Motion Picture News (Jan-Feb 1922)

641 January 21, 1922 tt THE BRIDE’S PLAY” ( Cosmopolitan-Paramount) “LOVE’S REDEMPTION” (Norma Talmadge — First National) Romantic Photoplay Sumptuously Staged THIS picture appeals more to the eye than it does to the imagination. Pictorially, it is rich in sumptuous settings, the atmosphere of moated castles and the medieval spirit of the story being admirably suggested. Joseph Urban, who is reiponsible for these artistic effects, is deserving of the highest praise or embellishing the feature with such an old-world atmosphere. The >tory itself is a snug little romance which does not take long in :arrying its lovers to the altar. The author, Donn Byrne, has had ecourse to an ancient tradition of the Ireland of medieval times and n order to express it has written a story within a story. There is not much plot substance. Naturally the picture is weak n dramatic touches. You appreciate from the moment the central igures are introduced that virtue and modesty will triumph over dllainy and forwardness. Wyndham Standing, who portrays the .uccessful lover, is skillful at interpreting pathos. Once you see him .•ffacing himself from certain scenes you know for a certainty that le will succeed. It’s a triangle plot minus the domestic complicaions. The villain is a poet, who, because of his gifted verse and a irilliant tongue, is able to conquer the heroine for a while. She falls inder his spell until she discovers his fickle nature. The girl, having ome into a rich inheritance, spurns his affection thereafter and realzes that she loves the neighboring baronet. And here comes the neaning of the title and the incident around which the entire story evolves. The author relies upon an ancient Irish custom for a quaint drawng. The wedding guests are assembled. There is a fine spirit of oviality suggested as a few hundred of them crowd beneath the noated walls. This ancient ceremony is the Bride’s Play. The ;uests are brought into the immediate circle and the bride passes imong them, asking each man: “Are you the one I love best?” Which s the occasion for the title-writer to inject some quaint expressions. Men past the prime of life give answer in colorful terms inctured with humor. The heroine reaches the poet and this positive ffiuth attempts to duplicate the strong-arm methods of medieval lays. When he answers in the affirmative, the bride cuffs him with ter slipper. So he makes a disgraceful exit. The concluding scene inds the young baron folding the colleen in his arms. There is good ackground, the costuming and sets being sumptuous in every particilar. While Miss Davies does not suggest a piquant Irish bride — ailed with the spirit and romance of her country, yet she creates a ifood impression in a role which calls for naturalness. Carlton Miller s the rejected poet. A colorful production pleasing to the eye and eally appealing to the heart when the climax is revealed. — Length, 6 eels. — Laurence Reid. THE CAST Medieval Story ,nid of Cashel Marion Davies ilarquis of Muckross Jack O Bnen ir John Mansfield Frank Shannon Modern Story ileen Barrett, Marion Davies ir Fergus Cassidy Wyndham Standing iulner Meade, a poet Carlton Miller ohn Barrett Richard Cummings HHcret Eleanor Middleton ybil . . Thea Talbot ir Robert Fennell John P. Wade >ld Peasant Woman Julia Hurley leade’s Butler George Spink By Donn Byrne. Scenario by Mildred Considine. Directed by George Terwilliger. Photographed by Ira H. Morgan. PRESS NOTICE— STORY Donn Byrne, one of the most popular short story writers of the day, is the uthor of “ The Bride’s Play,” a romantic story of Ireland, a country in which the uthor lived many years and in which he received his education. The picture, while modern in its setting, carries the audience back to medieval days in the portraying f a romantic incident that took place centuries before. The plot embodies a beauiful legend of Ireland called “‘The Bride’s Play,” according to which the bride at n ancient Irish wedding used to approach all the male wedding guests with the uestion, “ Are you the one I love best? ” This is a tale of modern Ireland which uses this legend as a source of embarrasslent and also recalls its use in medieval times, when men were bold and stole brides rom before their groom’s eyes. The story contains many thrills. The charm of the egend and the power of the romance are sufficient to make the offering highly enteraining aside from the expressive performances of the star and her capable assistants, ieorge Tedwilliger directed and has staged the story against charming backgrounds. SUGGESTIONS The points to emphasize this feature are the marvelous beauty of the backgrounds rhich is noticeable in the settings conceived and executed by Joseph Urban, the oted scene designer and artist, the star who captivates with a charming performnce and who incidentally portrays a dual role, the lavishness of the settings and he lovliness of the medieval pageants and dances. You can dwell upon the fact hat this is a picture about brides and weddings. Capitalize the interest every ,oman and girl takes in love stories. The original story appeared in a popular tagazine and the author is one of the most gifted writers of the short story, four prologue can be really original, featuring an idea similar to the theme. It uggests all kinds of