Motion Picture News (Jan-Feb 1922)

1275 February 25, 1922 “THE BEAUTIFUL LIAR ” (First National) Pleasing Light Comedy -Drama with Katherine MacDonald in Dual Role ALTHOUGH built around a plot slightly improbable of theme, the picture is clean and wholesome, and, strangely enough, is minus a villain. This is something in its favor when one notices that the cloying sentimentality of triumphant virtue marks the majority of most of our photoplays. “The Beautiful Liar ruay be called a pleasing light comedy-drama in which Katherme MacDonald plays a dual role and does justice to each character. While the offering does not quite equal the work of the star m some of her best productions, it is far above the average and is brimful of genuine entertainment. It is a feature which lends an appeal due to its dominant romantic note and the captivating, subtle humor of its theme and characterization. . The story is a fit selection for the star in that it does not tax her with emotional stress. She is called upon to appear as an everyday sort of girl— a human and charming bit of femininity. And the star can shine when she plays herself. One may be able to anticipate the outcome of the plot from the beginning, yet it builds so evenly, so surely to its denouement that even the “ I-told-you-so s cannot take offense. The heroine, being romantically inclined, goes forth in search of adventure and finds it. And the impressionable girls in the audience are apt to be quite carried away with uie exploits of the pretty stenographer. We say girls because the picture carries more appeal for the feminine heart. The characterization indicates as much. Miss MacDonald is discovered as a stenographer of humble circumstances who is confronted with the opportunity to impersonate a great actress, and take part in a theatrical production at a fashionable hotel. Her courage fails her when she learns she is actually supposed to act. A young milloinaire is introduced and the charming steno learns that he is to be the leading man. This causes her to change her mind. Complications follow the return of the real actress, but the love interest is so dominant by this time that the atmosphere is cleared of all entanglements. The picture carries some adequate sets, is capably directed and well played by Joseph J. Dowling in a character role, Wilfred Lucas in a humorous bit, and Kate Lester, who acts her grande dame in her usual finished style. The production is certain to please followers of the star, in that its entertainment value is high and the main plot unfolds itself with a gratifying smoothness. Length, 5,236 feet.— Eugene Carlton. THE CAST Helen Haynes Elsie Parmelee .Katherine MacDonald Charles Meredith Mrs. Van Courtlandt Gatson Allegretti By George Marion, Jr. Scenario by George Marion, Jr. Directed by Wallace Worsley. Kate Lester Wilfred Lucas PRESS NOTICE— STORY In “ The Beautiful Liar,” which comes to the theatre next in me jjcauiiiui j-nai, wmcu wmvo *.*»>» , Katherine MacDonald plays a dual role — that of Helen Haynes, a stenographer in humble circumstances, and Elsie Parmelee, the reigning musical comedy queen. As the former the beautiful star is compelled to work in a broker s office and hve in a cheap boarding house. One day it develops that the kind fates take it into *“eir heads to relieve the stenographer’s monotonous existence, and they do it with a vengeance. Shortly after Helen is compelled to impersonate the famous xblsie rarmelee and to take part in a theatrical production for the delectation of the 400. Her courage begins to fail when she learns that she is supposed ac£* hut it returns quickly when she finds that a charming young millionaire is to be her leading man. It is on the stage with an audience in full view that Cupid gets in his best work. The picture is wholesome and decidedly interesting and is played by a company that includes the dependable Joseph J. Dowling, Charles Meredith, Kate Lester and Wilfred Lucas. Miss MacDonald is captivating in the dual role, her beauty lending a rich charm to the feature. PROGRAM READER A captivating star in a sparkling story. That is what Manager — — ■ promises for next at the . Katherine MacDonald lends her charming personality to a dual role in a picture which is said to be exceptionally interesting. The radiant star masquerades as a famous actress, when in reality she is a stenographer. And in substituting one identity for the other, the part presents the star with many adventures. “ The Beautiful Liar ” is a story within a story and Miss MacDonald will charm you with her portrayal. Prominent in her supporting cast are Joseph J. Dowling, who will be remembered as the Miracle Man in the play of that name, Charles Meredith, Wilfred Lucas and Kate Lester. SUGGESTIONS Here you have Katherine MacDonald to exploit in a simple but thoroughly charming story. While the plot is familiar, it nevertheless carries a deal of sparkle. Due to its obviousness, the best plan is to use the soft pedal in giving away an outline of the story. Stress the fact that the audience is sure to be captivated by the star s lovely personality. You can use the announcement often made that Miss MacDonald is said to be Woodrow Wilson’s favorite screen actress. Use stills of her. Play up her beauty. And don’t forget to state that she is considered the most beautiful woman of the screen. Mention should be made that the picture is an adventureromance — a story without a villain. A prologue can feature a mask