Motion Picture News (Jan-Feb 1922)

554 Motion Picture News “SHADOWS OF THE SEA” (Selznick) “THREE LIVE GHOSTS” (Fitzmaurice-Paramount) Adventure Story Replete With Action YOU may call this rather impossible regarding subject matter, but there is no denying that it carries considerable vitality, expressed through scenes marked for action, thrills and suspense The author, Frank Dazey, has written enough melodramas to know how to incorporate the element of action. And it must be said for “ Shadows of the Sea ” that it moves with vivid punches. It is an adventurous sea story, although considerable of the action transpires on land. The central character is a sailor of fortune — not the browbeater so well depicted by Jack London, but a gentleman who engages in a stealthy contraband business for the love of it. He commands a yacht that sails the high seas. And his fame has preceded him — as a man not subject to giving any quarter when facing danger. It doesn’t take long for the story to get started. Despite its plot and counterplot and the fact that it traverses two hemispheres it is always easy to follow — thanks to a well prepared continuity. The characters may not be clearly defined and one may wonder at times the motives guiding them — but one is never puzzled over the array of picturesque scenes, which have that vivid quality of punch. Conway Tearle is the star here and he manages to excite a deal of interest through his colorful sketch. His repression is admirable when one appreciates the opportunities to indulge in dramatic fireworks. A vivid scene finds him rescuing a derelict from a Hong Kong den and making a man of him on his yacht. The vessel steams into some hidden nook on the California coast, and the subsequent shot reveals a battle between revenue officers and the modern pirates. The skipper escapes and intrudes in a domestic affair. Here December is married to May and the young wife is carrying on an innocent intrigue with a youth. The captain, who is subject to snap judgments places a wrong conclusion on things and kidnaps the couple after the death of the husband. His object is to make them tired of one another by constantly offering them each other’s company. The young widow possesses a spirited temperament — which is occasion to show the age-old conflict of sex. A mutiny breaks out on board, the first mate, who has coveted the girl, instigating the affair. It is quickly subdued by the resourceful skipper, who, realizing that he has fallen in love, reforms and permits himself to accept the punishment of the law. But the attractive widow has also responded to romance and she suggests an evasion of the law by a cruise in the tropics. The atmosphere is well sustained, there being a reality about the scenes which is convincing for this type of story. A good cast assists the star.. — Length, 5 reels. — Laurence Reid. THE CAST Capt. Dick Carson Shivering Sam Andrews Ralph Dean Dr. Jordan Dorothy Jordon Molly “ Red ” Capt. Hobbs By Frank Dazey. Scenario by Lewis Allen Browne. Directed by Alan Crosland. ..Conway Tearle . Jack Drumier . . . Crawfurd Kent Arthur Housman ,J. Barney Sherry . . . Doris Kenyon . . . Frankie Mann . . . Harry J. Lane Wm. Nally PRESS NOTICE— STORY Conway Tearle as a gallant young sea adventurer is certain to please his many followers in his newest picture entitled “ Shadows of the Sea,” which comes to the theatre next . As may be judged from the title, the picture tells a maritime story despite the fact that most of the action takes place on land. The story opens with a scene of a typical waterfront resort of the most questionable character where the hero, Capt. Carson, finds a human wastrel and carries him away to his yacht. Carson is an adventurer whose purpose is to find a thrill in life through the seemingly harmless defiance of certain maritime and government laws that have to do with the transportation of contraband goods. While this illicit trading is the basic background for the story, there are numerous side plots that produce a full measure of love interest and romance to say nothing of numerous characterizations that are drawn into the story. The role assigned Mr. Tearle is one providing extraordinary opportunities, none of which are slighted by the star. Doris Kenyon plays the leading feminine role in appealing fashion, while the contributory support is furnished by such capable players as Jack Drumier, Crawfurd Kent, J. Barney Sherry, Frankie Mann and Arthur Housman. PROGRAM READER Conway Tearle in a spectacular screen play will be the feature attraction at the theatre next , when the star’s new picture, “ Shadows of the Sea,” is shown. This is an adventure story written by Frank Dazey. Love and romance play an important part in the plot, but the outstanding feature of the production is the rapid-fire action that is noticeable from the first scene to the last. Mr. Tearle, in the role of a young soldier of fortune whose principal occupation is the foiling of maritime laws, is said to enact one of the best roles of his eventful career. Opposite the star is Doris Kenyon, while others include Crawfurd Kent and Barney Sherry. SUGGESTIONS This is an actionful adventure story which is certain to interest patrons because of its many situations and thrilling events. Besides it furnishes the star with a colorful role. You can mention that he gives a good account of himself, while his supporting cast including