Screen Opinions (1923-24)

112 SCREEN OPINIONS TELLS THE TRUTH strong points is the centralization of the main threads of the plot. One of the best portrayals of the picture is that of Count Makakoff by Stuart Holmes. This is an eccentric character which Mr. Holmes plays from a decided comedy angle, and is likely to get a laugh every time he appears on the scene — foppish and scheming and bedecked with an eyeglass. Ethel Shannon is excellent as Mile. Giselle, a woman living on the bounty of the count. Miriam Cooper is charming as Maud Barhyte, whose romance is cut into by a jealous rival, and Ruth Clifford is splendid as Sally, forced to marry a title, yet loving her friend’s sweetheart. Gaston Glass acceptably plays the part of Gerard Welden, the man in the case. The cast, photography and illumination and careful editing contribute largely to the production’s good quality. STORY OF THE PLAY * Maud Barhyte and her father are accompanied to Paris by her fiance, Gerard Welden, where Maud and Gerard are invited to a week end party at the home of Sally Malakoff, the wife of the insincere count. There also is invited the Count’s mistress. Mile. Giselle, who Sally, with jealous intent, places in the rooms supposed to be occupied by Maud. That night Gerard sees through the window the count embracing a woman, and believing him to be in the room of his sweetheart, Maud, renounces her then and there. Maud, unacquainted with what has happened, leaves for Picardy the following morning before seeing Gerard and leaves a note asking him to follow. The misunderstood silence is not broken until after the death of Sally, who, after separating from the count has married Gerard. Sally commits suicide by shooting herself on discovering that Gerard has found intercepted letters from Maud, and her own confession which she had not the courage to let him read. The close of the story shows Maud and Gerard happy once more. PROGRAM COPY — “Daughters of the Rich” — Featuring Miriam Cooper, Gaston Glass, Ruth Clifford, Ethel Shannon and Stuart Holmes Here is a story of tragedy and romance, of Paris gaiety, and disappointed love, so elaborately produced that it will hold you spell bound. This drama of human hopes and fears features Miriam Cooper, Gaston Glass, Ruth Clifford, Ethel Shannon and Stuart Holmes. “SAWDUST”— [Class B] 65% (Adapted from story of same name) Story: — Romance of a Circus Girl Who Poses as Long-Lost Daughter of Rural Pair VALUE CAST Photography — Good — Allen Davey. Nita Moore Gladys Walton TYPE OF PICTURE — Humorous — Romantic. Phillip Lessoway Niles Welch Moral Standard — Average. Mrs. Nancy Wentworth Edith Yorke 1 1 ■ Ethelbert Wentworth Herbert Standing Story — Good — Comedy-Drama — Family. Runner Bayne Mathew Betz Star — Good — Gladys Walton. “Pop” Gifford .Frank Brownlee Author — Good — Courtney Riley Cooper. “Speck” Dawson William Robert Daly Direction — Good — Jack Conway. Tressie Mattie Peters Adaptation — Good — Harvey Gates. Mike Himself Technique— Good. ■ ' ■ Spiritual Influence — Neutral. July 15 to 31, 1923. Producer — Universal Footage — 4,940 ft. Distributor — Universal MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None. Interesting Circus Backgrounds in Gladys Walton’s Latest Those who like Gladys Walton’s cute stage tricks will be pleased with her work in “Sawdust,” in which, together with a funny and well-trained dog, she holds the attention of the spectator and causes him to marvel at little Miss Walton’s skill at a certain style of acrobatics, including somersaulting. And we are willing to wager no one doubled for her. The situation in which the girl of the circus finds herself when, in her longing for a real home with trees and flowers, she allows herself to be lured into posing as the long-lost daughter of a rich old couple, is interesting although not entirely new. Niles Welch is the lover, and is one of a capable supporting cast. The settings at the new home are artistic, and the star wears some pretty clothes. A good deal of suspense is injected into the scenes connected with the girl’s confession. STORY OF THE PLAY Nita Moore, a circus girl eager to be rid of the brutal mastery of Runner Bayne, the manager, runs away with “Speck” Dawson, who has a scheme to get her the kind of a home she wants with trees and flowers, by having her pose as the long-lost daughter of an old and rich couple. Nita timidly attacks the task, and is successful to the point of finding herself much (Continued on next pa«e) No Advertising Support Accepted!