Screen Opinions (1923-24)

110 “BOOK THE NEW PERCENTAGE WAY” is masterly. Ray Griffith and Matt Moore are also excellent in their respective roles, and no one could fill more convincingly the role of Sylvia Donovan than Priscilla Dean. She has the fearless personality that is demanded of the role. In short, “White Tiger” is a remarkable psychological study. Things happen fast and furious. The attention is momentarily called to some new and absorbing situations, and we feel quite sure that “White Tiger” will prove one of the best box office attractions of the season. It is suitable for a special at usual prices. STORY OF THE PLAY Sylvia Donovan and her brother Roy, separated in childhood by the death of their father at the hands of the police, finally become members of a gang of three international crooks, the remaining one being Hawkes, the indirect cause of their father’s undoing, but known to them as “Count” Donelli, who poses as Sylvia’s father. Roy, unaware that Sylvia is his sister, admires her, while he secretly suspects the Hawkes and Donelli are one and the same man. On their arrival in America, where they mean to make a clean-up, Sylvia becomes interested in Dick Longworth, a young man who brings them in touch with the social element of New York City, where they succeed in stealing some jewels. When the police become suspicious they make a get-away to Longworth’s cabin in the Catskills, to which they have been previously introduced by its owner. Here they are surrounded by the police, who have been tipped off by Longworth, who proves to be a detective. Hawkes makes his escape, but is later found dead in the woods. Sylvia becomes Longworth’s wife. PROGRAM COPY — “White Tiger” — Featuring Priscilla Dean The most fascinating melodrama of the season introduces adventures that will hold you riveted to your chair, and comedy that will keep a laugh on your lips. Priscilla Dean, Wallace Beery, Ray Griffith and Matt Moore are the interesting cast playing the picture. C “STEPHEN STEPS OUT”— [Class B] 65% (Adapted from “The Grand Cross of the Crescent”) Story: — Youth Who Fails in History Exam Wins Angry Father’s Approval Through Big Publicity Stunt VALUE CAST Photography — Very good — Faxon Dean. Stephen Harlow, Jr. ... Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. TYPE OF PICTURE — Ordinary. Stephen Harlow Theodore Roberts Moral Standard — Average. Muley Pasha Noah Berry — Harry Stetson Harry Myers Story — Good — Comedy-drama — Family. Dr. Lyman Black Frank Currier Star Average — Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Prof. Gilman ■, James O. Barrows Author — Good — Richard Harding Davis. Mrs. Gilman ■ Fannie Midgley Direction — Good — Joseph Henabery. Virgil Smythe Bertram Johns Adaptation — Good — Edfrid Bingham. Orman George Field Technique — Good. Rustem Maurice Freeman Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Sultan Fred Warren Sultan’s Son Pat Moore Secretary Jack Herbert Hotel Proprietor Frank Nelson December 15 to 31, 1923. Producer — William Elliott and Jesse Lasky Footage — 5,000 ft. Distributor — Famous Players Our Opinion MORAL O'THE PICTURE— None Production Moves Slowly — Youthful Star Has Ability, But Lacks Experience — Not a Girl in the Picture It will take more than the one starring effort to discover just what is in Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., in the way of dramatic talent. “Stephen Steps Out” does not seem to give the youthful star the right sort of opportunity or to be the right choice for his first effort. Perhaps young Douglas is out of his element in a picture in which there is not a single girl, and there is but one feminine character in the entire cast, and that an elderly lady, played attractively by Fannie Midgley. The fact remains that the director has not succeeded in putting much of a punch into the role of Stephen, or for that matter into the production at any point. It moves slowly, excepting for a few scenes in Turkey where Stephen climbs over the roofs in escape from prison, and then drops into the midst of his pursuers awaiting him on the ground. Douglas, Jr., is a goodlooking boy and has his illustrious father’s smile, when he plucks up courage to smile. We look for better things from him in his next. Theodore Roberts (Continued on next page) No Advertising Support Accepted!