Screen Opinions (1923-24)

134 Screen Opinions Tells the Truth “DESERT SECRET”— 40% (Especially prepared for the screen) Reviewed September. 1024 Theme — Girl files gold claims isi own name and saves riches for absent owner VAGUE Photography — Average — E. J. Zerr. Moral standard — Average. Story — Fair — Melodrama — Family. Star — Fair — Bill Patton. Direction — Fair — Frederick Reel. Jr. Technique — Fair. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Moral — None. CAST Bud Lawlor Bill Patton Joe Fred Burns Dolly Madison Pauline Curley Monty Lew Meeban Producer — Genneth J. Bishop. Footage — About 5000 feet. Distributor — State Rights. THE OPINION Ordinary western mining story holds fair amount of interest. Bill Patton, the picture’s star, rides a horse well, but is devoid of dramatic talent. Pauline Curley does nicely, and cast gives capable support throughout. Good for cheap locations. “FLIRTING WITH LOVE— 80% (Adapted from the novel “Counterfeit”) Reviewed September, 1924 Theme — Actress foiled by romnnee in nttempt to avenge interference with stage opportunity VALUE CAST Photography — Good — Not credited. Moral standard— Average. Story — Very good — Com.-Dra. — Family. Star — Very good — Colleen Moore. Direction — Very good — John F. Dillon. Technique — Very good. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Moral — None. Gilda Lamont... .Colleen Moore Wade Cameron Conway Tearle Estelle VanArden Winiferd Bryson Mrs. Cameron Frances Raymond Producer — First National. Footage — 6926 feet. Distributor — First National. THE OPINION Not up to Colleen Moore’s standard, but good audience pictures. The star overacts at times, and has fewer opportunities for the sort of comedy at which she is most adept than in “The Perfect Flapper” for instance. The story is a trivial tale of how an actress wedged herself into the home of a young reformer as a victim of amnesia. She falls in love with him before she can carry out plan of revenge. Scenes in theatre when her real identity is discovered stagey and unconvincing. A poor follow-up for recent successes, but will get across by reason of modern jazz qualities and peppy action. “SPEED SPOOK”— 80% (Adapted from story of same name) Reviewed September, 1924 Theme — Adventures of speed champion thwarting election crooks VALUE Photography — Very good — Chas. Gilson. Moral standard — Average. Story — Very good — Comedy — Family. Star — Very good — Johnny Hines. Direction — Very good — Charles Hines. Technique — Very good. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Moral — None. CAST "Blue Streak” Johnny Hines Betty West Faire Binney "Chuck” Edmund Breese Jud Skerrlt .Warner Richmond Producer — East Coast Films, Inc. Footage — 6700 feet. Distributor — East Coast Films, Inc. THE OPINION Moves at a peppy tempo and cannot fail to please. Star introduced in speedy automobile track scenes which are excellently photographed. Significance of title found in apparently driverless racing car which terrifies country town, and eventually runs down election crook fleeing with ballot box. Hero concealed under hood places handcuffs on villain and brings him in. Johnny Hines gives neat comedy performance. Does good team work with Edmund Breese. Appropriate musical setting should bring production to high mark in entertainment value. Skillfully arranged subtitles add comedy punch.