Moving Picture World (Sep 1916)

September 9, 1916 TIIK MOVING PICTURE WoKI.D 1717 UNUSUAL STORY IN PATHE'S "THE FEAR OF POVERTY." "Tin Pear of Poverty," the Patbe Gold Rooster r< ■ September 10, has a t i 1 1« which in Itself command! attention. if it is true, as it is eald, that over eighty per cent, of the population of the United States is either wholly or partially dependent In old age, then the tear of poverty may be considered as an almost universal characteristic. Taking this as a theme, Miss Agnes C Johnston, the brilliant young author of "The Shine QlrL" a recent Paths release, has written a story which will excite a wide Interest, Florence LaBadie, star of "The Million Dollar Mystery," as well as many successful features, is the central Dgure of this production. Her part Is unique, since she Is required to plaj four separate and distinct roles — first, that of a young girl brought up in poverty; secondly, the same girl married I wealthy man and taking an active part In society; thirdly, that same girl a middle-aged mother, and, fourthly, her young and frivolous daughter, capable of great depths but as yet not aroused to her Inner Belt, Such a part is a strong tax upon the artistic resources of the player, and that Miss LaBadie is always convincing in her various roles speaks strongly for her talents. The story in its later phases, where the rich young girl Is yet to find that she has a soul, brings to mind the famous play "The Poor Little Rich Girl," which was one of the biggest Broadway successes of recent years. In each a girl surrounded by all that money could buy was, by reason of her wealth, a lonely figure without real friends and by force of her training never allowed to be her real self. The cast is excellent, Including, as it does, in addition to Scene from "The Fear of Poverty" (Pathe). Miss LaBadie, Ethyl Cooke and George Mario. Elaborate settings and beautiful exteriors signalize a production which evidently received unusual care from the Thanhouser Company, which produced it. "CIVILIZATION" OPENS AT BOSTON. "Civilization" will open on Labor Day at the Tremont theater, Boston, -which has been rebuilt at great expense, making it the most beautiful and one of the largest first-class houses of Boston. Some of the leading organizations of New England have become vitally interested in "Civilization" because of its theme, spectacular beauty and the great lessons to humanity It teaches. Governor McCall of Massachusetts has accepted an invitation to attend with his family the private exhibition of "Civilization" to be given on Sunday evening previous to Labor Day. The Mayor of Boston and other distinguished citizens of Massachusetts will be invited to attend the informal exhibition. THE COLUMBIA RIVER IN PICTURES. One of the latest scenic marvels available for tourists is now to be shown in pictures by the Gaumont Company in its "See America First" series. This is the wonderful Columbia Highway, which not only furnishes wonderful views of the river of the same name in the state of Oregon, but also provides mountain scenery of unsurpassed loveliness. These views will be presented on Number 52 of "See America First," which will be released September 6. "WAR BRIDES" PROGRESSING. Herbert Brenon has progressed sufficiently already with the photodramatic version of Marion Craig Wentworth's play, "War Brides," with Nazimova in the role which she created on the speaking stage, that he is willing to take the public int.. his confidence as to tin general results i" ha obtained The picture "ill I" released In a little more than a month, through i.' « is ./. Sebmlck. The hi in "War Brides' thOBS which | place m iiu humble home from which the men have «<■< war Naslmovs plays tin part "i a young wife who • hui shortlj after k<>imk to the front, is killed, she is about to become a mother, ami there is a tense struggle between hei love for the unborn child and her determination not to permit Scene from "War Brides" (Brenon). herself to become the tool of a cruel empire, which wants more men for soldiers, from generation to generation. "So completely does Nazimova throw herself into these tense scenes," says Mr. Brenon, "that even the moving picture veterans around the studio are affected by her emotional acting. Men who have been with me for a long time, all through the work of producing 'A Daughter of the Gods,' have forgotten the Cooper-Hewitts, the camera, and all the accessories of the studio, and have had to turn away and dry their eyes. ' NEW UNICORN COMEDIES. The Unicorn Film Service Corporation is now making releases of its new brands of film, and General Manager Schlank states that a large part of the program will be devoted to comedies. The first of these new comedies is released on August 30, entitled "A Foolish Romance," the principal parts being played by Tapple Berg, Billie Leslie, Harry Fischer and Jane Keckley, and directed by James Schneider, for a long time a Keystone producer. These comedies are made by the Metropolitan Film Company, of Los Angeles, and are being put out under the "Jockey" brand, in two reels. They are a mixture of comedy-drama, Scene from "A Foolish Romance" (Unicorn). comedy, slapstick and sensation. They follow a clearly defined story. In "A Foolish Romance" Miss Billie Leslie, a dainty, pretty girl, does some clever straight work. Harry Fischer, a hotel clerk, and Tapple Berg, a bogus count, are in love with the girl, and amusing complications result. An automobile crashes through the railing of a high bridge and falls in the river below, and a street car picks up the elopers on the fender.