Screen Opinions (1923-24)

6 Screen Opinions Tells the Truth “HERITAGE OF THE DESERT”— 80% (Adapted from a story of the same name) Reviewed March, 1924 Theme: — Girl of the Desert Loved by Three Men VALUE Photog. — Very good — C. Schoenbaum Type — Sensational — Romantic. Moral Standard — Average. Mescal August Naab CAST Bebe. Daniels Ernest Torrence Holderness Llovd Hughes — Mrs. Naab Ann Schaeffer Story — Very good — Rom. -Mel o. — Fam. Cast — Very good — All-Star. Author — Very good — Zane Grey. Direction — Very good — Irvin Willat. Adaptation — Very good — A. S. LeVino. Technique — Very good. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Moral — None. Snap Naab Dene James Mason Richard R. Neil Producer— Paramount. Footage — 5785 feet. Distributor — Famous Players-Lasky. The Opinion CHARACTERS ABLY PORTRAYED — FOR AVERAGE AUDIENCE “The Heritage of the Desert” will satisfy the average person. The story is the red-blooded type that would be expected from the pen of Zane Grey, and with the combined efforts of director, photographer and cast very excellent results have been obtained. Ernest Torrence and Noah Beery are the two arch enemies of the story. Then there is the fascinating romance of the girl Mescal, who was loved by two brothers and a third man. Of course, the girl loved but one. The escape of the girl, and the pursuit over the desert, are thrilling episodes. The sweep of the horsemen over the desert, and the firing of Holderness’ house by the Indians is quite spectacular. Bebe Daniels gives a good performance. Lloyd Hughes as the lover is wholly satisfactory. This is a good general purpose feature. It is almost sure to give satisfaction in the average theatre. (Adapted from a story of the same name) Reviewed March, 1924 Theme: — Experience of Child Given to Gypsies by Jealous Father VALUE Photography — Very good — Not credited. Type — Interesting — Adventurous. Moral Standard — Average. Story — Very good — Melodrama — Family Cast — Very good — All-Star. Author — Very good — Fred K. Myton. Direction — Very good — M. Tourneur. Adaptation — Very good — Not credited. Technique — Very good. Spiritual Influence — Average. Moral — Jealousy Brings Regrets. CAST Ramen Martinez Earle Williams Alice Martinez Jane Novak Spud Ben Alexander Silver Don Marion "Red” Lynch George Siegmann Amaryllis Emily Fitzroy "Portland Kid” Bull Montana Producer — M. C. Levee. Footage — 6500 feet. Distributor — First National. The Opinion EXCELLENT DIRECTION AND CAPABLE CAST PUT PICTURE ACROSS A strong human interest element is the characteristic note in “Jealous Husbands.” Ben Alexander is especially appealing as the child given to Gypsies by a jealous father, and Dan Marion, a different type and quite as attractive, plays Silver, the pal of little Spud. Director Tourneur has made a very striking visualization of the story, the main situation of which is quite far-fetched. Jane Novak is charming as the mother. At times during the picture her face has a tender appeal that almost draws tears from the spectators. Bull Montana and J. Gunnis Davis are important in the Gypsy outfit. Excellent suspense is obtained at various moments of the production. Brutality is carefully covered. The comradeship of the two miserable children is very beautifully portrayed, and also the return of Spud to his parents. No Advertising Support Accepted!