Screen Opinions (1923-24)

50 Screen Opinions Tells the Truth “PHANTOM HORSEMAN”— 50% (Especially prepared for the screen) Reviewed April, 1924 Theme: — Sheriff's Heroism Shields Sweetheart’s Brother VALUE Photography — Average — M. B. Gerstad, Type — Ordinary western. Moral Standard — Average. Story — Average — Melodrama — Family. Star — Average — Jack Hoxie. Author — Average — Isadore Bernstein. Direction — Average — R. N. Bradbury. Adaptation — Average — I. Bernstein. Technique — Average. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Moral — None. CAST Bob Winton Jack Hoxie Dorothy Mason .Lillian Rich Fred Mason Neil McKinnon Jefferson Williams Wade Beteler Deputy Sheriff Billy McCall Benny Ben Corbett Judge — George A. Williams Producer — Universal. Footage — 4399 feet. Distributor — Universal. The Opinion Picture Suitable for Cheap-priced Houses Ordinary western with oft-repeated theme; has thrill for average audience in mystery of marauding night rider. Attractive mountain atmosphere and feats of horsemanship, but picture contains no outstanding featues. Direction more meritorious than story, and cast is of average quality. “The Phantom Horseman” is suitable for cheap-priced theatres. “MAN’S MATE”— 80% (Especially prepared for the screen) Reviewed April, 1924 Theme — Adventures and Romance of Man Who Lost His Memory VALUE Photography — Very good — Not credited Type — Romantic-Sensational. Moral Standard — Average. Story — Very good — Rom.-Melo. Family Star — Very good — John Gilbert. Author — Very good — Charles Kenyon. Direction — Very good — E. Mortimer. Adaptation — Very good — Chas. Kenyon. Technique — Very good. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Moral — None. CAST Paul John Gilbert Wildcat Renee Adoree Lion .Noble Johnson Monsieur Bonard Wilfrid North Father Pierre Thomas Mills Veraign James Neill Lynx John Giddings Sybil Patterson Dial Producer — Fox. Footage — 5041 feet. Distributor — Fox. The Opinion A Good Cast — Thrilling and Entertaining Picture It is some time since John Gilbert has had as effective a vehicle as “A Man’s Mate.” The story centers about a young artist, son of a ship-builder, who lost his memory through being struck on the head while out walking, and is taken to an Apache resort. There he fights for a pretty girl of the underworld, who loves, him, and beating his adversary becomes her constant companion. An art lover takes an interest in him and lures him along with the girl Julie into the country, where he paints a masterpiece, which is taken by his friend to Paris. Later a note is found under the friend’s pillow telling of the artist’s identity. Restored toi hi^ family he is operated on, forgets the past and Julie. A visit to the Apache resort brings him again in contact with her. He recognizes her and their romance begins all over again. John Gilbert gives an exceptional performance, and Renee Adoree is exactly the type to portray the impetuous Julie. The cast is good throughout. The production is picturesque, thrilling, entertaining. The average audience will like it. No Advertising Support Accepted!