Screen Opinions (1923-24)

30 SCREEN OPINIONS TELLS THE TRUTH this is added a quality of intense tragedy together with the troubled romance which Hugo knew so well how to paint, and types that fit the unique characters of the story. But although everything in the picture is fashioned to enhance the dramatic quality of the story, and although the excellent cast of players, including Ernest Torrence, Patsy Ruth Miller, Tully Marshall, Nigel De Brulier and many other noted screen artists are tireless in their efforts to aid the picture’s realism, the real achievement of the production, barring director Worsley’s splendid direction, is the portrayal of the hunchback Quasimodo by Lon Chaney. It is not easy to forget, for instance, the expression of love and gratitude with which Quasimodo responds to the kindly act of the girl Esmeraldo in giving him a drink of water as he lay bleeding from the lashes of the professional beater, or the scene of his death as he tolls his own death knell. His struggle on behalf of the girl when he slides down the bell rope and snatches her away from her accusers and hides her in the sanctuary, is spectacular and dramatic. Too much cannot be said in praise of Mr. Chaney’s interpretation of the character of Quasimodo. It is a wonderful screen achievement and one that should stand as an example of what can be accomplished in the way of screen pantomine. STORY OF THE PLAY Quasimodo, the hunchback bell ringer of Notre Dame, has for a master Jehan, brother of Dom Claude, Arch-Deacon of the Church. Jehan exercises a control over Quasimodo which many people attribute to black magic, and Jehan is an alchemist and in league with Clopin, a king of thieves and beggars. Quasimodo’s heart is changed when after being beaten with lashes while the jeering masses look on, a girl named Esmeraldo soothes him and brings him a drink of water. Esmeraldo is later accused of murdering her lover, and is snatched from her tormentors by the devoted Quasimodo and hidden in the sanctuary. The later incidents of the story include the death of Jehan at the hands of the hunchback who, after a terrific struggle, throws him from the tower of the cathedral. Quasimodo dies ringing his own death knell, having been stabbed in the back by Jehan. Pheobus, the lover of Esmeraldo, recovers from his wounds, and the lovers are at last reunited. PROGRAM COPY— “The Hunchback of Notre Dame”— Lon Chaney The most magnificent of recent productions reflecting the tragedy of the mediaeval period. Lon Chaney superb is the deaf hunchback who rang the bells of the cathedral. “ETERUAL STRUGGLE”— [Class A-c] 90% (Adapted from the “Law Bringers”) Story: — Romance of Northwest Trooper and Girl Falsely Accused of Murder VALUE CAST Photography — -Excellent — Percy Hilburn. Andree Grange Renee Adoree TYPE OF PICTURE — Vigorous — Romantic. Sgt. Neil Tempest Earle Williams Moral Standard — Average. Camille Lenoir Barbara La Marr '■ “Bucky” O'Hara Pat O’Malley Story — Excellent — Drama — Family. Barode Dukane Wallace Beery Cast — Excellent — All-Star. Pierre Grange • Josef Swickard Author — Excellent — G. B. Lancaster. “Oily” Kirby Pat Harmon Direction — Excellent — Reginald Barker. Capt. Jack Scott Anders Randoli Adaptation — Excellent — Monte M. Katterjohn. Wo Long George Kuwa Technique — Excellent. "■ ■ 1 1 Spiritual Influence — Average. October 1 to 15, 1923. Producer — Louis B. Mayer Footage — 7,800 ft. Distributor — Metro Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE — It Takes a Strong Character to Place Duty Before Love. Vigorous Production With Beautiful Outdoor Settings, an Excellent Cast and Strong Heart Interest We predict that “The Eternal Struggle” will be one of the most popular of program features for the coming season. The red-blooded character of the story set in the Northwest in the land of mountains, rushing cataracts and, towering mountains, holds the attention, and is still more interesting in its film attire owing to the convincing types chosen to portray the various characters. Renee Adoree in her first prominent role is delightful as Andree, Grange, an unsophisticated, impulsive girl of the wilds, who falls in love with the fickle “Bucky” O’Hara, and while Bucky looks on the love making incident merely as a bit of play, enthrones him in her heart as “her man.” Pat O’Malley too is decidedly the proper person in the part of Bucky, and his Irish smile (Continued on next page) No Advertising Support Accepted!