Screen Opinions (1923-24)

C)'f £ “Book the New Percentage Way” 27 “DRUMS OF JEOPARDY”— 80% (Adapted from a story of the same name) Reviewed April, 1924 Theme: — Plot to Possess Emeralds Belonging to Rnsstan Crown Jewels VALUE Photography — Very good — J. Diamond. Type — Sensational. Moral Standard — Average. Story — Very good — Melodrama — Family Star — Very good — Elaine Hammerstein. Author — Very good — Harold MacGrath. Direction — Very good — Edward Dillon. Adaptation — Very good — Not credited. Technique — Very good. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Moral — None. CAST Kitty Buell Elaine Hammerstein John Hawsley Jack Mulhall Cutty David Torrence Karlov Wallace Beery Olga Maude George Banker Buell Eric Mayne Producer — M. H. Hoffman. Footage — About 5000 feet. Distributor — Selznick. The Opinion “Drums of Jeopardy” Will Please Any Audience This is one of the best of the recent Elaine Hammerstein features. The production contains a fine vein of suspense, and a fast moving and interesting plot played by an excellent cast. The outline of the story encompassing scenes in Russia as well as in America is clearly sketched, and there is a noticeable absence of padding. The picture is colorful as regards settings and atmosphere, and the exhibitor can bank on “Drums of Jeopardy” to please without any particular distinction of audience. The drama of the story is well preserved, and the development entirely satisfactory. In fact there is not a moment of the picture when the spectator’s interest is not demanded by the screen. The star giveg an excellent performance, Wallace Beery is up to his usual form, and the remaining members of the cast are thoroughly equal to the requirements of the story. “THY NAME IS WOMAN”— 90% (Adapted from a play of the same name) Reviewed April, 1924 Theme: — Tragic Romance of Young Soldier and Smuggler’* Wife VALUE Photography — Excellent — Victor Milner Type — Fascinating — Sex appeal. Moral Standard — Fair. Story — Excellent — Drama — Adults. Star — Excellent — Ramon Novarro. Author — Excellent — Karl Schoenherr. Direction — Excellent — Fred Niblo. Adaptation — Excellent — Bess Meredyth. Technique — Excellent. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Moral — None, CAST Petro William V. Mong Guerita Barbara La Marr Jnan Ricardo Ramon Novarro Capt. de Castelar Wallace MacDonald Commandante Robert Edeson Juan’s Mother Claire McDowell Dolores Edith Roberts Producer — Louis B. Mayer. Footage — 9087 feet. Distributor — Metro. The Opinion Not a Picture for Children — Peppy for Adult* “Thy Name Is Woman” is one of the most artistic of recent productions. The strong sex appeal represented in the picture! makes it a sure fire hit for the average theatre, and it seems improbable that any one could resist the fascination contained in Barbara LaMarr’s portrayal of the wife of an elderly smuggler. The romance and the tragedy enacted in the smuggler’s cabin hung high in the cliffs is interwoven with cunning and intrigue. William V. Mong as Petro the dried up husband of the beautiful Guerita gives a fine performance, and Ramon Novarre is excellent as the ambitious soldier. The atmosphere is Spanish and the scenic attributes unusual. The scene in the cabin when as the woman bids her husband goodbye before departing with her lover, the husband stabs her in the back and she falls dead, is thrilling. Y ou can make no mistake in this picture if your patrons consist of adults. It is too unmoral in precept to be shown before children. Screen Opinions puts every unit of the moving picture Industry on record weekly according to merit. No Advertising Support Accepted