Screen Opinions (1923-24)

ALL THE “TRUTH” ABOUT PICTURES 151 the vigorous type of manhood bom to command, and of course, as the hero of the plot he conquers. Frank Mayo is excellent in the role, and Lawrence Hughes, as Tony Heritage, the villain, also does creditable work. Louise Lorraine, as the little French maid whose father marries her to a man she has never seen before, and on the bridegroom’s arrest is forced to separate them at the altar is charming. The cast is good throughout. One of the features of the picture is the excellent photography, some of the scenes presenting night and a stormy sea. This is a good feature for any theatre. STORY OF THE PLAY Rod McLean, trading in the South Seas, rescues Tony Heritage, a derelict, from savages. Tony leaves the ship at the next port, and is later discovered playing the gentleman with money stolen from McLean. Worming his way into polite society Tony marries the daughter of a French officer, and is arrested on his wedding day. Later McLean meets Joie Malet, the bride, and a romance develops. Captain Malet, without disclosing Tony’s relationship to his daughter, sends him back to the island from which he came in care of McLean. Joie and McLean are left to pursue the path of happiness. PROGRAM COPY — “The Altar Stairs” — Featuring Frank Mayo It was a strange fate that placed the derelict husband of the woman he loved in the hands of Rod McLean. And destiny was kind when she prevented him from deciding his enemy’s fate. This is a thrilling tale of the South Seas featuring the popular star Frank Mayo. “WITHOUT COMPROMISE”— Class B (Adapted from story of same name) Story — Adventures of Man in Keeping Trust of Dead Friend VALUE CAST. Photography — Good — Dev Jennings and Dick Leighton William Farnum Nelson McEdwards. Jean Ainsworth Lois Wilson TYPE OF PICTURE — Entertaining. David Ainsworth Robert McKim Moral Standard — Good. Samuel McAllister Tully Marshall ■ ■ 1 ■■ '■ Judge Gordon Randolph Hardee Kirkland Story — Average — Melodrama — Family. Doctor Evans Otis Harlan Star — Good — -William Farnum. Bill Murray Will Walling Author — Average — Lillian Bennett-Thompson. Nora Foster Alma Bennett Direction — Good — Emmett T. Flynn. Tommy Ainsworth Eugene Pallette Adaptation — Good — Bernard McConville. Cass Blake Fred Kohler Technique — Good. ■■■■-■' Spiritual Influence — Average. January 1 to IS, 1923. Producer — Fox Footage — 5,173 ft. Distributor — Fox Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE — True Character Adheres to Principles of Justice. Star Supported by Excellent Cast — Story Interesting — Unpleasant The interesting quality of “Without Compromise” is due in a large measure to adapter, director and a competent cast, for the story is quite ordinary and moreover, unpleasant. One of its redeeming features is the investing of an unusual sense of justice in the hero, Dick Leighton, who protects the wounded murderer of a girl, he has been left in charge of by her deceased guardian, from a mob that would lynch him, after having forced the town hospital to admit the injured man as a patient. This wins admiration, although a bit improbable. William Farnum is a picturesque figure as Dick, and is fairly convincing in his portrayal of the character. Tully Marshall gives the best performance of all, and adds a dash of humor. Lois Wilson also does well, and Will Walling and Robert McKim are outstanding members of the cast. The picture sustains interest throughout. A good program feature. STORY OF THE PLAY Dick Leighton is chosen by Judge Randolph, at the approach of death, to protect his foster daughter Nora, and incidentally to look to the best interests of the town. Shortly afterward Nora is murdered by Cass Blake, who had a grudge against the judge, and Dick, forming a posse, succeeds in capturing Cass after he has been badly wounded. David Ainsworth, father of Dick’s sweetheart Jean, frames him in a political deal, but is discovered and decides to leave town, and the close of the story shows Dick and Jean happy. PROGRAM COPY — “Without Compromise” — Featuring William Farnum Dick Leighton proved that he was worthy of the trust placed in him by an old friend. Come and see what a man with a sense of justice can do against big odds. William Farnum is the star, and is supported by a competent cast. No Advertising Support Accepted!