Screen Opinions (1923-24)

4 Screen Opinions Tens the Troth “K— THE UNKNOWN”— 80% (Adapted from the novel of the same name) Reviewed September. 1921 Theme Doctor Ilyins under assumed name to escape mistaken noenser.s VALUE Photography — Very good — C. Stumar. Moral standard — Fair. Story — Very good — Drama — Adults. Cast — Very good — All-Star. Direction — Very good — H. A. Pollard. Technique — Very good. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Moral— None. CAST Sidney Page Virginia Valli “K” The Unknown Percy Marraont Charlotte Harrison Margarita Fisher Dr. Max Wilson ...John Roche. Producer — Universal. Footage — 814 6 feet. Distributor — Universal. THE OPINION Has good box office appeal with plenty of comedy extracted from situations in which two youthful rivals indulge in fist fights, and amu \ng reconciliations. One of the youths is fat and fussy. His jealousy over the approaching marriage of the girl he loves leads through a series of thrilling and vastly amusing scenes. He finally shoots the man believing him to have lured the girl to sin at a wayside inn. A scene in which the two rivals lunch together and become ill learning to smoke is sure to bring a laugh. Morbid story brightened by comedy. Has sufficient human interest to please average neighborhood house. A little too long. THE STORY Through trickery practised by a nurse in love with Dr. Max Wilson, Dr. Edwardes is accused of manslaughter. He goes away assuming the name of “K” Le Moyne. He falls in love with a young nurse who later is attracted to Dr. Wilson. She is about to marry him when a young man to whom she had been engaged, shoots him. At the appeal of the love-crazed nurse who had formerly plotted against him, Dr. Edwards performs an operation, saving Wilson's life. The telling of the truth regarding false situations, and the correct pairing off of lovers closes the story. “MESSALINA” — 80% (Especially prepared for the screen) Reviewed September, 1924 Theme — Roman Empress and Egyptian princess vie for love of enslaved prince VALUE Photography — Average — Alfred Lunci. Moral standard — Average. Story — Very good — Drama — Adults. Cast — Very good — All-Star. Direction — Very good — Enrico Guazzoni Technique — Very good. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Moral — None. Messalina Princess Mirit. Ela Ennio CAST Rina de Liguoro Giovanna Terribili Lucia Zamiaai Gino Talamo Producer — Guazzoni Films. Footage — About 7000 feet. Distributor — F. B. O. THE OPINION Second rate spectacular drama of Roman period, 44 B. C. Well portrayed. Management of mob scenes are second to none— moods of the populace effectively portrayed thereby. The chariot races lack the punch of those seen in other productions of the period, principally a photographic error, and partly directorial and editorial. Wrestling and other athletic attractions presented as court entertainment well done. The author has failed to concentrate his main theme, causing slight confusion at times as to the importance of the various loves — Messalina’s, Ennio’s, Mirit’s, and that of Caius. Production interesting. Neighborhood audiences would be bored by it. Transient theatres may make money with it through sepctacular advertising. THE STORY Following the murder of Caligula, a tyrant reigning on the throne of the Caesars in 44 B. C., Messalina, through whose machinations he lost his life, married Claudius, who with the help of Marcus, she placed at the head of the Roman empire to further her own ambitions. Illigitimate love for Caius is followed by a passion for Prince Ennio, a slave, who in turn loves a slave girl, Ela. An Egyptian princess, Mirit, also loves Ennio, and purchases Ennio. Furious at being spumed by Ennio, Mirit plans to have Ela sacrificed in the temple of Isis. Ennio sets fire to building. Ela is freed and Mirit falls a prey to the lion trap set for Ennio. Messalina is ordered1 killed. She stabs herself. Ennio and Ela find happiness in love.