Screen Opinions (1923-24)

18 SCREEN OPINIONS TELLS THE TRUTH Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None Outstanding. Creditable Adaptation of Dickens Novel “Great Expectations,” the well-known novel by Charles Dickens, lends itself well to the screen — and in the present instance the picture made in England on the actual locale of the story, we would judge, proves an interesting adaptation of the original. It is made in the same conventional style as the majority of English productions, but the genuine atmosphere is there and the types are carefully selected. It seemed to us that the attire of certain characters was a bit modern in some respects — for instance, the blacksmith, father of the boy who carried food to the escaped convict, wears a belt and buckle similar to those worn by men today. But for the greater part there is no fault to be found with the costuming. The story is clearly told and well acted, and our judgment is that “Great Expectations,” with its highly dramatic situations will be found satisfactory on the program of the neighborhood house. It holds the attention well. The scene in which Miss Havisham is burned to death is thrilling and especially well done — the flames apparently enveloping her forming an excellent illusion. c STORY OF THE PLAY Little “Pip,” son of a blacksmith, is frightened by an escaped convict into bringing him food and drink without divulging the secret of his presence in the neighborhood. When Pip, grows up he is educated by a secret fund, his benefactor withholding his name. After he has become successful in business and is recognized socially, he has a call from his benefactor, who turns out to be the escaped convict, who is still trying to cheat the law. Pip’s romance is also intertwined with the other events of the story. He loves the child of a jilted woman who seeks vengeance through the suffering of Pip when the girl lures him to distraction and then throws him over. The close of the story shows the woman being burned to death when the gown she has worn for years catches fire. PROGRAM COPY — “Great Expectations” — Featuring “Buddy” Martin If you know your Dickens you will enjoy this visualization of his novel, "Great Expectations.” Romantic melodrama interpreted by a good cast. swnntttna “TRAIL OF THE LONESOME PINE”— [Cl. B] 65% (Adapted from story of same name) Story: — Girl Ends Feud Between Two Mountain Families VALUE CAST Photography — Very good — James Howe June Tolliver Mary Miles Minter TYPE OF PICTURE — Romantic — John Hale Antonio Moreno Sensational. “Devil” Judd Tolliver Ernest Torrence Moral Standard — Average. “Bad” Rufe Tolliver Edwin Brady 1 1 — Ann Frances Warner Story — Good — Drama — Family. Buck Fallin J. S. Stembridge Star — Good — Mary Miles Minter, with Dave Tolliver Cullen Tate Antonio Moreno. .Author — Good — -John Fox (story) and Eugene Walter (play). Direction — Good— Charles Maigne. Adaptation — Good-Will M. Ritchey. Technique — Good. ■ Spiritual Influence — Average. April 15 to 30, 1923. Producer — Paramount Footage — 5,695 ft. Distributor — Famous Players Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE — Feudism Is a Result of Ignorance and Misunderstanding of the Laws of God. A Fascinating Tale of the Mountains Told with Vigor — Settings C> Romantic — Cast Excellent If your patrons like tales of the southern mountains and their primitive people, they will like “The Trail of the Lonesome Pine” in which Mary Miles Minter gives a pleasing portrayal of June Tolliver, a girl destined to end a bitter feud between her people and a neighboring family, which arose over a mere trifle, and lasted through years. There is nothing unusual about the picture, but it is well directed, and excellently photographed, and the settings are especially attractive and to all appearances are the genuine thing. Ernest Torrence gives an excellent performance as Judd Tolliver, and Antonio Moreno i (Continued on next page) No Advertising Support Accepted!