Moving Picture World (Nov-Dec 1923)

494 MOVING PICTURE WORLD December 1, 1923 Gowen of Cleveland, Ohio, made this sixteen months’ trip, encircling the globe in a 98foot motor boat. Although the trip included a visit to a number of points that are centers of civilization, the main emphasis is upon the extreme savage types. Some of these are weird and terrifying in the extreme. For the average person these types seem to have a compelling fascination. Others, probably comprising a smaller class, will find more entertainment in the shots of Java for instance. There are a number of attractive glimpses of this city. A dance by small native girls is one of the most colorful scenes in the film and by far the most charming. Among the places at which the “Speejacks” stopped are Samoa, Tahiti, the Paumotu Islands, Java, Genoa and New Guinea, and Australia. The Australian Aborigines show striking evidences of some of the most undreamed of brutality. The Bird Hunters of New Guinea are another savage race. A personal note is more or less evident and adds a genial touch to the atmosphere. The spectator is made to feel something of the adventuresome spirit of the “Speejacks” cruisers and follows their voyage with an interest that at times approaches enthusiasm. Ira J. Ingraham, former head cameraman for Burton Holmes, was the photographer. “When Odds Are i^ven” Good Program Feature with William Russell as Star Presented by Fox Reviewed by Mary Kelly One of the best Fox vehicles which has recently been afforded William Russell is “When Odds Are Even.” The star has been well directed by James Flood in an entertaining story of adventure and love interest. His admirers and in fact any average program audience should enjoy it. The conflict is between two mining companies for the possession of an opal mine on a South Sea isle. The ocean voyage, the dramatic incidents on the island and the climax, consisting of the race to the mine, afford a well-constructed picture with good suspense. Good types and a fairly convincing atmosphere help to make these South Sea scenes interesting. There is enough heavy action to supply necessary energy to the picture, although William Russell has fewer fistic encounters than usual. He has, nevertheless, a strong role, which is almost sure to please all, and especially those who like to see him in the conventional rather than Western parts. He is supported chiefly by Dorothy Devore, who plays with a zest quite in keeping with the rather adventurous character of the action. The other characters are well drawn and the picture should please average tastes anywhere. Cast Jack Arnold William Russell Caroline Peyton Dorothy Devore A'eal Travis Lloyd Whitlock Clive Langdon Frank Beal British Consul Allan Cavan Story and scenario by Dorothy Tost. Directed by James Flood. Length, 4,284 feet. Story Jack Arnold, by a last minute leap, makes the same steamer that is carrying a rival company to an opal mine on the island of Pago Tai. His rival, Clive Langdon, is accompanied by his niece, Caroline, and her fiance, Neal Travis. Caroline pays Jack’s fare and they grow deeply interested in each other. Her uncle and Neal play upon her infatuation with Jack and trap him, trying to prevent him from reaching the mine. He is too much for them, however, and wins the friendship of the mine owner, which enables him to obtain the option. Caroline of course finds that her love for Neal is only a makeshift and gives him up for Jack. “Wild Bill Hickok” William S. Hart Returns in Paramount Drama of the West of Fifty Years Ago Reviewed by Mary Kelly Bill Hart, his two guns and a horse, are once more a powerful combination in giving this star’s admirers what they have been awaiting for two years. Despite a large and capable cast, it is really a one-man picture. Expert gunplay settles the disputes — and there are enough to give the picture ample suspense and excitement. Men, especially, will find it entertaining. “Wild Bill Hickok” is a character who distinguishes himself to the extent of being commended by President Lincoln. A few authentic characters, such as Lincoln, Custer, “Bat” Masterson, Calamity Jane and others, are introduced to help give the picture a background. Wild Bill is *told to move on from his Western shack by a gang of bandits — a threat which he accepts of course as a challenge. Hence the first big thrill of the picture shows Bill saving himself, his horse and his cabin by dynamic gun play. His next feat is the cleaning up of a wild town. The battle is spectacularly staged with Bill standing alone in the street spotlight and the gang firing at him from behind barrels. The suspense is well managed, although his various achievements will impress some as being superhuman. His career is terminated because of blindness coming on, but when his arch-enemy remarks that Bill is losing his nerve, he has another chance for heroics, and in an amazingly swift battle of guns, he kills his opponent. There is good love interest, although the ending brings about a separation. The