Moving Picture World (Jan-Mar 1914)

THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD 107 1 "The Pride of Jennico" House Peters, in a Fine Four-Part Famous Players Subject, Gives a Strong Characterization of Basil. Reviewed by Georse Blaisdcll. THERE are thrilling situatinns in this four-part subject of the Famous Players, which was released on Febfuary 20. So also are there dramatic situations — situations which derive their strength from the art of the actors as well as from the skill of those who have transferred to the screen the story of the original writers — Abby Sage Richardson and Grace Livingston Furniss. The climax, which comes at the end of the second part, strikes deep and with •extreme suddenness. Basil Jennico, played by House Peters, has i-worn by the sword of his dying uncle that he will up Scene from "The Pride of Jennico" (Famous Players). liold the pride of Jennico and that he will not marry below liis rank. He falls in love with one of two young women — Princess Ottilie and Marie, her maid — who have taken shelter in his house in a storm. The princess has run away from her Tiome to escape the attentions of Prince Eugen, whom she abhors. In a spirit of mischief she introduces herself as the maid and Marie as the princess. Basil falls in love with the supposed maid, but the recollection of his oath makes liim pause. The real maid artfully gives Basil the information that the princess is in love with him. He sacrifices his love for what he conceives to be his duty, and when the supposed Marie tells him that if he wants to marry the princess she is able to arrange it he gives her the word to go ahead. The ceremony is performed, the bride heavily veiled. When the two are alone the bridegroom slowly removes the lacey stuff from the face of his bride and finds — the maid. Humiliated, chagrined at the deception which he feels has been practiced on him, he spurns the woman. In spite of the fact that the bride is the woman he really loved, he has broken his ■oath. It is the woman's turn. To make her victory the greater, and sure of his love, she appeals to Basil, but she •does not reveal her identity. Her triumph comes in a flash as Basil takes her to his heart. It is the end of the story and many things have happened before Basil learns that his wife is the real princess. The denouement is highly dramatic and brings to a most happy conclusion a play that is interesting and exciting. House Peters is given here the best opportunity he has had to show on the screen his skill a> an actor. Whether in the tenderer passages or in the "deeds of derring-do" he measures up to the camera standard which his friends have "Ijelieved he would set. One of the most stirring as well as the most thrilling of the personal encounters is his struggle at the edge of the clifif with Prince Eugen. strongly played by Hal Clarendon. Taking a leaf out of the book of an agile wrestler he swings his opponent's shoulders on to his -own; he lunges forward, and Prince Eugen disappears in the depths below. It is hard to believe that this is a studio setting, and we may be revealing secrets; nevertheless, it is a triumph of staging. Marie Leonhard, as the Princess Ottilie, is charming. She also, on occasion, displays "ginger," as in the scene when she fights, with a sword, her way out of her father's home. "Betty Harte. well known to screen followers through her •many appearances in Selig pictures as the gypsy, is strong. So also is Wellington Playter. the giant aid of Basil. Peter J-ang, as always, does well what falls to him. It was un fortunate that the princess and the maid should have borne such striking general resemblance — in many instances they were garbed alike; they are of the same height, the hair appears to be the same shade, and the figure is similar. These factors will lead to confusion of identity at times with many observers. The interiors, some of which are of great depth, are deserving of high praise for the manner in which they reflect wealth and luxury. As to the exteriors, it need only be said that they were made in Cuba, and were selected with a view to variety. There are gardens and primitive highways, plains and clififs. Mr. Dawley is the producer. BEATRIZ MICHELENA. BEATRIZ MICHELENA, the celebrated operatic soprano, who claimed so much space in the theatrical magazines the season just past, because of the furore she created at Chicago in an Oliver Morosco production, will be starred in all of the California Motion Picture Corporation's big feature plays. She has beauty and dramatic versatility that will be decided assets. It was her accomplishments along these lines that were largely responsible for Polly Pry's prophesying that she would become America's first great Carmen. Miss M i c h e 1 ena' s beauty, which is of both face and figure, is of distinctive Latin type. Her eyes are unusually attractive and well adapted to motion pictures. They are capable of either sparkling with cheerfulness or flashing the fire of strongest emotions. It was this beauty and facial expression that first impressed Mr. Payne when he saw the prima donna in a recent Eastern success and determined him to secure her services for his company. The California Motion Picture Corporation is to be congratulated upon securing the services of an artist so distinguished, and it would seem certain that the value of any motion picture in which she took a prominent part would be materially enhanced. The release of these subjects will be awaited with considerable interest. Beatriz Michelena. THOMAS BEDDING WITH ITALA. Thomas Bedding, one time editor of the Moving Picture World, is now in charge of the offices of the Itala American Company, of which concern Harry R. Raver is the director general. Mr. Bedding will have charge of the sales of Itala subjects. Mr. Bedding declares that he has now found his true mission in life and will henceforth devote his energies to selling pictures in preference to writing about them. H. J. Streyckmans, who immediately preceded T. B. at the Itala office, has joined the reorganized Ammex Company and is located in room 604, World's Tower Building, on West 40th Street. HARTIGAN IN TOWN. C. P. Hartigan, of the Kalem Company, is on from the Pacific Coast on a short business visit to the metropolis. Fans will remember him as the Moses of the great Vitagraphproduction of five years back "The Life of Moses." Mr..'. Hartigan is quite taken with the luxury and comfort of the Screen Club, which was a pleasing surprise to him. BOUSHEY GOES TO ESSANAY. H. A. Boushey, until recently general manager of the^ General Film Company, has resigned his connection with that concern and will join the Essanay Film Manufacturing Company, at Chicago. It is stated by the management of the General Film Company that an effort was made to induce Mr. Boushey to remain with that company, as his work was fully appreciated, but Mr. Boushey believed that his new connection would be more advantageous.