The Moving picture world (October 1920)

918 MOVING PICTURE WORLD October 16, 1920 Consensus of Trade Rper Reviews Here are extracts from news available at press hours from moving picture trade publications, boiled down to a sentence. They present the views of Moving Picture World (M.P.W. ); Exhibitors' Herald (E.H.) ; Motion Picture News (N.); Exhibitor's Trade Review (T.R.) ; Wid's (W.). Good References (Constance Talmadge — First National — 5 reels) M. P. W.— Constance Talmadge as breezy as ever in amusing five reel farce. T.. R. — It makes a favorable appeal and affords pleasing entertainment. W.— Good in spots but lacks the pep of past performances. Once a Plumber {Eddie Lyons and Lee Moran — Universal — 5 reels) M. P. W. — The picture as a whole is developed along pleasing comedy lines and will add to the two stars' growing reputation. N. — Average comedy which should interest. W. — Lyons and Moran slip in their third feature comedy. The Prey (Alice Joyce — Vitagraph — 5 Reels) M. P. W. — Belongs in the class of very good photoplays. E. H. — Is an exceptionally well presented melodrama. N. — It's a highly involved story which Alice Joyce has in "The Prey" — a story which provides her ample acting opportunities which she takes care of -with her customary vitality and charm. The Valley of Doubt (Thurston Hall and Arline Pretty — Selznick — 5 reels) M. P. W. — The icy atmosphere of northern woods has been convincingly and artistically created in "The Valley of Doubt," which is a drama of the vigorous out-ofdoor type. E. H. — Should be well received as hot weather refreshment. T. R.— A bully melodrama, skillfully filmed, alive with thrills, cleverly constructed and warranted to keep an audience on the breathless edge of expectation. Held by the Enemy (Featured Cast — Paramount — 5 reels) M. P. W. — To the fine acting of these leaders, to careful attention to atmosphere on the part of Donald Crisp must be attributed the exceptionally good entertainment provided by "Held by the Enemy." E. H. — One of the most colorful and atmospherically artistic features of the season. N. — Civil War romance looks good as a picture. T. R. — This is an excellent version of the old Gillette Civil War melodrama which has proved a successful stage attraction through three generations. W. — Civil War picture loaded with action and possessing many distinct climaxes — action a bit choppy. Trumpet Island (Marguerite De La Motte — Vitagraph — 7 reels) M. P. W. — Those who enjoy thrills and fast action will like this picture. E. H. — Picture is unusual in many ways. T. R. — Is a fine production. Madame X (Pauline Frederick — Goldwyn) M. P. W. — So nearly does the Goldwyn screen version of "Madame X" in its emotional intensity approach human experience that the spectator forgets art, forgets drama, in the face of absolute realism. Insistently it plays for sympathy and it gets sympathy to a degree of which few pictures are capable. E. H. — A heavy picture, but one certain to be long talked about. N. — Tremendous drama faultlessly acted and skillfully produced. T. R. — This melodrama is a particularly appealing one, having for many seasons attracted millions of theatregoers throughout the country. As a picturization of the power of mother love, this feature ranks among the best. W. — Fine production of famous old drama. Over the Hill (Featured Cast — Fox — 11 reels) M. P. W. — This is a picture that can confidently take its place among the very best that the screen has yet given us. E. H. — A picture that cannot be too highly praised. N. — A real masterpiece of direction, acting and casting. W. — Beautiful and touching picture elaborating a mother-love theme to the sob point. Nomads of the North (Featured Cast — First National — 6 reels) M. P. W. — Emphasis on beauty in the North Woods, a capable cast and generally intelligent direction, cause "Nomads of the North," as shown at the Strand Theatre, to be valued as good entertainment. N. — This is a great audience picture. T. R. — Exhibitors should find this picture a good drawing card. W. — Splendidly produced and has wonderful climax. Uncle Sam of Freedom Ridge (Featured Cast — Harry Levey — 7 reels) M. P. W. — The action of the piece is not always smooth, but its drama and frequent humor are true to life and it is presented with a sincerity that lifts it well above the o-dinary. X. — "Uncle Sam of Freedom Ridge" will appeal to the League of Nations devotees and will catch popular favor to some degree by its flag-waving and strong patriotic flavor, but it is not a strong audience picture. . '. T. R. — It is the sort of picture that unmakes Bolsheviks; it teaches a lesson that no American, regardless of political affiliation, cannot afford to learn. Wi — Generally very appealing drama concluding with big effort to show why League of Nations should be adopted. The Jailbird (Douglas MacLean and Doris May — Paramount — 5 reels) M. P. W. — The release may be set down for its billboard value plus fairly good intrinsic merit. E. H. — Disappoints when compared with "2,V/2 Hours' Leave" and other earlier productions starring Douglas MacLean and Doris May. X. — Rather obvious, but fairly diverting. T. R. — "The Jailbird" can be listed as offering very acceptable entertainment. W.— Splendid comedy at start of this puts it over big. The Cradle of Courage (Wm. S. Hart — Paramount — 5 reels) M. P. W. — Is clean in motive and provides good entertainment. X. — Has plenty of action and should please. T. K. — Registers as straight melodrama with many exciting situations, abundant thrills and undeniable heart interest. W. — Xew type of picture for Hart who creates strong characterization. FRANK REMBUSCH AND HIS MANAGERS Standing, left to right: Charles Curson, American, Columbus, Ind.; If alter Bradford, Lyric and Indiana, Marion, O.; Robert Eichilsdoerfer, publicity director, Ohio; Art Blacker, Manhattan and Gem, Indianapolis. Sitting, left to right : Otto Baunchback, Alabama, Shelbyville, Ind.; Frank J. Rembusch, managing director of F. J. Re-nbusch enterprises, and Harry H. Koch, Ohio, Indianopilis.