Screen Opinions (1923-24)

194 SCREEN OPINIONS WEEKLY SERVICE society when he buys a home on Fifth Avenue, and his wife, Rosie, loses her head and her heart and sues for a divorce so that she can marry a ne’er-do-well pianist. To be worthy of being shuffled off Solomon has to prove that he is a bad man, and with the help of Mary and the lawyers he poses with a number of women. But when the photographs are produced in court Rosie suddenly discovers that she still loves Solomon and so the case is dismissed. The climax of the story shows Mary stealing Rosie’s letters from the lover’s safe so that he cannot collect on them. PROGRAM COPY — “Solomon in Society” — Featuring William Strauss and Brenda Moore In spite of his wife’s efforts to reform him, good-hearted I. Solomon just couldn’t change from East Side to Fifth Avenue manners. You’ll find plenty to amuse you in a costume designer’s experience of high life. “THIRD ALARM” — Class A-c (Especially prepared for screen) Story: — Driver and Fire Horse Supplanted by Motor Truck VALUE Photography — Excellent — Henry Sharp. TYPE OF PICTURE— SentimentalSensational Moral Standard — Good. Story — Excellent — Melodrama — Family. Star — Excellent — Ralph Lewis. Author — Excellent — Emilie Johnson. Direction — Excellent — Emory Johnson. Adaptation — Excellent — Not credited. Technique — Excellent. Spiritual Influence — Good. Producer — P. A. Powers Dan McDowell... Johnny McDowell June Rutherford. Mrs. McDowell.. Dr. Rutherford.. Jimmie “Baby” “Bullett” CAST Ralph Lewis Johnny Walker Ella Hall ..Virginia True Boardman Richard Morris Frankie Lee Josephine Adair Himself February 1 to 15, 1923. Footage — 6,700 ft. Distributor — F. B. O. Our Opinion MORAL O'THE PICTURE — Value of Service Beyond the Call of Duty. Moral and Sensational Appeal — Fine Human Interest Vein Pictures with a mission are scarce enough, and those that combine a strong entertainment value with that “something to think about” element and a much appreciated view of the wholesome side of life, deserve a place among the best. “The Third Alarm” is a picture of this type — a clean, spectacular, human interest melodrama. And what subject could be more appealing than the story of a fireman forced to see his beloved horses supplanted by the soulless motor equipment required by modern efficiency methods? Or who could portray more faithfully than Ralph Lewis the emotions that tear the heart of the man of years facing the double tragedy of parting with dumb pals and losing his job? And Johnny Walker, as the manly son of the old driver who kisses a college career goodbye rather than see his father shovel dirt in the streets, presents a type worthy of emulation. Ella Hall, too, is delightful as the picture’s sweetheart. Her work is refreshingly natural. Virginia True Boardman strikes a record as the fireman’s wife. The children, Frankie Lee and Josephine Adair, acquit themselves splendidly, and Richard Morris, playing a minor part, also does well. And after the bits of comedy and an abundance of pathos have their way, a marvelous spectacle is presented as the picture’s climax that can be used as a strong advertising medium. This is a fire scene in natural colors, fearfully realistic and hugely melodramatic. “The Third Alarm” should serve excellently as *a special attraction, and offers a variety of exploitation angles. Startling views of methods employed in fire-fighting are included in the picture. STORY OF THE PLAY Dan McDowell, driver of Fire Engine No. 7, is filled with sorrow when the muchheralded innovation of motor trucks replacesUiis beloved horses. Unable to master the mechanism of the motor, he is discharged and placed on a pension, which is not large enough to admit of his son, Johnny, finishing his college education. One day Johnny finds his father, who has started to work at shoveling dirt on the streets, being beaten by a ruffian who has purchased the old fire horse, “Bullett,” and after a fight, in which he is victor, he throws down his books and applies for a position on the force. At a fire, in which the life of Johnny’s sweetheart is in danger, the old pals, Dan and Bullett ride through a burning arch to the rescue. The story closes with Dan being presented with a farm, where the horses he loves will have nothing to do but eat grass, and Johnny and the girl he loves preparing for matrimony. PROGRAM COPY — “The Third Alarm” — Featuring Ralph Lewis Dan McDowell, of Engine No. 7, just couldn’t make friends with a soulless motor truck after he had felt the thrill of a dumb animal’s affection. You can’t afford to miss Ralph Lewis in the best role he ever played, and a cast of people, dogs and horses that can’t be beaten. “The Third Alarm” has a fire scene you’ll never forget. No Advertising Support Accepted! I