Motion Picture News (Jan-Feb 1922)

January 14, 1922 555 “MAKING THE GRADE” (David Butler Attractions-State Rights) “ACROSS THE DEADLINE” (Universal) Whimsical Story of Romance and Melodrama; Fairly Entertaining Tall Timbers Melodrama — Mayo as Fighting Son of Northwest DAVID BUTLER has made such a good impression with his features that it is to be regretted his personality does not grace the screen more often. His newest offering, " Making the Grade,” is a typical Butler story because it carries a role filled with whimsicality and abundant humor. While of a light texture the plot contains enough high spots to please any patron for the hour. A New York audience in the heart of the tenderloin became quite enraptured with it before the finish had arrived. Those who remember “ Smiling All the Way ” will compare the newest opus to it. They are apt to be disappointed. For one thing it does not carry the same human qualities — even though it does offer considerable humor. The idea itself is a pleasant variation on the youth who, given to idleness and indulgence by generous parents, goes to Russia with a detachment of American soldiers to preserve order in a Siberian city, and there finding romance, returns a benedict and mends his ways. That’s the whole substance of the plot. Trimmed to its skeleton it does not offer much. But the director has embellished with first rate detail — which because of its humorous note is certain to score. Take for instance the schooling of the bearded moujik — with the pretty teacher assisted by the soldier. Another scene has him finding fun from disobeying the orders of the Russian soldiers. He is no stickler for discipline. And when his captain is forced to salute in return — the young private salutes so often — the former is really provoked. This little scene is certain to be appreciated. A time comes when the hero returns to America with his bride and finds himself unwelcome at home — the reason being his marriage to a mere peasant. But it turns out eventually that she is a member of the exiled Russian aristocracy. The picture builds a melodramatic moment when she is kidnapped by a party of Reds who are covetous of her jewels. And it behooves our hero to rescue her in typical American fashion. It is a neat punch — the subsequent scene when he gives battle royal to the vicious villains and routs them in singlehanded fashion. The parental blessings follow. The hero proves to all — even the spectators — that he has made the grade. He has gone to work and established himself in a snug little home. Need more be said? It is a picture always good in its atmosphere — the Russian barracks being the real thing as far as a studio can make them. Mr. Butler plays his role in an easy, nonchalant manner. One must accept him as a capable light comedian. The picture will get over with any program house. — Length, 5 reels. — Laurence Reid. PRESS NOTICE— STORY David Butler, considered one of the most capable light comedians on the screen, is coming to the theatre next ; — and in his latest feature entitled “ Making the Grade.” This offering is said to be on a par with “ Smiling All the Way ” — an offering which placed the star in the front rank of entertainers. The story is of a light whimsical character, relying a great deal upon its humorous note. The hero has journeyed to Russia with a detachment of soldiers to preserve order in Siberia. Vladivostok is the city. While there he considers everything from a humorous slant. He encounters a pretty Russian girl who acts as a school-teacher for a mixed assembly of bearded moujiks. He assists her in keeping order and also finds time to keep the American flag flying in the wind. But he runs afoul of his superior officer. By his constant saluting, he provokes the captain and through a breach of duty is lugged off to the guard-house. He informs his friends that he has married and by suppressing a rebellion which has to do with the assassination of women, he obtains his liberty and sails to America with his bride. Once in the States, he discovers that his haughty mother does not favor his marriage with a mere peasant. His bride is caught in the clutches of the Reds, but he effects her rescue. Eventually his mother learns that the young woman is a member of the exiled aristocracy. So she gives her blessing. It is a picture saturated with human touches and plenty of humor. PROGRAM READER He was a product of an over-refined community. His parents being blessed with plenty of worldly goods, he was never called upon to exert himself with work. A time came, however, when he showed his indulgent mother that he possessed manly qualities. He made the grade by going to work. He went to Russia first — as a soldier and returned with a bride. Knowing that his parents would never accept her in his home — the erstwhile idle youth went to work. For he had realized his responsibilities. Then one day he suppressed disorder. He was instrumental in capturing a group of vicious Reds. And when the mother found out that his bride was a true aristocrat — well, she allowed that her son was on the road to success. This is in explanation of “ Making the Grade ” which comes to the theatre next with D.avid Butler as star. SUGGESTIONS This is a David Butler attraction. And all exhibitors who booked his “ Smiling All the Way ” will certainly find plenty of entertainment values in his latest feature. It should be played up for its humorous qualities. Describe it as a whimsical study of romance — one tempered with some melodrama. Play up the hero as an overrefined product of civilization who made the grade by marrying and going to work. Mention the other Butler pictures