Screen Opinions (1923-24)

54 SCREEN OPINIONS TELLS THE TRUTH whole and happy are not so fully illustrated as to destroy the illusion, and the fire which destroys the circus tent when it is struck by lightning, and presented in natural colors, is spectacular enough for any occasion. Then there is a portion of the picture given over to the display of the various players seated in the studio restaurant or familiar glimpses of popular stars as it were — all of which is vastly interesting to the average fan. Scenes on the desert with Frank Mayo rescuing a runaway wife who afterward becomes a member of the company, are flecked with comedy when the director is obliged to ride out to discover what has become of the camel and the leading man. Many amusing and interesting scenes are to the credit of “Souls for Sale,” which will please any audience in spite of the fact that it cannot be classed among artistic productions, and undoubtedly was never intended to be. The cast, as will be f'. noticed, is a worth while one. STORY OF THE PLAY Remember Steddon starts out for China with a husband whom she fears. Escaping from the train on the desert, she is rescued from death by a movie actor, and becomes one of the company, and incidentally is loved by her rescuer. The incidents of the story from this point have to do with scenes in and about the studio. Remember’s husband, returning to annoy her, is killed by a wind machine, which he has started with a view to killing another. And so the lovers are free to follow the road of happiness. PROGRAM COPY — “Souls for Sale” — With an All-Star Cast You should not miss “Souls for Sale” if you want to learn both the comic and the tragic side of the moving picture game. A galaxy of moving picture stars is presented in this thrilling and spectacular production. “PRODIGAL DAUGHTERS”— [Class A-c] 90% (Adapted from novel of same name) Story: — Daughters Rebellious at Dad’s Old-Fashioned Ideas Return to Seek Shelter Under Parental Roof VALUE CAST Photography — Excellent — Alfred Gilk. TYPE OF PICTURE — Interesting. Moral Standard — Good. Story — Excellent — Comedy-drama — Family. Star — Excellent — Gloria Swanson. Author — Excellent — Joseph Hocking. Direction — Excellent — Sam Wood. Adaptation — Excellent — Monte M. Katterjohn. Technique — Excellent. Spiritual Influence — Good. Producer — Paramount Footage — 6,216 “Swiftie Forbes. Roger Corbin... Marjory Forbes J. D. Forbes... Mrs. Forbes. . . . Stanley Garside Lester Hodges.. Connie Juda Botanya... ..Gloria Swanson ....Ralph Graves ...Vera Reynolds Theodore Roberts . . . Louise Dresser ....Charles Clary , . . . Robert Agnew ....Maude Wayne Jiquel Lance May 15 to 31, 1923. ft. Distributor — Famous Players Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE! — Importance of Heeding Parental Advice. Well-Made Production — Interesting Character Development and Life-Like Action The story on which “Prodigal Daughters” is based has a plot that has been carefully thought out, and the domestic problem it presents, in which a daughter, fired with the confidence of youth in its own opinions, rebels against the advice and reproofs of her parents, is outlined with intelligence and conviction. The manner in which the attitude of the older sister influences the younger, who is drawn into a foolish marriage thereby, is a natural sequence, and the return of both daughters to the parental roof, backs up the author’s contention in favor of the wisdom of heeding the advice of parents when it is the outcome of experience and a maturer knowledge. The direction and editing of the picture is beyond criticism, and it is enjoyable throughout. Gloria Swanson has never appeared to better advantage, and Theodore Roberts, as Dad Forbes, is delightful. Vera Reynolds, a new face in our recollection, does well as Marjory Forbes, and, in fact, the entire cast is quite what one could wish for in the interpretation of this particular story, including Ralph Graves and Robert Agnew, who are especially pleasing in their work. This is a good picture for the neighborhood house and for any of the high class houses. STORY OF THE PLAY “Swiftie” Forbes, believing that her dad is old-fashioned in his ideas, decides to run her own life, and together with her younger sister, Marjory, she leaves the home and takes an apart (Continued on next page) No Advertising Support Accepted! C