Screen Opinions (1923-24)

SCREEN OPINIONS TELLS THE TRUTH 113 beautiful. A peculiar fault occurs in the picture which will doubtless be less noticeable when the final cutting is done — the court, the king and the cardinal drop out of sight almost long enough to be forgotten, while the romance and adventures of Gil de Berault and Renee are being described. The role of Cardinal Richelieu is played in a finished manner by Robert B. Mantell, and John Charles Thomas gives one of the best performances of the picture as Gil de Berault. He is physically well suited to the character and besides gives a sympathetic rendition of the part. Dan MacLaren is also a success as King Louis XIII. He maintains the shifting glance and uncertainty of purpose with which this monarch is credited. Rose Coghlan grasps every opportunity afforded her in the role of Marie de Medici, lending to it decided individuality and dignity. Mary MacLaren’s opportunities as Anne of Austria are few, but Miss MacLaren looks charming in the magnificent court robes. Gustave Von Seyffertitz fltf is excellent as Cion, the faithful servant of the.De Cochef oret, whose tongue has been torn out years previous. Alma Rubens is beautiful in the role of Renee, lending to the character the womanly tenderness which it requires. Without sufficient space to enumerate the good points of each member of the cast, suffice it to say that it is an unusually capable one throughout. STORY OF THE PLAY During the reign of King Louis XIII of France, a weakling monarch, Cardinal Richelieu became the most powerful influence in the kingdom, while the king’s brother, the Duke of Orleans, outwardly pacific, plotted to depose his brother and gain the throne for himself. At the same time De Cocheforet, a strong supporter of the couse of liberty, was stirring the populace to rebellion, and Gil de Berault, a noted gambler and swordsman, known as the “Black Death," was cpmmissioned by Richelieu to arrest De Cocheforet and bring him before the cardinal. • Worming his way into the home of De Cocheforet de Girault becomes infatuated with Renee, de Cocheforet’s sister, who trusts him and eventually tells him where her brother is in hiding. In the events that follow de Berault uncovers the plot of the Duke of Orleans, and is rewarded by being pardoned of a former offense and being given the hand of Renee in marriage. The fall of Richelieu and his speedy restoration in the favor of the king for his aid in quelling rebellion, is also a part of the story. PROGRAM COPY— “Under the Red Robe”— With an AU-Star Cast Magnificiently staged, thrilling, romantic and historically interesting, “Under the Red Robe” is a production that you should not miss. Robert B. Mantell, the celebrated Shakespearean actor, plays the role of Richelieu, supported by an excellent cast. “WHEN ODDS ARE EVEN”— [Class A] 80% (Especially prepared for screen) Story: — Romance and Adventures of Mining Engineer in Race for Australian Mine Purchase VALUE CAST Photography — Very good — Not credited. Jack Arnold William Russell TYPE OF PICTURE — Satisfying — Sensational Caroline Peyton Dorothy Devore Moral Standard — Average. Neal Travis Lloyd Whitlock ■ ' — ■■■ Clive Langdon Frank Beal Story — Very good — Melodrama — Family. British Consul Allan Cavan Star — Good — William Russell. 1 ■ — Author — Very good — Dorothy Yost. December IS to 31, 1923. Direction — Very good — James Flood. Adaptation — Very good — Dorothy Yost. Technique — Very good. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Producer — Fox Footage — 4,284 ft. Distributor — Fox Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— Where There’s a Will There’s a Way Old Theme, But Development Interesting — Settings Attractive — Some Thrilling Action The latest William Russell feature, “When Odds Are Even,” is likely to be popular with the average public, not because of anything new or extraordinary in the story, but because of attractive setting and development. Much of the action takes place aboard ship, and a good deal on a rock-bound coast supposed to represent the Australian seacoast. The picture is well directed, character outline is satisfactory, and the amount of spirited action which usually accompanies tales of struggle and intrigue connected with the acquisition of mining property. William Russell plays the role of Jack Arnold, mining engineer, satisfactorily, and Dorothy Devore is charming as the girl of the story (Continued on Next Page) Unbiased and Independent Reviews Only!