Moving Picture World (Jan-Feb 1927)

Glhrough the 5ox-Office Window J ^ Reviewers' Views On feature tyims SditedL btj C.S. Sewell “The Potters” America’s Foremost Family Reaches the Screen As Latest Starring Vehicle for W. C. Fields Adolph Zukor and Jesse Lasky present W. C. Fields in “The Potters” With Ivy Harris and Mary Alden Based on play by J. P. MoEvoy Directed by Fred Newmayer A Paramount Picture CAST: I'a Potter W. C. Fields Ma Potter Mary Alden Mamie ivy Harris Bill Jack Egan Red Miller Richard Gallagher Rankin Joseph Smiley Eagld Bradley Barker Length — 6680 Feet Pa Potter, a henpecked business drudge, buys oil leases. When the wells come in, Pa is induced to sell them back to save himself from loss, taking a modest profit, but he saves the one worthwhile share and comes into his own. Amusing character comedy drama. |-VEN MORE INTERESTING than the Hj numerous cartoon families, the Potters, archtype of the American middle-class employee family, have gained renown both on the stage and as a weekly newspaper feature. It was inevitable that the Potters should eventually come to the screen, and Paramount has accomplished this translation with W. C. Fields as “Pa” Potter and Mary Alden as his dominating half. The entire cast is equally well chosen and it is one of the best ensembles presented in a long time. They make the Potters and their associates real persons and not players of parts. The acting is above the average and the cast does much to make the somewhat hackneyed story real. The plot revolves about the sale of some oil stocks to Pa Potter, who sinks the family bankroll in supposedly worthless shares. Just to show he is a good fellow, the sharper throws in one share for another well. This Pa gives to his daughter. Later he sells the shares back at a profit of a thousand dollars and thinks highly of his business acumen until he reads that the well has come in. But the well is that represented by the single share still held by the girl. Pa gets this back and presumably lives happily ever after. This theme is not new, nor is it given any unusual twists. Moreover the story is told in rather placid action, rising only toward the close to anything approaching speed. Judged by usual standards the story is rather flat. On the other hand there is a delightfully convincing atmosphere to the home lifg scenes in the Potter home ; the morning rush to the bathroom, the hurried business breakfasts and the debate between the father and the rising generation. It is human and entertaining and it gets the interest of the average spectator who does not insist that all comedy shall be knockabout. There are occasional flashes of drama, but these are not played up as strongly as in the stage version. Apparently the scenarists feared that Fields would not be accepted in serious work, and yet some of his best bits are these little touches of dejection as the sense of failure gets under the skin of his egotism. Mr. Fields has not yet been accurately measured for film, but here he gives promise, and in a clean makeup he is more acceptable than in the slovenly dress of his last picture. Mary Alden is “Ma” to the life ; short tempered, snappy, utterly disgusted with her husband’s stupidity and yet sincerely loving him. She makes each of her scenes count. Ivy Harris and Jack Egan, as the children, are equally in the picture and Richard Gallagher, as the girl’s suitor, plays with nice restraint. Joseph Smiley and Bradley Barker figure unimportantly. The photography is rather flat, but the settings are decidedly good. The lighting seems to be at fault. The Potters is not a whirlwind comedy, but it is a pleasant and entertaining play that should find general acceptance. “The Music Master” Excellent Version of Beautiful Heart-Interest Drama That Scored Phenomenal Success on Stage PRODUCED AS A STAGE PLAY by David Belasco a score of years ago with David Warfield in the title role, “The Music Master” scored a phenomenal hit, enjoying a long run and was successfully revived a few years later. Scenarized by the son of the author, the late Charles Kline, William Fox. is now offering a screen version. As in the case of “The Return of Peter Grimm,” the sterling character actor, Alec B. Francis, was chosen to play the role made famous by Warfield. He gives an excellent portrayal of the difficult role. The beautiful character of the old musician is one that establishes a warm bond of sympathy with the spectator, his kindness to others, his pride which keeps him from accepting help as he gradually pawns his belongings, are rich in human interest and deep pathos that tugs at the heart strings, while running all through the story is an element of bright kindly humor which makes the character even more likeable. The old man’s struggle with his feelings plays deep upon the audience’s emotions and are touching in their realism, for they are never overplayed. So fine and stirring is the drama and emotional reaction in this story and so thoroughly human and lovable are the characters of the old man and his daughter that the story not only holds the interest but is genuinely absorbing. In keeping with the spirit of the story there is a pleasing note of quaintness from the fact that the old fashioned costumes of twenty odd years ago have been retained. They seem to fit perfectly and add just another charming touch. Neil Hamilton is fine as the girl’s fiance and the other roles are alt in thoroughly competent hands and there is no jarring note in the staging of the production. Director Allan Dwan and the Fox organization deserve credit for the admirable manner in which the spirit of the story has been retained. Lois Moran does wonderful work as the girl in a role that could very easily be ruined by overplaying. The fame of the play, Mr. Francis’s magnificent performance, the intense drama and heart interest of the story itself and the performance of Miss Moran and the other players should make this enjoyable entertainment for the majority of patrons. William Fox presents “The Music Master” With Alee B. Francis, Lois Moran, Neil Hamilton and Norman Trevor Based on play by Charles Klein Directed by Allan Dwan CAST: Anton Von Banrig Alee B. Francis Helene Stanton.. Lois Moran Beverly Cruger Neil Hamilton Andrew Cruger Norman Trevor Richard Stanton Charles Lane Joles Wm. T. Tilden Miss Hasted Marcia Harris Pawnbroker Dore Davidson Barker Walter Catlett Length — 7754 Feet Barwig, living in poverty, searches for his daughter who was carried away by his wife years before when he was an orchestra leader in Vienna. He meets Helen and recognizes her but fearing to disrupt her happiness, keeps silent. Her fiance’s father recognizes him and all ends happily. Intense heart-interest drama.