Screen Opinions (1923-24)

Screen Opinions Tells the Truth 36 “FOOL’S HIGHWAY”— 80% (Adapted from "My Mamie Hose”) Reviewed April, 1924 Theme: — Romance of Little Clothes-mender and Bowery Gangster VALUE Photography — Very good — Wm. Fildew Type — Sentimental — Romantic. Moral Standard — Average. Story — Very good — Rom. Melo. — Family Star — Very good — Mary Philbin. Author — Very good — Owen Kildare. Direction — Very good — I. Cummings. Adaptation — Very good — Lenore Coffee. Technique — Very good. Spiritual Influence — Average. Moral — None. CAST Mamie Rose Mary Philbin Mike Kildare Pat O’Malley The Boss ...Lincoln Plummer Jackie Doodle Edwin J. Brady Old Levi Max Davidson Max Willie Collier, Jr. Mamie’s Father Charles Murray Producer — Universal. Footage — 6800 feet. Distributor — Universal. The Opinion Good Picture for Transient Houses “The Fool’s Highway” contains all the romance of the old Bowery. Every effort has been made to retain the spirit, and the lawless atmosphere that made it famous. The old horse cars with old-fashioned people as passengers, among who appears at intervals the pretty star of the picture, Mary Philbin, supply an added interest. Pat O’Malley is a romantic figure as gangster and lover, and Willie Collier, Jr., gives a good performance as the disappointed lover. Tell your patrons of prominent persons such as Governor Alfred E. Smith, who sold newspapers in the Bowery; John F. Hylan, mayor of New York, who served as engineer on one of the steam locomotives of the district. There is a thrill all its own in “The Fool’s Highway. The production is good for transient theatres especially. “SOCIETY SCANDAL”— 90% (Adapted from "The Laughing Lady") Reviewed April, 1924 Theme: — Reputations Ruined by Circumstantial Evidence VALUE Photography — Excellent — H. Rosson. Type — Sensational. Moral Standard — Average. Story — Excellent — Drama — Adults. Star — Excellent — Gloria Swanson. Author — Excellent Alfred Sutre. Direction — Excellent — Allan Dwan. Adaptation — Excellent — Forrest Halsey Technique — Excellent. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Moral — A good name is easily soiled. CAST Marjorie Colbert Gloria Swanson Daniel Farr Rod La Roque Harrison Peters Ricardo Certez Hector Colbert Allan Simpson Mrs. Maturin Colbert Ida Waterman Mr. Schuyler Burr Fraser Coalter Mrs. Ham. Pennfleld Mrs. T. Converse Producer — Paramount. Footage — 6433 feet. Distributor — Famous Players-Lasky. The Opinion Picture Splendidly Directed — Artistically Set The situation about which the plot of the picture, “A Society Scandal” plays, is one of the most fascinating and dramatic that could be imagined. A woman who loses friends and reputation over, night through a compromising incident and the glaring newspaper headlines of the next morning, turns the tables on her husband’s lawyer, after winning his love. The star, Gloria Swanson, played the role of Marjorie Colbert with the sex appeal of which she is so capable. Incidentally she plays with spirit and true dramatic intelligence, and dresses the part beautifully. Rod La Roque is at his best in the role of lawyer and lover. The picture is artistically set, and splendidly directed. Supporting cast, editing, photography and all details are beyond criticism. The truth always, in every review, whether the picture costs $1000 or a million dollars^ The producer can see his shortcomings also in our truthful reviews. No Advertising Support Accepted!