Motion Picture News (Jul-Oct 1914)

44 THE MOTION PICTURE NEWS "THE TREY O' HEARTS" (Gold Seal-Universal — Seventh Chapter) REVIEWED BY PETER MILNE SINCE the first two chapters of this popular serial of the Universal Compan}', Edward Sloman, as Seneca Trine, the most abhorent villain that has been seen on the screen for some time, has been greatly in the background, but here, in this instalment, which bears the title of "Stalemate," he is to be seen agai'n. Mr. Sloman is well suited to a part such as the character of Seneca Trine calis for. THE DARING ELOPEMENT Trine is a man that has been crippled for life through the reckless daring of his most hated enemy, and it is Alan Law, this man's son, that Trine is now attempting to put out of the way through his daughter, Judith, and whom Rose, the twin sister, loves. Trine bears a greater resemblance to the Evil One than we have ever seen in a character on the screen. But this is paying Mr. Sloman a high compliment, and Mr. Vance, in his description of the man, leads one to believe that he is just such a character. He is seen in this chapter a number of times seated in his wheel-chair, wildly gesticulating to his servants, his face working horribly, his fingers twitching and his eyes rolling. Great credit is due Mr. Sloman for his portrayal of this part. Another man who had quite a reputation, gained while he was with the Kalem Company, where he interpreted Indian roles, is Arthur Ortega. As he is an Indian, the parts suited him admirably, and as a gunman in this episode he is well cast. He is commissioned by Marrophat, Trine's agent, to kill Law, and follows that young man to the top of a building in course of construction, where he has climbed to get a glimpse of Rose, who is in the house across the way. Red November, the gunman, attacks Law high in the air and a fierce tussle ensues in which Red is worsted and hurled to the ground, many feet below. The next day Alan plans to elope with Rose and lowers himself to her window by a derrick, hoping to depart with her. But the wily Judith disguises herself as Rose and takes her place, and Law, unable to tell his sweetheart from her sister, is joyous when Judith comes out the window to meet him. Here the picture ends and there is much to speculate upon before the next chapter will be seen. Will Law marry Judith, thinking her Rose, is the most vital and exciting question. The outcome of this case of mistaken identity will doubtless be shown in the next release of the series. . STARTS FIGHT AGAINST ONE-EXIT THEATRES Special to The Motion Picture News Houston, Tex., Sept. 3. MOTION picture theatres in Houston which have but one exit must go if the city council follows the recommendation of George Wead, fire marshal. In a letter to the mayor and council Mr. Wead suggests that an ordinance be passed making it unlawful for any motion picture theatre proprietor to obtain a renewal of his license unless the theatre has more than one exit. Mr. Wead contends that such action should be taken for the protection of the public. A panic in a small theatre with but one means of escape would prove calamitous, believes the fire marshal. Mr. Wead also states in his letter that some motion picture theatre proprietors are allowing boys under eighteen years of age to operate motion picture machines, which is against the city ordinance regulating motion picture shows. "THE MILLION DOLLAR MYSTERY'' (Thanhouser — Eleventh Episode) REVIEWED BY PETER MILNE t<TN the Path of the Fast Express," as this caption -I clearly implies, revives the old melodramatic expedient for arousing excitement and creating thrills. Jim, the hero of the all-absorbing tale, is bound fast to a railroad track by the conspirators, always plotting to bring about his death, with an express train momentarily nearing him. But of course he is saved. It would put an end to the serial if he wasn't, besides disobeying all the laws of precedent. Flo manages to reach him, just soon enough to turn the switch and to send the train on another track. This situation, though employed much in the past, is always capable of arousing excitement when well done. A serial would be very tame, indeed, if it were not for its melodramatic situations which are the mainstay of each instalment. JACKSON THREATENS THE LOVERS WITH DEATH Before this, the main event of the episode, occurs, another scene worthy of attention is registered. This time the interior of the train is the scene of action. Flo and Jim are seated therein, bound for home. Unknown to them, the Countess and Jackson are also in the car. Without any warning whatsoever, the car gives a terrific lurch, the occupants are thrown to the floor, and the next instant the car turns on its side, a wreck! And when the scene shifts to an exterior, the wrecking crews are seen, who arrived upon the scene of disaster in a remarkably short time, and gives added realism to the scenes. The kidnapping of Flo by Jackson and an investigation of her whereabouts by Jim led to the denouement already described, but not until Jim had given his captors a great amount of trouble. After the rescue of Jim a thrilling fight is staged between the police and gang employed by the conspirators. The latter are completely overwhelmed and made captives.