Screen Opinions (1923-24)

"BOOK THE NEW PERCENTAGE WAY” 61 “CORDELIA THE MAGNIFiCEHT”— [Cl. B] 85% (Adapted from story of same name) Story: — Experience of Impoverished Society Belle Employed as Detective VALUE CAST Photography — Good — Charles Richardson. Cordelia Marlowe Clara Kimball Young TYPE OF PICTURE — Ordinary — D. K. Franklin Huntly Gordon Interesting. Esther Norworth Carol Halloway Moral Standard — Average. Jerry Plimpton Lloyd Whitlock ■ ■ — — . . Gladys Norworth Jacqueline Gadsdon Story — Good — Melodrama — Family. James Mitchell Grayson Lewis Dayton Star — Good — Clara Kimball Young. Francois Mary Jane Irving Author — Good — Leroy Scott. “Jackie” Thorndyke Katherine Murphy Direction — Good — George Archainbaud. Mrs. Marlowe Elinor Hancock • Adaptation — Good — Frank S. Beresford. Technique — Good. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. June 1 to 15. 1923. Producer — Harry Garson Footage — 6,000 ft. Distributor — Metro Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None. Ordinary Story Makes Moderate Entertainment; Played by Competent Cast “Cordelia the Magnificent” is not the sort of picture that sets the world on fire. It is not quite up to the standard of the star’s quality productions — Clara Kimball Young is capable of much better things. However, the average audience will be satisfied with the result of careful direction, and careful character portrayal, and many will note the unusual ability of one of the actors in the cast who is less familiar to them than any of the others, Lewis Dayton. Originality is the keynote of Mr. Dayton’s portrayal of James Mitchell Grayson, who poses as a butler in order to keep his eye on his brother’s child. The star does well in a role that offers only ordinary opportunities, that of a young woman whose waning fortune causes her to earn a livelihood as a society detective. Katherine Murphy, Coral Halloway and Jacqueline Gadsdon are attractive additions to the cast which is a capable one throughout. This is a good regulation feature of a mildly melodramatic type, and will hold the interest of an audience nicely. STORY OF THE PLAY Cordelia Marlowe, a young society woman whose mother has lost her fortune, accepts an offer from a lawyer, D. K. Franklin, to obtain confidential information in society circles. Her first task is in the home of Gladys Norworth, who it transpires has formerly married a wounded soldier and then deserted him with her child. A mysterious butler, known as Mitchell, causes Gladys much distress by continually shadowing her, and is later identified as her husband’s brother^ who is guarding the interests of his brother’s child. A rnixup of love affairs occurs when Cordelia fancies she is in. love with Jerry Plimpton, who is coveted by Gladys, believing her husband dead. In the end Cordelia marries James Mitchell Grayson, the supposed butler, who has sworn to win her. PROGRAM COPY — “Cordelia the Magnificent” — Clara Kimball Young Cordelia Marlowe did not reckon on exactly the series of adventures that overtook her when she became confidential informant in society circles. You will be interested to see what a mix-up Cupid and the fates can make of things. Clara Kimball Young is the star. “WITHIN THE LAW”— [Class A] 80% (Adapted from play of same name) Story: — Girl’s Desire for Vengeance Replaced by Love ~~ VALUE CAST Photography — Excellent — Antonio Gaudio and Mary Turner ...Norma Talmadge Norbert Brodin. Joe Garson Lew Cody TYPE OF PICTURE — Fascinating. Dick Gilder Jack Mulhall Moral Standard — Poor. Aggie Lynch Eileen Percy — Edward Gilder Joseph Kilgour Story — Very good — Melodrama — Adults. Demarest Arthur S. Hull Star — Excellent — Norma Talmadge. Helen Morris Helen Ferguson Author — Very good — Bayard Veiller. Cassidy Lincoln Plummer Direction — Very good — Frank Lloyd. General Hastings Thomas Ricketts Adaptation — Very good — Frances Marion. Irwin Lionel Belmore Technique — Very good. __ Spiritual Influence — Neutral. June 1 to 15, 1923. Producer — Joseph M. Schenck Footage — 8,040 ft. Distributor — First National (Continued on next page) No Advertising Support Acxepted!