Screen Opinions (1923-24)

SCREEN OPINIONS TELLS THE TRUTH 111 has a fair chance and makes the most of it, and Harry Myers throws spirit into the scenes in which he appears. Frank Currier and James O. Barrows are outstanding figures in the picture. STORY OF THE PLAY Stephen Harlow, Jr., was too full of boyish pranks to enjoy studying history while at college, and when his father came to the graduating exercises expecting to see his son handed a diploma, he was shocked to find that he had passed his examinations in every subject excepting history, for which he was awarded five marks. In punishment for his neglect of his studies he is sent by his father to Turkey, accompanied by a tutor, to study the history of Turkey. While he is gone his old history teacher. Professor Gilman, is discharged on suspicion of having flunked him in his exam. Stephen, along with Harry Stetson, a publicity man, puts one lover by getting the grand cross of the crescent awarded to Gilman for his service in writing the history of Turkey. But still Stephen has to admit he doesn’t know Turkish history. His father believing him to have been instrumental in putting over the publicity stunt that gave Professor Gilman back his position, forgives him. PROGRAM COPY — “Stephen Steps Out” — Featuring Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. Don’t forget that Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., is the star of “Stephen Steps Out," an adaptation of Richard Harding Davis’ story. A fascinating tale of college boys, college professors, and an angry father. “FASHION ROW”— [Class A-c] 90% (Especially prepared for screen) Story: — Romance of Russian Gypsy Girl Who Became Noted Actress and Posed as Princess # VALUE Photography — Excellent — Oliver Marsh. TYPE OF PICTURE — Sensational. Moral Standard — Fair. Story — Very good — Comedy-melodrama — Adults. Star — Excellent — Mae Murray. Authors — Very good — Sada Cowan and Howard Higgin. Direction — Excellent — Robert Z. Leonard. Adaptation — Excellent — Sada Cowan and Howard Higgin. Technique — Excellent. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Producer — Tiffany Footage CAST Olga Farinova J Mae Murray James Morton Earls Foxe Eric Van Corland Freeman Wood Mrs. Van Corland Mathilde Brundage Kaminoff Elmer Lincoln Papa Levitzky Sidney Franklin Mama Levitzky Madame Rosanova Press Agent Craig Biddle December 15 to 31, 1923. Distributor — Metro —7,300 ft. Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None Elaborate and Typical Mae Murray Production — Has Box Office Qualifications Mae Murray fans will not be disappointed in her latest picture, “Fashion Row.” It has the “smart” touch that characterizes her productions, the dancing, the fetching display of limbs, pretty gowns, smiles and tears, that has long since become an expected pleasure of Miss Murray’s screen performances. “Fashion Row” offers considerably more of an opportunity for breath of interpretation than the ordinary story. In it the star is obliged to play two totally dissimilar roles, to each of which she lends charm and conviction. Those who are looking for a stray note of inspiration or uplift will not find it in “Fashion.” On the contrary, they will find only physical appeal, interesting character studies, artistic photography and unblemished direction. The opening scenes of the picture are tragic and temporarily mysterious. The illusion holds until we discover that we have been looking at several scenes of a play in which a famous actress, Olga Farinova, has been performing. Then we are plunged into contemplation of a series of semi-comic flirtations in which Earl Foxe displays an unlooked-for talent for comedy. His portrayal of the role of James Morton, who loves the star until her tragic death at the hands of a man whose face she slashed with a dagger back in Russia, and then marries her sister, who is the blonde image of Olga. Scenes in a Russian cafe, where Olga whirls madly in a gypsy dance, are very well staged. In contrast to this are the scenes in fashion row in a New York hotel, an interesting situation in connection with Olga’s marriage into an old New York family on the pretense (Continued on next page) Unbiased and Independent Reviews Only !