Screen Opinions (1923-24)

ALL THE "TRUTH” ABOUT PICTURES 145 Our Opiniou MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None. Picture Will Please — Star Capable of Better Work It is a pity that better material is not afforded Viola Dana than that presented in her recent pictures, which are made in a slipshod style. Miss Dana is capable of better things. But in this as in many other of her later features her cute tricks are played beyond endurance, and no effort appears to be made to reveal her talent. Grimacing, sticking out ones tongue, or jumping about a scene does not constitute acting, and it is much to be desired that Miss Dana’s director take seriously the suggestion that this young actress may have talent for something else than merely looking and acting “cute.” The most genuinely amusing thing in the picture is the acting of the child, Bruce Guerin. This little fellow, evidently not more than four or five years old, is a delight. The cast is a good one, and the production will be enjoyed by Dana fans. It has some thrilling scenes near the climax, where Tim and Mary get back Dr. Horton’s money. But the moral effect of theft to right another wrong is not commendable. STORY OF THE PLAY Mary Duffy, an orphan, is left in care of little “Red” O’Brien when Tim and Mr*. O’Brien are forced to make a get-away to evade detectives, Tim having been forced back to the old life of thieving by his frivolous wife. Later Mary and Red are taken into the home of Dr. Horton as companions to Mrs. Horton. And when Robert Horton, who is given to gambling, steals from nis father’s safe, Mary gets Tim, who has turned over a new leaf and is working as night watchman, to steal back some of the money from the safe of Forrester, Robert’s nemesis. The story closes with the regeneration of Robert and the betrothal of Mary and Tim, PROGRAM COPY — “Love in the Dark” — Featuring Viola Dana Mary Duffy, an orphan, and her little charge "Red” had a series of thrilling adventure* that you will like to know about. So don’t fail to see Viola Dana in her newest picture “Love in the Dark,” rich in adventure, fun and romance. “THELMA”— Class A-c (Adapted from novel of same name) Story: — Englishman’s Romance With a Beautiful Descendant of the Vikings VALUE CAST Photography — Excellent — Jack MacKenzie. Thelma Jane Novak TYPE OF PICTURE — Sentimental — Phillip Vernon Steele Fascinating. Britta Barbara Tennant Moral Standard — Good. Levissa Gordon Mullin ~ ~ ^ — Olaf Bert Sprotte Story — Excellent — Drama — Family. Lorimer Peter Burke Star — Excellent — Jane Novak. Sigurd .Jack Rollins Author — Excellent — Marie Corelli. Dyceworthy Harry Clark Direction — Excellent — Chester Bennett. Lady Clara June Elvidge Adaptation — Excellent — Thomas Dixon, Jr. Producer — Film Booking Offices Footage — 6,497 ft. Distributor — F. O. B. Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE — None Outstanding. Production Has Strongest Drawing Card in Title We are not sure that “Thelma,” based on the novel of Marie Corelli, will have a strong box office attraction for the reason that it is more artistic than it is spectacular or sensational. For those who like beauty, artistic development and a really good story in preference to many other popular qualities that are craved by the masses in their screen diet, “Thelma” will be welcomed. The locale of Norway has been admirably duplicated on the California sea coast, and the rugged wave beaten shores and sheltered inlets presented in the film are scenic gems. In recalling the picture the one thing that stands out beyond all others is the exquisite portrayal of the character of the girl Thelma, by Jane Novak. We do not know of any other screen star who is so well suited to the role in matter of appearance. Olaf, a descendant of the Vikings, and father of Thelma, is splendidly played by Bert Sprotte. This character, rugged in outline and true to the traditions of ancient Norse ancestry, is intensely in (Continued on next page) ; h f n ; i rtmtft No Advertising Support Accepted!