Screen Opinions (1923-24)

SCREEN OPINIONS TELLS THE TRUTH 85 she plays intelligently. The characters of the story are well cast, and while we do not recommend “Unseeing Eyes” for use as a special at a raise in price, it is worthy extra billing as an A-l program feature. The picture was photographed in the Canadian rockies and the Selkirk range, and it is said that some of the closeups were made at 10,000 feet above sea level. The cloud and storm scenes in this picture are magnificent. STORY OF THE PLAY During a trip to the Canadian North Miriam Helston learns that her brother, who has preceded her, has been injured at the mines. Her distress at not being able to reach him speedily is responded to by Conrad Dean, formerly of the air service, whose offer to take her to her brother in an aeroplane is accepted. On the way they are forced to land on account of engine trouble, and while Dean is trying to reach a spot from which they have seen smoke emerging, a blizzard blows up and he is unable to return to Miriam, who is marooned in the £ aeroplane overnight. In the morning, before he can reach her, she starts out alone over the snow, is stricken with snow blindness, and is seized by a couple of halfbreeds and brought into a trading station, where one of the men fights with Laird, a drunken miner, to retain her as his squaw. In the scenes that follow Dean finally reaches the trading post and is overcome by Laird and his men, tied hand and foot and left to die in the flames ligthed by Laird, while the latter hurries Miriam away in a dog sled. Dean escapes and overtakes them with his aeroplane and aided by Miriam’s brother, he rescues her. At the close of the story Miriam and Dean are betrothed. PROGRAM COPY — “Unseeing Eyes” — Featuring Lionel Barrymore Seena Owen You will never forget the thrilling snow spectacle presented in “Unseeing Eyesi,” a production filled with romance, adventure and thrills. Lionel Barrymore, Seena Owen and a splendid cast play the picture. » “Blfi DAB”— [Class C] 50% (Adapted from story of same name) Story: — Romance of Athletic Trainer With Girl He Rescues VALUE Photography — Good — Not credited. TYPE OF PICTURE— Ordinary. Moral Standard — Average. Story— Average — Melodrama — Family. Star — Good — Charles Jones. Authors — Average — Frederick and Fanny Hatton. Direction — Average — William Wellman. Adaptation — Fair — Not credited. T echnique — Average. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Dan O’Hara Dora Allen Cyclone Morgan . Mazie Williams.. Nellie McGee.... Doc Snyder Aunt Kate Walsh Tom*Walsh Father Quinn.... Stephen Allen, . . . Ophelia Pat Mayo Muggs Murphy.. CAST Charles Jones Marian Nixon Ben Hendricks Trilby Clark Jackie Gladsdon Charles Coleman Lydia Yeamans Titus Monty Collins Charles Smiley Hary Lonsdale Mattie Peters J. P. Lockney Jack Herrick Producer — Fox November 15 to 30, 1923. Footage — 5,934 ft. Distributor — Fox Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None Carelessly Made Picture Moderately Entertaining — Has Some Comedy Cheaper localities can use the latest Charles Jones feature to fair advantage. The chief fault of the production can be traced to inefficient direction, and po doubt a poorly constructed adaptation has a great deal to do with the weak impression the story leaves. Neither do the subtitles help the situation, and if it were not for the s£>ark of human interest that persistently crops out throughout the picture, together with Charles Jones’ pleasing portrayal of the hero role, there would be little to interest one in “Big Dan.” However, the exhibitor who caters to the cheaper class audience will no doubt find the picture satisfactory. Marian Nixon, who appears to be a newcomer to the screen, does well in the feminine lead, and in fact, the cast is fairly satisfactory throughout. Scenes at a boys’ training camp help to keep a wholesome atmosphere. STORY OF THE PLAY Dan O’Hara, son of a prizefighter and himself a trainer at the gymnasium and training camp to which he falls heir, is deserted by his wife. A street accident makes him the bearer of news of the death of an old man to his pretty daughter, Dora Allen. An evening later he sees Dora emerging from a dance at the gymnasium, given against his wishes by Cyclone, a fighter training under his guidance, and struggling to free herself from a man who harassed (Continued on next page) Unbiased and Independent Reviews Only!