Moving Picture World (Jan-Feb 1927)

MOVING PICTURE WORLD January 29, 1927 370 “Sensation Seekers” UniversalJewel Picture Filmed by Lois Weber Is Sincere, Human and Decidedly Entertaining Working from her own scenario which is based on Ernest Pascal's novel "Egypt” Lois Weber has produced an interesting and at times absorbing story of conflict and romance between a girl in the ultra-jazzy wealthy set and a very earnest and sincere young minister. Characteristic of Miss Weber’s work there is a strong note of sincerity in the story which while by no means a preachment does note a good moral and does not show up the attitude of the sensation seeker in any too favorable a light, but at the same time she also takes care to show up the other extreme, the sanctimonious busybodies who see evil in everybody else. Miss Weber has made her characters seem very real and human and skilfully established sympathy for the two widely different types represented by the man and the girl. This intensifies the drama and adds greatly to the interest. For good measure she has developed the story' so that there is an excellent and thoroughly consistent thrill climax in which a yacht sinks during a storm and the minister rescues the girl. Billie Dove is not only beautiful but thoroughly convincing as the girl and Raymond Bloomer handles with ability and restraint the role of the minister which could easily have been made either melodramatic or amusing by overplaying. Huntley Gordon does good work in the unsympathetic role of the gentleman villain, the leader of the jazz set and a large cast renders capable assistance. In “Sensation Seekers” Lois Weber has again succeeded in making a picture that is not only decidedly entertaining but strikes deeper into the emotions than the usual story. Carl Laemmle presents “Sensation Seekers” Starring Billie Dove and Huntley Gordon Based on "Egypt,” a novel by Ernest Pascal Directed by Lois Weber A Universal-Jewel Production OAST: “Eg-ypt” Hagen _ Billie Dove Ray Sturgis Huntley Gordon Rev. Lodge Raymond Bloomer Mr. Hagen Phillips Smalley Length — 7,015 Feet Egypt, most unconventional of the fast, younger set, meets the Rev. Norman Lodge and gradually falls in love with him but decides to marry Sturgis when gossips get busy. Lodge follows her and rescues her from a sinking yacht. Stirring romantic drama. “Man Bait” Amusing Comedy Drama Adapted From Stage Play Is Newest Starring Vehicle for Marie Prevost John C. Flinn presents Marie Prevost in “Man Bait” Based on play by Norman Houston Directed by Donald Crisp A. Producers Distributing Corp. Picture CAST: Madge Dreyer Marie Prevost Gordon Sanford Kenneth Thomson Jelf Sanford Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Delancey Jones Louis NathenuiX Red Roseman Eddie Gribhon Betty Gerber Betty Francisco Length — 5,865 Feet Pretty shopgirl, fired when she resents boss’s freshness, fascinates rich youth. His brother, unable to buy her off eventually falls in love with her and she decided to marry him when the younger chap turns to another girl. Amusing and peppy comedy drama. Adapted from a stage play, “Man Bait,” a Producers’ Distributing Corporation production starring Marie Prevost is a light and amusing comedy drama of a show-girl who set out to win a millionaire. Fired, because she slapped one of the bosses who got fresh with her, the girl gets a job in a dance palace and fascinates a 3'oung rich chap who is determined to marry her, but in the end marries his elder brother who turns out to be the owner of the store where she worked. The idea is not a new one and several of the situations have a familiar ring although there are some unexpected twists. There are a number of laughs even though the humor is at times considerably forced from situations that are highly improbable. The atmosphere of the story is peppy and the action moves at a brisk pace, and Marie Prevost’s attractive personality and vivacity in the leading role has strong audience appeal. Douglas Fairbanks gives an interesting portrayal of the rich youth although he is inclined to overact and Eddie Gribbon contributes laughs as the tough dance hall owner. Kenneth Thomson appears as the dignified elder brother. Although the story is obvious and not very convincing “Main Bait” is a rather breezy little picture with enough laughs to make it entertaining for the average patron. “Stage Madness” Virginia Valli Is Featured in An Interesting Drama of Conflict Between Stage and Home Life With Virginia Valli in the leading role, William Fox is offering “Stage Madness” a Victor Shertzinger production based on the theme of the conflict between the call of the stage and the call of home. A dancer marries, tires of home life after the birth of a daughter, returns to the stage and wins fame but loses happiness as her husband has disappeared with the child. Years later, the dancer is injured by a fall when a young girl makes a bigger hit than she does, and jealous of the girl who is to take her place she shoots the manager, and frames the girl for the murder. It eventually turns out that the girl is her own daughter. The basic idea of the story has been used many times and the fact that the girl will turn out to be the dancer’s daughter is easily foretold, but due to the smoothness of Victor Shertzinger’s direction and the work of a well-selected, cast, the fascination of stage life and some unexpected twists in the action, it will probably prove entertaining for the majority of patrons. Virginia Valli gives an excellent performance and holds the interest throughout in a role that proves to be more human than sympathetic. Tullio Carmenati scores as the artist husband in his few brief scenes and Lou Tellegen’s performance as the dancer’s manager will please his admirers. Virginia Bradford is appealing and attractive as the young girl. William Fox presents “Stage Madness” With Viginia Valli A Victor Schertzinger Production OAST: Madame Lamphier Virginia VaUi Andrew Tullio Carmenati Dora Virginia Bradford Pierre Lon Teilegen Jimmy _ Richard Walling Bragg . Tyler Brooke Maid Bodil Rosing Length — 5,620 Feet Madame Lamphier, fascinated, returns to the stage and her husband disappears with her daughter. Years later an unknown girl threatens to take her place and Lamphier kills her manager blaming the girl but finds out she is her daughter. Stirring drama.