Doris Kenyon and Crawfurd Kent is excellent. Describe the feature as one that keeps moving with plenty of dramatic sweep and power. You can feature the story as the adventures of a soldier of fortune. Call it a melodrama replete with thrills and excitement. The accessories in the shape of paper are attractive. These displayed prominently are certain to stimulate curiosity. Mystery Comedy Melodrama — Interesting Post-War Story THE popular play from the pen of Frederick S. Isham, which graced a Broadway theatre for many months, and was among the most favorably talked of dramas in 1921, will unquestionably score as emphatically, a screen hit of 1922 It sets a precedent which promises improved pictures, if those which follow keep an even pace. Of London, England, locale, the use of the actual places of interest, including scenes in the Limehouse district, views of Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, etc., not only add to the scenic value but supply coveted realism. The cast has been selected with evident care, Norman Kerry, as the American abroad who enlists in the British Army; Edmund Goulding, as the Cockney lad, and Cyril Chadwick, who made a marked impression in the role of the shell-shocked English gentleman in the original presentation of “ Three Live Ghosts.” All these players deserve highest commendation for making the best of great parts, Edmund Goulding, as the product of Whitechapel, being a revelation in his impersonation of the Cockney. Glare Greet, as his mother, is splendid. Anna Q. Nilsson looks well, although the role does not offer a very wide range. While the plot has not been kept intact, additional melodrama having obviously been injected because the original situation depended entirely upon dialogue. More fitting motion picture lore has been substituted, which will not be apparent to those who did not see the original, and those who did will be bound to admit the necessity of the change. Indeed, in adapting “ Three Live Ghosts,” Ouida Bergere has done a work of which she may well be proud. About the time the Armistice was signed, three pals of war escape from a German prison camp. Each has been reported “ missing ” sufficient time to be listed among fatalities, one an American, one a Cockney English and the other an English nobleman, whose memory departed from shell shock. They return to England as stowaways on a Holland tramp vessel, the Cockney to find that he is reported dead, and bound to remain so since his mother has collected and spent his insurance; the American willing to remain “ dead ” because of the reason for his hurried disappearance, and the English nobleman without sufficient memory to know if he is dead or alive or who he was before the war. “ Spoofy,” named by his pals, has the playful habit of kleptomania. Much of the comedy depends upon his ability to walk away with things, with innocent intent. Finally, attracted by the exterior of a mansion, with characteristic cunning, he enters, seeks a room wherein hang many articles of an English gentleman’s wearing apparel, makes a complete change of clothing, and on the way out, helps himself to milady’s jewels, as well as her baby. To the Whitechapel home of the Cockney family, Spoony returns with his loot. Meantime the gin drinking mother has read the offer of a reward for the American. She plans to collect, is interfered with by the son, who sticks to his pal, but when the police come to the slums to investigate her claim of reward, they run into the jewels and baby, the disappearance of which have set all London astir. It develops the American girl did the advertising for information regarding the American, for whom proof of his innocence of crime she has obtained. Brought to identify her child and jewels, a Duchess recognizes her husband in “ Spoofy.” His return of mem* ory informs him of theft of his own child and family jewels. The two gentlemen by birth, remain “ pals ” with the Cockney lad who saved both their lives. Anyone who attends motion pictures to be entertained, regardless of their especial preference in the nature of an offering, will be bound to enjoy “ Three Live Ghosts.” The photography, of a sunerior quality, should not be overlooked. Length, 6 reels. — Lillian R. Gale. I vis Billy Foster... Spoofy Jimmy Gubbins Peter Larne .... Mrs. Gubbins. . Miss Wiifers. . . The Duchess... Briggs THE CAST Directed by George Fitzmaurice. Scenario by Ouida Begere. Photographed by Arthur Miller. ■ Anna Q. Nilsson ...Norman Kerry ...Cyril Chadwick Edmund Goulding John Miltem Clare Greet ..Annette Benson ....Dorothy Fane . • .Windham Guise PRESS NOTICE— STORY Comedy melodrama, equipped with thrills and mystery, incorporating a post war story of unusual interest, is “ Three Live Ghosts,” which comes to the theatre on . It is the picturization of Frederic R. S. Isham’s stage play, which won unusual favor with Broadway audiences for many months. It is delivered by a strong cast, under the direction of George Fitzmaurice, and photographed by the famous camera-expert, Arthur Miller. Glimpses of the Limehouse quarter, the famous wharf and near vicinity of London, England, start the rapid action, which keeps running along with smooth sequences until among the most notable stories of the screen has been told in an entertaining, effective way. It is with great pleasure the theatre may hartily recommend “ Three Live Ghosts.” One you do not want to miss.