Reel Life (1916-1917)

THE CHECKMATE’— HORKHEIMER A picture with a cast of famous people of the stage and picture land bachelor, attracted by Claire’s beauty, lures her into a trap under promise of marriage and, after lav¬ ishing jewels and clothes upon her, introducing her into a circle of fast friends, he deserts her. After weeks spent in vain efforts to secure a posi¬ tion that will permit her to make an honest living, Claire returns to her home in the country and is wel¬ comed with open arms by her par¬ ents and sister, from whom she con¬ ceals her story. Claire’s sister Ida is importunate with regard to the mysteries of metropolitan life but Claire tells her little, fearing that she will break down and reveal her secret. Thus a certain estrangement grows up be¬ tween the sisters, which is empha¬ sized when Ida meets a clever young stranger from the city who is on a trout fishing expedition. The younger sister carries on a flirtation with this visitor until matters reach a point where he induces her to elope with him and it is at this stage that Claire accidentally witnesses a love scene between them — recognizing her own betrayer. Here the fast action of the piece becomes faster. Claire is determined to prevent her sister’s ruin. The two are as alike as two peas. Vangrift has arranged to have his motor car at a certain spot at a certain hour. Ida is to join him with her luggage. They are to drive to the city, ostens¬ ibly to be married. Claire drugs Ida, dons her clothing, meets Vangrift, who cannot tell the girls apart, goes with him to the minister and com¬ pels him to marry her before she will proceed another step. The story ends with Vangrift in love with his wife and their twin babies. SOME SNAPPY SCENES The cabaret scenes along Broad¬ way are elaborately staged and very true to life. Some of the scenes in the Rialto “halls of high jinks” would be recognized by any expe¬ rienced New Yorker. The acting of Miss Saunders is remarkably con¬ vincing and she succeeds in getting through some rather vivid situations with good taste. The farm scenes are certain of pop¬ ularity. There is a rooster fight in the first chapter that is worth going There are tense moments of heavy tragic drama in the piece, with Miss Saunders playing the big part with her characteristic finesse. a good many miles to see, even if one doesn’t habitually attend cock¬ fights. Jackie’s adventurous journey over a country road in a racing Stutz car that can’t be stopped, is another ex¬ citing episode. There are horses and dogs, cars and cows, all involved in a thoroughly interesting plot. The cast of “The Checkmate” in¬ cludes some of the best known screen actors in the country. Daniel Gilfether, for instance, who plays father to Miss Jackie in “The Check¬ mate” was with Tomasso Salvini for nine years and with Augustus Pitou for five. He is one of the best known character actors in the world. Then take Mollie McConnell — she was with Mrs. Leslie Carter and Richard Mansfield more years than any lady is going to tell about, even if she does play old lady parts. Frank Mayo, who plays opposite Miss Saunders, made fame in “The Head of the House” and “A Child of Fortune,” and is one of the best known leading men in the motion picture game. He is a handsome villain and deservedly popular. Margaret Cullen Landis and Ed¬ ward Jobson, who are respectively Addie Smith and the country minis¬ ter, deserve to be recognized for both of them are widely known and capable performers. '‘ALIVE ALL OVER” SAYS “NEWS” Jackie Saunders is highly popular with the newspaper critics. For in¬ stance, the Cleveland News says: “ ‘The Wildcat’ is one of Jackie Saunders’ characteristic aberrations. There is no question that there are thousands of Americans who would rather see Jackie climb a tree or flip a fence than see Bernhardt in ‘L’Aiglon.’ Well, Jackie’s alive all over, that’s one thing.” One of nature’s pets, says St. Johns, N. B. Gazette — “Miss Jackie Saunders is one of the few motion picture actresses who suc¬ ceed in conveying the impression of sincerity even in improbable situations. For instance, in “The Wildcat,” Miss Saunders is called on to do some very add things, especially from the con¬ servative point of view of “our best people,” but it is nevertheless true that Miss Jackie entertains amazingly and never offends in any of the ways that some so-called stars do. “The Wild¬ cat” has many friends in this part of the world. Miss Jackie Saunders’ next photo¬ play production is a play entirely characteristic of the clever young star in its every aspect. “A Bit of Kindling” indicates the inflammable character of Miss Saun¬ ders’ temper in the role of “Alice,” the newsgirl (“Sticks”), who holds her place on crowded streets, fights for her own rights and those of the weaker among her associates, and eventually turns out to be somebody important in the world. “A Bit of Kindling” is a five reel star production. The author is Douglas Bronston, and Sherwood MacDonald is the director. "REEL LIFE— Page Five