Motography (Jan-Jun 1918)

April 27, 1918. MOTOGRAPHY 793 All Houses to Show Red Cross Film PICTURE IS LIKENED TO "THE BIRTH OF A NATION" ISSUED as frank propaganda to aid the big drive soon to be made throughout the country in aid of the Red Cross, "The Spirit of the Red Cross," a beautifully directed two-reel picture with a wonderfully virile appeal and delicately shaded pathos will be shown in all theatres in the United States. A statement to this effect was issued this week by Jesse L. Lasky, chairman of the committee of the National Association of the Motion Picture Industry appointed to co-operate with the Red Cross, from his office in the New York headquarters of the Famous PlayersLasky Corporation. Made Up in Two Reels This film, produced by Jack Eaton, one of the best known young producers in the country, is conceded to be one of the greatest two-reel productions ever presented and has been termed by many critics as "a Birth of a Nation in two reels." The picture tells a story of Sammy, an American youth (played by Ray McKee), who is leaving his sweetheart, Ethel (played by Peggy Adams) to sail for France with his regiment. She is scheduled to follow and arrives later as a Red Cross nurse. Traffic Scenes Enacted Sammy soon actually sees the magnificent work the Red Cross people are doing for the refugees as well as the wounded. All through his battling experiences Sammy constantly sees a vision of Ethel, clad in her white uniform, watching over him. After a charge he lies on the ground with a bullet in his chest, half conscious. The vision of Ethel awakens him just as a Hun comes forward, slaying the wounded. Sammy grips his revolver and shoots the foeman dead. Later, removed to the base hospital, Ethel finds her sweetheart a patient and nurses him back to health. There has never before been a propaganda picture of this kind that deserves such universal recognition. Many others with love, and war as their basic theme have been produced and have met with considerable success, but here is one that strikes the true keynote of the dread battle anthem, whose warning, resonant notes echo unceasingly around the world, and displays in a most vivid manner the wonderful work the Red Cross organization has accomplished during this world conflict. The picture will be released all over the country a few weeks before the Red Cross drive. Upon a preliminary showing in New York one of the critics said: "This little drama, modestly heralded, compactly put together by a master hand, devoid of superfluous material and unnecessary padding, scores a triumph, which for its size is nothing short of marvelous. "There is no attempt to produce a skillfully woven plot with ingenious complications. For here is a simple, homely tale which countless American mothers, fathers, wives, sisters, sweethearts will accept not as fiction, but as. a grave symbol of the deep shadow which has crossed their path." Everywhere there has been any preexhibition of this production it has been acclaimed as one of the greatest features of its kind. James Montgomery Flagg, the well-known illustrator, wrote the scenario. Horrors Brought Home Vividly There is brought home in a vivid manner to those who know not the sinister chill of the enveloping war clouds, the horrors of modern warfare, and intermingled through the story is impressed the crying necessity for immediate and unselfish aid for the angels of mercy who are laboring uncomplainingly amid scenes of death and devastation. The battle scenes are the very acme of realism, made with painstaking attention to detail, and the work of the American troops, both on the march and in action, is performed in true soldierly style, worthy of our army's best traditions. Whether portraying the domestic side, or illustrating the grim savagery of the field of combat, this picture accomplishes wonders. The trick photographs of "fade in and fade out" and "double exposure" are tremendously effective in showing the vision of Ethel when she confronts Sammy during all his trials and tribulations. Despite the fact that the picture is propaganda, the feature will awaken intense enthusiasm and undoubtedly result in being one of the greatest aids to the Red Cross drive that was ever inaugurated, for the appeal of the moving picture drama, when its influence is brought to bear in such vivid fashion, is more than likely to outdo the most strenuous efforts of the most accomplished and persuasive orators and writers. Go to New Location Director Dell Henderson of World Pictures has taken Carlyle Blackwell, Evelyn Greeley and company to Haines Falls, where scenes for "The Beloved Blackmailer," their latest World release, will be made. Ullie Rhodes as she appears in "Mary's Frame-Up," Iter new Strand comedy for Mutual release.