The Moving picture world (February 1920-March 1920)

2002 ' THE MOVING PICTURE WORLD March 20, 1920 iMMiMll«inpiirMi»lilliilMl»lllMntiiniiniitiii»riiHii»rn»irniiiiiilPi»Mllli«lHnilllllMirtiiiiuiiiiiiiiii»MHiitililMHliniillllillliliMiiiniHi^ riimitmiiiiiiniit uniii MiMnniiiiiuiuiMiMiiiiiiiiiiMiiihiiainiiiHiiliiliHiHliniiiiiuimitiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiimiHiMiHiHniiiiniitiiiliiMiMJMiniiniiiiriiiiniiiiii I Consensus of Trade Press Reviews I Here are extracts from available reviews printed in the five motion picture trade 1 papers. It is the aim to present one sentence that will reflect the spirit of the 1 writer's opinion. Under each heading the first paragraph is from the review of the i Moving Picture World. The others are indicated as follows: Motion Picture News I (N.); Exhibitor's Trade Review (T. R.); Wid's (W.); Exhibitors' Herald (E. H.), The Right of Way (Bert Lytell— Metro) Should prove a big winner with aU classes everywhere. N. — Has come to the screen with all of its fine humanity, and above all its powerful characterization. T. R. — Is a complete entertainment for the better class of picture audiences. W. — Dramatic and impressive picturizatlon of famous novel. E. H. — The whole picturization of Sir Gilbert Parker's novel is well done. The Third Generation (Betty Blythe and Mahlon Hamilton — Robertson-Cole) Contains a number of tensely dramatic moments, and is staged artistically. N. — Fairly interesting picture on a domestic theme. T. R. — Registers as good, average melodramatic entertainment. E. H. — Falls below the mark of previous Brentwood productions, due principally to the lack of strong characters in the story. The Prince and Betty (Jesse Hampton — Pathe) Is agreeable and entertaining. N.— The piece has moments when it compels interest in the few flashes of humor, and these, with the star's performance, and the work of his assistants will undoubtedly carry it by to those patrons who are not exacting in their screen entertainment. T. R. — A light, happy offering that would go well sandwiched in between a sex drama and a murder mystery. E. H. — A comedy of young matrimonial partners; is downright funny. More Deadly Than the Male (Ethel Clayton — Paramount-Artcraft) It is an extremely artificial tale, but its incidents are juggled about with considerable skill and will really surprise nine out of ten spectators. N. — Ethel Clayton scores as polite vampire. T. R. — A well constructed photoplay, cleverly directed and with a surprise twist to the plot which diverts its melodramatic trend into pleasing comedy. E. H. — Compact little comedy-drama dealing with feminine logic and emotions. The Lord Loves the Irish (J. Warren Kerrigan — Hodkinson) While the picture is not flawless in construction, it possesses the charm of a well sustained, interesting characterization. N. — The title is going to make a lot of friends for the picture. It sure is a winner. T. R. — Affords amusement in its humorous moments, and the line of melodrama which gives Miles Machree his opportunity lends a dramatic tone to the occasion. A Joyous Liar (J. Warren Kerrigan — Hodkinson) Is one of average artistic quality of the clean comedy order. N. — If you accept it In the spirit in which it Is written and played than you are In for an hour of passable entertainment. T. R. — A performance well supplied with melodramatic situations. The Lone Wolfs Daughter (Loaise Glaum — Hodkinson) One of the most elaborately staged and powerfully enacted melodramas that the, screen has yet presented. N. — A stirring melodrama that will register. T. R. — A melodrama that contains real thrills, a consistent and interesting romance and entertaining possibilities that cannot be denied. E. H. — A splendidly done photoplay and has a quality of compelling interest that should make it an attraction of universal satisfaction. The Shark (George Walsh— Fox) Is strong in characterization and continuity. It contains a good deal of sheer brutality, but convinces by its realism. N. — A -vivid melodrama that carries a two-fisted punch. T. R. — The production is above reproach if one can condone the theme. W. — Rapid action sea story, with any number of genuine thrills. His Temporary Wife (Rubye de Remer and Edmund Breese — Hodkinson) Succeeds in holding the interest of the spectator from first to last of the six reels. N. — With such a cast