Screen Opinions (1923-24)

‘BOOK THE NEW PERCENTAGE WAY” 7 Vengeance” are more exquisitely picturesque than some others, that have been quite as elaborate, and we question whether the striking quality of illumination and photography is not one of the largest factors in producing an artistic effect. The opening scenes of the picture, with two or three hundred persons gathered in the great ballroom of the royal palace of France, many of whom are engaged in dancing the graceful minuet, is one of the most impressive perspectives of the picture. Then there are the usual number of closeups of the exquisitely gowned star, and with surroundings that serve to enhance her beauty. One of the most finished portrayals of the picture is that of the Due de Tours by Wallace Beery. His conception of the crafty, sensuous fellow seems correct, and certainly Mr. Beery’s mastery of screen technique, and his intelli| gent understanding and interpretation of the character he is supposed to represent, places him in the class with the best character actors. Conway Tearle as Rupert de Vrieac is not only picturesque in the costume of the' period, but plays intelligently. His sword bouts with worthy opponents are unusually spirited. Josephine Crowell as Catherine de Medici has not many scenes, but succeeds in causing herself to be remembered for her excellent work. Courtenay Foots also does well, and little Jeanne Carpenter is delightful as Anne, the crippled sister of Yoeland. Earl Schenck and Winter Hall, Claire McDowell, and in fact each member of the cast is entitled to splendid praise. This is one of the big pictures of the year, faultless in technique1,! romantic, adventurous, entertaining from first to last. There is more to be said of “Ashes of Vengeance” than space will allow — suffice it to say that it is the last word in beauty and dramatic excellence. STORY OF THE PLAY When Rupert de Vrieac and Comte de la Roche, members of two families sworn enemies of each other for years, settle a difference with swords, the eventual result is that Rupert is bound to Comte de la Roche as a slave for a term of years. Yoeland, a beautiful member of the de la Roche family, is placed under his protection and after serving her faithfully, bearing with her scorn, and acting as a playfellow to her crippled sister, he saves them both from an attack by a wolf. The result is that Yoeland, who has in reality been fighting her love! for him, reveals her affection for him, and on his release by Comte de la Roche, she promises to marry him. PROGRAM COPY — “Ashes of Vengeance” — Featuring Norma Talmadge You have never yet seen a production more beautiful, more elaborate, more romantic or more thrilling than “Ashes of Vengeance,” featuring lovely Norma Talmadge and an A-l cast, including Conway Tearle and Wallace Beery. “FIGHTING BLOOD”— [Second series] 65% (Especially prepared for screen) Story: — Adventures of Youth Accidentally Led to Studious and Then to prize ring VALUE Photography — Good — Not credited. TYPE OF PICTURE — Humorous — Adventurous. Moral Standard — Average. Story — Good — Comedy-Melodrama — Family. Star — Good — George O’Hara. Author — Good — H. C. Witmer. Direction — Good — Henry Lehrman. Adaptation — Good — Beatrice Van. Technique — Good. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. CAST Gale Galen Rosemary DuBarry Nate Kelly. Patricia Paddington ....George O’Hara Mary Beth Milford Albert Cooke Kit Guard . . . . Louise Lorraine September 1 to 15, 1923. Producer — P. A. Powers Length — Fifteen Two-Reel Chapters Distributor — F. B. O. Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None Peppy Beginning for Second “Fighting Blood” Series — Good Cast and Plenty of Comedy The new “Fighting Blood” series gives good promise in its first two chapters — “So This Is Hollywood” and “She Supes to Conquer.” Just whether the series in question will prove as good as the first we are not prepared to say, but at least it will live well up to standard. George O’Hara is excellent in the hero role, and responds well to the requirements of the story, in which (Continued on Next Page) No Advertising Support Accepted!