill. It starts out with a lot of school boy pranks, visualizing on the screen many scenes which many members of the big film audience have gone through themselves. Then the plot switches to Turkey where Mr. Fairbanks, Jr., has a chance to show his ability at stunt performances. Human interest has been built into the picture in the attitude of the boy toward an old college " prof " who has " crabbed " his graduation by " flunking " him because he deserved it while all the other teachers passed him because they fear the wrath of his rich dad who really supports the prep school. As a result of the old man's action he is tired and the boy in order to make amends plots to have him " decorated " for his wonderful history of Turkey. He succeeds in an unusual manner and the picture literally ends in a blaze of glory. An excellent cast has been selected to support the youthful player. First of all there is Theodore Roberts who comes close to grabbing the picture for himself. Then there is Noah Beery, villain par excellence; Harry Myers and his peppy comedy; Frank Currier who is a great " prexy " and so on. " Stephen Steps Out " will not be hard to put over, because to start wiith there is the natural curiosity of the public to see Doug's son. Next, the story is by a famous and popular author. There is a fine cast. The story has a real moral and through it all runs the alluring quality — the magnetism of American youth. THEME. A comedy drama of adventure in which a youth sets out to make amends for causing his old prep school teacher to lose his job and in so doing gets into some real thrilling adventure in Turkey. PRODUCTION HIGHLIGHTS. The acting of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. The fine supporting cast. The comedy contained in the opening scenes of prep school life. The scenes attending the boy's rescue of the prince. DIRECTION. Joseph Henabery has certainly brought out an engaging personality here. Has succeeded in transplanting to the screen all the refreshing quality of youth. He has put several fine comedy as well as dramatic punches into the action. Has made the story clear at all times. EXPLOITATION ANGLES. Shout from the house tops that Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., has arrived in town. Tie up with the book store on the Richard Harding Davis novel. Play up the names of the fine supporting personnel. DRAWING POWER. This one looks like a clean-up for any box office. SUMMARY. Motion picture audiences crave new faces. Well here's one and a winner, too. In addition you've got a real story, a wonderful cast and a high class production. THE CAST Stephen Harlow, Jr Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Stephen Harlow Theodore Roberts Muley Pasha Noah Beery Harry Stetson Harry Myers Dr. Lyman Black Frank Currier Prof. Gilman James O. Barrows Mrs. Gilman Fannie Midgley Virgil Smythe Bertram Johns Sultan Fred Warren Sultan's son Pat Moore Hotel proprietor Frank Nelson From the story by Richard Harding Davis. Directed by Joseph Henabery. Scenario by Edfrid Bingham. Photographed by F. Dean. SYNOPSIS. The hero is the son of a rich packer, the financial power behind the school which his offspring is attending. Because of this fact all the teachers are afraid to flunk him at examination time — except one who gives him his just deserts — a mark of five. Because of this action the old professor loses his job. Given an opportunity to win a diploma if he studies real hard, he is sent to Turkey with a tutor but spends most of his time in trying to get a decoration for the old teacher. He succeeds.