Screen Opinions (1923-24)

107 9.* swf'toe No Advertising Support Accepted! “SIXTH COMMANDMENT”— 50% (Especially prepared for the screen) Reviewed July, 1924 Theme — Youth embittered by war blindness and shadow of crime finds happiness VALUE Photography — Good — Philip Armond. Moral Standard — Good. Story — Average — Romatic — Family. Cast — Good — All-Star. Direction — Average — W. Cabanne. Technique — Average. Spiritual — Influence — Good. Moral — Thou shalt not kill. CAST David Brant William F&verjham Mrs. Calhoun Charlotte Walker John Brant John Bohn Marian Calhoun Kathlyn Martin Producer — Associated Exhibitors. Footage — 5315 feet. Distributor — Pathe. THE OPINION From the standpoint of individual values this production cannot rate above 50%. Yet in entertainment value it rises slightly above average, due mainly to a sustained interest in the characters and intelligent portrayal thereof. John Bohn and Charles Emmett Mack give notable performances. Charlotte Walker and J. Neil Hamilton are also interesting figures. The cast is a capable one. Close-range photography excellent. Plot interest scattered — main theme not sufficiently concentrated. “REVELATION”— 80% (Adapted from "The Rose Bush of a Thousand Years”) Reviewed July, 1924 Theme — Artist’s model reformed through legend of monastery rose bush VALUE Photography — Very good — John Arncftd. Moral standard — Fair. Story — Very good — Drama — Adults. Cast — Very good — All-Star. Direction — Very good — Geo. D. Baker. Technique — Very good. Spiritual influence — Average. Moral — Indestructability of soul. CAST Joline Hofer .Viola Dana Paul Granville Monte Blue Mile. Brevoort Marjorie Daw Count de Roche Lew Cody Producer — Mitro. Footage — 8762 feet. Distributor — Metro-Goldwyn. THE OPINION Wall-made picture, but story not best vehicle for Viola Dana. Acting lacks poise — rises to occasion in madonna role. Some good comedy, notably Joline’s effort to prevent another from taking her place as model for madonna. It includes a fistic attack by Joline on the other girl. Monastery scenes nicely presented. Settings, illumination and photography artistic. While story suggests unmoral life, picture is surprisingly free from objectionable scenes. Woman’s regeneration gives moral balance. Monte Blue satisfies. Cast good throughout. “UNGUARDED WOMEN”— 65% (Adapted from “Face”) Reviewed July, 1924 Theme — Widow Commits Suicide Discovering Future Husband Loves Another VALUE Photography — Excellent — H. Cronjager. Moral standard — Fair. Story — Average — Drama — Adults. Star — Very good — Bebe Daniels. Direction — Very good — Alan Crossland. Technique — Good. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Moral — None. CAST Breta Banning Bebe Daniels Douglas Albright Richard Mix Helen Castle Mary Astor George Castle Frank Losee Producer — Paramount. Footage — 6051 feet. Distributor — Famous Players-Lasky. THE OPINION Has fair entertainment value. Star and cast popular. Unconvincing plot. War widow led into disrepute by American in Orient. Husband’s war buddy rescues and decides to marry her in payment of moral debt. She commits suicide at Chinese shrine at news of his love of another and consequent sacrifice.