Screen Opinions (1923-24)

4 Screen Opinions Tells the Truth “FOOL’S AWAKENING”— 50% (Adapted from “The Tale of Trionn) Reviewed March, 1924 Theme: — Journalist Appropriating Adventures of Dead Russian Officer VALUE Photography — Good — Allan Siegler. Type — Ordinary. Moral Standard — Average. Story — Average — Drama — Family. Cast — Good — All-Star. Author — Average — William J. Locke. Direction — Average — Harold Shaw. Adaptation — Average — T. J. Hopkins. Technique — Average. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Moral — Deception Spoils Success. CAST John Briggs Harrison Ford Olivia Gale Enid Bennett Major Oliphant Alec Francis Myra Mary Alden Miss Oliphant Evelyn Sherman Lieut. Wedderburn John Sainpolis Blandon Edward Connelly Producer — Metro. Footage — 5763 feet. Distributor — Metro. The Opinion CHEAP DEVELOPMENT PREVENTS STORY FROM GETTING ACROSS “The Fool’s Awakening” is a picture for the cheaper theatre by reason of a rather cheap form of development. The story is not of a highly interesting type, and will not appeal to all classes. The theme is such as might be appreciated in the neighborhood house, but the manner of presentation places the picture in the class of cheap drama. Harrison Ford gives an intelligent performance. Enid Bennett does her best to make Olivia Gale an interesting personality. Mary Alden, playing Myra, makes a genuine creation of a minor role. The cast is good throughout. “NAME THE MAN”— 95% (Adapted from “The Master of Man) Reviewed March, 1924 Theme: — Judge Sentences Woman Accused of Murdering His Own Child VALUE Photography — Superior — C. V. Enger. Type — Depressing — Sensational Moral Standard — Average. Story — Superior — Drama — Adults. Cast — Superior — All-Star. Author — Superior — Hall Caine. Direction — Masterful — Victor Seastrom. Adaptation — Masterful — Paul Bern Technique — Masterful. Spiritual Influence — Average. Moral — Your Sin Will Find You Out. CAST Bessie Collister Mae Busch Victor Stowell Conrad Nagel Douglas Stowell Hobart Bosworth Alick Gell Creighton Hale Fennella Stanley Patsy Ruth Miller Dan Collister DeWitt Jennings Lisa Collister Evelyn Selbie Producer — Goldwyn Studio. Footage — 7771 feet. Distributors — Goldwyn — Cosmopolitan. The Opinion INTENSELY HUMAN PRODUCTION — GLOOMY SUBJECT HAS LIGHTER MOODS A Hall Caine story can usually be counted on to afford a certain degree of sensationalism. “Name the Man,” for that is the title given the picture version of the story, is transformed into a work of art. The story is outlined with delicacy, and is compact in design. At no! point in the picture is there an obvious , effort to play to the gallery except in the last reel where the judge stands before, the mob, confessing that he and not the woman, is to blame. Victor Seastrom gets a lot out of his players without resorting to ordinary cinema tricks. Conrad Nagel gives a superb performance, and Mae Busch grasps the requirements of the role she plays. Patsy Ruth Miller has less opportunity but charming withal. Hobart Bosworth makes a fine impression in the role of the old deemster. DeWitt Jennings gives a fine performance. The role of Mrs. Collister is played in] finished style by Evelyn Selbie, and Creighton Hale as Alick Gell has good conception of the roles. Interior sets are artistic in design and furnishing. Glimpses of sky and seashore are delightfuL Cameraman Van Enger is deserving of special praise for his valuable services. No Advertising Support Accepted!