Screen Opinions (1923-24)

60 SCREEN OPINIONS TELLS THE TRUTH Mrs. Cortlandt is jealous ; and with the close of the story Kirk is on his way to home and father with the pretty Chiquita as his bride. PROGRAM COPY— “The Ne’er-Do-Well”— Featuring Thomas Meighan Kirk Anthony’s fast and furious method of living came to a dead stop when he realized that instead of the Ritz being on rockers, he was on a ship bound for Panama. Don’t miss this peppy and romantic comedy-melodrama, with Thomas Meighan playing the best role he ever played. Pretty Lila Lee and Gertrude Astor are also in the cast. “BACKBONE”— [Class A-c] 90% (Adapted from story of same name) c Story: — Romance of Pair Who Fight Attempted Confiscation of Lumber Estate VALUE CAST Photography — Excellent — Harry Fishbeck. Yvonne Edith Roberts TYPE OF PICTURE — Fascinating — Mystery John Thorne Alfred Lunt Moral Standard — Average. Colonel Tip James D. Doyle Story — Excellent — Drama — Family. Stars — Excellent — Alfred Lunt and Edith Roberts. Author — -Excellent — Clarence B. Kelland. Direction — Excellent — Edward Sloman. Adaptation — Excellent — Charles Whittaker. T echnique — Excellent. Spiritual Influence — Average. Producer — Distinctive Pictures Corp. Doc Roper Andre Ken Indian Mrs. Whidden Andre de Mersay... Minister of State. . . . June 1 to 15, 1923. Footage — 6,821 ft. Distributor — Goldwyn Our MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None. Opinion Good Story Presented in Fascinating Style — New Male Star Makes Good Alfred Lunt, co-starring with Edith Roberts, is a new and welcome addition to the lights of stardom. His first prominent role on the screen proves that he can act, and Mr. Lunt also has the personal magnetism that is so necessary for success on stage and screen. The production under discussion, “Backbone” is one of unusual excellence, photographed against the winter landscapes of Maine and directed in Edward Sloman’s best style. The story is a romantic tale with a fascinating mystery which places much of the action in the home of Andre de Mersay, whose family was transplanted from old France to the new France in America, following a love tragedy wrought by the French minister of state. The secret of the locked room, and the weird singing, supposed to be from the voice of Andre, whose fate in the hands of a crooked manager is as yet unknown, is kept safely until the end. The action of the production is thrilling, the cast excellent, including graceful Edith Roberts, diminutive James D. Doyle, William B. Mack and Frank Evans, all of whom give notably good performances. Charles Fang is also a valuable acquisition to the cast. This picture is worthy of extra billing, but is not the type for use as a special. Bill it as an unusually fascinating mystery story and romance. STORY OF THE PLAY At the sudden death of Andre de Mersay, Bracken, manager of his estate who has been confiscating funds at the will of his master. Doc Roper, causes the body to be buried secretly, and by keeping the dead man’s room locked, and pretending that de Mersay is too ill to be seen, he succeeds in warding off the evil day, untd some time after the return of Andre de Mersay’s granddaughter, Yvonne. The girl suspecting that something is wrong after several Cf futile attempts, is aided in getting into her grandfather’s room by a Chinese servant and the former housekeeper, Mrs. Whidden. There she discovers, through her grandfather’s last words told her by Mrs. Whidden, a spring in the tail of a dragon carved on a piece of furniture which opens a secret door revealing an envelope containing a letter from her grandfather telling her of his wish that an old romance begun a generation ago be renewed by the two remaining members of the two old families referred to. This letter serves to dispel suspicion concerning Jack Thorne, the man she loves, and who is the one referred to as the second party in the romance. The story closes with the villain routed and the lovers happy. PROGRAM COPY — “Backbone” — Featuring Alfred Lunt and Edith Roberts A tale of mystery and romance is contained in “Backbone,” a story of old France and northern Maine. A thrilling, fascinating production that will hold you spell-bound. Pretty Edith Roberts and a new star, Alfred Lunt, hare the leading roles. No Advertising Support Accepted!