Screen Opinions (1923-24)

230 SCREEN OPINIONS WEEKLY SERVICE of both star and supporting cast. The theme is not new, but under the treatment given it in this particular instance it cannot fail to interest. Jacob Abrams gives an effective portrayal of the pawnbroker who cared for the child otherwise represented by pawn ticket 10 until she budded into womanhood, requiring opportunities which the pawnshop atmosphere could not provide. The development of the plot, which brings the child’s mother on the scene to claim her, also reveals two interesting facts, namely, that her new guardian, John Strong, is also her father, and incidentally the wife who deserted Abe Levi several years previous was the cause of the domestic trouble in the home of John Strong. PROGRAM COPY — “Pawn Ticket 210” — Featuring Shirley Mason Who would have thought that fate could weave as neat a pattern of cross-purposes as that surrounding pretty Meg, represented by a pawn ticket. Shirley Mason is the star. “JAVA HEAD” — Class A-c (Adapted from novel of same name) Story: — Chinese Wife Commits Suicide When American Husband Loves Another VALUE CAST Photography — Excellent — Bert Glennon. Taou Yuen Leatrice Joy TYPE IF PICTURE — Fascinating. Nettie Vollar. Jacqueline Logan Moral Standard — Average. Jeremy Ammidon Frederick Strong ' Gerrit Ammidon Albert Roscoe Story — Excellent — Drama — Family. William Ammidon Arthur Stuart Hull Cast — Excellent — All-Star. Rhoda Ammidon Rose Tapley Author — Excellent — Joseph Hergsheimer. Laurel Ammidon Violet Axelle Direction — Excellent — George Melford. Sidsall Ammidon Audrey Berry Adaptation — Excellent — Waldemar Young. Camilla Ammidon Polly Archer Technique — Excellent. 1 ■ Spiritual Influence — Average. March 1 to IS, 1923. Producer — Paramount Footage — 7,865 ft. Distributor — Famous Players Oar Opiiioi MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None Clearly Defined. Production Is Achievement of Motion Picture Direction It is rather unfortunate that the title of the splendid production “Java Head” gives no clue whatsoever to the character of the picture, and therefore the exhibitor will have to rely almost entirely on the billboards in putting it across with a public that knows nothing of the production’s excellence. The story of Java Head, laid for the most part on the New England coast, is fulsome in plot, and presents so many different characters and types which have something to do with the main issue that an abundance of interesting detail is constantly forthcoming. George Melford has succeeded in giving individuality to the large cast of characters which the story makes necessary, and the result is distinctly artistic and satisfying. Leatrice Joy does well with the role of Taou Yuen, the Chinese wife of an American seaman whose arrival at his home town makes the sacrifice to save Taou Yuen from death doubly hard when he realizes that he still loves a former sweetheart. One of the pleasing portrayals of the picture is that of Rhoda Ammidon by Rose Tapley. This character is the one among many who sympathized with the little Chinese wife. The suicide of the wife is not pleasant to contemplate but is true to Chinese traditions and makes the happy ending possible. A glance over the names in the cast will assure you of much excellence which we have not space to dwell on in the review of a truly meritorious production. STORY OF THE PLAY Gerrit Ammidon. returning from China with his little Chinese wife, Taou Yuen, whom he has married to save her from death when she has overstepped certain conventionalities demanded in the conduct of Chinese women, discovers that he still loves Nettie Vollar, a former sweetheart, whose father has driven him from her because of a family quarrel. In the events that follow, in which Yaou Yuen is made to feel that she is not as good as the Americans, »he finally learns of the love existing between her husband and Nettie Vollar, and, determining to sacrifice her life that they may be happy, she commits suicide. PROGRAM COPY — “Java Head” — Featuring an All-Star Cast Gerrit Ammidon, a sturdy New England seaman, would have been true to his little Chinese wife to the end had she not changed his destiny by committing suicide. Leatrice Joy and Albert Roscoe are the featured members of the cast of “Java Head,” an interesting and artistic production. No Advertising Support Accepted!