Motography (Apr-Jun 1916)

1110 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XV, Xo. 20. Susan once in the room realizes and struggles with Cardigan. It is here that Mr. Powell used very effective means to give the story all the power of its melodramatic self. Larry finally learns the state of affairs and rescues Susan, receiving a bullet wound that is the means of bringing the romance to a happy culmination. The supporting cast is made of up capable players, including Fred J. Butler, Clyde E. Hopkins, James O'Shea and Fred A. Turner. The settings add to the realistic quality of general action that is highly satisfactory, and the photography is good enough to merit special mention. Re 'The Touch on the Key" Two-Reel "Flying A" Drama Released May 8. viewed by Genevieve Harris THE interest which lies in the profession of news1 gathering makes this story one which will prove entertaining to a large number of people. There is a newspaper office which really looks like one. There is a girl reporter who outwits a rival reporter and gets a big political story for her paper. The story is given a new twist, and there are a number of exciting episodes. Another attractive element in the play is the beauty of the exterior scenes. They are unusually lovely. In fact, the offering is an especially acceptable one. Jane Randall (Vivian Rich) is sent by her paper to the summer home of Marsden Thomas, a financier, to learn his decision in regard to an important loan. Phil Norton (George Periolat), of a rival paper, also is sent for the story. Both reporters are refused an interview with the banker, but Hal Thomas, the rich man's son, who is under obligation to Norton for suppressing an unpleasant story about himself, agrees to get the information and give it to Norton by a signal from the house. Jane overhears the conversation and later sees the signal. It is late at night and when Jane goes to the telegraph station, the operator has left. But Philip Larmon, telegraph operator of "The Herald," Jane's fiance, had taught her telegraphy and she is able to send her own message. Norton sends a report to his paper saying he cannot get the information. He intends to use his knowledge in playing the stock market. So he stops Jane from sending her story and reports a false one. But Philip is able to recognize Jane's touch on the key and believes the message false. He persuades the editor to hold the paper half an hour. By that time Larmond has released Jane and she sends the story, so "The Herald" scores a triumph and Norton and his rival paper are beaten. Alfred Vosburgh is Larmon, George Periolat is Norton, Joseph Beaudry is the millionaire and King Clark his son. "The Moment Before" Famous Players-Paramount Picturization of Zangwill Story. Reviewed by Thomas C. Kennedy FOR the acting of Pauline Frederick and the production which Robert Vignola has given the piece the latest Famous Players release is notable. "The Moment Before" presents Miss Frederick in a role that is pleasing and interesting because she makes it so, and the picture throughout its five reels holds the attention with the beauty of its settings and rich photography. "The Moment Before" is a picturization of Israel Zangwill's story. The picture in the beginning shows Lord Maldon and his wife as an aged couple who devote themselves to charitable acts, and the poor people of the countryside have much to thank them for. Lord Maldon meets with an accident and the injuries he sustains cause his death. The Duchess shortly after this is suddenly stricken with an attack of the heart and the moment before her death she reviews her past eventful life. Her vision first goes back to the time she was a gypsy maid. A beautiful young woman, she is fought for and forcibly won by one of the men of the tribe. Madge meets Harold, the younger son of the Duke of Maldon, and she then determines to accept the advances of this handsome and wild-living young nobleman. She deserts John and is employed in the Maiden household. Harold's older brother learns their true relations and denounces him. In a fit of anger Harold strikes his brother and leaves him unconscious on the floor. At this point the gypsy enters and is about to abduct Madge when the older Maldon, who has regained consciousness, interferes and John deals him a blow which causes his death. Harold therefore believes that he is the murderer and leaves 'the country. Years later Madge and Maldon meet again. She kills her gypsy husband that she may return with Harold to England, where he is to become Lord of the manor, as his father has recently died. He then learns that he is not a murderer, and from the moment of their return Madge and Lord Maldon take up the mode of living in which they were disclosed in the beginning of the picture. The scene then flashes back to Madge, who, still lying on the floor at the altar of the church, dies. As a photoplay story "The Moment Before" has shortcomings. It is not the style of play that takes well to the screen's manner of telling a story. The production and the acting far surpass the play. Miss Frederick proves herself equal to the task of making "The Moment Before" a picture that will hold interest throughout and the settings for the action are of great support to her in doing this. Thomas Holding plays opposite Miss Frederick as Harold. J. W. Johnson gives a good account of himself as the gypsy and Frank Losee does a great deal with a part that is not large. "Playing With Fire" Five-Part Popular Plays — Metro Drama Released April 17. Reviewed by George W. Graves uDLAYING WITH FIRE" constitutes what might easily ^ be called an entertaining and satisfying picture and one that has the distinguishing marks of a feature. In the first place there is Madame Petrova in the leading role. She plays the part of Jean Servian, an unfortunate wife, with the grace and force which have characterized her former screen triumphs. Madame Petrova has an acute perception of emotional qualities and knows how to manifest them with naturalness. Her stately and magnetic presence lends dignity to any production.