Screen Opinions (1923-24)

2 SCREEN OPINIONS TELLS THE TRUTH Thornton, the mother of Sparkle. Cullen Landis, as Chaser, plays a role which is quite different from any in which he has been seen. He gives eminent satisfaction in a humorous crook role and raises a laugh almost every time he moves. Joseph Kilgour is excellent in the role of Silas Carringford, and George Pierce and Kittie Bradbury are splendidly convincing as the lovable grandparents, hoping through the years for the discovery of their grandchild. In fact, there is no member of the cast but is equal to the occasion. Percy Marmont gives a pleasing and unobtrusive portrayal of the fire captain, Harry Westmore, in love with Sparkle. In making the picture the director has succeeded in keeping the plot well in tow, and when the thrilling fire climax arrives the spectator is ready to absorb this truly sensational feature. The flames in natural colors can be seen through the windows of the house swallowing up the interior and endangering the lives of those within. The rescue of Sparkle from the safe where she has been trapped is well staged and includes thrilling work with the fire net. You can boost this picture for a special. It’s the kind that should diaw big in any locality — melodrama of the purest type. STORY OF THE PLAY Silas Carringford kills his partner, Thornton, who has made him executor of his estate, and through the aid of Springer, a servant, the murder is palmed off as suicide. To escape a marriage into which Carringford means to force her, Mrs. Thornton flees with her little girl, and is killed when the automobile in which they are riding is hit by a train. The child, linharmed, is picked up by a Mrs. Berg, and later becomes a news girl. Her grandfather, Tilwell, after searching for years finally gets a clue, and at the same time Sparkle, as the girl is known, receives papers of identification which Carringford determines to steal. In the events that follow, Sparkle is locked in a safe in Carringford’s office, a fire breaks out and Carringford and Springer die in the flames. Sparkle is rescued by Capt. Westmore who loves her. The close of the story shows the betrothal of Sparkle to Westmore, while Chaser, a crook, also in love with her, consoles himself with Sparkle’s friend Aggie. PROGRAM COPY — “The Midnight Alarm” — With an All-Star Cast Don’t miss the screen adaptation of the stage melodrama that has thrilled thousands. “The Midnight Alarm” is a picture that you must see. Alice Calhoun, Cullen Landis, Percy Marmont and an all-star cast play the picture. £ r “HOMEWARD BOD HD”— [Class A] 80% (Adapted from “The Light to Leeward”) Story: — Romance of Seaman Determined to Become a Captain VALUE Photography — Very Good — Ernest Haller. TYPE OF PICTURE — Fascinating. Moral Standard — Good. Story — Very good — Drama — Family. Star — Very good — Thomas Meighan. Author — Very good — Peter B. Kyne. Direction — Very good — Ralph Ince. Adaptation — Very good — Jack Cunningham and Paul Sloane. Technique — Very good. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Tim Bedford Mary Brent Rufus Brent Rodney Murphy Captain Svenson. . Mrs. Brannigan... Rufus Brent, Jr. . . Clarissa Wynwood CAST Thomas Meighan Lila Lee .....Charles Abbe William P. Carleton Hugh Cameron Gus Weinberg Maud Turner Gordon .Cyril Ring Katherine Spencer September 1 to IS, 1923. Producer — Paramount Footage — 6,773 ft. Distributor — Famous Players Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE — “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way” Spectacular Storm at Sea, Interesting Character Outline, Attractive Cast in Fascinating Production There is something so convincing, so human, about Thomas Meighan’s portrayal of Jim Bedford in “Homeward Bound” that the average person will find the picture irresistible principally for this reason. Peter B Kyne’s story is based on a situation that is vital — not exactly thrilling, but interesting. The setting of the plot, the incidents which the author has used in familiarizing us with the character of the hero, such for instance as where at a critical moment for the vessel of which he is first mate, he pushes aside the drunken captain and brings her safely into port out of a blinding storm, is always interesting. The romance of the story in which the feminine side is played delightfully by Lila Lee is vigorously presented, and Peter B Kyne’s lifelike types are as we would suppose he painted them. Charles Abbe in the best choice possible for Rufus Brent, ship owner and former sea captain. The heavy holes — not sd (Continued on next page) No Advertising Support Accepted!