The Moving picture world (March 1923-April 1923)

Consensus d^PuBLiSHEDRtviEm Here are extracts from news available at press hour from publications of the Industry 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* Trade Review (T.R.); Film Dally (F.D.) The Prisoner (Herbert Knwlinson — Universiil — 4,7tK> feet) M. P. W. — There is considerable curiosity as to what comes next, and a buoyant quality In the directing that fastens the attention. F. D. — Fairly interesting romance that starts off slowly but increases in interest toward the end. N. — The picture is suitable for program houses. E. H. — Furnishes a full hour's entertainment of romance, adventure and thrills. T. R. — This picture provides pleasing entertainment. The Famous Mrs. Fair (Featured Cast — Metro — 7,000 feet) M. P. W. — Don't hesitate to book this picture, for it should immensely please any type of audience and echo in your box office. F. D. — Undoubtedly carries strong audience appeal and as such should make first rate box office attraction. N. — A picture which is certain to be appreciated everywhere. E. H. — There is little doubt that most audiences will be gripped by this well made, convincing drama of American home life. T. R.— The story is well developed and should afford first class entertainment wherever shown. The World's a Stage (Dorothy Phillips — Principal Plctnres — Six reels) M, P. W. — A knockout from a box office standpoint. As a production it is effectively strong in direction, action, photography, settings and light. N. — The picture is effective in its human appeal and is one of tlie best audience attractions of the season. E. H. — A state right offering away above the average. F. D.— 'Very likely to please a majority, the "fan" crowd particularly, since it deals with Hollywood and its people. The usual Elinor Glyn philosophy, however. T. R. — A good picture. Going far to make il so Is the work of Dorothy Phillips and Bruce McRae and direction of Colin Campbell. The Flaming Hour (Frank Mayo— Universal — 1,508 feet) M. P. W. — In preparing for the final thrill there is a story of at least average suspense intensified by the magnetic personality of the star. F. D. — A satisfying entertainment that has well sustained interest and good climax. E. H. — Presents Frank Mayo in a story of ordinary merit, but Director Edward Sedgwick has put plenty of action into every 'scene and with the help of an excellent cast, the picture moves along to a stirring climax and pleasing finish. T. R. — The sort of picture warranted to v. jn a majority vote of appreciation wherever it is shown. N. — An excellent program picture. Catch My Smoke (Tom Mix — Fox — 4,070 feet) M. P. W. — Wherever the star and his famous horse are admired, "Catch My Smoke" should be In favor. F. D. — Up to the Mix standard with the customary action and incident. E. H. — We advise you to flag the first Fox salesman you see and sign up for this one. . T. R. — Typical vehicle for this actor and in localities where he is popular It will most likely prove to be a winner. N. — Tom Mix and Tony are back. Which means that picture-goers fortunate enoug-h to Bee "Catch My Smoke" will take nearly as much delight in it as in earlier releases. The Crusader (AVilliam Rus.>iell — Fox — 4.780 feet) M. P. W. — Five reels of well-planned entertainment. T. E'. — A somewhat stereotyped story possessing some entertaining qualities. E. H. — Presents William Russell in a Western story of moderate interest. The story drags in spots although some of the long shots are very beautiful and the love interest well handled. .N. — A certain slowness of action mars this story, but otherwise it is a highly satisfactory example of that type of Western film in which 'W'illia'm Russell does good work. Affinities (Colleen Moore and John Bowers — Hodkinson — 5.700 feet) M. P. W. — Mary Roberts Rinehart has made light of the woes of the neglected wife, and the pictured version of her "Affinities" reflects her happy, frivolous view of the subject. T. R. — "Affinities" is a farce with a lot of laughs and a lot of hokum too. E. H. — It holds average interest, moves fast and as a whole proves satisfactory as light entertainment. N. — There Is some romance, as well as a bit of near pathos, but the principal vein of the picture Is good, wholesome humor. The Challenge i Dolores Oassinelli — American Releasing — 5,052 feet) M, P. W. — A clever use of familiar material here should sell this picture to the average fan. The