Motion Picture News (Nov-Dec 1916)

4258 MOTION PICTURE NEWS Vol. 14. No. 26 " Mutual Weekly," No. 102. (Gaumont.) Synopsis.— This weekly includes more pictures of the battle of the Somrae and includes views of the big 75s being rushed to more advantageous positions ; also an air squadron ready to leave and cathedral ruins. The recent visit of President Wilson to New York to signal for the permanent lighting of the Statue of Liberty is also pictured, as is also the launching of a gold dredge, which, operated by three men, digs 15,000 tons of dirt a day, and the opening of the new scenic boulevard at San Francisco, t-al. " Reel Life, No. 34." (Gaumont. One reel.) Synopsis.— The revival of the sailing ship owing to the demand for tonnage created by the European war is shown in pictures of the ship yards at Essex, Mass. "The Great American Dish" is a title introducing pork and beans, and shows its scientific preparation. Then follows views from the Soudan picturing the natives as they prepare their food. Released December ^4. •' Reel Life, No. 35." (Gaumont. Split reel.) Synopsis. — This opens with pictures of " The Olive Industry in California " and is followed by " The Value of Venom," depicting the methods adopted in combatting the effects of snake bites as developed in Brazil. It also shows A Most Unique Basket," illustrating the uses to which the shell of the Armadillo is put. Released December 31. "Tours Around the World. No. 9." (Gaumont. One reel.) Synopsis.— It takes the spectators upon a trip to Rio de Janeiro, the picturesque capital of Brazil, and then for a ramble around Luchon, in the French Pyrenees. Released January 2. "See America First, No. 69." (Gaumont. Split reel.) Synopsis.— Gives an adequate showing of Pasadena, Cal., the city of roses, and the second half is devoted to a Komic Kartoon, " Miss Catnip Goes to the Movies, by ±larry Palmer. Released January 3. Paramount Program "Their Week End." (Black Diamond. Onereel comedy.) Synopsis.— This picture tells of a wrecked auto, an injured duke, who is rushed to a hospital, and a couple of tramps, who coming across the wreck, search it for spoils and fand the duke's clothing, which they immediately take possession of. They also find an invitation to the Climbers' for a week end, whith^ he was bound when his auto turned turtle. This, also, they appropriated and went to the Climbers, where their antics are weird and conduct extraordinary. Released December 25 by Paramount. " Fifty-Fifty." (Paramount. One-reel Cartoon.) Synopsis. — Ashley Miller contributes this plastique cartoon, which deals with the dilemma of a young man who marries an apparently charming girl, who discovers, when too late, that her " charms " are not all her own. Many comedy situations arise, but the young man finally becomes philosophical and finds a satisfactory solution. " In the Land of Evangeline with Burton Holmes." (Paramount. One-reel Trav.) Synopsis.— Burton Holmes conducts his party through the lovely country called " Arcadie " by Longfellow in his immortal " Evangeline " in his trip from Boston to Halifax, thence to Nova Scotia. He deals with the sad story of the beautiful Evangeline, who, being separated from her lover on the day set for their wedding, is transformed into a determined woman, and after a long search for Gabriel she finds him in a hospital in Philadelphia. Pathe Exchange " Luke's Shattered Sleep." (Rolin.) — Lonesome Luke and his weird associates here disport themselves in a cheap rooming house that furnishes beds for ten cents and beds with springs for fifteen. The humor is rather low on the whole concerning itself with the discovery of an odor surrounding a gentleman's feet, rats and fleas in the bed, and the breaking of various obstacles over heads. There is some original business introduced besides. On the whole a funny picture. "Frills and Thrills." (Florence Rose Fashions. Number Twelve.) — The " thrill " part of the title is intended for mere man we suppose, as the picture delves into the intricacies of lingerie of all sorts and descriptions. It is rather thrilly at that. The rest of the reel consists of the display of afternoon tea gowns. "Pathe News, No. 97." (Pathe. One reel. Educ.) — -This film shows the nineteen-ton submarine built in 1879 by John Holland ; a 'pos sum trot in Tennessee ; Secretary of the Treas ury William C. McAdoo and his wife at Saratoga, Ca.1. ; Allied troops in the Balkans ; fresh troops being sent to reinforce the Russian armies ; an animated cartoon, ".Qur