Photoplay (Jul-Dec 1922)

WHAT WAS THE BEST PICTURE OF 1921? Actual size Solid gold, executed by Tiffany The first Photoplay Magazine Medal of Honor, awarded to Cosmopolitan Productions for "Humoresque," the best picture of 1920 THE Photoplay Magazine Medal of Honor has become an institution. Every year, beginning with 1921, the Medal is awarded to the producer of the best picture of the preceding year. The first Medal of Honor Contest determined that the best photoplay for the year 1920 was "Humoresque." The Medal was presented to William Randolph Hearst, whose Cosmopolitan Productions was responsible for the masterpicture; a Medal of solid gold, executed by Tiffany and Company, of New York. The new Medal will be exactly like it, except for the name of the winner. And it is up to the readers of Photoplay to decide who that winner shall be. The Medal is the first annual commemoration of distinction in making of Motion pictures. Ribbons and palms have been awarded for excellence in the other arts. Until Photoplay inaugurated its Medal of Honor Contest, the screen producer received no particular recognition for splendid service. Now the public is permitted to honor the maker of the year's finest photoplay. The people who appreciate great silversheet expressions now have an opportunity to express that appreciation. The two million readers of this Magazine are to be the judges. It will be awarded to the producer — not to the director, not to the distributor, but to the producer whose vision, faith and organization, made the best Photoplay of 1921 a possibility. The voting is delayed six months after the close of 1921 so that pictures released at the end of the year may have an opportunity to be seen in all parts of the country. Undoubtedly there has been progress in picture-making during the past year. There have been fine films — so many of them that the list of fifty suggested best pictures was difficult to compile. You are not confined to this list in your selection. You should choose your favorite picture because of its merits of theme, direction, acting, continuity, setting and photography. These are the ingredients which make masterpieces. Below you will find the list of fifty pictures, carefully selected and considered. Your choice of the pictures made in 1921 will probably be there. If, however, it is not, you may cast your vote for it, first making sure that it was released during 1921. Fill out the coupon on this page, and mail it, naming the photoplay which, after honest and careful consideration, you consider the best. These coupons will appear in three successive issues, this being the second. All votes must be received at Photoplay's editorial offices, 25 West 45th Street, New York City, not later than October 1st, 1922. The Gold Medal Contest has attracted world-wide attention. It has the enthusiasticendorsement of all the better elements in the film industry. It has helped to put the picture on an artistic basis; to give it its real value as a great and youthful art, in the eyes of the world. You are responsible for the financial and artistic success of good pictures. Let's hear your applause! Mail the coupon! Suggested list of best photoplays of 192 i Affairs of Anatol After the Show Behold My Wife Bits of Life Black Beauty Bob Hampton of Placer Banty Pulls the Strings Camille Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's CourtConquering Power Conrad in Quest of His YouthDevil Dinty Disraeli Dream Street Experience Footlights Forbidden Fruit Forever (Peter lbbetson) Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Hail the Woman Held by the Enemy Heliotrope Idle Class I Do Journey's End Kid Kismet Last of the Mohicans Little Lord Fauntleroy Lying Lips Man, Woman, Marriage Mark of Zorro Midsummer Madness Old Nest Old Swimmin' Hole Orphans of the Storm Outside the Law Over the Hill Passion Flower Penalty Queen of Sheba Sacred and Profane Love Sentimental Tommy Sign on the Door Small Town Idol Three Musketeers Tol'able David Through the Back Door Wedding Bells What Every Woman Knows Without Benefit of Clergy Woman God Changed Photoplay Medal of Honor Ballot Editor Photoplay Magazine, 25 W. 45th St., N. Y. C. In my opinion the picture named below is the best motion picture production released in 1921. NAME OF PICTURE Name Address Occupation 85