Screen Opinions (1923-24)

115 SCREEN OPINIONS TELLS THE TRUTH “ETERNAL CITY”— [Class A] 80% (Suggested by novel of same name) Story: — Romance of Woman Sculptor Who, Believing Lover Dead, Accepts Luxury From Count VALUE Photography — Very good — Arthur C. Miller. TYPE OF PICTURE— Sentimental. Moral Standard — Fair. Story — Very good — Drama — Adults. Cast — Very good — All-Star. Author — Very good — Hall Caine. Direction — Very good — George Fitzmaurice. Adaptation — Very good — Ouida Bergere. Technique — Very good. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Donna Roma. Baron Bonelli David Rossi. . Bruno . Minghelli . . . . CAST Barbara LaMarr Lionel Barrymore ...Bert Lytell Richard Bennett Montagu Love December 15 to 31, 1923. Producer — Samuel Goldwyn Footage — 7,800 ft. Distributor — First National Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE— None Modernized Version of Famous Novel Disappointing — Title Misleading to Those Familiar With Original We are not clear as to why a modernized version of “The Eternal City” was thought necessary by the producer; nor do we believe this modernized version will satisfy persons who are familiar with the original story. As we recall the original the production under criticism follows in spirit the main thread of the story, but has chosen an environment all its own for the setting of some of the main incidents of the story, introducing the present Facisti movement in Italy as a means of bringing about a contact of hero and heroine. Scenes in Rome at the time of declaration of the world war are also important to the latest version of the story. The picture was made in Rome under the supervision of Hall Caine, author of the story, and so we must be satisfied with the result. Authentic settings are a feature of the picture, including as they do many points of interesting Rome. Views of the Coliseum photographed from above are interesting results of modern methods of photography, and the early moments of the picture in and about the home of Donna Roma, and also the boyhood of David Rossi spent with the beloved vagabond, Bruno, are romantic, sometimes tinged with comedy, and delightfully picturesque. It did not seem to the writer that the role of Baron Bonelli, as developed, offered sufficient opportunity for an actor of Lionel Barrymore’s ability. Some other choice than Bert Lytell might have fitted the role of David Rossi, although Mr. Lytell gives a fairly satisfactory performance. Richard Bennett’s Bruno is one of the most finished portrayals of the picture, and Barbara La Marr is charming as Donna Roma. Montagu Love also scores success in the role of Minghelli. The modernized version of “The Eternal City” should draw well in Italian communities, and will doubtless be greeted with enthusiasm in neighborhood houses, where the popularity of the novel and its author give the picture an added interest. STORY OF THE PLAY David Rossi, befriended as a boy by a peasant vagabond named Bruno, is offered a home by Doctor Roselli, whose little girl, Roma, has longed for a playmate. The grief expressed by Bruno and David at parting wins Bruno a job in the Roselli gardens, where he remains with his beloved David until the latter enlists when Italy is called upon to enter the world war. Following the death of her father and the false report of David’s death, Roma accepts the aid of Baron Bonelli in continuing her studies in sculpture, and is installed in luxurious quarters in Rome. In spite of the fact that Roma has broken her troth with David because of her belief in pacifism, her thoughts are ever of him. But when David returns and becomes a leader of the Facisti, it is with difficulty that she finally persuades him that the scandal concerning her is groundless. In the events that follow the baron, who has been using the war as a means for personal gain, is killed in a fight with David. The close of the story shows Roma and David happy as in former years. PROGRAM COPY — “The Eternal City” — Featuring Barbara La Marr, Lionel Barrymore and Bert Lytell A thrilling tale of love during the world war — a modernized version of “The Eternal City", with an up-to-date touch that you are going to like. Lionel Barrymore, Barbara LaMarr and Bert Lytell are in the cast. Unbiased and Independent Reviews Only!