Merchant Marine," by John C. Terry ; refrtsetitatives of foreign governments attend a trial test of . the new Marlin machine gun at Larchmont, N. Y. ; one thousand students of the government's Indian school receiving military instruction at Carlisle, Pa. ; efficient and productive horticultural implements at Davis, Cal. ; the First Virginia Artillery at San Antonio, Tex. ; children save old newspapers in aid of the playground fund of Washington, D.' C. ; efiect of the defect in the city's water supply at Philadelphia, Pa. ; police department of New York City starts its safety campaign, and the ninth annual apple show is opened by King Pip at Spokane, Wash. " Pathe News, No. 100." (Pathe. Onc-rce!. Ed.) Synopsis. — This reel contains pictures of ice skating at the Hotel Biltmore; shipping thousands of horses to the Allies weekly; New York City's slogan, " Walk to Work," in the fresh air campaign; Sir William Dunn, Lord Mayor of London, reviewing troops; King Alphonso's return to Madrid, Spain, after a long absence ; making fat people thin, as demonstrated by George Bothner ; life of the Indians on their reservations at Han Diego, Cal. ; the Council for National Defense at Washington, D. C. ; gathering of evergreen trees at Manistique, Mich., for the Vuletide season; the fall of Bucharest; Governor Johnson of California driving the first stake in the $10,000,000 project for a deep water canal to connect Golden Gate with Sacramento, and the Holy Angels Church celebrates centenary aot Buffalo, N. Y. Universal Program " Sammie Johnsin Slumbers Not." (Universal. One-reel comedy.) Synopsis. — Sammie's slumbers are disturbed by the serenading of the cats in the neighborhood, so he hires a bulldog which drives the pests away, but no sooner has Sammie dispensed with the services of the bulldog than the cats return in force and make the night more hideous than before. Released December 31. " Civilization in the Far East." (Universal. Split reel. Educ.) Synopsis. — -The native rulers of India pride themselves upon the possession of large collections of animals. This picture, from photographs of Dr. Dorsey, shows closeups of monkey families, wild boar, elephants and other native beasts of India. , Released December 31. " Universal Screen Magazine." (Universal. Ed. One-reel.) Synopsis. — Issue No. 3 of this series shows the manufacture of feather boas from the time the feathers are secured from the ostrich to the finished product; some views of the floating Charity Hospital, then follow views of New York City, this being the first of a series of pictures of the great cities of the world. The picture closes with a comic incident, entitled " Things That Never Happened." " Such Is Life in Alaska." (Universal. Onereel trav.) Synopsis. — This picture, interspersed with drawings by Hy Mayer, shows views of the ice fields and snowy ranges, herds of reindeer, which the Alaskan Eskimos are learning to care for, and finally some remarkable effects of silhouette drawings which dissolve into the real landscape and vice versa. " Perils of a Plumber." (L-Ko. Wed., Dec. 27.) — Dan Russell appears again in this one. Russell has an entirely original line of business and tricks which makes his every appearance a signal lor a real good comedy. With the exception of a few scenes in which poor photography prevails, " Perils of a Plumber " is a highly diverting release. A decided hit. " Good-Morning, Judge." (Victor. Two reels. Thurs., Dec. 28.) — Written by Grace Cunard and produced by Francis Ford this comedy in which two young persons, for some unknown reason believe themselves guilty of smuggling, are the prominent characters, gets a few laughs, but not enough to put it cleanly over. The character of the situations never varies, and no real story is ever brought out. Mina Cunard and Ernie Shields are the principals. "The Prodigal Daughter." (Rex. Sun., Dec. 31.) — Allen Holubar and Agnes Vernon are starred in this picture, which is full of pathos, and reveals the Thanksgiving dinner being partaken of in the absence of the daughter who left the parental roof some years previously. The " first snow of the year " greeted as " The Lord's Messenger of Peace " finds the daughter and her child scantily clothed and weak outside her father's home. She faints, and the child by a violent ringing of the door bell brings aid, and on being admitted to the house recognition is made, but the father, still stern, declared his daughter must go, but the granddaughter may stay. They 2^re