Screen Opinions (1923-24)

“BOOK THE NEW PERCENTAGE WAY” 129 “BROKEN VIOLIN”— [Class C] 50% (Especially prepared for screen) Story: — Crook’s Attempt to Gain Fortune by Pretending to Be Grandson of Rich Old Man VALUE CAST Photography — Good — George Peters. John Ellsworth Warren Cooke TYPE OF PICTURE — Ordinary. Mary Ellsworth Rita Rogan Moral Standard — Average. Gault Henry Sedley — — 1 ■" Phil Carter Gladden James Story — Average — Melodrama — Family. Jeremy Ellsworth Joseph Blake Cast — Good — All-Star. Lumberman’s Daughter Dorothy Mackaill Author — Average — George R. Rogan. Mary’s governess Zena Keefe Direction — Average — Jack Dillon. 1 1 — Adaptation — Average — L. Case Russell. August 1 to 15, 1923. Technique — Average. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Producer — Atlantic Features Inc. Footage — 5,700 ft. Distributor — Arrow Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None. Familiar Plot Has One or Two Sensational Features — Not Strong Enough for High Class Theatres This is essentially a feature for the cheaper house. “The Broken Violin" is ordinary in plot, adaptation and direction, and provides little excuse for its title. One of the features of the picture is the character work done by Joseph Blake in the role of Jeremy Ellsworth. Mr. Blake’s portrayal of the soured old millionaire is exceptional. Gladden James also gives a good performance as Phil Carter, who impersonates Jeremy’s grandson with the purpose of gaining possession of the old man’s fortune, and Henry Sedley is exactly the type for the role of Gault. Dorothy Mackaill and Zena Keefe do well in less prominent roles, and the child, Rita Rogan, is pleasing as Mary Ellsworth. There are one or two sensational features which include a rapid fight and some aeroplane stunts. STORY OF THE PLAY Jeremy Ellsworth, a millionaire who has broken with his daughter because she married against his will, sends for his two grandchildren, John and Mary, as he feels himself slipping nearer the border of the other world. Mary, who lives on the east side with her maternal grandfather, is easily obtained, but John, residing in a Canadian lumber camp, is a long journey away. Gault, the old man’s secretary sees in the situation an opportunity to gain possession of millions by having a friend Phil Carter, impersonate John. In the events that follow, John arrives on the scene, and then the fight starts in earnest. The story closes with the betrothal of John and a girl he met in Canada. PROGRAM COPY— “The Broken Violin”— With an All-Star Cast The old saying, “Murder will out,” again proved true when Phil Carter was caught in the act of impersonating another man. You will enjoy John Ellsworth’s fight for possession of his own, and the thrills provided by the sensational story, “The Broken Violin.” MAN AND WIFE”— | (Especially prepared i [Class ] :or screen) B] 65% Story: — Experience of Two Sisters Long Separated, Who Marry Same Man VALUE CAST Photography — Good — Not credited. Dolly Perkins Gladys Leslie TYPE OF PICTURE — Unusual. Dora Perkins Norma Shearer Moral Standard — Average. Judge Perkins Maurice Costello ' 1 ■ — ■ ■ ■■ Mrs. Perkins Edna May Spooner Story — Average — Melodrama — Adults. Dr. Howard Fleming Robert Elliott Cast — Good — All-Star. Walter Powell Ernest Hilliard Author — Average — Not credited. ■ ■ 1 11 Direction — Good — John L. McCutcheon. August I to 15, 1923. Adaptation — Good — Not credited. Technique — Average. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Producer — Effanem Productions, Inc. Footage — 4,379 ft. Distributor — Arrow Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None. Unpleasant Theme Pleasingly Presented — Attractive Settings and Good Cast “Man and Wife” is not a picture with a mission, nor is it based on a (Continued on next page) No Advertising Support Accepted!