Motion Picture News (Jan - Mar 1914)

THE MOTION PICTURE NEWS 39 SPECIAL FILM REVIEWS "The Law of His Kind." (Rex. Two reels.) — Good photography and several strong situations carry this picture across in good shape. An uncle and his nephew live together, the latter having given up a woman of questionable character. The boy goes away to the war, and on his return discovers that his uncle has married the woman. He tells the truth about her, and her husband commits suicide in shame. The woman blames the nephew, but the truth comes out. Cleo Madison as the woman was very good. massacre of a caravan of travelers is shown, and then the big battle, which is very well taken and eminently worthy of commendation. "The First Nugget." (Eclair-Universal. Two reels.) — O. A. C. Lund and Barbara Tennant make a most acceptable couple playing together. In this story of the early West they have a good vehicle, and make the most of their respective talents. The action follows the story as told by a man, formerly a miner. He tells of finding a skull with a nugget inside, and how it finally leads to the mine. While full of melodrama, it is a most acceptable offering. The faithfulness of an Indian, whose life he had saved, forms a most interesting part. A worthy release. "Discord and Harmony." (Gold Seal. Three reels.) — A very melancholy production, somewhat similar ki ""'certain respects to a number of its predecessors, yet vastly different in others. Excellent makeup and good direction are responsible for its telling points. An old musician adopts an orphan, whom he secretly marries to a brother artist. The latter goes to Europe and returns with much fame. In the interim the girl*s reputation has been tarnished because of her known familiarity with the artist, who is really her husband. A splendid finale is registered. Lon Cheney, Murdock McQuarrie and Pauline Bush are the principals. "The Big Horn Massacre." ( Kalem. Two reels. Dec. 24.) — The title of a picture is a very important item, as is shown in this case. There are many, however, who may be disappointed in this production after such an alluring title through being led to expect too much. Two Indian rivals are forced to fight a duel, the villain winning. The soldiers from the fort help the girl obtain freedom from him and take her as a protegee. War is declared and fighting scenes are shown. These are taken at such a distance, however, that they are not over-clear. The "At Cross Purposes." (CinesKleine. Two parts. Dec. 23.) — Very clever acting, with excellent photography, are the only really good features in this picture. The story itself is not new, and not particularly gripping. Two lonely people marry, but are soon disappointed with one another. They are reunited by a mutual friend. "Her Faith in the Flag." (Vitagraph. Dec. 23.) — An excellent story dealing with Italian superstition. An Italian girl steals an American flag, believing that no harm can come to her baby sister, who is ill, while it is in her possession. Needless to say it is instrumental in making the child well. Two friends are rivals for the hand of the same girl. Pat loses her, and then studies for the priesthood. Danny and Mary are married. Later when the riots break out, Danny becomes the leader of the peasants, against the English soldiers. A number of good fighting scenes are pictured. Danny is finally arrested and condemned to be shot. Pat, hearing of this and knowing it will break Mary's heart, takes his place. In disguise Danny leaves the prison and sails away for America without knowing that he is leaving Pat to be shot in his place. The picture would not be injured by allowing the refugees to go to France instead of America. At the period this picture describes this country was but little known, and if we may rely on history, France was the haven for all the distressed from England and Ireland. "True Irish Hearts." (Domino. Three reels.) — Anna Little, Richard Stanton and Thomas Chatterton have obtained a most enviable reputation for their work in Irish parts. In a number of pictures which this company has issued, featuring these people, there has not been one failure. The keynote of their success seems to be an ability to get atmosphere. Clever acting and good costuming contain the secret of this desirable result. "Miracle Mary." (Victor. Dec. 26. Two parts.) — A splendid Christmas release, possessing much that is original, though one or two scenes verge on the conventional. A Salvation Army lassie is the figure around which the plot is woven, dealing with the inside workings of the "Army." There is but little of actual religion, and a strong romance makes it a most pleasing release. The tale opens with the conviction of an alleged burglar, despite the fervent plea of "Miracle" Mary. The WATCHING THE STRUGGLE Scene from "True Irish Hearts" (Domino — 3 reels).