The Moving picture world (May 1922)

16 MOVING PICTURE WORLD May 6, 1922 Motion Picture News April 2 2, 1^22 " Reported Missing " Selznick — Six Reels (Revietved by Laurence Reid) T F there is one picture which deserves the ■I tribute ot "something out of the ordinary" that picture is "Reported Missing," accurately descnbed by belznick as its greatest achievement. Henry Lehrman, who wrote and directed this melodramatic comedy, has been given free rein to add to the gayety of a nation. And he has contributed a feature which will be talked about for its adventurous action. Its novel gags, its suDtie and Droa3 humor, its quaint charactenzation, its devel-' opment toward a climax which carries ex^ plosive Quahties and its overwehlming suspense, i'his compelhng element causes the spectator to grip the arms ot his seat despite the fact that th incidents and gags are charged with humor. Even though you wonder if Owen Moore, " shanghaied " by his enemy, will ever see land again, you laugh over his embarrassing moments. The star plays the part of a quiet, unobtrusive chap addicted to idleness and a fondness for liquor. He is always the gentleman. His top hat adorns his head throughout. The idea is a satirical fling at serious melodrama with the author and director punctuating the humor with just enough balancing drama to give it substance. The hero holds an option upon a fleet of merchant vessels — a fleet much desired by a cunning Oriental. Owen -takes life and his possessions lightly until the girl provokes him to carve his niche in the woxld. When he threatens to become serious "he is "shanhaied " along with the girl. Here it is that Lehrman says "Let's Go!" Fun and excitement (are running neck and neck. There is Ow^n in the hands of a crew of vicious cutthroats. And here comes the faithful valet in a rowboat paHdling the waves for dear life. There is action a-plenty aboard this schooner. For one thing the commissary department is soon emptied. And the skipper shoves the hearty eaters into the briny d^ep if they take more than their allowance. Money has been, spent to make these sequences genuine. The scenes, atmosphere and properties are the real thing. A storm arises which brings more suspense. And the humor is immense as you follow the hero's adventures and the valet's trouble in singing his dying swan song, " Nearer My God to The," at the organ, the while a veritable Niagara engulfs him. The climax introduces an exciting auto pursuit and the rescue of the heroine who has been brought ashore and hidden in the intricate chambers of the Jap's villa. A hydroplane is employed . to give chase to the Oriental's fast motor boat. And the sailors are called upon to help the hero in his distress. It is a healthy melee — a "battle royal. Daggers, knives, fists, revolvers are used in combatting the enemy. You are laughing one minute and catching your breath the next. The titles are genuinely funny and are contributions by humorists associated with New York dailies. Indeed Selznick has not overlooked one department to give the feature a thoroughness of production. The cast is highly efficient. Owen Moore will have to share honors with Tom Wilson whose blackface portrayal ancj. whose antics indicate a born clown. DraKnnQ Po'uer — This one will go like a house alnre once it is gotten over with the ptibli^.^ hirst audience will spread the report that it IS a winner. X'ltle can be exploited to limit; 4^ ASK NICHOLAS SCHENCK o/^KBW YOT^