Screen Opinions (1923-24)

“Book the New Percentage Way” “STRANGER”— 90% (Adapted from “The First and the Last”) Reviewed March, 1924 Theme: — Romance of Girl Rescued from the Street by Drifter VALUE Photography — Excellent — Faxon Dean. Type — Fascinating. Moral Standard — Average. Story — Superior — Drama — Adults. Star — Excellent — Betty Compson. Author — Superior— John Galsworthy. Direction — Excellent — J oseph Henabery Adaptation — Excellent — E. Bingham. Technique — Excellent. Spiritual Influence — Average. Moral — Goodness Is Rewarded. CAST Peggy Bowlin Betty Compson Larry Darrant Richard Dix Keith Darrant Lewis S. Stone The Stranger Tully Marshall Walen Robert Schable Maizie Darrant Mary Jane Irving Jackal Frank Nelson Producer — Paramount. Footage — 6660 feet. Distributor — Famous Players-Lasky. The Opinion STORY AND DIRECTION? ABOVE PAR — SUITABLE FOR ANY THEATRE “The Stranger” is one of the best of current releases. It has the unusual advantage of being based on a substantial story of more than the average amount of originality. Betty, Compson plays a role that is less difficult than others she has interpreted. Her portrayal of a girl who seemed to have been forgotten by the forces of good, is as satisfying as anything she has done. One of the most intense moments occurs in the execution scene. The plot of “The Stranger” is more cleverly constructed than any we have seen in some time. Richard Dix and Lewis S. Stone give fine performances as brothers, each living on a different plane. Tully Marshall has the title role in which he gives an unforgettable performance. This role is especially sympathetic. Robert Schable plays the role of Walen in good style. The cast is capable throughout, and we believe that “The Stranger” is good for any audience. “NORTH OF HUDSON BAY”— 80% (Adapted from a story of the same name) Reviewed March, 1924 Theme: — Westerner Saves Man Wrongly Accused of Murder VALUE CAST Photography — Good Not Credited. Michael Dane Tom Mix Type — Adventurous — Thrilling. Estelle McDonald Kathleen Key Moral Standard — Good. Peter Dane Eugene Palette Cameron McDonald Will Walling Story — Very Good — Melodrama — Family Angus McKenzie Frank Campeau Star — Very Good — Tom Mix. Jeffry Clough Frank Leigh Author — Very Good — Jules Furthman. Armond Lemoir Fred Kohler Direction — Very Good — John Ford. Adaptation — Very Good — Not Credited. Technique — Very Good. Producer — Fox. Spiritual Influence — Average. Footage — 4973 feet. Moral — In Danger — Grit Counts. Distributor — Fox. The Opinion THRILLING TALE OF NORTHLAND — GOOD SNOW STUFF Change of locale and type of story may of may not please Tom Mix fans. “North of Hudson Bay,” as the title infers, is photographed against a scenic background of snow stuff, big rivers, and mountains. Michael Dane, the hero, finds himself in a strange predicament with his wrists clasped in a pair of handcuffs for the performance of a humane act. And of course the plot would not be complete without the pretty heroine and a fetching romance; and “North of Hudson Bay” has both of these. The big thrill of the picture occurs when the heroine, swept through the rapids in an unguided canoe, is rescued by Dane, who has just completed a successful bout with a pack of wolves. This is a good program picture played by a competent cast. No Advertising Support Accepted!