Motion Picture News (Sept-Oct 1916)

1888 MOTION PICTURE NEWS Vol. 14. No. 12 TIlBaiiilllillBSi^^ SCREEN EXAMINATIONS "THE STORM" (Lasky-Paramount — Five Reels) REVIEWED BY THEODORE OSBORN ELTONHEAD IT is difficult in speaking of " The Storm," to restrain the enthusiastic praise which the production deserves. As pictures go it is almost without a flaw in its essential characteristics. To begin with, it has a delightfully human little story worked •out and treated in a delightful and beautiful manner. It carries the impression of reality throughout, there is not the slightest tinge of the theatric, and in addition it has been staged in scenically beautiful surroundings in a manner that calls forth the most enthusiastic praise. It is a picture that any audience would enjoy, a picture that carries the direct human appeal, with just enough plot to make it interesting, and enough suspense to keep it entertaining. Every person connected with its production from Beatrice De Mille, the author. Frank Reichcr, the director, Blanche Sweet, the star, and Theodore Roberts in a strong supporting character part, deserves the utmost commendation for the able manner in which they have carried out their respective parts. Though not new by any manner of means the story has been treated in such a clean wholesome manner that it possesses the semblance of originality. Natalie Rayden is the daughter of an absent minded hermit professor, who has brought her up in the wilderness as a beautiful innocent child of nature. Sheldon Avery, a theological student, is camping with his friend, Robert Field " That Young Man Suggested a Contribution to Your Fresh Air Camp " ing in the vicinity of her home. Fielding is called away to the city and Avery meets the young girl. Caught by a storm they are marooned on an island in the lake overnight. The next morning Avery offers to marry her but Natalie forces him to admit that he does not love her, and she says that it would be a greater sin to marry. Avery leaves for the city. The next year Fielding returns to the lake and meets and falls in love with Natalie. She returns his affection and he calls upon Avery to marry them. At the crucial point in the ceremony Natalie stops it and confesses. Fielding after a moment of intense passion takes her in his arms and tells Avery to proceed with the service. Much of the simple delight of the story is lost in the telling in a few words, for it is the manner in which it has been treated that brings out its great charm. Much of this charm is also due to the clever work of Blanche Sweet in the stellar role and of Theodore Roberts as the absent minded professor. The latter is particularly good, never for a moment forgetting the character ■he is simulating, and incorporating deft little touches of humor lhat are not only delightful in themselves but serve to lighten the somewhat heavier moments. It is one of the finest pieces of character work that we have ever seen on the screen. A review of the picture would not be complete without mention of the clever work of Chandler House in the juvenile part of David. Neither should Frank Reicher, the director, be slighted for he showed rare judgment and artistis ability in the selection of his locations. He used the scenic beauties of nature to the greatest advantage. Backed up with the usual excellent Lasky Photography he achieved some scenes that were remarkable for their beauty. Thomas Meighan as Robert Fielding and Richard Sterling as Sheldon Avery were acceptable. " THE JUNGLE CHILD " (Kay Bee-Triangle — Five Reels) REVIEWED BY PETER MILNE itHPHE Jungle Child," written by Monte M. Katterjohn and produced by Walter Edwards, is based on a story, which however original in its make-up fails to ring true to life. Its climaxes are unable to create conviction in the spectator. The one place to affix the blame in this case is with the author. His story is impossible and therefore it is unreal. A Savage Setting in the Midst of Civilization Ollante, a Spanish girl, has been reared by a tribe of Brazilian Indians unaware of her true ancestry. She rescues an explorer lost in the wilderness. He learns through papers found on her when she was a baby, that she is heiress to a vast fortune. He marries her and takes her back to New York. Here he does ever>-thing in his power to obtain control of her fortune and by deception he at length succeeds. On the night of his success he gives a party to disreputable friends in his own house. His wife comes to the door to Hsten to the revelry and hears him denounce her as a " damned savage," and expresses his desire to be rid of her. Heart-broken she retreats to a room in the top of the house that is fitted up as her jungle hut. Towards morning she commences the dance of death. Her husband hearing the noise and still half drunk comes into the room and starts to mock her. Infuriated she siezes him and strangles the life from his body. Dorothy Dalton and Howard Hickman are the principals, while in support appear Gertni'dte Claire, Dorcas Matthews, Frederick Vroom, Elsa Lorrimer and Leo Willis.