Screen Opinions (1923-24)

ALL THE “TRUTH” ABOUT PICTURES 191 Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE — True Heroism Shown in Acts of Volition. Splendid Audience Appeal — Well Made — Fine Character Development “The Hero” has every evidence of being slated for success, character development and highly dramatic situations having the lion’s share in the picture’s appeal. The “hero” of this story is quite different from what the name usually signifies; and, by-the-way, the character is illuminative of what heroism really means in many instances where men become heroes merely by force of circumstance, oftentimes doing the thing that they would not have done if they had had time to think about it. The awakening of the truly heroic spirit in a man, who, although he had been acclaimed a hero, had never been conscious of any desire to be a hero for bravery’s sake, is thrilling. The title role, played in a superlative manner by Gaston Glass, may be an unusual type, but is one which most surely exists. Among the many dramatic moments of the pic-t ture, one which stands out with startling force is where the two women in the case descend the stairs in the dead of night, each with a different motive, while the hero, the chief objective in the heart of each woman, is caught by the first comer in the act of theft. The building up of this situation and the well-constructed sequence of resultant incidents, reflects credit on all concerned, and is one of those things that make the picture unusual. Barbara La Marr gives an intelligent performance, and John Sainpolis portrays excellently a rough diamond whose heart is generous to the extent of sharing a last crust with a, friend. Martha Mattox, whose heart clings ecstatically to the “hero” son, is splendid in the part, and Doris Pawn does well in the rather difficult role of Martha, a Belgian refugee who loves the hero. Ethel Shannon has a small part, which she makes the most of, and David Butler, who also plays a minor role, does so well as to cause regret that the story has not supplied him with more opportunity. The exterior locations and photography are notably good. STORY OF THE PLAY Oswald Lane’s return from war, wounded and acclaimed a hero by the people of his home town, reveals a selfishly irresponsible character known to none but some of the members of his immediate household. To escape the consequences of his flirtation with his brother’s wife and also with Martha, a Belgian refugee, he steals trust funds from his brother, but is caught in the act by Hester, his brother’s wife. Escaping from the efforts of both women to hold him in the house until the money is returned, he is hurrying over the hills when he sees the schoolhouse afire, where his little nephew, to whom he is devoted, attends. He suddenly becomes imbued with the true spirit of bravery, and hurrying to the spot, fights his way through the flames to the rescue of his nephew and one other child. The result is that Hester, recovering from her foolish fascination for her brother-in-law, turns again to her husband, while Martha and Oswald marry. PROGRAM COPY— “The Hero”— Featuring Gaston Glass Acclaimed as a war hero, Oswald Lane, who had really never felt the real thrill of heroism, found himself when fire threatened the life of a beloved child. A picture you can’t afford to miss because it is different. Gaston Glass, Barbara La Marr, David Butler and other notable players appear in the cast. “FLAME OF LIFE”— Class A-c (Adapted from story of same name) Story: — Girl Combats Atrocities of Brutal Father VALUE CAST Photography — Excellent — Virgil Miller. Joan Lowrie Priscilla Dean TYPE OF PICTURE— Sensational — Fergus Derrick Robert Ellis Depressing. Amice Barholm Kathryn McGuire Moral Standard — Good. Dan Lowrie Wallace Beery ■ Spring Fred Kohler Story — Excellent — Melodrama — Family. Liz Beatrice Burnham Star — Excellent — Priscilla Dean. Rev. Mr. Barholm Emmett King Author — Excellent — Frances Hodgson Burnett. Jud Frankie Lee Direction — Excellent — Hobart Henley. Mag Grace Degarro Adaptation — Excellent — Elliott Clawson. Baroness Dorothy Hagan Technique — Excellent. ■ Spiritual Influence — Good. February 1 to 15, 1923. Producer — Universal Footage — 5,780 ft. Distributor — Universal (Continued on next page) No Advertising Support Accepted!