Screen Opinions (1923-24)

122 "BOOK THE NEW PERCENTAGE WAY” destruction of the wagon train by fire. The only survivor of the party, a boy, is adopted by a prospector. Cullen Landis gives a creditable performance in the role of the youth who is made the innocent victim of a tragedy. He has the romantic qualifications which the role demands. Alice Calhoun does well as the heroine, who is subjected to the unhappy ordeal of a mock marriage after witnessing a murder committed by the man she is forced to marry. Virginia True Boardman is pleasing as Mrs. Salter, the mother heart of the picture, and /the life of the party is Otis Harlan, as “Easy Aaron” Cropsey. Mr. Harlan’s portrayal of this amusing character is the most creditable portrayal of the production. Aggie Herring also is deserving of praise. Her “Laundry Lou” is a colorful bit of acting. Bertram Grassby makes a good heavy, and Nelson McDowell makes good as the fake parson. “Pioneer Trails” is a good feature for the regular ^program — considerably above the average picture of its type. The costuming of the period is picturesque. STORY OF THE PLAY Jack Plains, the sole survivor of a party attacked by Indians in an attempt to reach the gold fields of California in 1849, is reared by foster parents, and later falls in love with Rose Miller, daughter of a mining man, and who is also loved by an unscrupulous associate of her father, who remains at the cabin of Jack’s foster parents during Mr. Miller’s absence on business. Blaney shoots and kills Mrs. Salter, Jack’s foster mother, who interferes when he attempts to attack Rose, and frames Jack with the murder. Rose is kidnapped and forced into a mock marriage, which she believes to be real. Her escape and appearance at Jack’s trial saves him from being hung. Jack learns that Mr. Miller has his mother’s property in charge for him, and the story ends with his betrothal to Rose. PROGRAM COPY — “Pioneer Trails” — With Cullen Landis and Alice Calhoun You will like this tale of pioneer days, when the Indians were the menace of the covered wagon. Don’t miss this thrilling romance with Cullen Landis and Alice Calhoun featured. “BROKEN HEARTS OF BROADWAY”— [Cl. B] 65% (Adapted from play of same name) Story: — Girl’s Experience Trying to Walk the Chalk on Broadway VALUE Photography — Very good — J. R. Diamond. TYPE OF PICTURE — Interesting— Vivid. Moral Standard — Average. Story — Good — Melodrama — Adults. Cast — Good — All-Star — With Colleen Moore. Alice Lake and Johnny Walker. Author — Good — J. K. MacKurdy. Direction — Good — Irving Cummings. Adaptation — Good — Hope Loring and Louis Duryea Lighton. Technique — Good. Spiritual Influence — Fair CAST Mary Bubbles Song Writer Cab Driver Landlady December 15 to 31, 1923. ■ Colleen Moore Alice Lake Johnny Walker .Tully Marshall Kate Price Producer — Irving Cummings Footage — 7,000 ft. Distributor — State Rights Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE — Poverty and a Good Name Are Better Than Luxury and a Lost Reputation Convincing Tale of Broadway — Good Box Office Attraction — Strong Human Interest The average person will be interested in the trio of Broadway aspirants in “Broken Hearts of Broadway.” Alice Lake, Colleen Moore and Johnnie Walker are startlingly convincing in their portrayal of these characters who are pictured each in their own way trying to conquer the great white way. Pathos and comedy are nicely mingled in this production, and the story of the fight as it really is fought by hundreds who frequently find the gateway an easy success is immorality. Tully Marshall and Kate Price are pleasing in their portrayal of two kindly spirits who, in their own way, bring cheer to the hard pressed. The scenes in the theatre, on the stage and behind scenes are well done and interesting. The production throughout is entertaining, and is one of the best of its kind. STORY OF THE PLAY Mary, a country girl with a good voice, is discharged from a theatrical company with which she has obtained employment in the chorus, because she refuses to accept the attentions of one of the managers. Bubbles, her roommate, takes a different view of life, and is satisfied to be kept in a luxurious apartment by another manager. Adversity causes Mary to waver, and (Continued on next page) c No Advertising Support Accepted!