Screen Opinions (1923-24)

82 “BOOK THE NEW PERCENTAGE WAY’’ causes these same scenes to be remembered. And certainly the beautifully staged feast day of the Madonna should not be passed up without special mention. Mr. Brenon proves himself especially adept in the managing of mob scenes, and always the psychology of a situation is correctly reflected. The picture is beautifully, in fact, elaborately staged, and the romantic, the tragic, all that the spirit of the times should indicate, is present. Illumination, photography and all the technical demands of artistic production have been well taken care of. Pola Negri is excellently suited to the role of Maritana, and Antonio Moreno gives an especially capable performance as Don Cesar. Wallace Beery plays with his accustomed skill, giving an unforgetable portrayal of King Philip IV of Spain. As his queen no one could have been more suitably cast than Kathlyn Williams. Throughout the work of the cast is commendable, and we predict that “The Spanish Dancer” will give satisfaction in better class houses, although it may not be adapted to cheaper locations. STORY OF THE PLAY At a carnival in Seville, King Philip IV of Spain becomes enamoured of a gypsy dancer, Maritana by name. With the aid of Don Salluste, a courtier, he succeeds in kidnapping Maritana and imprisoning her in his villa outside of Seville. In an attempt to rescue her, her lover, Don Cesar de Bazan, crosses swords with the king and is therefore condemned to death. Maritana seeks aid from the queen, whose gratitude she had aroused when she rescued the heir apparent from accident at the hunt, and is successful in so far as the queen is concerned. But the crafty Philip concealing the signed pardon in his waistcoast, gives the queen a blank which is not noticed until later. Don Ceasar’s life is saved by the removal of bullets from the guns of those chosen to shoot him, by Lazarillo, an armourer’s boy, whom he has befriended. At the close of the story Maritana, who has married Don Cesar with her face masked, is reunited with her lover. PROGRAM COPY — “The Spanish Dancer” — Featuring Pola Negri The romantic story of Maritana is more fascinating than ever in the Herbert Brenon production, featuring Pola Negri. The most colorful production of its kind. Don’t miss it. “ON THE BANKS OF THE WABASH” [Cl. A] 80% (Based on the song of the same name) Story: — Romance and Adventures of Villagers on the Wabash — Flood Brings Back Lost Husband VALUE . CAST Photography — Excellent — Nicholas Musuraca. Anne Bixler Mary Carr TYPE OF PICTURE — Sentimental — "Cap” Hammond Burr McIntosh Sensational. David James Morrison Moral Standard — Good. Paul Bixler Lumsden Hare ■ — ... — . Ivonne Mary MacLaren Story — Average — Romantic drama — Family. Lisbeth Madge Evans Cast — Very good — Featuring Mary Carr, Burr Sash Brown George Neville McIntosh and James Morrison. Tilda Spiffen. Marcia Harris Author — Average — Paul Dresser. Westerley Spiffen Ed Roseman Direction — Very good — J. Stuart Blackton. • Adaptation — Very good — Elaine Stern. November 15 to 30, 1923. Technique — Very good. Spiritual Influence — Good. Producer— J. Stuart Blackton Footage— 7,150 ft. Distributor — Vitagrapli Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE — None Outstanding Spectacular Flood and Fire Scenes Features of Human Interest Production The majority of people will not notice anything unprofessional about the construction of the story on which “On the Banks of the Wabash” is based. Nevertheless, it is so devoid of definite plot that it is difficult to outline the story. But the types, the character studies that the picture presents, and the Q various interesting details in connection with the intercourse between these characters serves to hold the attention. Then the quality of photography in this production is much above average, and the locations chosen for the backgrounds are delightful and wholly appropriate to the story The scenes on the Wabash during a flood when an old boat is fired up and sent to the rescue, the scenes of the fire in the home of Anne Bixler presented in natural colors, and the fire aboard the old Sarah Jane as she steams up the main street with her load of flood victims, and bursts her boilers just as the last one is pulled ashore, are all fraught with spectacular as well as romantic interest. There are reasons why “On the Banks of the Wabash” may serve well as a special in the (Continued on next page) No Advertising Support Accepted!