Screen Opinions (1923-24)

192 SCREEN OPINIONS WEEKLY SERVICE Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE — Love Protects Where Hate Destroys. Mine Explosion Thrilling Spectacle of Human Interest Feature It seems that when “Tol’able David” was made it set the fashion for brutal character roles, and if the writer’s feelings were consulted in the matter we should say “enough!” But the public is still satisfied to have its heartstrings harrowed, and even if “The Flame of Life” were a less excellent production, it would be sure of marked success. The production is well made and interesting in plot. The star, Priscilla Dean, plays in her usual, magnetic manner a heroic role to which her personality is particularly well suited; but it is not the star alone who makes “The Flame of Life” what it is. The names in the cast stand for something, and not the least among them is that of Wallace Beery, who gives an inimitable performance as Dan Lowrie, a miserable brute who, after being discharged from the mines for smoking while on duty, spent his time in drunkenness and cruelty at home, and in plotting revenge on the overman. The scenes in the mine when Lowrie causes an explosion which is followed by a rush of waters, are truly spectacular and worthy of special advertising. The moral tone of the picture is good. It can safely be used as a special in neighborhood houses, and is quite good enough and big enough for any theatre, large or small. The photography is excellent and the atmosphere convincing. Robert Ellis does well as the kindly young over-man, and Kathryn McGuire presents a charming picture as Amice, the Rector’s daughter. She also plays intelligently. STORY OF THE PLAY Joan Lowrie, daughter of a brutal miner, strives to prevent her father from committing atrocities which he contemplates, and herself suffers from his cruelties. After preventing several attempts on the life of Fergus Derrick, the over-man at the mine, she enters the mine following an explosion caused by Lowrie, and is instrumental in rescuing Derrick from drowning. Lowrie is killed in the mine, and the close of the story shows Derrick and Joan betrothed. PROGRAM COPY — “The Flame of Life” — Featuring Priscilla Dean Priscilla Dean, in her latest role, outdoes her heroism in “Under Two Flags.” Here is a thrilling human interest production that you should see. Men struggling for life in a flooded mine, or engulfed in flames following an explosion, is a spectacle you will not forget. “FACE ON THE BARROOM FLOOR”— Class A-c (Adapted from story of same name) Story: — Artist’s Downfall and Regeneration Through Woman VALUE CAST Photography — Excellent — George Schneiderman Robert Stevens Henry B. Walthall TYPE OF PICTURE — Fascinating — Mrs. Marion Trevor Ruth Clifford Sentimental. Richard Von Vleck Walter Emerson Moral Standard — Average. Thomas Waring Frederick Sullivan » Lottie Alma Bennett Story — Excellent — Melodrama — Family. Ex-Governor Winston Norval MacGregor Cast — Excellent — All-Star, featuring Henry Henry Drew Michael Dark B. Walthall. Fisherman Gus Saville Author — Excellent — G. Marion Burton. Direction — Excellent — Jack Ford. Adaptation — Excellent— Eugene B. Lewis. Technique — Excellent. ■ Spiritual Influence — Good. February 1 to 15, 1923. Producer — Fox Footage — 5,785 ft. Distributor — Fox Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE — Good Influences Have an Awakening Power. Excellent for Use as Special — Walthall Superior — Human Interest Strong Not since he appeared in “The Birth of a Nation” has Henry B. Walthall appeared to such good advantage as in the William Fox production, “The Face on the Barroom Floor.” The role of Robert Stevens, artist, who has allowed destiny to conquer him, becomes in the hands of this talented actor a marvelous character creation. From first to last of the picture he holds you in a grip of iron — you can’t get away from the tragedy of misspent manhood, from the pallid gaze of fate’s puppet dragged to the bottom by drink. The picture is very (Continued on next page) No Advertising Support Accepted!