if you played them. Tell that the star is one of the most accomplished light comedians on the screen. Tell that once his products are shown he instantly becomes a popular favorite. A Russian setting with Russian dances and the interpreters properly costumed would make a fitting prologue. FROM a point of scenic value, “Across the Deadline” is entitled to praise, in that the locale, the great Northwest, is interesting, the photography wonderfully beautiful and the atmosphere held distinct, throughout. Also, the star, Frank Mayo, does some splendid work, is good to look at and is deserving of a story which would give him sufficient range to show to advantage. For the story is neither new, novel or easy to take seriously. The tale is one that begins with depicting hatred between two brothers at the death of their father, each left an equal amount of territory. One is a Puritanical sort, addicated to quoting the Bible, but living far from its teachings. The other is a gambler, general rounder and “ bad man,” who owns a resort, indulges in everything contrary to law and fears nothing. They quarrel bitterly over the luring of the Puritan’s young son into the dance hall, where he inquires of his uncle if the place is what his father calls it. He is dragged out by the father, who warns the brother that on penalty of death, will he ever induce his offspring to enter there again. Years go by. The son grown to manhood finds an unconscious girl in the heart of a woods, during a terrific storm. Something has caused her to suffer from loss of memory. Not knowing any better, she accompanies the “ bad man ” into the resort, and the son, prohibited from crossing those portals, goes after her. His father misunderstands, disowns him, and when the son is obliged to hide the girl in the mountains to escape pursuit of her adversaries, that precipitates a climax. Eventually the old family feud is ended in the best way possible, so that the barriers may be lifted and happiness reign supreme, the girl’s memory returning in time. There is a great deal of gun play, some good fight scenes and a man-to-man encounter that would indicate both star and his opponent are not afraid of black and blue spots. The Puritanical father finally believes his prospective daughterin-law is a good woman, and they fade out into the woods, together. — Length, 5 reels. — Lillian R. Gale. THE CAST John Kidder Enoch Kidder Aaron Kidder Charity Kidder Ruth Lucas Courtney Old Abel Gillis Directed by Jack Conway. Story by Clarence Budington Kelland. Scenario by George C. Hull. Photography by Leland Lancaster. . . . .Frank Mayo Russell Simpson . . .Wilfred Lucas . . . . Lydia Knott . . Molly Malone Frank Thorwald . .Josef Swickard . . . .Wm. Marion PRESS NOTICE— STORY Frank Mayo is the star of “ Across the Dead-Line,” the Universal special attraction which will occupy the major part of the program at the theatre on . Frank Mayo needs no introduction to the patrons of the theatre. His previous pictures, such as “ The Brute Breaker,” “ Go Straight ” and “ Dr. Jim,” have won him many friends, _ and in this, his latest production, he continues to portray the virile parts and rapid-fire action which have characterized his past performances. “ Across the Dead-Line ” is laid in the northern timber country. It presents a story which is rich in adventure and romance — exactly the type for which Mayo is fitted. It tells of rough lumber jacks, of their loves and their hates, and through it all is a sweet love theme with not a little comedy relief. The supporting cast appearing in “ Across the Dead-Line ” is notable. It includes Molly Malone and Josef Swickard, who was seen as the French father in “ The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.” Other popular players are Wilfred Lucas and Russell Simpson. “ Across the Dead-Line ” will be shown for — days beginning ; . For those who are fond of rapid fire action and sterling acting, no better picture could be recommended. PROGRAM READER A virile action picture, one bound to please all those who like to see red-blooded stories on the screen, is promised for the patrons of the theatre on , Frank Mayo is the star. This popular favorite, who has won for himself a reputation of portraying the most sterling type of American manhood on the screen, is seen in a picture admirably suited to his talents. “ Across the Dead-Line ” is a story of the North woods — of the timber country, a land of romance and adventure ; a place for brave men and true women. There is plenty of suspense in the story, which is dramatic to the final fade-out. In support of Frank Mayo is a cast of favorites including such players as Molly Malone, Russell Simpson, Wilfred Lucas, Lydia Knott, Frank Thorwald and Josef Swickard. “ Across the Dead-Line ” will occupy the screen of the theatre for days beginning . It will be a rare treat for action and thrill lovers. CATCH LINES A new Frank Mayo picture — a story of red-blooded action, laid in the northern timber country. CATCH LINES Every young man can make the grade if he puts his shoulders to the wheel and goes to work. See how David Butler does it in his newest feature, “ Making the Grade.” Is it difficult to make the grade when one has become accustomed to idleness? See David Butler in “ Making the Grade.” A vivid drama of the great outdoors, of the land of the lumberjacks and tall timber. Frank Mayo has never appeared to better advantage. It is the type °t picture which made him famous, and in which he cannot help to please. A rare treat for all his admirers. A tense drama laid in the timber lands. A story of rugged men — their hates and their loves. Frank May* has never been better.