Screen Opinions (1923-24)

“BOOK THE NEW PERCENTAGE WAY” 33 Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None. Expert Direction and A-l Cast Gives Production Place of Distinction It is interesting to note that the first American production to be directed by Ernst Lubitsch, the noted European director, presents the same faultless technique as his former efforts for the screen. The same attention to the smaller details that go to supply atmosphere, the same skillful handling of mob scenes is evident, and the same carefully chiseled character outine, with the result that “Rosita” is a beautiful production. But most interesting of all is the effect of the big director’s guidance on the work of the much loved star, Mary Pickford. It seemed to the writer that Miss Pickford was either not sufficiently adapted to the role of Rosita, or then that the director’s conception of the part was at variance with that of the star, for her comedy is less spontaneous, and her emotional work less effective than in other productions in which she has scored success. And while for technical reasons, and because of the beauty of settings and elaborate preparations for the picture, we class it as an A-c, we are conscious that it has not the “kick” that it should have. The story provides for much laughter and many tears. They are not always to be found One of the finest portrayals in the picture is done by Holbrook Blinn in the role of the King. Snitz Edwards also scores, but in a small part. Mme!, Mathilde Comont is excellent as the mother of Rosita, and Irene Rich is especially to be praised for her portrayal of the neglected queen. Her expression, half sad, half amused, at discovering her husband’s various escapades, is one of the fine accomplishments of the picture. There is much to feed the eye in-' “Rosita,” and one cannot readily forget the carnival scenes at Seville, characterized by a riot of action in which the eye strives eagerly to single out objects of beauty, and is rewarded now and then when a lull in the merry making allows a second’s repose. In billing the picture do not forget to score the name of Ernst Lubitsch as well as that of the star. STORY OF THE PLAY Rosita, a Spanish street singer, after losing her day’s business by the arrival of the king in Seville, takes her revenge by singing a treasonable song, in which the king, a masked observer in the crowd is forced by Rosita to join. She is arrested for treason, and later is released by order of the king and is taken in the royal carriage to his villa outside Seville, without knowing what her destination is to be. Her lover, Don Diego, who has slain one of the king’s guards in defense of Rosita, is thrown into prison and condemned to die. Rosita prevails on the king to pardon him, an order which, unknown to her, he countermands. The queen, learning of the king’s perfidy, bribes the office in authority and gains possession of the final order to shoot the prisoner, with the result that the removal of the bullets from the soldiers guns before firing on the prisoner, who is to pretend to fall dead, is carried out. The close of the story shows the happy reunion of Rosita and Don Diego, with the much chagrined king bidding them Godspeed. PROGRAM COPY — “Rosita” — Featuring Mary Pickford What could be more fascinating than dainty Mary Pickford portraying the role of a Spanish street singer engulfed in the desire of a sensual king. Don’t miss this beautiful production which was directed by the famous director Ernst Lubitsch. “POTASH AND PERLMUTTER”— [Cl. A-c] 90% (Adapted from play of same name) Story: — Jewish Partners Experience in Business and Strike That Ends in Murder VALUE CAST Photography — Excellent — Rudolph Bergquist. Morris Perlmutter Alexander Carr TYPE OF PICTURE — Humorous — Abe Potash Barney Bernard Sentimental. Rosie Potash • Vera Gordon Moral Standard — Good. Head! Model Martha Mansfield — — ■■"'■■■■■■■ Boris Andrieff Ben Lyon Story — Excellent — Comedy-melodrama — Feldman Edward Durand Family. Irma Potash Hope Sutherland Stars — Excellent — Alexander Carr, Barney Ruth Goldman DeSacia Mooers Bernard and Vera Gordon. Office Boy Jerry Devine Authors — Very good — Montague Glass and Pasinsky Lee Kohlmer Charles Klein. Wide Awake Salesman Leo Donnelly Direction — Excellent — Clarence Badger. ■ 1 1 Adaptation — Excellent — Frances Marion. October 1 to 15, 1923. Technique — Excellent. Spiritual Influence — Good. Producer — Goldwyn Footage — 7,700 ft. Distributor — Goldwyii (Continued on Next Page) No Advertising Support Accepted!