Motography (Apr-Jun 1916)

May 6. 1916. MOTOGRAPHY 1055 could hardly blame any man for wishing to have a woman like Gerda "Holmes for his very own. She is the kind of woman that men would fight for under just such circumstances, and her work goes a long way toward making the production realistic. There are few classier heavy men on the screen or on the stage than Alfred Hickman. He is so extremelv artistic and convincing that it is really a pleasure to watch his work, even though it be the work of a deepdyed villain. With such an excellent cast, and all things else of the same high standard, the picture cannot help being a firstclass feature. "The Mysteries of Myra" First Two Episodes of International Film Service Serial. Reviewed by Thomas C. Kennedy WITH the release of the first episode of the serial photoplay by Charles W. Goddard and Hereward Carrington entitled "The Mysteries of Myra," the International Film Service makes its technical entry into the film industry, its real entry into the art-industry took place some time ago. Even for a concern so obviously destined to hold an imposingly prominent and ornate [ ^Pfc ^ ill niche in the hall of film fame, the release which marks its van is auspicious in no conventional sense of the word. The first two episodes of "The Mysteries of Myra" were projected in advance of their release atop the New York Theater. The beginning of this continued story dealing with occult phenomena is, without exception, the most promising and striking of any serial picture thus far offered, and this is said with due consideration for the high quality which characterized the beginning and was sustained by the several successful installment pictures presented to date. If the standard of the first episode is maintained, and it is maintained in the second chapter, as far as two more reels of the story can maintain it, then one cannot down the thought that, owing to the quality of the picture and the wide heralding it will receive, "The Mysteries of Myra" will be successful to a sensational degree. The story advanced in the two episodes contains the elements which make for popular appeal. The story's basis is that which interests all types and classes. Best described as occult phenomena, the influence which one mind exerts upon another has for some time past and continues to be a fertile field for the story writer. Whether treated in romantic or serious fashion, stories dealing with this subject are extensively popular. The material is treated comprehensively and intermingled with this is deep human interest and colorful romance. Mr. Carrington is recognized as one of the foremost students of the occult and Mr. Goddard, it is well known, has a deep knowledge of what is demanded to make a picture or a stage play appealing to the public. Even if this story achieves a success beyond expectations one need look no further than the names of the co-authors for the explanation. The production is in the hands of the Whartons, whose past success in producing serial plays makes calculations as to the ability of those whose work it is to visualize the story, unnecessary. Howard Esterbrook and Jean Sothern have the leading parts. It is only necessary to consider the roles in which they are cast to realize the splendid judgment shown in casting the play. Some may wonder a bit at our great enthusiasm in regarding the beginning of this new serial, but, we feel sure, those who have seen the four reels will not. In the first chapter we learn that Myra's father was a member of an organization known as the Black Order and according to the terms of his will his fortune is to go to the Order in the event of the death of his three daughters, previous to their eighteenth birthday. Myra's two older sisters died under strange circumstances on the eve of their eighteenth birthdays. The Order holds complete sway over its members. Arthur Varney belongs to the Order. He is in love with Myra and pleads with the Grand Master for her life, but this is refused. Varney therefor though unwilling is forced to help destroy Myra. Dr. Payson Alden (Howard Estabrook) receives mysterious warnings to cease his investigations into the occult. He is acquainted with the circumstances of the deaths of Myra's older sisters and he saves her from a like end on the eve of her birthday. Myra becomes somnambulistic. This is explained by the telepathic influence which the Order exercises over Myra's mind. In the second episode the Order makes another attempt upon Myra's life which almost causes the death of their enemy. Dr. Payson. In this portion of the story Myra learns the dangers confronting her and both she and her mother depend upon Pavson to aid them. "The Beggar of Cawnpore" Triangle-Ince Story of India. Reviewed by Thomas C. Kennedy IN point of impressiveness H. B. Warner's depiction of an English army surgeon in the service in India who becomes a physical and moral wreck through the use of narcotics, ranks with an elaborate and spectacular production given this story by C. Gardner Sullivan, an imposingly prolific writer of scenarios whose work is consistently satisfactory. "The Beggar of Cawnpore," an Ince production showing at the Knickerbocker this week, is in six reels. The piece has been staged on a large scale, there being expansive battle scenes and mass effects, which immeasurably heighten the value of the story since it was to be told in six reels. There is only one incident which we believe could be dispensed with to great advantage to the whole. This is where the besieged Britishers' water supply gives out, and two brave men give up their lives to secure a jug of water from the well directly under the enemy's fire. That very thing has happened in pictures often enough to make us justly weary of it, and in this case it is not justified on the ground of contributing anything to the story itself. Aside from that one bit of by-play the six reels of "The Beggar of Cawnpore" are interesting enough to suit the highly developed taste for action of the confirmed picture fan. Mr. Warner is a good type for the part and he is thoroughly convincing in his portrayal of Dr. Robert Lowndes. Lowndes puts forth every means known to his science to save the life of the engineer in charge of construction work at an isolated post in India, but he is unsuccessful. The natives flee, fearing that the engineer was a victim of the cholera. Driven to it by the barren loneliness of the parched desert, Lowndes turns to the use of a narcotic for relief. When he returns to Delhi he confesses that he has indulged his desire for the drug to Betty Archer, to whom he is engaged. He breaks his promise to her and on the advice of her father, Lowndes departs from Delhi and his fiancee. Six months later he is seen in Cawnpore, living and associating with beggars and