Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

722 MOTOGRAPHY Vol. XIX, No. 15. James Morrison has a dual role in this picture and fills each in an entirely acceptable manner. He plays the part of Jimmy Manly and also that of Aguinaldo, a Filipino. His excellent work is somewhat marred by poor photography in the scenes showing both characters on the screen at one time. The camera-man was not careful enough in marking his lines, with the result that the scenes were lighted rather poorly. Except for these scenes, of which there were few, the camera work was excellent, several exceptional lightings having been effected. Violet Palmer enacts the part of Peggy Harmon, Jimmy's fiancee, and presents a delightful and refreshing appearance. Also let us whisper that it is she who really is that walking skeleton we mentioned before. Leah Baird, the third prominent member of the cast, plays the part of Peggy's sister, Helen. Others in the cast include Harry Burckhardt, Edward Mackay, Ben Hendricks, and little Florenz Sottong. All are acceptable. The story: Peggy Harmon and Jimmy Manly elope, but Jimmie finds he has no money. He stops at his home to borrow from his father, who is furious on learning of his_ son's intentions. Aguinaldo, a Filipino man servant, is a witness to the quarrel. Next morning the elder Manly is found dead and Jimmy is arrested. But here follows a series of complications that do not seem at all clear to the writer. Peggy's married sister lives in the house next to Manly. Holmes, a friend of the family, is staying with them for the night, and Helen, Peggy's sister., walks in her sleep. She falls and Holmes carries her to her room and from her window is a witness to the murder. Not wishing to sacrifice the honor of his friends, he enlists the aid of Martin Cross, an eccentric and confirmed bachelor who had once been a well known detective. A trap is set for Aguinaldo and after subjecting him to a terrifying third degree, the Filipino confesses. Jimmy is released. A second elopement follows, but this time it "takes." 'The Richest Girl" Ann Murdock in Mutual Star Production of April 7. Reviewed by Genevieve Harris "THIS feature is designed for those who especially like Ann *■ Murdock, for it depends almost entirely upon her personality for its appeal. It gives her a chance to wear a number of fetching costumes and to be "cute." She gets little help from the story itself, which is mediocre, to speak of it as kindly as possible. The photography, settings and locations are very pleasing. The supporting players, headed by David Powell, are satisfactory, but not much is demanded of them. Albert Capellani directed. The music cue sheet furnished by Mutual with this picture calls for gay, dainty selections, and an accompaniment of this sort will put the picture over in most theatres by getting the patrons into a frivolous state of mind. Otherwise the picture hardly has weight enough to hold them. The story: Benj amine Downey is the daughter of a millionaire candy maker and is a very much spoiled girl. She is accustomed to having her own way in everything. Trying out her new car, she is stalled before a cottage in the country, where two young bachelors, cared for by a middle-aged housekeeper, are living. The girl insists on spending the night there, while her chauffeur sets out for help to repair the car. The next day the fiancee of one of the men, with her father, comes calling and dis covers Benj amine. The girl at once breaks her engagement and later report of the scandal also causes the young man to lose his job. Benj amine, in the city, calls on him to apologize for the trouble she has caused, but thereby creates further disturbance. But she and the young man have fallen in love and their marriage silences the evil reports. "Fast Company" Franklyn Farnum in His Latest Bluebird Comedy Drama. Reviewed by Genevieve Harris T HIS is a fine picture for an Irish community. The hero, brought up to worship society's rites and believing himself a descendant of a long line of aristocrats, learns that his forefathers really were Irish and that the founder of the family fortune was a pirate. He is overjoyed at learning this and decides that he must live up to such a heritage. His quick transformation from a mollycoddle to a conquering hero is amusing and will delight the average comedy-loving audience. This is the theme of the play, and it is well worked out. The offering is up to the standard of the Farnum Bluebird productions and will meet with the reception Franklyn Farnum pictures usually do. Juanita Hansen appears opposite the star. Others in the cast are Fred Montague, Katherine Griffith, Lon Chaney and Edward Cecil. The story is by John McDermott, directed by Lynn Reynolds. The picture will be released April 1. The story: Lawrence Percival Van Huyler has been trained in social rites until he is very much of a mollycoddle. He fears to do anything which might be unworthy of his dignified and very proper ancestors. Even the girl he is to marry, Alicia, becomes disgusted with him and turns to Richard Barnaby, an arctic explorer who is a great contrast to the ladylike Percival. Percival greatly admires Dan McCarty, an athlete and a newspaper reporter. One day McCarty is assigned to write a story about the tearing down of an old house once owned by the Van Huylers. Percival goes with him. They discover, concealed in the wall, a box containing the confession of the original Van Huyler, who had changed his name from Patrick O'Malley when he gave up his profitable career as pirate. The shock of the discovery changes Percival's nature. He decides to be as Irish and energetic as his idol, McCarty, and his efforts at celebrating land him in jail. However, he converts his painfully proper father to his way of thinking and also outdistances his rival, the explorer, in the race for Alicia's affections. Benjamine invades the artist's studio "Naughty, Naughty!" Enid Bennett in Excellent Paramount Comedy Drama. Reviewed by Genevieve Harris HERE is one of the daintiest, most refreshing and really humorous comedy dramas produced in many a day. C. Gardner Sullivan wrote the story, and he has kept it always human and realistic, so that it is very funny but not farcical. The subtitles are cleverly written and add their full share to the complete excellence of the picture. Enid Bennett is ideal for the leading role. She is aided by Marjory Bennett, her sister, and Gloria Hope. Three more charming young players it would be hard to find. The many villages types are cleverly played and are used to advantage to keep the humor bubbling. The funny situations are put over in effective style, with unexpected touches of contrast and character insight. One of the best episodes is that of the church entertainment, when the heroine, very lightly clad, performs a spring dance before the horrified villagers. When their own daughters, even the littles ones, join the dance, also dressed as nymphs, the party is quite broken up. The direction, by Jerome Storm, the photography, the settings and acting are all first class. The picture will appeal to the most critical clientele, as well as to all other classes. The story: Roberta Miller returns to her home town of Lilyville after some time spent in New York City. She astonishes the natives by her smart clothes and advanced ideas. They in turn depress her by their stern repression of all fun. Matthew Sampson, the young editor of the town newspaper, who is in love with Roberta, is as "set" in his ways as the elder people, and Roberta resolves to convert him before she marries him. The villagers were suspicious of Roberta and when she gave a barefoot dance at a church entertainment they were scandalized. Roberta and Matthew's sister, Prudence, are close friends and they plan to convince the village people that some fun is necessary to life. Judith Holmes (Gloria Hope) is the model girl of the town, and Roberta decides to get Judith into mischief. She teaches the girl to dance and awakens her love of finery and admiration. The three girls go to a dance hall