Screen Opinions (1923-24)

ALL THE “TRUTH” ABOUT PICTURES 245 is the effective subtitling and editing. This is a suitable production for a special attraction, offering many angles of exploitation, among which is the popularity of the novel. A man’s struggle between the love of a woman and the love of an ideal can also be used effectively. STORY OF THE PLAY John Storm, born to political opportunities, feels the call of humanity, and turning his back on the conventionalities of his set, he strives to aid the poor. He loves! Glory Quayle, the daughter of a parson in the village from which he came. But Glory, lured to London through Polly Love, a nurse, pledges her life to the acquiring of pretty clothes. Storm, disappointed, enters a monastery to escape from the world. He grows dissatisfied and, unable to get Glory out of his mind, he returns to the world again and opens a mission in the London slums. Lord Ure, the man who has backed Glory’s stage career, tries to undermine him by buying the mission over his head, and also by circulating through the newspapers prophecies attributed to Storm stating that the world will come to an end on a certain night at midnight. In the events that follow the perfidy of Ure is uncovered, and Glory, realizing that John Storm is more to her than the superficialities of life, is able to persuade him of her sincerity. And so the story ends with Glory and John going hand in hand toward a higher goal. PROGRAM COPY — “The Christian”— With Richard Dix and Mae Busch Don’t fail to see this marvelous picturization of the famous Hall Cain novel, “The Christian.” You will learn from the Maurice Tourneur adaptation of the book more than you ever understood of the celebrated characters, John Storm and Glory Quayle. Richard Dix and Mae Busch are the featured members of the cast. “VOICE FROM THE MINARET”— Class A-c (Adapted from story of same name) Story: — A Woman’s Struggle Against a Dishonorable Love VALUE CAST Photography — Excellent — Anton Gaudio and Lady Adrienne Carlyle Norma Talmadge Norbert Brodin. Andrew Fabian Eugene O’Brien TYPE OF PICTURE — Romantic. Lord Leslie Carlyle Edwin Stevens Moral Standard — Average. Bishop Ellsworth Winter Hall ■ — ■ Secretary Barry Carl Gerard Story — Excellent — Romantic drama. Countess La Fontaine Claire Du Brey Star — Excellent — Norma Talmadge. Lady Gilbert Lillian Lawrence Author — Excellent — Robert Hichens. Seleim Albert Presco Direction — Excellent — Frank Lloyd. Adaptation — Excellent — Frances Marion. Technique — Excellent. « 1 1 Spiritual Influence — Average. March 1 to 15, 1923. Producer — Joseph M. Schenck Footage — 6,860 ft. Distributor — First National Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE — True Happiness Cannot Be Obtained Through Dishonorable Means Well-Marked Romantic Vein in Norma Talmadge’s Latest — Startling Climax — Somewhat Sensational — Spectacular Polo Match a Feature Smiles and tears are profusely sprinkled through Norma Talmadge’s latest production, “The Voice from the Minaret,” with the tears predominating. The heroine being the wife of an elderly degenerate, in love with a handsome young Englishman, who finds his desire for a religious career somewhat diminished after looking upon the lovely Adrienne, is torn by diverse emotions, hence the tears. We venture to say that “The Voice from the Minaret” will outdo many of the star’s former productions in popularity, and certainly the many emotional closeups of Miss Talmadge which appear at intervals throughout the picture, are exceptionally attractive. In fact, we do not remember a finer accomplishment in emotional portrayal by this star. Eugene O’Brien does well, but is sometimes ill at ease in the restrained type he plays. Edwin Stevens gdves a masterly performance as the husband. We question if the death scenes in which he figures are not a bit too realistic. Winter Hall is excellently cast as Bishop Ellsworth, and Albert Presco lends astonishing individuality to the role of Seleim, an Oriental servant. Claire Du Brey, as a notorious woman who comes between man and wife, also gives a notable performance. In fact, there is not a weak spot in the support. One of the features of the picture is a polo match, which has been given an unusually spectacular aspect by having the cameramen follow the game at the top speed of the horses. This is really thrilling, and is the first attempt that we recollect at bringing a polo match, (Continued on next page) No Advertising Support Accepted I