Motography (Jul-Dec 1917)

July 7, 1917. MOTOGRAPHY 43 Current Releases Reviewed 'The Lincoln Cycle" Benjamin Chapin's Impersonations a Phenomenal Success. Reviewed by George W. Graves "THAT Benjamin Chapin is a profound student of that great American character — Abraham Lincoln — besides being a forceful, competent actor, every scene of this wonderful group of subjects attests. The picture is presented as one big feature composed of four periods or epochs in the life of Lincoln. They are named, in order, "My Mother," "My Father," "Myself," and "The Call to Arms." In these Mr. Chapin plays the part of both the beloved president and that of "Tom" Lincoln, his father. The pictures are now being presented at the Globe Theater, New York, with the accompaniment of artistic and patriotic settings apropos of the times. So closely does Mr. Chapin resemble the tall, gaunt figure whose physical characteristics have been implanted in the minds of the American through histories, books of anecdotes from Lincoln's life and pictures, that the startling reality of the figure on the screen causes him to stare in astonishment at this living likeness of the man whose physical self has gone but whose work remains to be appreciated more and more as the years roll by. The first glimpse of Chapin on the screen in his Lincoln impersonation is one of the biggest thrills that awaits the movie fan. But aside from the mere physical aspect of the part the impersonator has made a deep, searching study of his character, the things that influenced "honest Abe's" boyhood, and the mental qualities inculcated through the care of his marvelous mother and his own struggles for enlightenment. With the help of a mother who taught him honesty, purity, a love for the right, and noble life motives it is shown how his great career was launched. The effect that those constant companions of his youth — the Bible, Aesop's Fables and Pilgrim's Progress — had in forming the ideals and practices of his after life is also pointed out. The four different parts of the film are represented as being told by Lincoln himself or as being the substance of his reflections, and this form is very effective. "My Mother" is a glowing tribute to Lincoln's sainted mother, who was the "pal" of his boyhood days. Mr. Chapin plays the part of Tom Lincoln, whose illiteracy and embarrassment before his more enlightened son is painful to behold. A very clever boy actor takes the part of "Abe." He does wonderfully with the scenes of grief at his mother's death. The actress who takes the part of the mother does splendid work, giving a characterization not soon to be forgotten. "My Father" reveals some real humor in the boyhood of Lincoln and also much pathos. Abe's father, jealous of his son's learning and not convinced that studying books was a worthy or useful pastime, hid the volumes and minimized his son's chances of education. But when a neighbor sought to trick him out of his farm by lying about the wording of a deed (Tom Lincoln was not even able to write his name) and Abe discovered the swindle before it was too late, the repentant father's eyes were opened on the subject of education and he meekly returned the books to his son. In "Myself" and "The Call to Arms" we have the same inimitable human note, coupled with historic accuracy and the irresistible comedy that distinguishes the first numbers. The White House scenes in the last subject, where Lincoln was calmly meeting the attacks of his advisers and critics and bearing the responsibility of the nation in the _ crisis that confronted it at that time, are wonderfully impressive and will probablv mean most to audiences at the present time. He said that not one star should be lost from our flag, and his words were prophetic. Despite the malicious attacks of his adversaries, who wanted instant war, he held out for peace to the last moment, saying "My way is as straight as a turnpike road, for there is a signboard on the road that bears the single word, 'Union.' " "The Lincoln Cycle" makes one of the most profitable and satisfying pieces of entertainment that can be found on any screen today. Mr. Chapin has produced his picture so faithfully that it is a historical document of no small worth. The offering partakes of the immortality of the character it tells about. At this time it should surely be in immense demand all over the country. 'The Golden Lotus" A World Picture in Five Reels, Featuring Regina Badet. Reviewed by H. D. Fretz ""Till GOLDEN LOTUS" is another International Service picture for release on the World program. It is a production of unusual vigor and contains many dramatic inci 1 i~Tg ^ Fff5 ; J >. Regina Badct in "The Golden Lotus." dents which are effectively linked together. The tragedy of a woman whose utter folly and heedlessness ends fatally for her, is theme, with its scenes laid in France. Not content with the love of her husband, she seeks that of his son, who was her former lover. Filled with remorse she asks forgiveness for herself before seeking oblivion in suicide. Regina Badet is a great success in the difficult role of Leah, the erring woman. As a whole it is admirally well played and the characters are well chosen. Under the direction of Louis Mercanton the production has been skillfully handled. The settings and photography are splendid. In the support of Miss Badet are: Martin Bradford, George Corday, Guy Favieres, Paul Guide, Paul Obrey and Louise Sand. If the rest of the Mr. Brady's World International Service pictures are as good as those now obtainable, the list cannot be too long. Reginald Ramsay, a rising novelist, falls in love with Leah, the mistress of a gambling house run by Govanni. Ashamed of her life of deceit, she promises to marry Reginald if he will trust her and not demand that she disclose her identity. As a token of his love, he gives her a jewel, a golden lotus, which is the title of his latest novel. When Reginald learns the truth, he denounces her. Broken-hearted, he accompanies his friend, Robert Verney, on an expedition to Africa. A year later, Leah is the victim of an automobile accident, which occurs near the home of Marquis Merricourt. During her convalescence, the Marquis learns to love her. Although she confesses that she has lead a life of deception, the Marquis offers marriage. After the honeymoon, Leah learns that Reginald Ramsay is the son of her husband. Shocked beyond belief, she listens to the story of how a woman has wrecked his son's life. Upon Reginald's return Leah is more in love with him than ever. He refuses to have anything to do with her. She visits his apartments, where she is found by the Marquis, who has been informed by Govanni of his wife's history. Repulsed by both her husband and her lover she shoots herself. The photographic department of the Vitagraph studio is a particularly busy one right now with the big daily footage turned in as the result of the work of four companies.