Screen Opinions (1923-24)

16 SCREEN OPINIONS TELLS THE TRUTH story is consumed by incidents of the race, during which Tyler who has been the means of separating Dutton Hardmere, owner of the car driven by Jack, from his wife, attempts to prevent the Hardmere car from winning. Tyler’s attempt to marry Hardmere’s daughter is prevented when Jack drives the pusuing car at a rate that brings the father on the scene just as the minister is about to pronounce the last words of the marriage ceremony. Jack falls in love with an actress called Nadine, through whom Marie Hardmere, who has run away from home, is discovered, and the story ends well for the hero and his friends. PROGRAM COPY — “Skid Proof” — Featuring Charles Jones Here is a thrilling and genuinely sporty production that you are going to like. Racing, skidding autos, aeroplanes in dangerous pursuit, and a love story in the bargain!. Charles Jones, the star, is supported by a competent cast. “DRIFTING9’ [Class A-c] wyo (Adapted from story of same name) Story: — Young Woman’s Adventures Among the Opium Smugglers in China VALUE. CAST Photography — Superior — William Fildew. Cassie Cook 1 Prict-illa Dpan TYPE OF PICTURE— Sensational. Lucille Preston J Moral Standard — Average. Capt. Arthur Jarvis Matt Moore ■ Jules Repin Wallace Beery Story — Excellent— Melodrama — Family. Murphy J. Farrell McDonald Star — Excellent — Priscilla Dean. Madam Polly Voo Rose Dione Author — Excellent— John Colton. Molly Norton Edna Tichener Direction — Excellent — Tod Browning. Dr Li.. William V. Mong Adaptation — Excellent — Tod Browning and Rose Li Anna Mae Wong A. P. Younger. Little Bruce Bruce Guerin Technique — Excellent. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. September 1 to IS, 1923. Producer — Universal Footage — 7,394 ft. Distributor — Universal Oar Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None. f Fine Oriental Atmosphere, Swift Sensational Action, Good Star and Cast — Production Should Make Good Tod Browning has exhibited considerable breadth of vision in his conception of the play “Drifting” — hence the screen version of the play is unusually entertaining and beautiful. The theme of the play which carries the imagination into the hill section of China as well as into the opium dens, and chooses its characters from among that interesting class of opium smugglers who enjoy the luxuries of life, is not unusual. But with the treatment given it by author and adapters, it “comes up smiling” and proves again that attire even in the matter of plays is a thing of vast importance. The star, Priscilla Dean, has been more fascinating than she is in the role of Lucille Preston, alias Cassie Cook. Nor is Matt Moore especially well cast in the role of Jarvis. But then “the play’s the thing,” and so the general effect is satisfactory. Anna Mae Wong is exquisite as the daughter of an opium smuggler, Dr. Li, casting wistful glances at the American engineer. And Wallace Beery is excellent in the role of Jules Repin, also of the opium ring. The setting of the story and the general technique of the picture, together with an excellent quality of photography, go far in making “Drifting” an extraordinary picture of its kind. STORY OF THE PLAY Lucille Preston, who for purposes best known to herself assumes the name of Carrie Cook, has been traveling in China with jules Repin, an opium smuggler. Her sympathy is aroused by a girl addict, and in an effort to gain money to take her back to America, she sells gowns given her by Repin. In a situation that arises immediately afterward she has difficulty in eluding the police and is forced to give up the money. Another attempt to secure the funds for the trip take her to the vicinity of Dr. Li’s home, where she hopes to get possession of a shipment of opium to deliver at a source where she can easily dispose of it. In the events that follow she falls in love with an American civil engineer. The inevitable happens, and the close of the story reveals Lucille Preston’s better nature, and brings about satisfactory readjustments. PROGRAM COPY — “Drifting” — Featuring Priscilla Dean A tale of old China invaded by the American spirit of a fascinating heroine, and as fetching a villain. Don’t miss Priscilla Dean in her latest sensational feature, supported by a fine cast. Wallace Beery, lovely Anna Mae Wong and Matt Moore are in the cast. No Advertising Support Accepted! l