Screen Opinions (1923-24)

30 SCREEN OPINIONS TELLS THE TRUTH stretches of the beautiful coast line are exhibited, and where actual views of the garden of the Prince of Monaco were photographed. Interiors at Monte Carlo are also well staged, and the action of the picture at this particular point is reed as life itself. A number of thrilling scenes from the late war are interspersed with the action. These scenes are the genuine thing and have been taken from the war records, and show the torpedoing of ships, the destruction of an airship, which is shown a blazing mass in natural colors, hurtling to the ground, views on the battlefields during actual engagements, as well as scenes showing the troops of various nations marching en route to battle. Lionel Barrymore gives a splendid performance as the Prince Lubimoff; Alma Rubens is charming as Alicia and is called upon for the portrayal of a variety of moods all of which she does well. Pedro de Cordoba does effective work, and Gareth Hughes has not been seen to such good advantage in any production since “Sentimental Tommy.” William Collier, Jr., is splendidly adapted to the role of Gaston, and Gladys Hulette is charming as Vittoria. Thrilling scenes of sleighs, drawn by spirited horses, speeding away from the prince’s palace in the moonlight are typically Russian in effect. There is much of pictorial value which we have not space to mention. This should make a satisfactory special for any theatre. Its spectacular qualities, together with the name of the famous author, Vincente Blasco Ibanez, make good advertising. STORY OF THE PLAY Prince Lubimoff, a profligate and extravagant Russian prince, becomes surfeited with wine, women and song, and decides to retire to a palace where no women are to be admittedv With him are three other men who, with the outbreak of the war, leave one by one to join with humanity for the good of the cause. Previous to this time the prince’s palace in Russia is attacked by terrorists, his servants slain, and he escapes with his jewels and a couple of friends. Intertwined with the incidents of the story is his romance with Alicia, Duchess de Delille, who, unknown to the prince, has a son who is away at college. The return of the son, Gaston, arouses his jealousy, and not until Gaston, who has been placed on the intelligence service because of having been gassed, dies of heart failure in a duel with the prince, does the latter learn the young man’s identity. The close of the story shows the prince in uniform trying to redeem himself by throwing his estate open to the requirements of the wounded. His reconciliation with Alicia is also effected. PROGRAM COPY — “Enemies of Women” — Featuring Lionel Barrymore A tale of humanity, of the hearts of men and women, of the extravagances of a Russian nobleman and the degenerating influence of idleness, together with spectacular and thrilling scenes, is what is to be found in “Enemies of Women,’’ with Lionel Barrymore. “DEAD GAME”— [Class B] 65% (Especially prepared for screen) Story: — Sacrifice of Girl Prevented by Western Hero VALUE CAST Photography — Good — Charles Kaufman. "Katy” Didd Hoot Gibson TYPE OF PICTURE — Adventurous. Alice Mason Laula LaPlante Moral Standard — Average. Tetlow Robert McKim ■ ■ Guardian Harry Carter Story — Good — Melodrama — Family. Star — Good — Hoot Gibson. Author — Good — Edward Sedgwick. Direction — Good. — Edward Sedgwick. Adaptation — Good — Edward Sedgwick. Technique — Good. ■ Spiritual Influence — Neutral. May 1 to 15, 1923. Producer — Universal Footage — 5,000 ft. Distributor — Universal Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— Where There’s a Will There’s a Way. f ' Interesting Western of the Usual Type “Dead Game” is a general purpose production, and one that will be welcomed by all who like western stories and their rugged heroes. Hoot Gibson plays a westerner of romantic type, tinged with humor and very much of an adventurer. The love urge causes him to perform deeds of bravery for his lady love, who, when it is all over, coolly tells him that she is engaged to his rival, and that he has no business butting into other people’s business. There are the usual thrilling scenes in which the hero is chased over the hills by the villain’s associates, and the suspense caused by intrigue that all but fulfills its (Continued on next page) No Advertising Support Accepted!