Motion Picture News (Jan-Feb 1922)

1156 Motion Picture N 4 w s “WHERE IS MY WANDERING BOY TO-NIGHT” (B. F. Zeidman-Equity Pictures-State Rights) Frankly “ Sob Stuff;’ W ith Sure-Fire Hokum THERE is no doubt but that this picture has a theme that wins at the box office. “ Mother love'” can be offered on the screen in any variety of form, shape, or development, and there are always those who will come away perfectly satisfied with the “ good-cry ” which has been afforded them. “ Where Is My Wandering Boy ” is an undisguised appeal to these lovers of “sob stuff.” There is no subtlety in its method of attack; it goes forward direct to its goal without much attempt to gloss over the familiar hokum of the weeping mother and the wayward son. It is hard to overfeed an audience with “ mother ” pictures. “ Where Is My Wandering Boy ” could very well ride along to success simply on its title, theme and the tried-and-proved incidents which it contains. The number of those who sneer at so-called sob stuff is insignificant when compared to those who relish just such pictures. One physical thrill crowns the production. This is a railroad wreck — one of those head-on collisions that brings an audience forward in their chairs and draws forth a gasp of surprise. The producers present a conventional picture of small-town life in the beginning. It is a place populated by exaggerated rustics,, with chin whiskers and bare feet. Perhaps there is ridicule here' which will not please the small town-audience. For instance, there is a spitting contest, with the rubes trying to hit the bull’s eye. The boy leaves this village, his mother and sweetheart, to win his way in the big city. A chorus girl is part of the attraction. Then he steals and proceeds to go to the devil in the big city in the prescribed fashion — cabaret suppers and expensive gifts to chorus girls. When he is broke and the chorus girl proves false, he repents, but is arrested for another crime which he never committed. Cut-ins run through this sequence showing his mother and sweetheart back home suffering from the want of him. It is in the prison sequence that the climatic thrill arrives. An uprising of the convicts occurs and the warden is carried off as hostage on board a runaway locomotive. The boy mounts the cab and performs a thrilling rescue just before the head-on collision. For this heroism he is reprieved. He naturally goes back home to bring happiness to his weeping mother and comfort the girl who has loved him since boyhood. There are some scenes which will undoubtedly be criticized as* spreading the hokum too thickly. For instance the mother pursues the train which is carrying her son away until she falls exhausted on the track. But all in all the hokum is sure-fire. Cullen Landis convinces as the boy and Virginia True Boardman, as the mother, gives an effective performance. — Matthew A. Taylor. THE CAST The Boy Cullen Landis His Mother Virginia True Boardman Directed by J. P. Hogan and Mildred Webb. Story by Gerald C. Duffy. Scenario by Gerald C. Duffy. Photography by David Abel. PRESS NOTICE— STORY Cullen Landis plays the leading role in “ Where is My Wandering Boy Tonight,” the feature picture which will be the attraction at the theatre on . This feature production was suggested by the famous hymn of the same name and tells a dramatic story of mother love, a theme which is everpowerful and always dramatic. In every town and village in every State there are boys and girls who look towards New York as a Utopia, a place where fortunes are to be made over night. The quiet of the country pales upon them. They long for the action and the glamour of the big city’s playground. But New York is seldom the land of enchantment of which they dreamed. “Where is My Wandering Boy Tonight” is the story of a village lad who thought that happiness could only come with worldly success. Home, his mother, his sweetheart seemed as nothing as compared with the glory of success in the big city. Few more moving stories of mother love have reached the screen than this production which has won applause in every city in which it has been shown. No subject is more appealing than that of mother love. In literature, on the stage, and on the screen, this theme has always touched the heart. It is universal in its appeal, it is all embracing in its power. “ Where is My Wandering Boy ” will be shown for days at the theatre. Other pictures on the program are . PRESS NOTICE— STORY As its feature picture on the theatre is glad to an nounce “ Where is My Wandering Boy Tonight,” the B. F. Zeidman production which enjoyed a run at the Criterion theatre in New York, and which is creating a sensation in every city in which it is shown. The story is suggested by the hymn of the same name, and the pathetic tale of a country boy who follows the lure of the big city is unfolded in such a way that it is bound to hold the attention of every one in the audience. No dramatic subject in the world can compare with the drama of mother love. “ Where is My Wandering Boy ” makes use of this subject to the utmost. It unfolds a story which brings to the mind of everyone their own childhood. It recalls to all the mother who suffered, fought and worked for them. It is a picture with an universal appeal — a drama which will be appreciated by men and women, young and old. Cullen Landis, the popular young leading man, who will be remembered from his work in a similar part in “ The Old Nest,” is seen in the leading role in “ Where is My Wandering Boy.” The part of the mother is very capably played by Virginia True Boardman. “Where is My Wandering Boy” will be the leading attraction at the theatre for days beginning . CATCH LINES A powerful story of mother love, suggested by the famous hymn of the same name, “ Where is My Wandering Boy Tonight.” A gripping