Screen Opinions (1923-24)

148 SCREEN OPINIONS WEEKLY SERVICE nelli, it is staged in part against magnificent winter backgrounds, with winter sports included in a perfectly natural way as part of the entertainment. And there was indeed wisdom in the choice of locations and scenes, among which we recall a closeup of a gushing waterfall of the exquisitely beautiful type usually found in the carefully prepared travelogue. The situation in which the life of an artist in love with a beautiful girl becomes the plaything of destiny through his rival’s response to certain emotional challenges, among which are hate, reason and curiosity, is interesting and affords good drama. Rod La Roque gives a fine performance as the artist, who experiences after marriage the unhappy sensation caused by watching a rapidly diminishing bank account without being able to mend matters. The reaction of success on the artist, who, with his jaded ideas of preserving success through extravagance, forgot to reckon hard work in the bargain, is interesting. The photography is excellent and goes a long way toward making the picture a notable one, and both director and adapter have evidenced the power of imagination that gives the picture • its especially human and artistic appeal. STORY OF THE PLAY Barbara Hastings, daughter of the proprietor of “The Cedars,” a hotel in the Adirondacks, is loved by two men, one Ralph Westley, a young banker, and the other Stanley Roberts, an artist. The fact that Barbara gives her heart to Roberts causes Westley to become the victim of a vicious case of jealousy, and only his sense of reason prevents him from taking advantage of an opportunity to throw Roberts to his death as he stands on the edge of a precipice. After Barbara and Stanley marry the latter wins success and some money when Westley, regretting his former actions, becomes the anonymous purchaser of one of his paintings Plunging into extravagance Roberts becomes entangled with another woman, and Barbara, continuing to earn her own living, finally leaves him. At last his money gone and success refusing to return, he seeks the river. Again Westley aids him and brings about a reconciliation with Barbara. The close of the story shows them happy again at the old home in the Adirondacks. PROGRAM COPY — “The Challenge” — Featuring Dolores Cassinelli Come and see how one man’s actions may effect another man’s life for good or ill. Here is a picture that will make you think! Never have you seen a film with more beautiful scenic backgrounds. Beautiful Dolores Cassinelli is the star, supported by Rod La Rocque and an excellent cast. “BULLDOG DRUMMOND”— Class A (Adapted from story and play of same name) Story: — Exposing Get-Rich-Quick Murder Scheme of Fake Sanitarium VALUE Photography — Good — Not credited. TYPE OF PICTURE— Thrilling. Moral Standard — Average. Story — Very Good — Melodrama — Adults. Star — Very Good — Carlyle Blackwell. Author — Very good— “Sapper.” Direction — Very Good — Oscar Apfel. Adaptation — Very Good — Not credited. Technique — Average. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Producer — Hollandia Film Corp. Footage CAST Captain Hugo Drummond. .Carlyle Blackwell Phillis Benson Evelyn Greeley Algy Longworth Gerald Deane Peter Darrell Harry Bogarth Carl Peterson Horace Devere Dr. Henry Lakington Warwick Warde James Handley William Browning Irma Peterson Dorothy Fane January 1 to 15, 1923. -5,000 ft. Distributor — W. W. Hodkinson Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None. Gruesome Subject, But Thrilling — Faulty in Spots There is no question about “Bulldog Drummond” holding the attention. It is one of those breathless sort of adventure stories that keep you on the edge of your seat, and even in the face of a few technical faults which appear principally in the editing, each new situation grips you like a vice. The picture was evidently made abroad and therefore some new faces will be noted in the cast, which is, however, headed by an American actor, Carlyle Blackwell, who has not been seen on the screen frequently of late, and who, we believe will not be entirely welcome in a role to which he is well adapted. Mr. Blackwell is especially pleasing as the young man who longed for adventure and found it piled knee high at his very door. Evelyn Greeley, playing opposite to him, is satisfactory, but has no opportunity for big things. The Peterson of Horace Devere is effective, and also the Dr. Lakington of Warwick Warde. Dorothy Fane is excellent as Irma Peterson. The majority of the action of the picture takes (Continued on next page) No Advertising Support Accepted!