Screen Opinions (1923-24)

202 SCREEN OPINIONS WEEKLY SERVICE Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None. Poor Adaptation of Good Story — Action Drags In classifying “The Streets of New York” as a “B” production we have in mind melodramatic features of the picture that will insure it popularity with a certain clientele, such as the storm and fight at the climax, and the dramatic moments in the opening of the picture where Gideon Bloodgood, on the eve of bankruptcy, transfers the life savings of a sea captain entrusted to him to his own account, while the victim, suddenly aware of his predicament, drops dead from heart failure. The scenes that have to do with this particular portion of the story are well done; but from here on the action becomes draggy and color # less in spite of the efforts of a capable cast, notable among whom are Edward Earle, Barbara Castleton and Anders Randolph. The adaptation of the story is poor, and the director has not been able to cope with the situation, hence an unwieldy piece of work. Details are poorly managed and often unconvincing, and include cheap efforts at sensationalism, such as the carelessly protected roll of bills stolen from the widow Fairweather. With the picture subjected to cutting the result would be much better. STORY OF THE PLAY Paul Fairweather, crippled by the automobile driven by Lucy Bloodgood, daughter of the man who robbed his father of his fortune, strives to make a living by playing the violin in the streets. His mother becomes a scrubwoman in the offices of banker Bloodgood, and later. Badger, a crook who has shared Bloodgood’s secret, relates what happened at the death of Paul’s father. Incidents of the story include intrigue, a storm and the death of Bloodgood, and finally readjustments and the betrothal of Lucy and Paul. PROGRAM COPY— “The Streets of New York”— Featuring Edward Earle and Barbara Castleton Who knows what tragedy stalks the streets of a great city? Come and see "The Streets of New York” and see how an evildoer got what was coming to him. Edward Earle and Barbara Castleton are featured in this thrilling tale of the big city. “ONLY A SHOP GIRL”— Class A (Adapted from play of same name) Story: — Shop Girl Causes Disaster to Loved Ones VALUE CAST Photography — Very good — Not credited. TYPE OF PICTURE— InterestingSensational. Moral Standard — Good. Story — Very good — Melodrama — Family. Cast — Very good — All-Star. Author — Very good — Charles E. Blaney. Direction — Very good — Edward J. LeSaint. Adaptation — Average — Edward J. LeSaint. Technique — Very good. Spiritual Influence — Average. Producer — Harry Cohn Marne Mulvey Estelle Taylor Danny Mulvey William Scott Josie Mae Busch Charles Black James Morrison James Watkins Willard Louis Brennan Wallace Beery Floor Manager Tully Marshall Child Josephine Adair Mrs. Watkins Claire DuBrey February 1 to 15, 1923. Distributor — State Rights Footage — 6,400 ft. Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE — Craving for Finery Leads to the Path of Folly. Entertaining Melodrama Played by Fine Cast — Beautiful Gowns a Feature Even if the adaptation of the Charles E. Blaney play is slightly unprofessional, the plot and the splendid cast interpreting it commends it to the exhibitor as a sure box office attraction. The direction of the picture is capable, the photography good, the human interest element well developed, and the melodramatic features have a real thrill. One of the main rasons why we have placed this production in the A class is because it puts across a lesson in a very positive way without featuring objectionable scenes. Scenes that will be especially appreciated by the feminine element are those in the modiste’s shop where Estelle Taylor, as Marne, a model, displays some marvelous gowns in her own effective way. Mae Busch gives an exceptional performance as a shop girl of another type — a girl with character and an insight into the wily ways of a dan (Continued on next page) No Advertising Support Accepted!