Screen Opinions (1923-24)

20 SertfB Opinions Telia the Truth “POISON”— 65% (Especially prepared for the screen)) Reviewed October, 1924 Theme — Adventures of society man secretly employed as government detective CAST VALUE Photography — Good — Not credited. Moral standard — Average. Story — Good — Melodrama — Family. Author — Good — Not credited. Star — Good — Charles Hutchison. Direction — Good — Not credited. Technique — Good. Spiritual Influence — Neutral . Moral — None . Ben Marston -....Charles Hutchison Doris Townsend ....Edith Thornton Gale Preston Otto Lederer Roger Harvey John Henry Grace Elliston Ethel Stairt Producer — William Steiner. Footage — About 5000 feet. Distributor — State Rights. THE OPINION Good audience melodrama with plenty of thrills and a good romance. The hero role, that of a young detective, thought by his society companions to be Just a boob, is excellently played by Charles Hutchison, former serial star. This production has the punch of a regular serial, in which the hero performs athletic stunts, escaping from hairbreath situations. Leaping from a cliff into the water, eluding his pursuers by diving and remaining apparently dead in the bottom of the lake, driving a motorcycle through a tunnel ahead of an express train, are thrilling features of the production. THE STORY Bob Marston, in love with Doris Townsend, is unknown to his associates, in the employ of the government secret service. The idea that he is merely a boob is exploded when, after many adventures, he brings in the leaders of a gang of bootleggers. "ANOTHER SCANDAL”— 65% (Adapted from the novel of the same name) Reviewed October, 1924 Theme — Wife’s misunderstanding basis of family mixup VALUE Photography — Good — Not credited. Moral standard — Fair. Story — Good — Drama — Adults. Author — Good — Cosmo Hamilton. Cast — Good — All-star. Direction — Good — E. H. Griffith. Technique — Good. Spiritual Influence — Neutral. Moral — One wrong breeds others. CAST Beatrice Franklin Lois Wilson Pelham Franklin Holmes Herbert Malcolm Fraser Ralph Bunker May Beamish Flora Le Breton Valentine Beamish.Ralph W. Chambers Producer — Tilford Cinema Corp. Footage — About 5000 feet. Distributor — Producers Dist. Corp. THE OPINION Well made and holds the attention, but development of subject does not aim at high moral principles. A good transient theatre picture. Unhappy domestic situation and lame excuses for unmoral actions not good film diet for young people. Lois Wilson gives good performance in role of wife and Holmes Herbert In portrayal of the husband is unusually capable. Flora Le Breton is fascinating in a vamp role. The picture is nicely dressed and is of good quality technically and artistically. Explanatory subtitles a bit broad. THE STORY The Franklins marital bark rides smoothly until Mrs. Franklin at the suggestion of a well-meaning friend urges her husband to go on a yachting trip with ladies which includes a woman friend and a fascinating widow, to escape the nerve strain of an expected addition to the family. The widow vamps the husband, who is finally driven into the arms of the widow by his wife's misunderstanding and jealousy. Strategy on the part of the wife finally wins the husband back. A House Organ-Program Here’s a practical advertising plan that gives the neighborhood theatre a big advantage in building up increased daily, monthly, yearly profits. Show good pictures and use this plan to get the crowds. It gives you strong, attractive advertising, every two weeks, with your program and coming attractions, without trouble or worry on your part. Cost is low and effect is big. Write for samples and prices. FLINT McNAUGHTON, 806 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago.