Screen Opinions (1923-24)

ALL THE “TRUTH” ABOUT PICTURES 193 well directed, and marvelously well photographed. Alma Bennett, as the daughter of a fisherman, presents an especially beautiful picture bathing in the surf. The scenes leading up to the suicide of the girl, who leaps from the rocks into the water because her lover is leaving her to bear her sorrow alone, are effectively photographed. Ruth Clifford, as Marion Trevor, the woman loved by the artist, who married against her will to please her father, is especially appealing. The cast is excellent throughout, the picture is carefully edited, and is a safe bet for use as a special of several days’ run. The majority of the scenes are supposed to be taken on the coast of Maine, and fine effect is obtained at the lighthouse, which is photographed from the sea, and also from within during a terrific storm. Scenes on a boat about to be dashed to pieces on the rocks are thrilling. This is the kind of a picture that draws tears. • STORY OF THE PLAY Robert Stevens, a noted artist, is blamed for the suicide of a fisherman’s daughter, who has been posing for him. In reality, the man in the case is the brother of Marion Von Vleck, the girl he loves, who hurries away from the scene of the suicide without explanation.' Later Stevens becomes a drunkard, and one day in a certain barroom tells the story of his life to his companions, and paints the face of the woman he loved on the floor. Just at that moment Marion, whose husband has died in the meantime, enters to ask his forgiveness, having learned the truth from her guilty brother. The close of the story shows Stevens regenerated and happy with Marion as his wife. A portion of the story deals with his experience in prison for a theft he did not commit. PROGRAM COPY — “The Face on the Barroom Floor” — Featuring Henry B. Walthall Crossed in love, misunderstood and branded with ignominy, imprisoned, dragged down by drink, Robert Stevens, artist, finally conquered destiny and became resurrected through the love of a woman. Here is a picture that you will not want to miss, featuring the inimitable Henry B. Walthall. “SOLOMON IN SOCIETY”— Class B (Especially prepared for screen) Story: — Experience of Costume Designer With Ambitious Wife VALUE Photography — Very good — Edward Paul. TYPE OF PICTURE— Ordinary— Amusing. Moral Standard — Good. Story — Good — Comedy-drama — Family. Stars — Good — William Strauss and Brenda Moore. Author — Good— Val Cleveland. Direction — Average — Lawrence C. Windom. Adaptation — Fair — Val Cleveland. Technique — Fair. Spiritual Influence — -Average. Producer — Cardinal Pictures Corp. Footagi I. Solomon Rosie Solomon Mary Bell .... Frank Wilson . Orlando Kolin . Mrs. Levy. . . . . CAST William H. Strauss Brenda Moore Nancy Deaver Charles Delaney Fred Jones Lillian Herlein February 1 to IS, 1923. ■5,400 ft. Distributor — American Releasing Corp. Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE — Ambitions Often Obliterate the Worth While Things. Interesting Story — Ordinary Adaptation — Peppy Climax “Solomon in Society,” as would be supposed, is a story of Jewish people. It is well suited to Jewish sections, and theatres in the cheaper localities. It is, however, not a well constructed picture, and while it is ordinarily interesting, it impresses the writer as being slightly fictitious regarding action and situations. This appears to be due to a poor adaptation of the story rather than to the direction, and the effort to construct amusing subtitles is too obvious. We should say that the editing is at fault, and that a really good story has been spoiled by he manner in which it has been presented on the screen. The cast is quite capable, the best work being done by William Strauss and Nancy Deaver. Brenda Moore has possibilities which do not seem to have been exploited. This is particularly true of her work in the earlier portion of the picture, where an excellent chance for comedy in the home atmosphere occurs. The picture could be improved by cutting. STORY OF THE PLAY I. Solomon, a costume designer of New York’s East Side, struggles with poverty until one day he loans a suit to Mary Bell, a little friend who has lost her job, and her nifty appearance gains her a position with a moving picture company. Then comes Solomon’s rise in (Continued on next page) No Advertising Support Accepted!