poker game introduces some effective comedy along with a strain of human interest. Altogether the picture should bring satisfaction to the houses where William S. Hart’s reputation is high. Cast Wild Bill Hickok William S. Hart Calamity Jane Ethel Grey Terry Elaine Hamilton Kathleen O'Connor Jack McQueen James Farley Bat Masterson Jack Gardner Clayton Hamilton Carl Gerard Col. Horatio Higginbotham .... William Dyer Bob Wright Bert Sprotte Joe McCord Leo Willis Fancy Kate Naida Carle Gambler Herchel Mayall Story by William S. Hart. Scenario by J. G. Hawks. Direction by Clifford Smith. Length, 6,893 feet. ■ Story Wild Bill Hickok gets his name after a courageous fight which he makes against a gang of bandits who try to hold up the stage coach. He goes to Dodge City, agrees to put away his guns, but finds the city so rough that it needs to be trained. He rides to Custer to get permission to use his guns and comes back to fight the gang who are opposed to law and order. He comes off victorious. but is heartbroken when he finds that the girl for whom he has been fighting is married. He rides off on his horse. Paint, hoping for happier days. “Crooked Alley” Laura La Plante Is Appealing in Featured Role in Universal Crook Drama Reviewed by Mary Kelly The story of a crook’s plot for revenge against a judge of the criminal court is told in rather slow-moving style in this Universal drama. Its motive is not entirely convincing. Laura La Plante is appealing and where the plot will not be subjected to too close scrutiny, the picture may be a fair attraction. Its greatest drawback is the slow, ponderous action. It has the atmosphere of tragedy throughout, with scarcely any relief except for Laura La Plante’s pleasing personality. The theme does not seem to warrant five reels of this. It is not more serious than countless others that have been treated with a more human balance of comedy and occasional lightness. The death of a notorious crook in prison is the actuating incident. The early scenes touching upon this are dismal and long drawn out and form the basis for Boston Blackie’s revenge against the Judge who would not waver from the law sufficiently to allow the man to die in his own home. Things are complicated when Blackie’s girl actually falls in love with the Judge’s son whom she is to trick. There is a lack of realism throughout that will hinder the picture’s popularity with a critical audience. Cast Boston Blaekie Thomas Carrigap Xorine Tyrell Laura La Plante Judge Milnar Tom S. Guise Rudy Midnar Owen Gorine Kaintuek Albert Hart Story by Jack Boyle. Scenario by Adrian Johnson. Direction by Robert F. Hill. Photography by Harry Fowler. Length, 4960 feet. Story Dan Tyrell is dying in San Quentin, and Boston Blaekie brings to him his daughter. They promise the old man to try to effect his release so that he may die with his friends. Pleas can not move Judge Milnar. Blaekie swears the judge will live to regret. Judge Milnar’s son. Rudy and Norine meet. Blaekie tips the editor of a scandal sheet that she is a crook’s daughter. The printed story cuts Judge Milnar. The final sequence finds Rudy a thief of his father’s money and in a raid Judge Milnar orders on Crooked Alley, his own son is arrested. Fight Against Tax New York Exhibitors Urge Congressmen to Act The first big step taken by exhibitors and film exchanges in central and northern New York, in an effort to bring about the removal of the admission tax, occurred during the last few days when letters were sent out from Albany to every exhibitor as far west as Syracuse, north to the Canadian line, and south to Poughkeepsie and Binghamton, calling upon them, individually and collectively, to present the matter squarely ta their respective congressmen. No effort will be spared in the fight which central and northern New York exhibitors will make to bring about a repeal of the present law. While the exhibitors in the Albany section of New York State are unv-ganized with the exception of those in the Capital CijkV it is possible that a meeting may soon be called at some central point in order to present a solid front which will include every exhibitor within the district. The Albany Film Board of Trade already has joined hands with the exhibitors in the campaign. 500 Showings “The Covered Wagon” celebrated its 500th performance at the Criterion Theatre Wednesday evening, November 21. A gala performance was given and souvenirs were presented to the members of both afternoon and evening audiences. This remarkable picture opened at the Criterion Theatre on March 16 last and has played to capacity audiences at practically every showing in the past eight months. There has not been the slightest falling off in the attendance and it is safe to say that the picture will remain at the Criterion until next spring. Joins First National Harry H. Buzbaum. who has been district supervisor for Paramount for a period of four years, has joined First National forces in a similar capacity. Mr. Buxbaum's new duties become effective immediately.