Screen Opinions (1923-24)

SCREEN OPINIONS TELLS THE TRUTH 159 thetically by Glenn Hunter is that of a youth who was born “gun shy,” and who became the tool of a gangster whom he served with sensitive fingers inherited from his gangster father. The plot of the story has no particular strength, but it does allow of interesting development, and interjects a romance that flourrishes amid hairbreadth escapes from the evil eye of the jealous one, police raids, and heroic rescues. Clara Bow gives a fascinating and spirited performance as Orchid, a fearless ex-crook determined to go straight Osgood Perkins is convincing as the despicable Smith, equally proficient in the use of knife or gun. Dore Davidson lives up to former records, and Martin Broder does well as Bennie Finkel. The cast is capable throughout, and direction and editing is well done. STORY OF THE PLAY "Kid” Hart was born “gun-shy.” In fact, the very sight of a gun terrorized him. He was, however, proficient at the wire trick, and opened safes and doors with an ease that delighted his master, Boris Giovanni Smith. His tendency to go straight is strengthened by Orchid McGonigle, his sweetheart, who, on her return from the reformatory, throws the gang and takes a job as waitress. Together they help Pop Finkel, an antique dealer who is threatened with eviction by Smith. And when Pop’s son, Bennie, is stolen by Smith in an effort to make Pop part with his money. Orchid and the Kid rescue him from a Chinese den. Here the Kid, who at the urge of Orchid has taught himself that “it doesn’t hurt to get hurt," proves himself a hero. The closing scenes show the Kid and Orchid in their own home with a happy family of children. PROGRAM COPY — “Grit” — Featuring Glenn Hunter Kid Hart had a tough time of it until he took the reins into his own hands and proved to himself that “it doesn’t hurt to get hurt.” Here is a good crook story played by a splendid cast, including Glenn Hunter, Dore Davidson and Clara Bow. “WEST OF THE WATER TOWER”— [Class A] 80% (Adapted from story of same name) Story: — Romance of Two Young People Lured to Secret Marriage by Saloonkeeper VALUE CAST Photography — Very good — Harry B. Harris. Guy Plummer Glenn Hunter TYPE OF PICTURE — Sentimental. Bee Chew May McAvoy Moral Standard — Average. Adrian Plummer Ernest Torrence '■ ■ Charles Chew George Fawcett Story — Very good — Drama — Adults. Dessie Arnhalt Zasu Pitts Cast — Very good — All-Star, with Glenn R. N. Arnhalt Charles Abbe Hunter and May McAvoy. Mrs. Plummer Ann Schroeder Author — Very good — Homer Croy. Cod Dugan Riley Hatch Direction — Good — Lucien Hubbard. Ed. Hoecker Allan Baker Adaptation — Good — Doris Schroeder. Harlan Thompson Jack Terry Technique — Very good. Wolfe, the druggist Edward Elkas Spiritual Influence — Average. Town Drunk Joe Burke Tootsie Gladys Feldman Pal Alice Mann February 1 to 15, 1924. Producer — Paramount Footage — 8,734 ft. Distributor — Famous Players Our Opinion MORAL O’THE PICTURE — There Is No Telling Where Prejudice and Misunderstanding May Lead Picture Has Excellent Cast and Good Story, But Carries Excess Footage — Has Some Errors of Direction, But on the Whole Satisfactory Entertainment “West of the Water Tower” makes a good start and promises wholesome and humorous entertainment. As the picture progresses one becomes weary of the weak-kneed attitude of the hero toward the girl he loved. We are convinced that a great deal of the error lies in the direction through which a more red blood might have been injected into the character of Guy Plummer. To be sure the intention of the author could not be entirely ignored, but at least the posture and general attitude of the hero could have been improved. A youth who attacks life’s problems with a manly purpose is always more attractive than he who approaches the field with defeat looking from his eyes. There are too many closeups in which Guy Plummer whimperingly accepts an adverse fate. Glenn Hunter is a good type for the part, and in the earlier (Continued on next page) Unbiased and Independent Reviews Only!