Motion Picture News (Oct 1913 - Jan 1914)

THE MOTION PICTURE NEWS 35 "THE VICAR OF WAKEFIELD" Hepworth WITH the exception of a few scenes which the subtitles in the print shown did not sufficiently explain, the "Vicar of Wakefield," the latest three-part Hepworth feature drama, to be presented in America by Albert Blinkhorn, 110 West Fortieth street, New York City, is a production of unusual excellence. Based on the famous story by Oliver Goldsmith, although greatly modified to meet the limits of the film, the presentation should prove popular. The photography is excellent, the acting of the best, and the action, staged as it is on scenes similar to those portrayed in Gildsmith's mas THE MOCK MARRIAGE terpiece, is of a character that holds the interest during most of the film. In one or two respects, however, the direction of the piece invites criticism. Several scenes are not clearly explained. For instance, it is not demonstrated why Jenkinson, the manservant of the wicked Richard Thornhill, and the clergyman who performed the mock-marriage, which turns out to be real, happen to be in jail with the Vicar. The reason for Sir William Thornhill's presence there also, is not fully made plain. Just why the two dissolute female companions of Richand Thornhill are dragged into the action, for the sole purpose apparently of extending an invitation to the Vicar's daughters to come to London, a trip which never takes place, and is quite unessential to the development of the story as produced, is another point that is not quite clear, unless it is an excuse to bring in the scene at "Ye Olde English Fair.'' * * =k THE theme of the production deales with the attentions of the dissipated Richard Thornhill, nephew of Sir William Thornhill, to the pretty daughters of the Vicar, Olivia and Sophia. Suspecting his 'nephew's designs, Sir William Thornhill disguises himself and after meeting the Vicar's family overhears a conversation which confirms his suspicions. The scenes which ensue in the first part show Richard trying to get Olivia, with whom he is infatuated, and her sister to arrange to go to London with him, at the invitation of two dissolute women, whose aid he has obtained. Moses, the weakminded son of the Vicar, is sent by the family to the fair to sell their colt in order to obtain funds to finance the trip to London. He returns without money, having traded the colt for a stock of green spectacles. This part is really a digression from the progress of the plot and in no way adds to it, especially as the audience is given no intimation previously of Moses' mental limitations. From this point forward, however, the action is excellent, and there is little which could be elided without detracting from the development of the story. Failing to persuade the Vicar's daughters to go to London, Richard Thornhill finally gains Olivia's consent to run away with him. He plans a. mock marriage, but through the enmity of Jenkinson, his body-servant, it is made a genuine ceremony. Later, tiring of Olivia, he tells her their wedding -was not binding. She flees from him and is found by the Vicar, her father, at an inn, where she has sought refuge. ^ ;-c RICHARD THORNHILL. repenting of his haste in casting Olivia off, seeks her again at her father's house, which is owned by him. When his demands are scorned he throws the Vicar into prison as a debtor. Here the Vicar meets Jenkinson and the clergyman who had performed the marriage between Olivia and Thornhill, and wins their friendship. The Vicar's family go to see him, and Jenkinson, recognizing Olivia, becomes remorseful. Richard also visits the prison to taunt the old man. His uncle, Sir William, who has come to aid the VicaF, encounters him. He reproaches his nephew for his conduct to his wife, and is told that Olivia is not a wife, as the ceremony was a mock one. His statement is confuted by Jenkinson, who produces the marriage certificate and the clergyman who performed the ceremony, greatly to the confusion of Richard Thornhill. Sir William, after paying the debt for which the Vicar is being detained, escorts the venerable parson and his family back home, where all is again peace and happiness. The Hepworth stock company, which produced the "Vicar of Wakefield" in able fashion, includes Warwick Buckland, Harry Gilbey, Harry Buss, Jack Raymond, Marie De Solla, Chrissie White, Ruby Belasco and Claire Pridelle. IMPROVEMENTS AT SOLAX PLANT This photo shows the Solax plant in the process of expansion. The building in the background is the old plant, 150 x 150, three and one-half stories high. The studio accommodates five sets in a row. The present factory has an equipment sufficient to turn out 100,000 feet of positive film a week. The frame-work to the right in an outdoor stage used for light effect purposes. The new two-story building in process of construction is on the left, size 50 x 100, and in it will be housed the factory and laboratory to be removed from the main building. The added facilities will make it possible to turn out about :.00.000 feet of positive film in a week. The space in the foreground which is also the property of the Solax and Blache companies will be improved and fenced in by ornamented iron railings. "FLYING A" HISTORICAL SUBJECT Players of the American Film Manufacturing Company, under direction of Lorimer Johnston, have finished a two-reel subject under the title "The Coming of the Padres." reproducing the founding of the Santa Barbara Mission by Padre Junipero Serre. The principal role will be played by Sydney Ayres. . The production will not be an exclusively religious one, but will introduce much interest of early California life.