Screen Opinions (1923-24)

SCREEN OPINIONS TELLS THE TRUTH 71 STORY OF THE PLAY Bela, a girl reared by an old Indian named Musq’cosis, is told by him of her white parentage and sent on her way to her people with the money entrusted to him years before. Bela is obsessed with the idea of getting a white husband, and stopping at the camp where Sam Gladding, a son of rich parents, is serving as cook, she determines to have Sam, and under the impression that the other men in the catnp who are jealous of him because he protects Bela from them, are going to kill him, she kidnaps him by sewing him into a blanket while he sleeps and carries him off in her canoe. Later she opens a restaurant, of which Sam, unwilling to be caught in Bela’s net, fights shy. Later, taunted by Joe Hagland, he goes to see Bela, and after fighting with Joe he realizes that he really loves the girl. The story closes with their betrothal. PROGRAM COPY — “The Huntress” — Featuring Colleen Moore Bela’s plan of kidnaping a husband wasn’t according to conventional methods, but the game worked in the end. Colleen Moore is the star of this fascinating comedy-drama of the big outdoors. “TANGO CAVALIER”— [Class D] 40% (Especially prepared for screen) Story: — Romance and Adventures of Young Mexican Through Tango Dance VALUE CAST Photography — Average — Vernon Walker. Don Armingo George Larkin TYPE OF PICTURE — Ordinary Western. Doris Pomeroy Doris Dare Moral Standard — Average. La Carmelita Ollie Kirby .... Col. Pomeroy F. Whitson Story — Fair — Melodrama— Adults. Brand Morgan -....Billy Quinn Star — Average — George Larkin. Strong Arm Mitchell Tellegen Author — Fair — Charles R. Seeling. . . .... — Direction — Fair — Charles R. Seeling. November 1 to IS, 1923. Adaptation — Fair — Charles R. Seeling. Technique — Fair. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Producer — Nathan Hirsh Footage — 5,000 ft. Distributor — State Rights Our Opinion MORAL O'THE PICTURE— None. Obviously Constructed Plot — Picture for Cheap Locations “The Tango Cavalier,” featuring George Larkin, is played by a fair cast of players, with the honors for acting going to Ollie Kirby in the role of La Carmelita. Miss Kirby is at ease before the camera, and has an excellent idea of the role she plays. George Larkin also does well, Doris Dare is attractive as the heroine. The picture is poorly subtitled, and lacks the merits of polished direction and convincing plot construction. We believe that the picture will serve fairly in the cheaper localities. It is staged against pleasing western backgrounds, and some good riding is exhibited. STORY OF THE PLAY Don Armingo happens in a cafe on the border line between Mexico and the United States, and not only meets Doris Pomeroy, the girl who afterward becomes his wife, but in being chosen by the fascinating La Carmelita to substitute for her absent partner in dancing the tango, is led into a series of adventures. La Carmelita’s lover takes exception to her preference for Don Armingo. And when the dancer learns that the Mexican loves another girl she sides with her lover, they kidnap the girl, and Don Armingo fights a fierce fight in rescuing Doris. PROGRAM COPY — “The Tango Cavalier” — Featuring George Larkin One round of the tango brought the gallant Don Armingo no end of trouble, which finally sifted down to a pleasant romance with a pretty girl. George Larkin is the star. “TIPPED OFF”— [Class B] 65% (Especially prepared for screen) Story: — Girl Stolen by Bandits Protected by Chinese Philosopher VALUE CAST Photography — Good — Harry Fowler. Chong Wo Noah Beery TYPE OF PICTURE— Sensational. ‘‘The Fox” Tom Santschi Moral Standard — Average. Mildred Garson Arline Pretty 1 111 ; — — ■ 1 ■ Anthony Moore Harold Miller Story — Good — Melodrama — Family. Sidney Matthews Stuart Holmes Cast — Good — All-Star. Rita Garson • Zalla Gray Author — Good — Frederick Reel, Jr. “Pug” Murphy Thomas O’Brien Direction — Good — William Matthews. Chinese Maid Bessie Wong Adaptation — Good — Frederick Reel, Jr. Chuck Morrison James Alamo Technique — Good. Baldy Bates Jimmie Truax Spiritual Influence — Neutral. — — — — — November 1 to 15, 1923. Producer — Harry McKenzie Footage 5,000 ft. Distributor — Pathe (Continued on next page) Unbiased and Independent Reviews Only!