exploitation. catchTTlines She was dressed for her wedding — and two men thought they were going to tarry her. Then came the Bride’s Play, and the greatest surprise any wedding nest ever hadl See “The Bride’s Play” with Marion Davies. Miss Talmadge Raises Conventional Story by Her Personality ALL of the Norma Talmadge personality is in this picture. By her personality we include her beauty, her charm of manner, her ability to wear clothes. Most of the star’s pictures have their appeal because of the star, and this is true of “ Love’s Redemption,” only more so. The story here is nothing out of the ordinary. The plot has been done countless times before — it is stereotyped screen drama. Briefly it is the story of a West Indian native girl who regenerates and marries an English nobleman. In England there is the snobbish family. But the picture is vibrant with Miss Talmadge. She has new opportunities in her role as the Jamaican native. In her capacity as housekeeper, she takes it upon herself to save a young Englishman from drink. He is “ the younger son,” not wanted at home. With her help he fights his battle, and wins. They are to be married. But words come that he has inherited a fortune in England. Back he goes, taking his bride with him. This British family, with other plans for the new financial saviour of the household, does not want to receive the wife. They try to prove to him that a Jamaican native does not belong in England — that she cannot fit into English society. Finally, the young man himself admits she is not the type for English life, but instead of sending her away from him, they both journey back to their island home, there to live happily among the palm trees and sugar plantations. Thus it can be seen that the feature has not the saving quality of whimsy, of thrilling action, of gripping human interest, or of even intense drama. It is interesting, although the end is easily guessed. It is interesting chiefly because of Miss Talmadge. Her feminine admirers will have an opportunity to criticize a new style of hairdress and in the latter part of the picture, enthuse over some of the latest gowns. There is a beautiful scenic background to the early part of the picture. Tropical scenes make a fitting frame for the beautiful star. In the cast with the star are Harrison Ford, who becomes recognizable when he gives up whiskers and drink, and who gives a splendid performance at all times, and Montagu Love, who is one of the heavies. “Love’s Redemption,” without Miss Talmadge, would be a satisfactory program feature, and with her, it is certain of box office success. Length 6 reels. Matthew A. Taylor. THE CAST Jennie Dobson Clifford Standish Frederick Kent John Standish Mrs. Standish Capt. "Bill” Hennessey Standish’s overseer Steward of club From Andrew Soutar’s novel, “ On Adapted by Anthony Paul Kelly. Directed by Albert Parker. Norma Talmadge Harrison Ford Montagu Love Cooper Cliffe Ida Waterman Michael M. Barnes E. Fernandez Fraser Coulter Principle.” PRESS NOTICE— STORY The latest Norma Talmadge picture which the patrons of the theatre will have an opportunity to witness is “ Love’s Redemption.” This beautiful star who probably is the most consistently popular of any screen favorite today, is seen in a new type of picture in “ Love’s Redemption.” She is cast as a native girl of the British West Indies who becomes the wife of a young British nobleman who because he is a younger son and penniless, has been disowned by his family. When he suddenly falls heir to a fortune he takes his young bride into English society Miss Talmadge, called by many the most beautiful and attractive star on the screen, is given every opportunity to display those charms which have endeared her to the hearts of thousands. Playing opposite her is Harrison Ford, who has been seen in many of her previous pictures and who has himself won countless admirers The story was adapted by Anthony Paul Kelly, noted playwright and photodramatist, from the popular novel by Andrew Soutar, “ On Principle.” “ Love’s Redemption ” will be shown for days beginning As is usual when Norma Talmadge pictures are shown, it is expected that the theatre will enjoy capacity audiences. PROGRAM READER Norma Talmadge’s latest production, “ Love’s Redemption,” will be the feature attraction at the theatre on , when it will start a days’ run. This screen favorite has produced another feature picture calculated to increase her already large number of admirers. “ Love’s Redemption ” is adapted from a novel by Andrew Soutar, “ On Principle,” and was afforded its screen version by Anthony Paul Kelly, the author of “ Three Faces East.” Miss Talmadge, judged by many as the most beautiful woman on the screen today, is cast as a West Indian girl, who loves and marries an English nobleman, and with him goes to England, where she is received in an unfriendly manner by his family. The picture is rich in romance and contains not a little humor, and it affords Miss Talmadge an opportunity to display her unique personality which has made her one of the most beloved characters in filmland. Harrison Ford is once more her leading man, and Montagu Love, another popular screen actor, is also in the cast. CATCH LINES Beautiful Norma Talmadge in a new drama of the West Indies. All the star’s personality is there to thrill and hold you.