Screen Opinions (1923-24)

68 “BOOK THE NEW PERCENTAGE WAY” Marat and other important personalities of the period, together with the fickle mobs above which they towered, and now and then a touch of grim comedy, not sufficient to turn the imagination from the seriousness of the moment, is cleverly interwoven. Nothing in the way of expense has been spared to make “Scaramouche” one of the biggest of big pictures, astoundingly beautiful sets made more lovely by a delightful quality of illumination and photography, vibrant with feminine beauty and decorative masculine types. Picturesque architectural specimens, correctness of detail, interesting phases of mob psychology, all are a part of this picturial masterpiece. There seems little left to be desired in Rex Ingraham’s interpretation of the story of Scaramouche. The title role as played by Ramon Novarro is fascinatingly vigorous, youthfully enthusiastic. The flashing dark eyes of Navarro, and indeed his entire physique are admirably suited to the portrayal of the character. Scenes in which love, patriotism, grief or other emotions are the keynote he proves himself equally proficient. His sword bouts are also admirably accomplished, and together with Lewis Stone he succeeds in exciting unusual interest in the struggle between father and son, neither aware of the other’s identity. The introduction of characters, such as Danton and Robespierre, is done in a way we cannot easily forget, George Siegmann’s Danton is quite a triumph. Here too the director’s management of the mobs is notable. Alice Terry’s loveliness in the role of Aline de Kercadiou has seldom, if ever, been surpassed on the screen, and we are unable to single out individual players for special praise, so well has each role been portrayed. “Scaramouche” reflects the spirit of the period to a marked degree. It is magnificent, beautiful, artistic. It should be a moneyninkcr STORY OF THE PLAY Scaramouche, a vigorous youth of the period of Louis XVI of France and in love with Aline, the beautiful daughter of Quintin de Kercadiou, a member of the aristocracy, becomes fired with the revolutionary spirit when after several unwarranted murders for which the Marquis de La Tour d’Azyr is responsible, he sees a staunch advocate of the cause of the people struck dead in the street. The struggle that ensues brings about a number of personal encounters between Scaramouche, a name acquired by Andre Louis Moreau while seeking to lose his identity with a traveling theatrical company, and the Marquis, who is the enforced fiance of Aline. In the events of the story Moreau is chosen dictator for the people, and in this capacity secures safe passage out of Paris for Aline and her companions. When the Marquis barely escapes death in one of the massacres, seeks refuge in the home of Aline the fact that the man he has been fighting is his father and the Countess Therese de Plougastel, companion to Aline, is his mother, is revealed to Scaramouche for the first time. The lovers are reunited and the Marquis begs forgiveness of the Countess for past wrongs. PROGRAM COPY — “Scaramouche” — Featuring Alice Terry, Lewis Stone and Ramon Novarro The romance and the tragedy of the French revolutionary period are magnificently reflected in the latest Rex Ingraham production, “Scaramouche,” featuring Alice Terry, Lewis Stone and Ramon Novarro. This is a picture everyone should see. “LIGHTS OUT”— [Class A] 80% (Adapted from story of same name) Story: — Adventures of Scenarist When One Crook Uses Script to Get Even With Another Crook VALUE Photography — Verv good — William Marshall. TYPE OF PICTURE— SensationalHumorous. Moral Standard — Average. Story — Very good— Comedy-melodrama — Family. Cast — Very good — All-Star. Authors — Very good — Paul Dickey and Mann Page. Direction — Very good — A1 Santell. Adaptation — Very good Rex Taylor. technique — Very good. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Producer — P. A. Powers CAST “Hairpin” Annie Ruth Stonehouse Sea Bass Walter McGrail Barbara Marie Astaire F.gbert Theodore Von Eltz "High Shine” Joe Ben Deely Ben Hank Mann Keith Forbes Ben Hewlett Mrs. Gallant Mabel Van Buren Becker ►. Fred Kelsey Peyton Harry Fenwick Bangs Chester Bishop Wellabacli Max Ascher November 1 to IS, 1923. Distributor — F. B. O. Footage — 6,800 ft. Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None. Excellent Character Work, Humorous Situations, and Expert Direction Outstanding Features We cannot imagine that “Lights Out” will go begging in any theatre in (Continued on next page) No Advertising Support Accepted! C