screen story of the small town and the big city. “BILLY JIM” (R-C Pictures) Hardly Suffices to Travel Feature Length IF this feature starring Fred Stone were compressed into three reels the action would be quickened, the incident would be more spontaneous and the result would be a likely offering As it is there is scarcely enough substance to sustain through five reels. Since it is more of a semi-humorous character sketch of a rollicking cowboy one can appreciate that the director has been forced to use a deal of padding to put it over. Fred Stone fits the title role lika the proverbial glove fits the hand. He has occasion to prove his versatility by expert lariat-throwing and snappy horsemanship. But that is about all. 1 he story is almost plotless, although because of its humorous trend one cannot take offense at a lack of crisp action. Frank Borzage has collected some charming exteriors. One showing mountain ranges enclosing a lake is a colorful shot indeed. The plot interest is weakened by some poor cutting or editing. The hero frolics about through the early scenes, becomes intoxicated and immediately after is sober enough to sit in a hand of poker. The idea revolves around a rough and ready, wild and woolly cowboy, determined to win the girl who has captivated him with her charm. He follows her to a mountain resort where everything is of the social order. In his rough clothes and rougher mannerisms he has a tough time getting any attention from the host or other guests. Also you suspect him of staging a hold-up in an earlier scene to account for his display of unlimited wealth. The introductory incident unfolds some shots which carry a juvenile appeal and some characteristic Stone comedy. Some of the later scenes are not closely related. The heroine rebuffs him time and again but he finally wins her over. Tha plot takes up some villainous work with Stone riding to bring the crooks to justice. There is no lapse of time in the action, yet some of the guests appear in evening dress, with the sun shining broadly and casting hu©e shadows. The hero is identified later as a wealthy ranch owner with the hold-up being sponsored by a rich suitor of the girl who has traveled West with her father. Stone’s comedy in the hotel is snappy enough. But it is a one-character gtory with very little contrast of incident and very little action of any suspense. As stated above compressed into three reels this would, in all likelihood, make a hum-dinger. — Length, 5 reels. — Laurence Reid. THE CAST “Billy Jim” Fred Stone Martha Dunforth Millicent Fisher Dudley Dunforth George Hernandez Jimmy William Bletcher Mrs. Dunforth Marian Skinner Roy Forsythe ^ Frank Thorne By Jackson Gregory. Scenario by Frank Howard Clark. Directed by Frank Borzage. PRESS NOTICE— STORY A cowboy picture which is said to contain everything characteristic of Western stories — such as swift action, thrills, adventure, humor and suspense — as well as a death-defying hero and a beautiful heroine is “ Billy Jim,” which comes to the theatre next with Fred Stone as the star. The offering presents a story that enables Stone to indulge in all his delicious horseplay. He enacts the role of a lovesick cowboy who pursues the beautiful young daughter of a wealthy Westerner with a view of asking her hand in marriage. It is upon his experiences in the chase for a wife that the story is built and Mr. Stone has missed no opportunity to bring out the delicious humor in many laugh-provoking situations. Stone has occasion to display his skillful horsemanship for the scenes give him chances to indulge in hard-riding and straight shooting. Much of the action of “ Billy Jim ” is laid in the beautiful country of the West. The mountain lands, with tall snow-clad peaks penetrating the heavens, form a wonderful background for the story. The star is supported by a well balanced cast that includes Millicent Fisher, George Hernandez. Marian Skinner and others. Frank Borzage, director of “ Humoresque ” and “ Get-Rich-Quick-Wallingford,” directed the feature. PROGRAM READER A roaring Western comedy-drama, packed to the brim with thrills and laughs. That is “ Billy Jim,” the rollicking cowboy picture which comes to the theatre next with Fred Stone as the star. You all know this comedian’s ability. You know that he is one of the most versatile artists of stage and screen. When you see him in this droll story you will be thrilled with his horsemanship. His skill with the lariat, his marksmanship with the six-shooter — these qualities are firmly established. It is a story crammed with humor telling as it does the experiences of a lovesick cowboy. Romance, thrills, humor, sentiment, action, suspense and beautiful backgrounds mark “ Billy Jim.” We are sure you will be pleased with this entertaining picture. SUGGESTIONS This is a rollicking picture expressing a deal of humor and with Fred Stone as the star the patrons are assured of a comedian who knows Ms comedy values. First play up the title emphasizing that it indicates an afternoon or evening of jollity. Mention that the star plays the role of a lovesick cowboy. Follow up by featuring his skill in the saddle, with the lariat and with the six-shooter. Feature the picture as one that carries typical Western stuff — packed with action, thrills, humor, romance and suspense. If you can secure the services of an artist skilled with the lariat dress him up in chaps, etc., and use him for a prologue. Play up the stills as they bring out the picturesque backgrounds. CATCH LINES You’ll shiver with delight when Fred Stone arrives in “ Billy Jim.” A rollicking cowboy drama — filled with fast action, humor, thrills, suspense and wonderful scenery. See the breezy, swift-moving picture of the wild and woolly West. See Fred Stone, the gifted comedian, in his finest picture. See “ Billy Jim.”