Picture Play Magazine (Jul - Dec 1929)

98 Continued from page 96 aged wives as their dancing partners in the absence of their husbands, who are coincidentally spending the evening with the chorus-girl sweethearts of the boys. Basically this was the plot of the stage farce, which reached the screen intact in its silent version, but apparently the introduction of music must needs bring with it the foolishness of a musical comedy story. Neither boys nor wives are as sharply characterized as before, the consequence being that much of the fun goes begging. The ringleader of the matrons, first played on the screen by Louise Fazenda, becomes, in the hands of Dot Farley, nobody at all ; and the Swedish boy, originated by Arthur Lake, is played as a halfwit by David Rollins. Richard Keene and Nick Stuart are the others. The three girls are played — no, I won't say played — by Sue Carol, Dixie Lee, and Jean Bary, whose light, hard voices betray their limitations as speaking actresses. And the other two wives are Laura Hamilton and Ilka Chase, who, as much as any one, is responsible for the first word of this review by a bored, resentful critic. Brother Against Brother. Although "Side Street" has the distinction of having those pleasant actors, the Moore brothers, in the The Screen in ReViev? leading roles, the film must be catalogued as just another gangster picture, even though there are times when it threatens to rise above the average. Three brothers, played by Tom, Matt, and Owen, are city physician, policeman, and master mind of an underworld gang. Dennis keeps his family in ignorance of his movements and source of money, and helps one of the brothers through medical college. Finally his operations are drawn into his family's street, and unknowingly the gangster and the cop brother match their wits. The cop lays a trap for the unknown gang leader, and the latter, sensing that he is trailed, lays a trap for the officer. The film has some fine human touches, especially in the O'Farrell home, but much of it is purely mechanical and fails to exploit the melodramatic possibilities of the situation. Owen gives an interesting performance as the boss gangster, and Matt and Tom do well enough with their roles. Others in the cast include Kathryn Perry, Frank Sheridan, Emma Dunn, and Arthur Housman. Who Killed Mrs. Drake? With all the murder-trial pictures since films began to talk, you may have the habit now and, like a policecourt fan, go tearing down to the theater when a trial picture comes to town. Then you will see "The Drake Case" as a matter of course. Or you may be a sentimental soul who shrinks from courtroom drama, but would like to see the last work of Gladys Brockwell. In that case don't hesitate to see her, for the story is not strong enough to matter a great deal, and it is the sort that you never quite get worked up over. And Miss Brockwell is good, playing with a restraint that makes many of her scenes extremely effective. The story is artificial, settings in the Drake home resembling the overloaded rooms of the flicker-movie period. At times exciting, much of the picture is dull. It is one of those stories about a mother and daughter being reunited in a courtroom. The mother, played by Miss Brockwell, is on trial for murder, but is silent. The redeeming feature of the plot is that you will not guess who killed Mrs. Drake until the director is good and ready for you to spot the villain. Forrest Stanley, as the prosecuting attorney, leans over the witnesses, grins into their faces and talks quite dramatically. While he thunders out the true story of the killing, it is shown on the screen in a flashback. Robert Frazer is much the best of a rather large supporting cast. Continued from page 94 sides, Dot's fans are still numbered by the thousands ! To the fans : Are there still any of you who write fan letters to the stars since the edict went out that if you wanted a picture of your favorite, he or she would give you the privilege of buying it? To me, the star who would sell his photograph is in the same class as the circus freak, and I treat him accordingly ! Harry M. Cohen. 2 Burnside Avenue, Newport, Rhode Island. A Fan Loses Faith. Ever since I saw "Weary River," I have my doubts about the talent of all actors. I attended the opening of "Weary River" in a large city. It ran for three weeks to record crowds who were coming to hear Dick Barthelmess sing. Every one was enthralled with Dick's voice. As you know, Dick did not sing. Last week I was in the same city, and, for comparison, saw "Drag." Were there any record crowds? There zvcre not. The picture was lucky to stay in that city one week. Why? Because the public is not going to put up with Dick Barthelmess going through a picture on somebody else's shoulders. Bob Allen. 233 Huffman Street, Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. Are "Cold" Stars Liked? Why are the stars that are refined and beautiful always referred to as being upstage and cold? I refer to Florence Vidor, Yilma Banky, Dolores del Rio, and Virginia Valli. Thev are all beautiful What tke Fans Think and can really act, but just because they don't caper around like so many of the flappers, they are called cold and indifferent. There are different types of actresses, and, for my part, I prefer refinement and dignity. Will some one please explain just how Alice White gets by? She is not good looking and cannot act at all. This will cause quite a bit of comment, I am sure, but I have never been able to see Greta Garbo's acting ability or her beauty. Yet anything she does is considered marvelous. I have had the pleasure of seeing many stars in person lately. Vilma Banky is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, and looks younger in person than on the screen. Lily Damita is very charming, and also looks much younger in person. Baclanova is lovely and has a very charming voice. Leatrice Joy is very charming and also has a lovely singing voice. I think some contributors are very unkind. What has Dolores del Rio done to receive such unkind criticism? The fans always say such unkind things about her. Her voice is very sweet and she can act, too. Lupe Velez has a very beautiful singing voice. And, fans, weren't you thrilled to hear Ramon's voice? I thought "The Pagan" wonderful. I have one more complaint to make. What have they done with little Renee Adoree? She is a marvelous actress. Won't some kind director give Renee a break? Mildred F. 4913 Genevieve Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri. Kit Leyland Answered. The silly letter of Kit Leyland amused me. In a smug manner he tries to disillusion us poor, misguided girls in regard to the disappointing appearance of our screen heroes in real life, saying, in effect, that grease paint improves the features of the actors ! Really, fans, I had never thought of that before, hid you? Stars' faces are actually improved by good lighting and make-up! How do people think of these things? He gives what he fondly believes to be a damaging description of Ramon Novarro — "short, dark, and Mexican." Certainly; why not? Strangely enough, that is just how I have always pictured Ramon in my mind — a smallish young man with black hair, dark eyes, and olive complexion. Delightful ! I am a native of fair-skinned England and detest blond men. I admire the liquid eyes and olive skin of the children of the sunny South. I am so pleased to know that my mind picture of Novarro is right. Thank you, Mr. Leyland; I am deeply grateful. For Mr. Leyland's benefit, I think I can safely say that the popularity of Ramon Novarro, which is considerable in England, is not based solely on good looks. Those, like myself, who have seen all his films since "The Prisoner of Zenda" realize his versatility — not sufficiently exploited by his company — admire him for his ability and personal charm, and respect him for his sincerity. The remarks on Valentino were rather nauseous, I thought, and what purpose Continued on page 100