Screen Opinions (1923-24)

46 SCREEN OPINIONS TELLS THE TRUTH looking underneath the train is visualized. A tragic moment in the life of engineer Bill Buckley when fear that his wife is unfaithful overtakes him, is well presented; and here Ralph Lewis gets in some of his best work. Claire McDowell, as Mrs. Buckley, the wife, who keeps secret the gift of a new home from her husband’s employer until she and the children have moved the furniture and established the home atmosphere, was never more charming. Johnny Harron and Ella Hall, as the young lovers of the story, are all that could be desired, and Wedgewood Nowell, as the villain who stops at nothing, even an attempted train wreck, gives a creditable performance. The scenes pertaining to Johnny Buckley’s attempt to head off his father’s train and prevent a wreck are also well presented and contain a good vein of suspense, where the boy, thrown from his horse and unable to crawl to the tracks, lights { f a fire in the underbrush. Taylor Graves gives a noticeably good performance in a small part. This young actor has fine possibilities. “Westbound Limited” is suitable for use as a special — you can’t go wrong on it. Movie fans like to weep, and this one can be depended on to draw tears. STORY OF THE PLAY Bill Buckley, an engineer on the railroad owned by Bernard Miller, a man who, with his employees, is “just one of the boys,” becomes suspicious of his wife because he sees Raymond McKim, manager of the railroad, and a man of shady repute, talking to her. The fact that Mrs. Buckley denies that anyone has called to see her husband only serves to heighten his suspicions, and when one day he comes home and finds his house empty, he hurries forth to face the man he believes to have alienated his wife’s affections. The fact of the matter is. Bernard Miller, in recognition of a service done by Bill’s son, Johnny, in rescuing his daughter from death on the tracks, has deeded Mrs. Buckley a new home, into which she has moved in his absence as a surprise. An assault on Esther Miller by McKim in the absence of the Millers brings Johnny on the scene again as a hero,, and in the events that follow, McKim is shot by Buckley’s hired man. The close of the story shows everyone happy and Johnny and Esther about to be married. PROGRAM COPY — “Westbound Limited” — Featuring Ralph Lewis You can’t afford to miss “Westbound Limited,” which is one of the best and most wholesome pictures of the season. It contains thrills and tears aplenty, and is played by an excellent cast, featuring Ralph Lewis. “TRUTH ABOUT WIVES” — [Class B] 65% (Adapted from story of same name) Story: — Wife’s Struggle on Behalf of Husband’s Honor VALUE CAST Photography — Very good — Edward Paul. The Wife Betty Blythe TYPE OF PICTURE — Ordinary — Interesting. The Husband Fred Jone9 Moral Standard — Average. The Attorney W. P. Carleton Hendricks Tyrone Power Story — Good — Drama — Adults. Star — Very good — Betty Blythe. Author — Good — E. C. Holland. Direction — Good — Lawrence Windom. Adaptation — Good — Van Cleveland. Technique — Good. ■ ■ — — — — » Spiritual Influence — Neutral. May IS to 31, 1923. Producer — B. B. Productions Footage — 5,973 ft. Distributor — State Rights Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None Outstanding. Beautiful and Talented Star Picture’s Chief Attraction The title, “Truth About Wives,” like many others, has as little as possible to do with the story. It has, we admit, excellent box office values, and the production itself is entertaining throughout, in spite of the fact that the story is composed of old stuff. Betty Blythe plays the role of the unhappy wife whose husband becomes an embezzler, in the most charming, and indeed convincing manner. She is beautifully gowned, and much more than usually sympathetic in her portrayal. Tyrone Power has the role of Hendricks, whose dominant aim in life is to possess the wife of his unfortunate employee. Needless to say, he plays it well. Fred Jones does well in the role of the husband, and William P. Carleton is suited to the heroic character of the picture. The production is (Continued on next page) No Advertising Support Accepted!