Screen Opinions (1923-24)

136 SCREEN OPINIONS TELLS THE TRUTH Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None Interesting Adaptation of Celebrated Romance — Not Strong Enough for Special, But Will Stand Extra Advertising Myron Selznick’s production of ‘‘Rupert of Hentzau” is interesting to say the least. It may not be perfect from every point of view, but it is satisfying from the fact that the story is clearly outlined, and the cast embraces a group of popular players. Elaine Hammerstein may not be the correct type to portray Queen Flavia, but since she has been chosen for the part she interprets it with dignity and grace. Her makeup sometimes lacks realism, but her grasp of the romantic requirements of the role is sufficiently satisfying to cause trivial errors to be overlooked. Bert Lytell’s portrayal of the two Rudolphs is individually interesting, although perhaps he is not the best choice for the part. Adolph Menjou, Irving Cummings and Hobart Bosworth and Lew Cody are well suited to their respective roles and acquit themselves excellently. Marjorie Daw gives a refreshingly unsophisticated portrayal of Rosa Holf, a small part but memorable as she plays it. Bryant Washburn and Claire Windsor are also satisfactory. The production is well edited, the settings contain richness and realism, the subtitling is effective, and it is altogether likely that it will prove a satisfactory box office asset. The adventurous spirit that permeates the action is presented in a way to inspire enthusiasm, and the sword bout between Rupert and Rassendyll is very good, although not quite as scientific as that fought by Lionel Barrymore and his adversary in “Enemies of Women.” STORY OF THE PLAY Queen Flavia, disgusted with her drunken spouse, King Rudolph of Ruritania, sends a letter and a token to Rudolph Rassendyll, the man she loves and who is also the king’s double, entreating him not to return to England, his native land. Fritz von Tarlenheim who is entrusted with the message is waylaid by Rupert of Hentzau, and the letter is stolen. Rassendyll impersonating the king, attempts to get the letter from Count Rischenheim, who has been sent by Rupert to bring the news of the queen’s misconduct to the king. He is discovered, and later, Rupert, bringing the same message to the king at his hunting lodge, engages in a fight with the monarch who is slain. Rassendyll follows Rupert to a secret haunt and kills him in a sword bout. His likeness to the king causes the people to mistake him for King Rudolph, but when he has succeeded in protecting the queen’s honor sufficiently he goes back to England, and the queen abdicating in favor of a republic follows him. PROGRAM COPY— “Rupert of Hentzau”— With an All-Star Cast Don’t miss this interesting adaptation of the famous Anthony Hope romance played by a cast of notable players, including Bert Lytell, Elaine Hammerstein, Lew Cody and Claire Windsor. “CIRCUS BAYS”— [Class A] (Adapted from “Toby Tyler” (“Ten Weeks with a Ci 8 rev 0 is” fo ') Story: — Poor Boy Becomes Mother’s Support through Adventures with Circus VALUE CAST Photography — Very good — Not credited. Toby Tyler Jackie Coogan TYPE OF PICTURE — Humorous — Pathetic. Ann Tyler Barbara Tennant Moral Standard — Good. Eben Holt Russell Simpson ■ ■■ His wife Claire McDowelj Story — Very good — Comedy-drama — Family. Luigi, the clown Cesare Gravini Star — Very good — Jackie Coogan. Jeanette Peaches Jackson Author — Very good — James Otis. Mr. Lord Sam de Grasse Direction — Very good — Eddie Cline. Mr. Daily DeWitt Jennings Adaptation — Very good — Harry Weil. World’s Fattest Woman Nellie Lane Technique — Very good. 1 ■■ — Spiritual Influence — Average. August 15 to 31, 1923. Producer — Sol Lesser Footage — 6,100 ft. Distributor — Not given Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE — Big Things Often Come of Small Beginnings Fine Entertainment in Jackie Coogan’s Latest — Realistic Circus Atmosphere and Plenty of Laughs “Circus Days” is a picture that the children will like. We can imagine the feeling of the small boy who is fortunate enough to see Toby Tyler selling (Continued on next page) <*< No Advertising Support Accepted!