story of a triangular love affair has been entertainingly presented with a touch of novelty now and then. T. R. — Taken on the whole it affords good entertainment. E. H. — Thoroughly enjoyable little five-reel feature. N. — The plot has been done before, but there are just enough new angles to wipe out the memory of any former theme. Another Man's Shoes (Herbert Rawlinson — Universal — 4,2^*1 feet) M. P. W. — A feature of average interest, with a melodramatic story about the maneuvers of a Bolshevistic society. The treatment is humorous and thrilling by turns, with comedy as the dominating motive. N. — Call it an average program feature and let it go at that. P. D. — 'Very weak material that gives Rawlinson no opportunity to make good. T. Tl.— There Is a good bit of comedy and some exciting moments that should fulfill the requirements of an average entertainment. E. H. — It is light but pleasing entertainment, and should be well received by any audience. The Grub-Stake (]VeH .Shipman — American Releasing — 8,001 feet) M. P. W. — Due to the acceptable story and the excellent animal stuff It is a picture that should please a majority of audiences. F. D. — Highly melodramatic production staged In Klondike with plenty of thrills in last few reels. N. — As a whole the production ranks with any of the star's recent releases and should go over especially well after the weather gets warm. E. H. — Interesting animal stuff raises this feature out of the ordinary class. T. R. — Although not exactly suited to the demands of the "big houses," ouyht to score a healthy box office record in all other theatres. A Clouded Name ( .\<«rm:> .Shearer — Playgoers l.ss.-; feet) M. P. W. — Somewhat lacking in action, this picture will appeal primarily to those who are sentimentally inclined. T. R. — May be listed as an ordinary program attraction likely to "get by" in the cheaper class of theatres. N. — A very fair program picture, which might have been considerably better had It been handled in a logical manner. B. H.— -A well told and interesting story in five reels. F. D. — Fairly interesting and absorbingcombination of situations that suffer from poor handling. Lost and Found (Featured Cast — Gold«yii( M. P. W. — Because novelty and picturesqueness and realism of location, its strong drama and several punch scenes, should prove welcome in any theatre. E. H. — Is a thriller of the South Sea Islands filmed in Tahiti. It should please, especially audiences that like action and forceful drama. T. R. — Exactly the sort of thing calculated to win popularity with the masses, nor will it fail to please even the critical souls among screen audiences. F. D. — One of those pictorially beautiful, tropical island pictures that is good to look at but otherwise fairly weak. N. — All very fine and we predict for it a real welcome at the hands of the nublic. Back Home and Broke (Thomas Meighan — Paramount — 7,S14 feet) M. P. W. — Clean, refresliing and thoroughly enjoyable entertainment. Should find a welcome in practically every type of theatre. E. H. — An American idyl for every-day Americans and its theatre history should be an unbroken record of financial and audience satisfaction. T. Ri. — Despite its prosy beginning, makes good In the long run and registers as a very likely box office attraction. N. — It is bright and must be called one of the most entertaining documents of the season. F. D. — A good entertainment; fine audience appeal and sure-fire material despite rather obvious situations. Boss of Camp 4 (Charles Jones — Fox — 1,235 feet) M. P. W.— Should be popular with men. More interest than the recent vehicles for the star because it presents something slightly different in the way of outdoor dramas. T. R. — Should prove to be a thoroughly satisfactory box office attraction. N. — It Is a he-man picture — one of the best which the star has ever made. It will add greatly to his popularity. F. D. — Fine actionful western that has more speed than a halt dozen features put together. E. H. — Plenty of action and not a few thrills. It affords good entertainment. Thelma (Featured Cast — F. B. O. — 0,000 feet) M. P. W. — Should prove satisfactory entertainment for the masses. T. R. — Fulfills every demand of the movie patron. N. — A splendid screen version of Marie CorelH's popular novel. F. D. — A good box office attraction for certain exhibitors; first rate production. E. H. — A well-made and very entertaining adaptation of Marie Corelli's book.