dance. CATCH LINES Would you tell a little lie — if it meant changing from steno to star, desk-lights to footlights, trolley car to town car, hall-room to hotel, typewriter to tiara, lunchroom to Rector’s? A romance without a villain — a clever story acted by good looking people. And clothes and settings that are the last word! We’d lie if we didn’t say it was Katherine MacDonald’s best! See the radiant star in “The Beautiful Liar.” “ POLLY OF THE FOLLIES (Constance Talmadge — First National) »» “ Connie ” as a Stage-Struck Amateur Provides Plenty of Fun H-pv OLLY OF THE FOLLIES” can be ranked with the best of the Constance Talmadge vehicles. John Emerson’s and I Anita Loos’ story may not be very true to life, but that is beside the point when these two authors can provide such clever comedy, interspersed with innocent touches of drama. The inimitable “ Connie ” is cast this time as a young lady with theatrical aspirations. She is a small town girl and the romance of the stage has so set her afire that she decides there is no other life for her. But Uncle Silas has different ideas as to a woman’s place. He breaks up her amateur theatrical show which Polly is staging in her home town, and for a time it appears as if the stage-struck girl must forever abandon her hopes and aspirations. But Polly is not to be daunted. She wins for herself a place in the famous Ziegfeld Follies in New York. Here are shown some of the best scenes in the picture. Polly’s antics on the stage at theFollies, where she almost sets the spectators in a panic, are a scream. In the end she wins popularity and a husband. The small town amateur theatrical is excellently burlesqued by Director Joseph Plunkett. For instance, the star gives a matinee at the Old Soldiers’ Home. When she puts on her Cleopatra costume for the Follies there are even more laughs. Constance may be a certain type of vampire, but not the Cleopatra type, and no one could burlesque the ancient queen better than this star. The feature is filled with small-town types such as Polly’s uncle, played by Horace Km Miss Talmadge will continue to run a popularity race with sister Norma in this brand of comedy. The Emerson and Loos combination proves that they understand perfectly her requirement and can abilities F The feature has been carefully staged and careful attention has been paid to detail. Varying the locale from the small town to New York has a good effect and the various situations in which Polly finds herself allow the star to express that peculiar personality of hers to the best effect. — John E. Kennebeck. THE CAST Polly Meacham Constance Talmadge Silas Meacham ^homaPclrJ D°apddvuS^dngs HauieJ Jones 7 77 77 7. 7.7. 77 Mildred Arden &rTpott£Pe •'•••' .V 7777777777777777 77....7.77. Theresa ' Maxwdl-Cono^ P IyuliaGoPrdoner 7. 7. 7. 7. 7. 7. jamefoie^son Flo ZUefeld '. 7777777 77’. B ernard Randall JuHus c££V777777777777 7, John Daly Murphy Scenario by John Emerson and Anita Loos. Story by John Emerson and Anita Loos. Directed by Joseph Plunkett. PRESS NOTICE— STORY The inimitable “ Connie ” Talmadge (most of her admirers do not care to call her formally, “ Constance ”) will be seen in a new type of role in her latest feature, “ Polly of the Follies,” which will be the main attraction at the — theatre on . The story has been provided for her by John Emerson and Anita Loos, who have written many of her previous stories, and who are considered among the foremost screen writers in the country today. As writers of clever comedies they are almost universally acknowledged to be leaders. Miss Talmadge plays the part of a small town girl who feels the lure of the stage. Nothing can stop Polly when she makes up her mind to a thing. And she decides that she is going to be an actress — a great actress. Uncle Silas has different ideas about woman’s place in life, and when he breaks up Polly’s amateur theatrical in her home town things look black for the ambitious little girl. It is only when she arrives in New York and makes her way in the Zeigfeld Follies in the Gay White Way that Polly feels satisfied. Incidentally she wins a husband with her success. The pretty star is supported by a capable cast in “ Polly of the Follies,” which includes George Fawcett, Kenneth Harlan, Billie Dove, Thomas Carr, and Horace Knight. The feature will be shown at the theatre for days beginning . PROGRAM READER Constance Talmadge’s latest feature, “ Polly of the Follies,” will be the feature attraction at the theatre on . This pretty star has been seen in a succession of clever comedies, but it is doubtful if there are any which can equal this latest riot of fun. This story was written especially for the star by John Emerson and Anita Loos, who have provided her with many laugh makers in the past, and who, according to competent critics, have outdone themselves in “ Polly of the Follies.” It suits the star’s personality to perfection. She plays the part of a small town girl who is filled with a sudden and fierce desire to go on the stage, conquer the world, and twist it around by the tail. So she puts on an amateur show in her own home town. It isn’t everything that a show ought to be. But at any rate, Polly is determined and before the picture ends she has won success in New York and a husband besides. CATCH LINES Constance Talmadge in five reels of laughs. The prettiest star in her cleverest comedy. The story of a stage-struck girl. She started in amateur theatricals and ended in The Follies.