Motion Picture News (Jan - Mar 1914)

42 THE MOTION PICTURE NEWS snobbishness. The subtitles wen very good. Slightly incongruous at times. "The Death Trap." (Lubin. Dec. 26.) \ fascinating detective story which also combines a good romance. \ service agent becomes a farmer in the hopes of finding a counterfeiter. He discovers bis man. but nearly loses his life. A trap, composed of a gun which is so arranged that it will kill anybody passing a certain place in the path, explodes and kills its maker. "A Flash of Fate." (Bison. Two reels. January 18.) — Except for one or two unique effects this story is not worthy of much praise. It is hard to understand Several inconsistencies such as an automobile blowing up burt the picture. "In the Fall of '64." (Gold Seal. Two reels.) — Francis Ford and Grace Cunard play the leads. A story of the Civil War, which does not, however, portray anything original. Several fair fighting scenes. "At the Eleventh Hour." (Bison. Two reels. Jan. 10.)— William Clifford plays the lead. A very conventional story, whose only claim to fame is the large amount of expense used needlessly. "A Dip in the Briny." (Selig. Dec. 24.) — A comedy which should amuse. Some girls steal two timid bathers' clothes, and thus keep them away while they are spooning. "Two Up a Tree." (Patheplay. Dec. 24. ) This does not make much of an impression. The story is antiquated. \ girl is rehearsing a part, and a lunatic and her lover get mixed up. "The Honorable Algernon." (Vitagraph. Dec. 24.) — With such favorites as Leo Delaney, Hughey Alack, Josie Sadler and Norma Talmadge, a comedy, even a poor one, seems humorous. This is an excellent picture in every way. Leo Delaney, as an English dude, is perfect. He becomes stranded in this country and becomes a waiter. His many adventures culminate in his marrying the girl for whom he had waited. "Animated Weekly, No. 94." (Dec. 24.) — A good number of the weekly, containing much interesting matter. The process of building the Celilo Canal, in Oregon, and the Traffic Squad, in New York, competing for prizes, are the two most interesting items. "A College Cupid." ( Lubin. Dec. 23. Split reel.) — A fairly good comedy on the same reel with "Between Dances." "Gets across" in a desultory manner with the help of a large cast. "Between Dances." (Lubin. Dec. 28. Split reel.) — A clever story that smacks of originality. Two lovers having had the proverbial quarrel are joined and married through the kind and thoughtful action of an older man. He tells the youth a supposed tragedy in his own life. The whole is cleverly executed. "A Vagabond Cupid." (Essanay. Dec. :.':!.) — Poor make-up on the "vagabond cupid" hurt the story's reality. The ending is original, but not effective. A little waif is instrumental in bringing together two lovers. "The Upward Way." (Edison. Dec. 23.) — A conventional story telling of the trials and tribulations of an ex-convict in an attempt to gain a place in life. "The Janitor's Quiet Life." (Edison. Dec. 24. Split reel.) — An excellent comedy, burlesqueing the janitor. This person is very much annoyed by some boys who stable goats in a vacant apartment. The finale is perfect. "From Father to Son." | Rex. Two reels. Jan. 29.) — A very good picture, presented with a strong cast, including Robert Leonard. A father and son are partners in business. The father insults every girl he meets, and. incidentally, one in whom the son is interested, and this is the cause of their dissolving partnership. The son marries the girl, and becomes so successful in business that he ruins the father and forces him to make amends. "Coming Home." (Eclair-Universal. Two reels?) — This company has shown a marked improvement of late and now ranks with the very best. Belle Adair, Atec Francis and Clara Horton are the .principals in this drama. An amateur actress marries a minister, and goes on the stage, professionally, when they need money later. She, however, gives in to his wishes and resigns from her company. "The Forest Flame." (Broncho. Two reels.) — This picture is not sufficiently clear, nor can it otherwise be called a good production. An Indian revolutionist is released from prison and dreams of bis past life. The pictures, showing how he had been arrested and imprisoned wrongfully, form the st >r\ "An Orphan's Romance." iTIianhouser. Two reels.) Maude Fealey and Harry Benham play the leads. The storj is somewhat similar to "Peg o' \i\ Heart." \ countrj lass i introduced into society and becomes the fiancee of a young banker. Through lies they are separated, but finally are reci incited. "I SHALL NOT FORGET YOUR KINDNESS" 1 1 "in "The Adventuress" (Union "The Circle of Fate." (Kay-Bee. Two reels.) — A story with a moral that will not fail to make its appeal to everyone An Italian girl is inveigled into coming to America and is then abandoned. Her father meets the man later and throws him into the mouth of Mount Vesuvius.