inseparable, however, and the usual happy ending ensues. " Giant Powder." (Bison. Two reels. Sat., Dec. 30.) — Written by Maxwell R>-der and starring Edith Johnson and Fred Church, this is a gripping play, based on mining life in the West. The general store is faithfully depicted, as also are the characters to be met in such localities, A rich man's son out West prospecting makes desperate love to the daughter of the local tradesman, and has for a rival the real bad man of the camp. Fisticuffs ensue, and when visited by his father, sister and city sweetheart he is found stripped to the waist and battling with his rival, whom he defeats. Later when the midday shot has been planted, and the blast is about to explode, and all the men are scurrying to places of safety, the hero's foot becomes caught in the blast crevices and he is unable to extricate himself. Then his former rival covers himself with glory by tempting Fate and going to his rescue. " Mines and Matrimony." (Joker. Sat., Dec. 30.) — Gale Henry, Heine Conklin and other Joker favorites chase a gold-brick through several hundred feet, finally winding up in a mine shaft with a rope and pulley hoist. Every time they tried to pull up the unfortunate who had fallen down the pit, it would mean a swap ol balance, until the bride finally meets her fate by grabbing the groom half-way and holding him in mid-air until the preacher could tie the knot from above. The gold-brick failed to figure in the final balance. " PhU's Busy Day." (L-Ko. Fri., Dec. 29.)— Mr. Dunham is again revelling in liis destructive temperament, and after shattering dishes, furniture and wife's heart, does some rapid transit scenes from his house to the adjoining one, via convenient branches of a weeping willow. Good fast chase and novel stunts fill the most of this reel to such good effect that the need of good acting is not evident, nor would it be noted if present. An auto loaded with passengers is shown plunging into the ocean at the finish. " Toto of the Byways." (Imp. Two reels. Fri., Dec. 29.) — Light drama concerning a little Paris girl, who, brought up as a crook, turns straight through the influence of an English artist, and proves the means of frustrating her old pals when they attempt to steal a valuable painting of her father's. There is a little too much incident in this drama for smooth sailing and a few hackneyed situations are introduced without rhyme or reason. Edith Roberts makes Toto a lively figure, while others are : Harry Benham, Charles Slattery and Johnnie Walker. Catherine Carr wrote the scenario and Lee Kohlmar produced. "Pretty Baby." (Nestor. Mon., Dec 25.)— By Bess Meredith the story is innocent fun and features the most charming infant yet filmed. Pearl Elmore, once ot Fine Arts, and Fred Gamble, once of Keystone, help Eddie Lyons, a girl and the baby to keep the grins going. A young married couple, mature relative who hates children, and a brief and unexpected visit during which baby must be disposed of, all go to make the plot a gay series of gasps. " Birds of a Feather." ((Sold Seal Three reels. Tues., Dec. 26.) — This depicts in entirely too great detail the efforts of an ex-convict to go straight. The story is padded by way of lengthening each individual scene until after a while the whole thing becomes extremely boresome. As for the story itself, it is poorly put together, there being several loose ends to it. William V. Mong wrote it, and he it is who plays the lead. Others are : Nellie Allen, Lydia Yeamans Titus, Harry Holden. " Stronger Than Steel." (Laemmle. Two reels. Wed., Dec. 27.) — This stars, Allen Holubar and Louise Lovely, and is an adaptation of one of George Bronson-Howard's stories. It opens up with a group of stage door Johnnies awaiting the chorus girls, and one of the latter motors off with one of the party, but a tiff puts a speedy end to the evening. A tramp appears on the scene, and appeals for money for food. The man in the case takes the l>eggar to his bachelor quarters to experience the sensation ot watching a really hungry man eat. \\Tiile at table tlie man chides the tramp for being down and out, and advises him never to go hungry, even though he had to steal to secure food. Taking him at his word, the tramp decides to rob his benefactor ; he does so. and a terrific fight takes place in which the clubman is worsted. The police arrive upon the scene, but instead of causing the tramp's arrest, he presents him with the articles of silverware he was about to steal.