Screen Opinions (1923-24)

ALL THE “TRUTH” ABOUT PICTURES 219 Oar Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE — Value of Humane Methods in the Hands of the Law. Human Interest Production— Everyday Characters Splendidly Portrayed The exceptionally human angle at which the author of “The Ghost Patrol” has viewed life in the slums, offering what may or may not be taken as a reproof by the servants of the law, is bound to win the interest of the average person. A region of the city known as “Little Hell” has been chosen, wherein to develop romance, demonstrate the value of humane methods in the city’s • slums as opposed to force, and to question the justice of persecution that pre vents the growth of the better impulses. George Nichols, as the old policeman who would put a man to bed and “let him sleep it off” rather than haul him to the lockup, gives a fine demonstration of the greater love, and Bessie Love and Ralph Graves, as the sweethearts separated by a father who couldn’t believe that a loafer could develop into a real man, and therefore was no fitting prospect for his daughter, are delightful. George B. Williams is excellent as the father, and Max Davidson brings a note of comedy into the few scenes in which he appeared. This is a good picture for the neighborhood house. STORY OF THE PLAY “Don” Dorgan had for thirty years patrolled “Little Hell,” and through a spirit of understanding and affection had kept peace in the district. In time politics replaced Don with a man whose methods were different. But after keeping a secret patrol of his own in the night time he is finally rewarded and again becomes the commissioned patrolman of the district. A romance between a couple of the district’s young people is also among the cares of the kindly old man. And when his plans miscarry and the young man is sent to prison for a year, he still remains true to his trust, and continues his work of readjustment, and the close of the story shows the happy result of right methods. PROGRAM COPY — “The Ghost Patrol” — With an All-Star Cast, Featuring Ralph Graves, Bessie Love, George Nichols and George B. Williams “Don” Dorgan hadn’t watched over “Little Hell” thirty years for nothing, and his ghostly patrol on the heels of an inexperienced successor proved his worth. Don’t miss this touching demonstration of a greater love. The cast is headed by Ralph Graves, Bessie Love, George Nichols and George JB. Williams. “THOROUGHBRED”— Class C (Especially prepared for screen) Story: — Girl Who Acts as Sheriff and Saves 111 Father’s Position VALUE CAST Photography — Average — Not credited. Pop Martin’s Daughter Helen Gibson TYPE OF PICTURE — Ordinary. (Supporting cast not credited) Moral Standard — Average. Story — Average — Melodrama. Star — Average — Helen Gibson. Author — Average — Not credited. Direction — Average — Not credited. Adaptation— Average — Not credited. Technique — Average. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. February IS to 28, 1923. Producer — Not credited Footage— 5,000 ft. Distributor— State Rights Our Opinion £ MORAL O’THE PICTURE — Difficulties Can Be Overcome by Courage and Determination. Ordinary Western Suitable for Cheap Localities “The Thoroughbred” is just the ordinary type of western with nothing much to recommend it beyond western atmosphere, good riding by the feminine star, and a story with a situation slightly different from the usual. Helen Gibson does well as Pop Martin’s daughter, whose determination to prevent her father from losing his sheriff’s star when he became ill, brought her into a series of adventures in bandit chasing that might frighten the bravest. This is a picture for the cheaper theatres or to be used in conjunction with a stronger (Continued on next page) No Advertising Support Accepted!