The Moving Picture Weekly (1920-1921)

THE MOVING PICTURE WEEKLY ■7 "Tiger True" Full of Deft Human Touches PICTURED above, is one of the most delightful human moments in "Tiger True," Frank Mayo's latest starring vehicle. As Jack Lodge, millionaire adventurer. Mayo takes a job as "bouncer" in an underworld cafe, run by pretty Mary Dover, with whom he has fallen in love. Unconscious of a hundred Unfriendly eyes that are watching them, and of the danger all around him, he goes over to the bar when she calls him on a matter of business and spontaneously places his big protecting hand over hers. "Tiger True" contains another real Mayo role. For he appears not only as the polished society gentleman, but as the fighter — a man who would match his physical strength instantly against any opponent when he feels that he is fighting for the cause of the right. The fight scenes in "Tiger True" are excellently and realistically done and in addition to an exciting combat with Walter Long, who plays the villain, Mayo has what is perhaps the best fight of his cinema career with the pugilist Al Kaufman, who plays a small but important part in the picture, that of Larry Boynton. And even though Al Kaufman was at one time one of the most promising heavyweights in the ring, he admits quite frankly that Mayo packs a terrific punch in his fist and that it didn't require so much acting on his part to be beaten by the virile star. The love story of Jack Lodge and Mary Dover is one of the most human romances ever pictured and Fritzi Brunette, popular leading lady and star of many a Universal picture, acts as a charming foil to Mayo in the role of the little proprietress of The Midway Bar. The role makes some, heavy demands on the dramatic ability of the actress who portrays it, but Fritzi Brunette measures up to them capably and in addition looks more beautiful than ever. A distinct brunette, with large, wondering eyes, she is one of the loveliest of the screen actresses. "Tiger True" is adapted from the story "Tiger" by Max Brand, wellknown author. The purchase of this story as a vehicle for Frank Mayo, is in line with the policy of the Universal Scenario Department in empToying the works of popular and well-known writers for the use of Universal stars. Brand's story has been turned into an excellent photoplay. "Tiger True" is full of lively suspense, mystery, adventure and romance and the whole is permeated with a "humanness" that makes it indeed an appealing photoplay for everybody to enjoy. Long Loves To Be Hated ■pHERE are three types of screen villains and there are three actors who are recognized as eminent portrayers of these types. Erich Von Stroheim represents the suave and polished scoundrel — Mephistopheles in broadcloth and linen. Lon Chaney is the unscrupulous, deep-dyed monster — the cunning, double-crossing type. And then there is the low-brow wretch — the human brute whose brains are capable only of planning evil and deviltry. Walter Long is recognized as the leading delineator of these types on the screen. Long has just finished playing a part of this sort in "Tiger True," the picture made from Max Brand's famous story, "Tiger," which Universal is releasing with Frank Mayo in the stellar role. In this drama Walter Long appears as a wicked and myssterious character of the underworld. The Baboon, and he also doubles in another role — that of Whitey, a strange, crippled figure who gives aid and advice to the residents of that section of the underworld known as The Tangle. In this two-phased role Walter Long has an opportunity to display his skill as a character heavy. After several years on the dramatic stage. Long made his first impression on the screen as the degenerate negro in "The Birth of a Nation." That sinister figure stamped him as a "heavy" and he has devoted his talents to that type ever since. Immediately after finishing his work with Frank Mayo in "Tiger True," Walter Long was summoned by Norman Dawn, the director, to take a principal role in Edith Roberts forthcoming production. Naturally, he will again be seen as "a bad man."