Screen Opinions (1923-24)

ALL THE "TRUTH” ABOUT PICTURES 143 romance develops between her and Norton, but she refuses to have anything to do with kirn until she has finished her course at college. In the meantime Norton is injured in a fight, ana a pressure on his brain causes him to be a thief. A message to Dorothy brings her hurrying back, and through her efforts he is operated on, and the money he stole is replaced and his name cleared. The close of the story shows the final rounding up of the murderers and, the betrothal of Dorothy and Roderick. PROGRAM COPY— “Bells of San Juan”— Featuring Charles Jones Roderick Norton had to admit that the modern woman is a useful institution in spite of former prejudices. You’ll like this thrilling western melodrama find the romance of its hero. Charles Jones is the star. “PRIDE OF PALOMAR”— Class A-c (Adapted from story of same name) Story: — Adventures of Young Californian in Reclaiming Heritage * VALUE CAST Photography — Excellent — Chester A. Lyons. Don Mike Forrest Stanley TYPE OF PICTURE— Fascinating— Forceful. Kay Parker Marjorie Daw Moral Standard — Average. Pablo Tote De Crow — Father Dominie James Barrow Story — Excellent — Drama — Family. Don Miguel Joseph Dowling Cast — Excellent — All-Star. John Parker ..A lfred Allen Author — Excellent — Peter B. Kyne. Coonway George Nichols Direction — Excellent — Frank Borzage. Okada Warner Oland Adajptation^Excellent — Grant Carpenter. Mrs. Parker Mrs. Jessie Hebbard Technique — Excellent. " ' Spiritual Influence — Average. January 1 to 15, 1923. Producer — Cosmopolitan Footage — 7,494 ft. Distributor — Famous Players Oar Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE — A Man Can With Right and Determination. Most Enjoyable Picture of Season — Thoroughly Human — Splendid Race Scenes We venture to say that no picture of the season will be more thoroughly enjoyed than “The Pride of Palomar.” Perhaps it is because the story on which it is founded is interesting and of a red-blooded type — substantial in other words — or, perhaps, the quality of the cast has a large share in its success. But with all of this and attractive and well-photographed settings, we believe that most of the credit for an A-l production is due to Frank Borzage, director. There have been a great many pictures staged amid similar surroundings, with feuds over irrigation dams and like things, but none of them have combined the human element with the spectacular and the spirit of intrigue bucking youth and the demand for justice so successfully as “The Pride of Palomar.” The action moves at a spirited tempo — something doing every moment. There is a breadth of treatment evident in the picture that is only found in the achievements of the best directors who blend romance with adventure and temper drama with melodrama in such a way as to keep one’s blood at a fever heat of excitement as to the fate of the characters and their dreams. One of the things that will be most enjoyed in the picture is the character portrayal of George Nichols, as Conway. Then Marjorie Daw is delighful as Kay Parker, and Forrest Stanley is every inch the hero, fighting for his rights and a sweetheart. The racetrack scenes are so thrillingly photographed and edited that they are almost sure to win applause. The picture contains some good comedy in addition to its other attractive features. Most of the action takes place on a California ranch. You can afford to give this one a special boost. STORY OF THE PLAY Don Mike Farrell returns from service in Siberia to find his father dead, himself reported dead, and his father’s ranch in the hands of strangers, who seek to use the property to their own ends. John Parker, the man in possession, holds a mortgage on the land and for purposes of disposing of it for a Japanese colonization scheme, an irrigation ditch, under contract to Conway, a friend of Don Mike’s father, is under way. The remainder of the story has to do with Mike’s fight to retain his land and keep the construction of the dam going in spite of John Parker’s attempts to stop it, and his romance with Parker’s daughter, who uses her own money anonymously to help build the dam. The securing of part oj the money for payment of the mortgage is done through the race tracks, and at the last hour Don Mike arrives with the cash and saves his land from the Japs. The story ends with the wedding of Kay and Don Mike, and a reconciliation with Parker. PROGRAM COPY — “The Pride of Palomar” — With an All-Star Cast Here is a production teeming with action that blends romance, intrigue, adventure and human interest in the most thrilling fashion. The race track scenes are worth the admission price. Don’t miss one of the season’s best, played with a cast that includes more than one popular star. No Advertising Support Accepted!