and a title which sounds interesting this ought to get business. How well it will please depends on the individual. If your audience is critical they are apt to ask you questions. T. R. — It is pleasing after the manner of the stories featuring a Cinderella type of heroine. The Broken Melody (Eugene O'Brien — Selznick) The manner in which this love story Is told holds the interest. Should prove an asset to most programs. N. — Will afford good average entertainment. T. R. — A picture which affords pleasing, if not exciting, entertainment. W. — Star makes very favorable Impression In opening scenes. Authors have relied solely upon a vein of sentimental romance. The Forged Bride (Maiy MacLaren — Universal) While the story never probes very far below the surface, it keeps the spectator Interested all of the time. N. — Mary MacLaren has a mild offering here. T. R. — Is a good melodrama. W. — Weak and mechanical production that never approaches the dramatic. E. H. — A picture that should please in any house. The Feud (Tom Mix — Fox) There are plenty of dramatic thrills in this six-reel Fox subject. N. — Of all the pictures which have been based upon southern feuds none perhaps have come closer to serving up dramatic entertainment than Tom Mix's new offering. T. R. — A good, old-fashioned melodrama, with Indians and wagon trains and feuds and hoop-skirts. The Valley of Tomorrow (William Russell — American) Features William Russell in strong mountain tale. N. — The production embodies plenty of action, and it possesses an element of suspense that balances any flaw of Improbability In the story. T. R. — The picture holds tense situations which are well enacted. The Very Idea (Taylor Holmes — Metro) Moves along easily through pleasant scenes, and the well-selected cast furnishes many Interesting personalities. N. — An amusing comedy which should interest. T. R. — It shapes Itself Into a fairly breezy farce of conventional design and the usual horse-play. In Walked Mary (June Caprice — Pathe) The plot is a light and pleasant one, with a good undercurrent of humor running through it. N. — Frail picture offers mild entertainment. T. R. — The situations of the play are all so trite and so frequently familiar that they fall to create a spark of anything akin to enthusiastic interest or response. W. — Only ordinary. .Star not at her best Burnt Wings (Josephine Hill and Frank Mayo— Universal) The plot is one of the sex type and carries little genuine emotion or feeling of reality to the spectator. N. — A good average picture which will Interest. T. R. — Is likely to make a popular appeal because of its theme. There are generous dashes of the salacious in the feature. Easy to Get (Marguerite Clark — Paramount-Artcraft) A light comedy, cleverly adapted and arranged and admirably directed. N. — Highly entertaining comedy on a domestic theme. T. R. — An amusing light comedy which spin along smoothly and swiftly to a hilarious and satisfactory climax. W. — The best Marguerite Clark comedy In a long time. Young Mrs. Winthrop (Ethel Clayton — Paramount) Quite passable amusement for Ethel Clayton's staunch admirers. N. — It is as vital today as It was years ago when the play was written. T. R. — An unusual entertainment with an abundance of heart Interest. E. H. — Its appeal Is general; its production of a high order. In terms of the trade it may well be called a "safe bet." Pinto (Mabel Normand) — Goldwyn) Has pep, unforced situations and many laughs. N. — "Pinto" is a great picture. It's a western and it's a society picture. T. R. — Proves good vehicle for Mabel Normand. W. — A wonderful comedy, and all to Victor Schertzinger's credit. E. H. — Mabel Normand admirers should pronounce the entertainment satisfactory. Red Hot Dollars (Charles Ray — Paramount) It will do equally well when shown on any program, as Its human appeal Is universal. N. — Wholesome, entertaining comedy drama. T. R. — Contains plenty of heart Interest mingled wtih diverting comedy, and spins smoothly along to a satisfactory climax. E. H. — Not up to the standard of those In which Charles Ray has been seen. His Wife's Money (Eugene O'Brien — Selznick) A satisfactory product and a good entertainment. N. — Star, cast and direction make very pleasing picture. T. R. — Gives Eugene O'Brien good role. W. — Star shows to old-time effectiveness In story that fits him admirably.