Screen Opinions (1923-24)

“BOOK THE NEW PERCENTAGE WAY” 65 Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None Outstanding. Will Be Liked by Neighborhood Audiences — Has Not Punch of Original Story, But has Good Entertainment Values Recalling the original story “Glengarry Schooldays,” from which the production, “The Critical Age,” was adapted, it seems to us that the screen version has not quite the punch of the novel. However that may be, we are certain that neighborhood audiences especially-will be pleased with it. Just why it has been retitled “The Critical Age” we do not know — the present name is somewhat far-fetched. It seems to us that a better adaptation of the story might have been made — an adaptation of more directness — one that would have one main point for its objective. As it is, the romance of the young people, following some fascinating and comedy-fraught scenes from schooldays, has a large part of the director’s attention, but the real thrill of the picture is found in the scenes pertaining to the parliamentary fight for a certain farmers’ bill, in which the father of the heroine is the farmers’ champion. A race by automobile after an attempt by the opposing party to keep Mr. Baird a prisoner until after the defeat of the bill, is quite thrilling. Pauline Garon is charming as the heroine, but James Harrison is not exactly the type for the role of Tom Findlay. William Colvin, as Mr. Baird, is one of the best of the cast. Alice May, as Ma Findlay, is also deserving of praise. You can bill this on the strength of the author’s name, and the name of the novel from which the screen story was made. STORY OF THE PLAY Tom Findlay and Margaret Baird are childhood sweethearts, and doubt does not enter Tom’s heart until the appearance on the scene of Bob Kerr, a city chap, son of a member of parliament, and much more stylish than Tom. In the events that follow Bob not only tries to steal Margaret away from Tom, but aids his father in a scheme to keep Mr. Baird, also a member of the Canadian parliament, from being present when the final vote is taken on a certain bill in favor of the farmers, which Mr. Baird is championing. Baird is kidnaped and imprisoned, but is released by Tom, who, in trying to avoid a pursuing bear, breaks into the cabin where Baird and Margaret are imprisoned. A race by automobile to Ottawa and the Parliament brings Mr. Baird on the scene in time to save the bill. He gives Tom the credit for his success, and also gives his consent to his marriage to Margaret. PROGRAM COPY— “The Critical Age”— With an All-Star Cast For Margaret Baird and Tom Findlay, children of the Canadian wilds, the course of true love did not run smoothly, until the way was cleared by thrilling adventure. Don’t fail to see the picturization of Ralph Connor’s famous novel, “Glengarry Schooldays,” to be known as "The Critical Age.” “CROSSED WIRES”— [Class B] 65% (Especially prepared for screen) Story: — Experience of Irish Telephone Girl Determined to Break Into Society VALUE Photography — Good — Ben Kline. TYPE OF PICTURE — Humorous. Moral Standard — Average. Story — Good — Comedy — Family. Star — Good — Gladys Walton. Author — Good — King Baggot. Direction — Good — King Baggot. Adaptation — Good — Hugh Hoffman. Technique — Good. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Producer — Universal CAST Marcel Murphy Gladys Walton Ralph Benson George Stewart Bellamy Benson Tom S. Guise Mrs. Margaret Benson Lillian Langdon Pat Murphy William Robert Daly Nora Murphy Kate Price Tim Flannagan Eddie Gribbon Madalyn Van Ralston Kemp Marie Crisp Cyril Gordon Louis Mason June 1 to IS, 1923. Footage — 4,705 ft. Distributor — Universal Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None. Excellent Comedy for Middle Class Houses — Ordinary Type but Funny “Crossed Wires” is the type of comedy that finds favor in the middle class house, and in the majority of neighborhood houses. Gladys Walton has an amusing role portraying the daughter of “Pat Murphy” trying to get into society. The subject is one that affords plenty of opportunity for good comedy business, and with Eddie Gribbon, William Robert Daly, and Kate Price to (Continued on next page) No Advertising Support Accepted!