Pictures and the Picturegoer (Jan-Dec 1925)

58 Jane Novak and Walter Killa in "The Blackguard." The P/c/'\jre$ver New Toys (First National; Nov. 16). Light comedy starring Richard Barthelmess, whose excellent acting deserves a better story. Directed by John S. Robertson. Good supporting cast includes Mary Hay, Catherine Wilson, Pat O'Connor, Clifton Webb, and Francis Conlon. Mild entertainment. Parisian Nights (Graham Wilcox; Nov. 23). Lou Tellegen as a movie Apache in an underworld picture directed by Al Santell. Elaine Hammerstein co-stars with him, but the best performance is given by Renee Adoree as a girl Apache. William J. Kelly, Boris Karloff and Gaston Glass are good in support. Stereotyped entertainment. The Passionate Lover (Wardour; Nov. 9). A German picture, chiefly good comedy, well acted by the stars, Lil Dagover and Nigel Barrie, and directed by Rochus Gliese. Colette Brettel, Hans Curlis and Lydia Potechnia are good in support. Very pleasant entertainment. The Rainbow Trail (Fox; Nov. 2). Tom Mix stars in this Zane Grey sequel lo Riders of the Purple Sage, and his stunts, riding and general daring are very effective. Director, Lynn Reynolds. Supporting cast includes Anne Cornwall, George Bancroft, Lucien Littlefield, Steve Clements, Fred De Silva and Doc Roberts. Good straight drama that is ■quite entertaining. Ridin' Thunder (Universal; Nov. 9). Another Western with a story that is gripping and well told, although it has nothing unusual in it. Jack Hoxic does well as the hero and is ably supported by Francis Ford, Jack Pratt, {Catherine Grant, Bert de Marc and Geo. Walton Connor. Director, Cliff Smith. Fair general entertainment. Sally of the Valley (Western Import; Nov. 16). Conventional Western with very little humorous relief, starring lack Meehan and Alma Rayford. Frank Abbott, Vester Pegg, Karl Silvera and Robert Burns form the supporting cast. Fair entertainment for the unsophisticated. Seven Chances (Metro-Goldwyn-Moyer; Nov. 25). Those who don't like this excruciatingly funny Keaton comedy should see a doctor. It is a sheer joy from start to finish and embodies one of the funniest screen chases ever seen. T. Roy Barnes, Ruth Dwyer, Snitz Edwards, Frankie Raymond, Jules Cowles and Irwin Connelly give the star capital support. Smouldering Fires (Universal; Nov. 2). Pauline Frederick, in this story of a middle-aged woman whose life has been starved of romance, is at her best, and she is well supported by Laura La Plante, Wanda Hawley, Malcolm McGregor, Tully Marshall, Helen Lynch and George Cooper. Most fans of discrimination will enjoy this. Soft Shoes (F.B.O.; Nov. 9). Harry Carey in a successful breakaway from his usual sheriff stuff. This is a really amusing comedy drama with capital situations and convincing acting, well directed by Lloyd Ingraham. Lillian Rich is very good as a girl crook, while Francis Ford, Stanton Heck, Harriet Hammond, Jimmie Quinn, Ala j el Coleman and John Steppling are members of a capable cast. Good entertainment. The Sporting Venus (M etro-G oldiv\nMayer; Nov. 30). Good acting and direction save this otherwise weak and conventional picture. Director Marshall Neilan has done well with rather poor material, and the result is a pleasant romantic entertainment. Blanche Sweet and Ronald Colman are both excellent, and they are ably supported by Lew Cody, Edward Martindel, Kate Price, Hank Mann, Arthur Hoyte, George Fawcett and Josephine Crowell. Sundown (First National; Nov. 30). A story of cattle pioneers " out West " on the lines of The Covered NOVEMBER 1925 Wagon, but not so well done. Hobart Bosworth gives a fine study of the old cattle king, and Bessie Love and Roy Stewart are good as the lovers. The Swan (Paramount; Nov. 23). This clever and well characterised production has been directed by Buchowetzki with all his old artistry and subtlety. Adolph Menjou gives a masterful study of the dissolute prince, and Frances Howard is a dignified princess. Ricardo Cortez, Helen Lee Worthing, Michael Visaroff, Michael Vavitch, Clare Eames and Ida Waterman are members of a wellchosen cast. Excellent romantic comedy. A Tight Corner (Ideal; Nov. 30). Fred Thompson, in this ordinary melodrama efficiently directed by Al Rogell, acts well and goes through some remarkable stunts, and he is ably supported by Silver King, the horse, and a competent cast. Quite good entertainment. "o-Morrow's Love (Paramount; Nov. 19). Good, wholesome comedy with a touch of pathos, featuring Agnes Ayres and Pat O'Malley in the role of a young married couple who part, only to find that they cannot live without each other. Ruby Lafayette gives a delightful study as a wise old grandmother, and Raymond Hatton, Jane Winton and Dale Fuller act well in support. Director, Paul Bern. Excellent entertainment. The Top of the World (Paramount; Nov. 16). A heavy, unconvincing and rather unpleasant story, very well directed by George Melford. James KirkwooJ is good in a double role, and Anna Q. Nilsson does her best with a colourless part. The chief attraction for most fans will be the flood scenes, which are very good. Fair entertainment. The Way of a Girl Comedy romance of a timid youth and a spirited girl, breezily and entertainingly acted by Eleanor Boardman, Matt Moore, William Russell, Mathew Betz, Charles K. French, Jack Herrick, Leo Willis and Kate Price. Director, Robert Vignola. When the Crash Came (Phillips; Nov. 2). A somewhat crude type of domestic melodrama featuring Grace Darmond, Warner Baxter and Ruby Miller. William A. Carroll, Jacqueline Saunders, Clyde Fillmore, Mershal Mayall and Alton Brown form the supporting cast. Poor entertainment. Wildfire (Vitagraph; Nov. 16). Aileen Pringle stars in this good, quick action, racing story, capably directed by T. Hayes Hunter. Edna Murphy, Holmes Herbert, Lawford Davidson, Mary Thurman, Antrim Short, Edmund Breese, Tom Blake, Will Archie, Edna Morton, Arthur Bryson and Robert Billoups form a capable cast. Quite good entertainment. Witch's Lure (Western Import; Nov. 30). A domestic drama, set in Texan oilfields, starring Alice Hesse and Spottiswoode Aitken. There are some good thrills, and the sentiment is never overpowering. Cast includes Gene Gautier, Edward Coxon, Augustus Phillips, Charles Mailes and Billy Elmer. Quite acceptable entertainment.