Screen Opinions (1923-24)

188 SCREEN OPINIONS WEEKLY SERVICE in dealing with labor problems is denounced, and that the development of the story signifies anti-socialistic tendencies, gives the picture a place among social problem productions. The staging of individual scenes is well done, and there is considerable variety and features of interest in the settings, which include views in the ship yards, large numbers of men moving under the influence of an agitator, and interior views of the Keogh residence, as well as frivolous scenes in the cabaret. A mannerism adopted by Rockliffe Fellows for the role of Angus Campbell, which is due for a laugh every time he does it, is a sudden jerking off of a pair of spectacles whenever he is unduly aroused. This is a clever bit of business that has the brand of originality. Claire Windsor gives a forceful performance as Derith Keogh, left by the death of her father in charge of the ship yards, with Angus’ help. Nigel Barrie, as the son who inherited the gentle traits of a Quaker mother, has limited opportunities, which C he makes the most of. Without singling out any others of an unusually large cast, we will dismiss the subject by saying that the members are splendidly efficient in their respective roles. Thomas Holding gives a notably fine performance as the socialist leader, Trevelyan, bent on destruction. STORY OF THE PLAY Derith Keogh, left by her father’s death with ship yards as a heritage, becomes a victim of an insane desire on the part of Trevelyan, a man who, having suffered a wrong, has determined to make humanity pay no matter what the cost. With Angus Campbell, an adopted son of her father’s, she fights the attempt to promote a strike. Finally Trevelyan succeeds in calling the strike, and has his man stationed at a certain place to bomb the plant, when Derith comes to him with a final appeal. The recollection of a love that once burned in his heart causes him to repent, but just at that moment he is shot. Fired with a determination to prevent the disaster he had planned, he hurries to the scene of the strike, and with his last breath confesses that he was wrong in seeking to avenge a personal wrong through bloodshed. The story closes with the betrothal of Derith and Angus. PROGRAM COPY — “The Stranger’s Banquet” — With an All-Star Cast A powerful appeal against radicalism and the attempt to right wrong through the destruction of human life will be found in “The Stranger’s Banquet,’’ in which a notable cast of wellknown players appears, directed by Marshall Neilan. This picture will set you thinking. “BACK HOME AND BROKE”— Class A-c (Adapted from story of same name) Story: — Rich Young Man Discovers Who Friends Are VALUE Photography — Excellent — Henry Cronjager. TYPE OF PICTURE — HumorousTriumphant. Moral Standard — 'Good. Story — Excellent — Comedy-drama — Family. Star — Excellent — Thomas Meighan. Author — Excellent — George Ade. Direction — Excellent — Alfred E. Green. Adaptation — Excellent — George Ade and Waldemar Young. Technique — Excellent. Spiritual Influence — Good. Producer — Paramount Footage — 7,! CAST Tom Redding Thomas Meighan Mary Thorne Lila Lee Otis Grimley Frederick Burton Eustace Grimley Cyril Ring H. H. Hornby Charles Abbe Olivia Hornby Florence Dixon Aggie Twaddle Gertrude Quinlan John Thorne Richard Carlyle Mrs. Redding Maude Turner Gordon Billy Andrews Laurence Wheat Horace Beemer Ned Burton February 1 to 15, 1923. 1 ft. Distributor — Famous Players Our Opinion MORAL O'THE PICTURE — Two Sides to Every Problem. Biggest Comedy-Drama Hit in Some Time If you happen to raise your price for “Back Home and Broke” you can feel satisfied that your patrons are going to get their money’s worth of clean, humorous entertainment. It hasn’t any sensational features such as are usually expected in a special, but it contains barrels of fun and splendid suspense. In short, it is a meritorious production in every sense of the word, professional in construction, and efficiently edited and subtitled; and although its length is between seven and eight reels, it leaves you wishing for more. It is some time since Thomas Meighan has played a role to which he is so well suited as that of Tom Redding, who, despised in his home town because of his father’s failure and his own non-success, comes back from the oil fields still looking like pov (Continued on next page) t No Advertising Support Accepted!