Screen Opinions (1923-24)

62 SCREEN OPINIONS TELLS THE TRUTH Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None. Attractiveness of Talented Star and General Excellence Makes Production Entertaining in Spite of Possible Moral Objections “Within the Law” is an unusually entertaining production for reason that the character outlining in the screen adaptation of the play is unusually convincing. And if one could forget the unmoral influence of a story which presents the heroine gaining a livelihood through a game of blackmail, in which she keeps discreetly within the law, it would be possible to enthuse over the picture’s entertainment qualities. Norma Tadmadge renders an exceptionally distinctice portrayal of the role of Mary Turner, a girl sent to prison by her employer for a theft committed by another, suffering the pangs of humiliation, and then gripping the most vital avenue of revenge, and finally melting into the ghost of her old warm-hearted self with love for the son of the man against whom she plotted vengeance. Eileen Percy, too, is convincing as Aggie Lynch, Mary’s pal since prison days. Lew Cody’s opportunities in “Within the Law” are greater than those afforded him in some other productions in which he has played, and have been taken advantage of by him to the full. His portrayal of Joe Garson is distinctive. Thomas Ricketts is delightfully comical as General Hastings, who in spite of advanced years still believes himself irresistible to the ladies. Joseph Kilgour is excellent as Edward Gilder, and Jack Mulhall is pleasing as the younger Gilder. The artistry with which the picture has been made, which includes every branch of its technicalities as well as the work of an excellent cast, makes it a most enjoyable one. STORY OF THE PLAY Mary Turner is sent to prison by her employer, Edward Gilder, because of stolen goods found in her locker. On her release Mary is rescued from suicide by Joe Garson, a leader in the underworld, and together with Aggie Lynch, Mary is soon living in luxury on the earnings of blackmail, having vowed to make men pay for the sorrow she has endured. Her special scheme of vengeance against the man who personally wronged her finds an outlet when she meets Dick, the son of Edward Gilder, and causes him to fall in love with her. Later lore claims her, and when Joe is trapped in an attempt to steal tapestries from the home of Edward Gilder, Mary tries to prevent the tragedy that follows, but is unable to stay the hand of Joe as he pulls a gun on English Eddie, who proves to be a detective, instead of a crook as Joe thought. To save Mary further humiliation Joe finally confesses to the murder. The story closes with a reconciliation between Gilder and Mary, who has been exonerated from blame of the theft for which she served time, by the confession of the girl who committed it. Mary’s marriage to Dick Gilder, which has been performed in secret, is approved by Dick’s father. PROGRAM COPY — “Within the Law” — Featuring Norma Talmadge Mary Turner’s plan of gaining revenge for a wrong by keeping within the bounds of the law in a scheme of blackmail finally lost its charm when love entered her heart and converted evil into good. Norma Talmadge was never lovelier than she is in “Within the Law.” She is supported by an unusually fine cast. C “TRAILING AFRICAN WILD ANIMALS”— 95% (Educational — Showing wild animal life in British East Africa) Producer — Martin Johnson Footage — 6,247 ft. Distributor — Metro Our Opinion The Martin Johnsons have more than once proved their ability to get together pictures of wild life, human and otherwise, in a way that is sure to be entertaining to the public. Therefore a knowledge of the sort of thing that hits the public square in the eye gives any collection of pictures with the Martin Johnson stamp a peculiar box office value of its own. Mrs. Martin, little more than a girl, figures prominently in “Trailing African Wild Animals” as she has done in other collections, notably the South Sea series; but this time ^ staggers her audience by her skill with a gun, and her courage in standing pat before a charging rhinoceros, wild elephants and even lions, while with her trusty rifle she deals death to the intruder. As is the case with pictures photographed on the African veldt, and especially where the long distance lens has to be used, the outline is apt to be a bit hazy, due largely to atmospheric conditions. But on the other hand some of the animals, such as giraffes, zebras, the oryx and other rare species have come so close to the camera in their desire to drink from the water hole, that some remarkable closeups have been secured. These pictures have been excellently edited and subtitled by Terry Ramsaye, (Continued on next page) No Advertising Support Accepted!