Screen Opinions (1923-24)

“BOOK THE NEW PERCENTAGE WAY” 115 burglar tools to Father De Ranee after procuring letters intended to create a scandal around Mary Virginia, announcing that they are to be kept in the church as his I. O. U. STORY OF THE PLAY “Slippy McGee,” a notorious crook, meets with an accident getting off a fast freight at the North Carolina town of Attlesboro, and in consequence has to have one of his legs amputated. He is befriended by Father De Ranee, to whom he finally hands over his burglar tools and prepares to live an honest life, with no one in the little town knowing anything of his past except rather De Ranee. He becomes interested in the love affair of Mary Virginia, a pretty young girl just back from boarding school, and when her brother-in-law, who left her sister the day after their marriage, threatens her with disclosing letters of her dead sister which would prove she had led a loose life, takes her to Father De Ranee, to whom she tells her story. "Slippy” then asks for his burglar tools, and cracks the safe where the forged letters are hidden. He then gives the tools back and promises never to use them except for a good purpose. PROGRAM COPY — “Slippy McGee” — Featuring Wheeler Oakman and Colleen Moore Slippy Oakman found his way back to the straight road through bitter experience and suffering. You will like the story of a crook who learned to act as big brother to those in trouble. Wheeler Oakman and Colleen Moore are the stars. “DESERT DRIVER”— [Class B] 65% (Adapted from story of same name) Story: — Romance and Adventures of an Escaped Convict VALUE Photography — Good — William Thornley. TYPE OF PICTURE— Thrilling. Moral Standard — Average. Story — Good — Melodrama — Family. Star — Good — Harry Carey. Author — Good — Wyndham Martyn. Direction — Good — Val Paul. Adaptation — Good — Wyndham Gittens. T echnique — Good. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Bob ... Mary . . Graydon Leary . . York .. Ge-Ge . Brown . Wife .. Sheriff . Warden Cook . . Kendril CAST Harry Carey Marguerite Clayton Geo. T. Waggner Chas. J. LeMoyne Alfred Allen Camille Johnson Dan Crimmins Catherine Kay Tom Lingham Jack Carlyle Jim Wang Ashley Cooper Producer — P. A. Powers July 15 to 31, 1923. Footage — 5,480 ft. Distributor — F. B. O. Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None. Interesting Western with Attractive Desert Atmosphere — Good Audience Picture “Desert Driven” should make a good program feature in theatres whera western stories are liked. Harry Carey, the star of the production, gives an. interesting portrayal of Bob Gaunt, sentenced to prison for the crime of another. His adventures on his escape from prison are quite thrillingly presented, and his romance with Mary York, the daughter of the ranch where he is employed, is pleasingly interwoven. Marguerite Clayton is satisfactory in the role of Mary. The cast is good throughout, and although the story is just the ordinary sort of western drama, there are few who will not be interested in the effective development of the plot. The editing and subtitling of “Desert Driven” is largely responsible for the good quality of the production, • together with efficient direction. STORY OF THE PLAY Bob Gaunt escapes from prison after being sentenced for another’s crime, and gets employment on the ranch of John York. He falls in love with Mary York, the daughter of the ranch, and on his return from San Francisco, where he has been sent by York to bring home some money owed to the latter, he tells of his imprisonment and escape. Dr. Graydon, jealous of his success in winning Mary's affections, pursues him into the desert along with the detective, and shoots his own little son, who has been found by Bob, lost on the desert. After many exciting adventures, which end in Bob being severely wounded, word arrives that the stain of crime has been lifted through the confession of another. PROGRAM COPY — “Desert Driven” — Featuring Harry Carey Bob Gaunt usually got what he went after, as you will discover when you see "Desert Driven,” a thrilling western production featuring Harry Carey. No Advertising Support Accepted!