Screen Opinions (1923-24)

SCREEN OPINIONS TELLS THE TRUTH 119 “FLAMING YOUTH”— [Class A-c] 90% (Adapted from novel of same name) Story: — Experience of a Flapper in the Whirl of Modern Life VALUE CAST Photography — Superior — J. C. Van Trees and Patricia Fentriss Colleen Moore Roy Carpenter. Cary Scott Milton Sills TYPE OF PICTURE— Sensuous— Unusual. Doctor Bobs Elliott Dexter Moral Standard — Low. Dee Fentriss Sylvia Breamer ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ — ■’ ■ Mona Fentriss Myrtle Stedman Story — Excellent — Comedy-drama — Adults. Connie Fentriss Betty Francisco Star — Excellent — Colleen Moore. Ralph Fentriss Phillips Smalley Author — Excellent — Warner Fabian. Jamieson James Walter McGrail |p Direction — Excellent — John Francis Dillon. Monty Standi Ben Lyon Adaptation — Excellent. Fred Browning George Barraud Technique — Excellent. Warren Graves John Patrick Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Leo Stenak Gene Carrado Annie Gertrude Astor Sidney Rathbone Michael Dark December IS to 31, 1923. Producer — Jack Dillon Footage — 8,434 ft. Distributor — First National Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE — Fictitious Plane of Modern Jazz-Infested Society Disastrous to Morals of Youth Startingly Human, Artistically Made, But Unmoral in Effect — Colleen Moore Delightful in Best Opportunity of Her Career We cannot see how “Flaming Youth” can escape criticism from people of moral responsibility. The trend of the production is distinctly unmoral in spite of the fact that it reflects a startlingly true picture of a modern type of society which exists under the influence of jazz and booze. It is interesting in the extreme because Director John Francis Dillon, in his first picture of any importance, has displayed remarkable acquaintance with the psychology of the times, with cause and effect as related to the characters of the story, and with his theme in general. Colleen Moore has made an unquestionable record as a screen flapper, for there is not a mood to which this curious type of feminine is subject that is not reflected in Miss Moore’s face at some period or other of the picture. The production is elaborately and beautifully staged. It is considerably too long, and will be improved when a few hundred feet are eliminated from the latter half, including some of the kissing scenes. The spectator is apt to be touched with pity, as well as being amused, as the flapper satisfies her hunger for petting, in the arms of every nice looking man she meets. And we are not sure that the production does not contain a lesson for mothers and fathers who choose to take it seriously. Original comedy, some pathos, and) as startlingly vivid a picture of the jazzy whirl of modem life as one could ever wish to see, and to regret, for that matter, is found in “Flaming Youth.” The cast is composed of players well suited to the characters they portray. Myrtle Stedman, as Mona, is not easily forgotten. Milton Sills and Elliott Dexter are excellent in principal roles. Phillip Smalley also does well, and for that matter, who among them does not do well? Don’t bring the children to see this picture — it is only for the mature mind. STORY OF THE PLAY Patricia Fentriss, daughter of a mother who “turned her home into a neighborhood” and a father who found his pleasure wherever he could, steps into the world of Jazz with only her own natural emotions to guide her. Pat, as she is called, tries whatever she sees other girls doing, including cuddling into the arms of every man she meets. Previous to her death by heart failure, Mrs. Fentriss called Pat to her and told her the combination of the wall safe in her bedroom, into which Dr. Bobs, who has always loved Mrs. Fentriss, has promised to place letters of information regarding Pat’s conduct. Through these letters she learns how her acts are regarded by another. An old lover of her mother’s, Cary Scott, calls to see Mrs. Fentriss, not knowing that she has died. Scott is immediately buttonholed by Pat, and a romance develops in spite of the fact that Scott is already married. After many adventures at Jazz parties Pat escapes becoming engaged to the wrong man, and marries Cary Scott after he has obtained a divorce from a wife who has neglected him. PROGRAM COPY — “Flaming Youth” — Featuring Colleen Moore Pat Fentriss is the most fetching flapper ever turned loose on the screen. You are going to be held spellbound by Colleen Moore’s portrayal of a young girl let loose among modern jazz hounds. A fine cast supports the star. No Advertising Support Accepted!