Screen Opinions (1923-24)

ALL THE “TRUTH” ABOUT PICTURES 223 Our Opinion Good Story Poorly Presented — English Cast Satisfactory It is a pity that a more experienced hand was not in charge in the making of “A Pauper Millionaire.” The story is a good one, very much the same in fact as “Making a Man,” a recent Paramount picture in which Jack Holt was starred, but, poorly adapted and directed, it fails to get across in a humorous way on the screen. The plot teems with situations that suggest both humorous and philosophic developments, but which have not been taken advantage of. The ending is startlingly abrupt. The average audience will like the plot and the players. We would suggest using it on double feature day. STORY OF THE PLAY An American millionaire, John Pye Smith, sails secretly for London to get acquainted with the girl his son wants to marry. On arriving he is refused his hand bag, because, having shaved his beard off en route, he fails to measure up to identification requirements. Later, having lost his trunk, and his money being locked up in his hand bag, he roams the London streets penniless. The incidents include his being turned out of a hotel, and his receiving charity at the hands of the poor. As a window washer he slips from a ladder, is injured and is taken to the hospital where his son’s sweetheart is in training. The arrival of his wife and son changes the situation and all ends happily. PROGRAM COPY — “A Pauper Millionaire” — With an All-Star Cast Millionaire John Pye Smith learned a lot about the other side of lifel when he found himself stranded in a strange city. “A Pauper Millionaire” has an interesting and humorous plot. You’re sure to like it. “CANYON OF THE FOOLS”— Class C (Adapted from story of same name) Story: — Romance and Adventures of Trail of Vengeance VALUE CAST Photography — Good — William Thornby and Robert McCarthy Harry Carey Robert DeGrasse. May Gowdy Marguerite Clayton TYPE OF PICTURE — Ordinary. Tim Harper I uvoa Moral Standard— Average. Polhill j ••J’rea oranron 1 1 ' — ' Terrsgas Joseph Harris Story — Average — Melodrama — Family. Maricopia Jack Curtis Star — Average— Harry Carey. Inky Carmen Arselle Author — Average — Richard Matthews Hallett. Swasey Charles J. LeMoyne Direction — Average — Val Paul. Knute Vester Pegg Adaptation — Average — John W. Grey. Amelia Mignon Golden Technique — Average. — ■ 1 ■■ Spiritual Influence — Neutral. February IS to 28, 1923. Producer — P. A. Powers Footage — 5,407 ft. Distributor — F. B. O. Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None. Ordinary Western With Thrilling Climax “Canyon of the Fools” contains nothing out of the ordinary in the way of entertainment, and is just another story of a man trail in which the hero rescues the heroine from the villain, at the same time revealing other criminal traits in the gentleman crook. The locale of the story is about the same as we have seen in many other westerns, the scenes in the mine tunnels where hero, villain and girl play at cross purposes are well worked up, and the majority of audiences will find the romance of the story interesting. The climax of the picture, with mine explosion and storm scenes, is less convincing than some others of the same kind have been. The cast is capable, but the star and feminine lead can do better things. STORY OF THE PLAY Robert McCarthy on the trail of a man ho has wronged him comes face to face with a former sweetheart, May Gowdy, who he learns later is searching for a mon who has promised to marry her. The man turns to be Jim Plarper, the same for horn McCarthy is looking. In the (Continued on next page) No Advertising Support Accepted!