Screen Opinions (1923-24)

“BOOK THE NEW PERCENTAGE WAY” 51 wards his conquered adversary by sending him back to America, accompanied by his sweetheart and friends, in place of having him shot with his back to the prison walls. STORY OF THE PLAY Charles Abbott, a venturesome son of wealth, accompanies his friend, Andres Escobar, to Cuba with a view to aiding in an insurrection against Spain. He meets Andres’ sister, Narcissa, and falls in love with her, and also has associations with a pretty Spanish dancer, La Clavel, whose hatred of Caesar Y Santacilla, the commanding officer of the Spanish troops, and incidentally her most ardent wooer, causes her to carry secret messages to Charles, concerning the intended movements of the enemy. La Clavel meets her death by Santacilla’s dagger, and the blood-stained shawl found in Abbott’s apartment is used as evidence^ both with her death and that of Santacilla, who is strangled by Abbott for his attack on La Clavel. Abbott is arrested, together with the Escobar family, and given his choice between being shot at dawn, or fighting a sword duel with De Vaca, an officer in command. He chooses the latter, and although he falls exhausted at the feet of his adversary, De Vaca rewards the youth’s courage by sending him back to America, accompanied by the Escobars. PROGRAM COPY — “The Bright Shawl” — Featuring Richard Barthelmess and Dorothy Gish A blood-stained shawl gave proof of the courage and loyalty of a pretty Spanish dancer. You will not want to miss this thrilling tale of the adventures and romance of an American; youth in Cuba. Richard Barthelmess and Dorothy Gish are featured. “DRUG TRAFFIC”— [Class D] 40% (Especially prepared for screen) Story: — Struggle of a Doctor to Overcome Dope Habit VALUE CAST Photography — Average — Not credited. Dr. Maison Bob Walker TYPE OF PICTURE — Unpleasant. Edna Moore Gladys Brockwell Moral Standard — Good. Mary Martin Barbara Tennant Story — Fair — Melodrama — Adults. Cast — Good — All-Star, with Gladys Brockwell Author — Fair — Harvey Gates. Direction — Fair — Not credited. Adaptation — Fair — Harvey Gates. Technique — Fair. ■ 1 ■ ■ — ■ Spiritual Influence — Average. May 15 to 31, 1923. Producer — Harvey Gates Footage — 5,200 ft. Distributor — State Rights Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— Beware of Dope. Unpleasant Picture Played by Capable Cast “The Drug Traffic” may have a mission — we are not prepared to pass any positive opinion on the matter — and its title will no doubt have a drawing power in cheap locations; but it is a distinctly unpleasant production in which a drug addict, portrayed in eminently convincing style by Bob Walker, harrows the feeling of the spectator from first to last. The agonies through which Dr. Steve Maison of the story goes as he sinks deeper and deeper into the mire are most unpleasant to behold. Gladys Brockwell and Barbara Tennant also give capable performances. STORY OF THE PLAY Dr. Steve Maison, tired and nervous from overwork, makes use of the hypodermic needle, promising himself that he will use dope only this once. The soothing effect which he experiences causes him to become more and more addicted to its use, and when Edna Moore, hisi sweetheart, throws him down for another, he decides to give up the struggle, and seeks isolation in the slums, where he can pursue the habit unmolested. A cripple boy, who is rescued by him and cured, also takes to the habit, and when he steals for Maison what the peddler refuses him because he has no money to pay for it, Maison goes to prison. He escapes later, and with! the boy attempts to steal dope from the hospital where he was formerly employed as a surgeon. In the getaway the boy is shot and dies. Maison is regenerated through the love and influence of Mary Martin, a girl he had once helped, and who is now a Salvation Army lass. PROGRAM COPY— “The Drug Traffic”— With an All-Star Cast, featuring Gladys Brockwell, Barbara Tennant and Bob Walker Come and see vividly portrayed the curse of the dope habit in the Harvey Gates story, “The Drug Traffic.” Gladys Brockwell, Barbara Tennant and Bob Walker are the featured players. No Advertising Support Accepted!