Motion Picture News (Jan-Feb 1922)

897 February 4 , 1 p 2 2 “WHY ANNOUNCE YOUR MARRIAGE” ( Selznick) Pleasing Story on a Novel Theme THIS Selznick picture, starring Elaine Hammerstein, is a version of the well-known bedroom farce which has served as a medium upon the New York stage. In all likelihood the author gained his inspiration from Fanny Hurst’s novel scheme of matrimonial bliss — which has to do with husband and wife maintaining separate establishments in order that each may express life without any obligations. The picture because of this novel idea is something out of the ordinary. It gets away from orthodox channels and sparkles with fair brilliancy for a major portion of its action. That it offers a “let-down” in its development is to be expected, since there is no possible chance to add constant touches of variety. “Why Announce Your Marriage?” contains the usual farcical complications which serve the domestic drama. The couple manage to keep their marriage a secret even from their most intimate friends, and, in avoiding trouble and “ busybodies ” and burglars and irate papas, they only succeed in finding themselves involved with one complication after another. The director has done pretty well in keeping it going to feature length. In reality it is not heavy enough to extend through three reels. The padding scenes do not intrude so they irritate. In fact, there is enough broad comedy supplied to take care of it whenever it gives evidence of fading out. The originality of the theme does not extend to the situations beyond the maintenance of the separate establishments. It is embarrassing to the newly-weds when hubby, unable to remain longer away from his bride, secretes himself in her apartment. The guests misunderstand the situation, and there is much gossip and chatter concerning the wife’s reputation. In fact, many are horrified. It is later that the young benedict and his spouse are surprised in his home. And he is under strong suspicion. The broad element of farce is introduced here. A burglar is trailed by an inebriated gentleman into the home being occupied by the couple. The first mentioned has collected various jewels and valuables through his skillful fingers. The latter has discovered the marriage license. And it is at this point that comedy values so familiar in the exaggerated pieces are given expression. In and out of bedroom doors the drunk and the burglar pass without being caught until the home is in a topsy-turvy state. Explanations develop, the drunk reveals the license and the newly-weds are forgiven. The atmosphere is excellent, the exteriors and production end of the picture being highly attractive. Miss Hammerstein and Niles Welch play the central roles in spirited fashion. Arthur Housman is inclined to overact the drunk, giving too much stress to the comedy manner of Leon Errol. In all, this picture is a good bet for any house. Length, 5 reels — Laurence Reid. Arline Mayfair. . , Jimmy Winthrop David Mayfair... Teddy Filbert. . . Bobby Kingsley. . Widow Gushing. Mrs. Jerome Mr. Walton Gladys Jerome. . . THE CAST Elaine Hammerstein Niles Welch Frank Currier Arthur Houseman James Harrison Florence Billings Marie Burke Huntley Gordon Elizabeth Woodmere By Lewis Allen Browne and Alan Crosland. Directed by Alan Crosland. PRESS NOTICE— STORY Elaine Hammerstein in her latest Selznick picture, “ Why Announce Your Marriage? ”. is announced as the photoplay feature for the theatre beginning . The story is by Lewis Allen Browne and Alan Crosland, while the latter also directed. “Why Announce Your Marriage?” is a serio-comedy which deals with the ultra-modern method of separately maintained establishments by the contracting parties in marriage. The star plays the part of a successful artist, who refuses to give up her career to be merely a wife. But she’s in love. And so she marries the man, but they keep it hidden from their friends. Now there are many young couples who have kept their marriages secret, but only because someone would disapprove. In this instance, everyone is urging the couple to marry although they are married already. But the newlyweds grow careless. And the gossips get busy. And there’s a deal of embarrassment for everyone until a burglar upsets everything. It’s a sparkling affair well shaded with comedy touches and charmingly acted by the star and her assistants. PROGRAM READER It is the habit of most young people to keep marriages secret only when someone would surely disapprove. In Elaine Hammerstein’s newest picture, “ Why Announce Your Marriage? ” which comes to the theatre next there is a marriage contracted by a pair of devoted lovers which they keep secret although their friends are constantly urging them to get married. The secret being that they 1 must continue in their work without any matrimonial ties hindering them. It is a comedy story tinctured with romance and sentiment. And it furnishes food for 1 thought in many of its situations. You will see whether a woman should abandon her career when she marries. Miss Hammerstein gives a charming performance assisted by Niles Welch. SUGGESTIONS 1 There is a food for thought aroused by the inquisitive tone of the title. It can be made the main argument for your exploitation. A series of questions can be issued 'in Program Readers or throw-aways or door-knob 'hangers, asking your 'patrons if marriages are more successful when husbands and wives maintain separate establishments, or if marriage can be successful without a home and children, lor if a woman should abandon her career for marriage. These ideas will stimulate a deal of thinking on the question. Bill the picture as a serio-comedy which con!tains_ a delightful romance, some dramatic moments and good heart interest. The cast is well known. So feature the players. “EXIT THE VAMP” (Paramount) Ethel Clayton Puts Sparkle in This Conventional Story HERE is a conventional story which has been done a score of times on the screen and which because of its familiarity has lost considerable of its charm since it was first used as the framework of a picture. Miss Beranger, the author, has dressed it up by treating it in a semi-humorous manner, thus disarming the spectator from being unduly analytical. It is all about putting the “skids” under the vamp and spoiling her pretty game of ensnaring a husband by a wife who adopts the conventional tactics. In other words she possesses enough ingenuity of mind to profit by the lesson. She simply combats the charms of the vamp by revealing some of her own. The story is really of a single-track nature which carries no surprises or incident. In fact there has been little attempt to provide novel touches. The idea at first establishes some sure-fire theatrical moments, and sympathy is always for the heroine because of her efforts to maintain her home and happiness. Those spectators who have been witnessing a certain brand of two-reel comedies will recognize the story. In fact it is a two-reel comedy padded out to feature length, but where it surpasses the shorter subject is in the interpretation. Miss Clayton does some effective work as the wife and really shows that she is something of a comedienne. Looking resplendent in some exceedingly smart gowns it is no wonder that the erring husband, played in gingerly fashion by T. Roy Barnes, who, incidentally, supplies his peculiar brand of humor, returns to the domestic hearth. The importance of lovely gowns is not overlooked by Miss Beranger. And here is the lesson for the wife who allows herself to become dowdy. Miss Clayton plays a devoted wife and mother who, discovering her home about to be wrecked by a slinky-gowned, long-eyed vamp, proceeds to study up on the latest methods of Eve and Cleopatra, and with the assistance of a young jewelry salesman whose life she has saved while serving as a Red Cross nurse, she succeeds in “revamping” the derelict husband.The interludes are filled with the little touches of domesticity — such as seeing to it that hubby never has a moment to compalin. The wife does these little domestic duties in such easy fashion that her worth is never appreciated until hubby realizes the utter worthlessness of the vamp. The picture has its pleasing qualities and the exhibitor should exploit the cast which includes Theodore Roberts and Mickey Moore, it carries a snappy title, is well staged and the story is told in a smooth manner. — Length 5 reels. — Pearl Gaddis, Atlanta, Ga. THE CAST Marion Shipley John Shipley Mrs. Willy Strong Old Man Shipley Robert Pitts Junior Shipley Colored Mammy By Clara Beranger. Directed by Frank Urson. . . . .Ethel Clayton . .T. Roy Barnes • Fontaine La Rue Theodore Roberts . . . .William Boyd . . . Mickey Moore . . . . Mattie Peters PRESS NOTICE— STORY Ethel Clayton, the Paramount star, will appear at the theatre next in her newest picture entitled “ Exit the Vamp.” This is a fascinating story written by Clara Beranger which tells of a family approaching the shoals of disaster, owing to an erring husband. The wife who is little appreciated by him allows herself to become a good deal of a drudge. Meanwhile he is playing the philanderer with a young woman who has no moral scruples. The wife, realizing that the family ties will be severed unless she acts promptly, proceeds to play the part of the adventuress — in fact to play it so strongly that her erring husband will return to the home. And she succeeds through many dramatic scenes. The story contains no small amount of humor which is furnished by T. Roy Barnes as the husband. Miss Clayton, who surpasses the vampire at her own game, gives a creditable performance in the leading role, while Fontaine La Rue as the wicked siren gives a colorful portrayal. Theodore Roberts plays a small part with his customary finesse. Frank Urson directed this picture. PROGRAM READERS If you were a happy married woman, blessed with children and all the necessary requisites which compose a comfortable home — and a woman came between you and stole your husband’s affections, would you sit back and pout, or would you create a scene? Would you become emotional and drive his affections away entirely? Or would you play the game of the adventuress and show to your husband that he has misjudged your qualities? If you played that game the chances are you would win him back. For he would appreciate that you knew how to be a good sport. If you played that game you would leave no stone unturned to accomplish your mission. Ethel Clayton plays a similar game in her new picture, “ Exit the Vamp,” and wins. The feature will be shown at the theatre next . In the cast are T. Roy Barnes and Theodore Roberts. SUGGESTIONS This is a domestic story with considerable humorous flourish. Play up that it teaches a lesson in faithfulness on the part of a misjudged wife. The woman had lost her husband’s affections and proceeds to win him back by playing the game of her rival. This is a good idea which will win the sympathy of the onlooker. More than one woman who is placed in an identical situation will profit by it. So stress this fact in your advertising copy. Get out the young married couples. Play it up as a lesson in domesticity which cannot afford to be missed. Play up Ethel Clayton as having an ideal vehicle. And mention that Theodore Roberts and T. Roy Barnes are in the cast. A dance prologue would be suggestive if you revealed a male dancer unable to choose between his partners — one given to siren display of passion — the other faithful. CATCH LINES See “ Exit the Vamp,” a picture of a domestic quarrel which was patched up by a clever wife. See Ethel Clayton, Theodore Roberts and T. Roy Barnes.