Universal Weekly (1914-1915)

THE UNIVERSAL WEEKLY 7 Life's Lesson In "The Opened Shutters" OCTORS and medical men the world over are coming to recognize more and more the value of "right thinking," on the patient's part, where a cure is attempted. True, there are those who hold that has no power over the body — Pour-reel Gold Seal Drama is classic in optimism. First photoplay of Mrs. Clara Louise Burnham. Released November 17. the mind chat it is purely a psychological problem which has no bearing on the breaking or making of a man or woman. What do you think of the matter? How much stock do you take in the New Testament's declaration that "as a man thinketh, so is he"? "The Opened Shutters," by Clara Louise Burnham, is simply an elaboration of the old theme, "As a Man Thinketh." But in the elaboration of the theme Mrs. Kurnham has developed a story of beauty and charm, with remarkable appeal. The alienists have established beyond the possibility of a doubt that the mental attitude affects physical condition. In thus strengthening or weakening the physical, the mental reacts upon itself, completing the circle of tfood or evil. The play, which brings this point out, breathes goodness, aumanness, truth. As President Carl Laemmle says, "The very simplicity of its story has a charm that words cannot describe. You will sit through the whole four reels, enthralled, but not excited ; grateful, but not thrilled. " There might be coined a new phrase for describing this dram a — "A Punchless Play." The power of the story will enrich your goodness and impoverish your hate, and yet there is not a single 'punch" in it. Not once is a hero forced to a duel. Sot once is the heroine found struggling in the villain's arms. There is oot a fire scene, a boat wreck, a murder, a mystery, a battle scene or anything else that is deemed so essential to the success of a feature picture nowadays to be found in the picture. And yet you will find the incidents, as they logically develop, holding you as in a vise. President Carl Laemmle best explained it in a recent editorial, an explanation that is being echoed by trade papers everywhere, and which is reprinted by request in this issue. "Here's something totally different and something totally un-xpeeted. Just when you expected us to startle the world with -lomething sensational, we produced something that will startle it because of its lack of sensationalism." And what President Carl Laemmle says beggars further comment as to what the picture is and what it will accomplish. However, in connection with the play the name of Otis Turner needs be mentioned for his exceptionally fine work in staging CAST. "Thinkright" Johnson. . Wm. Worthington Judge Calvin Trent Frank Lloyd John Dunham. . . . • • ..Herbert Rawlinson Sylvia Lacey Anna Little Edna Derwent Betty Schade Miss Martha Lacey • Cora Drew and direction of the production. Where a thought or scene in the book seemed to defy visualization upon the screen, Mr. Turner has stepped in, and backed with a vast experience as producer both for the legitimate stage and screen and a remarkable insight into human nature, overcome the difficulty in masterful fashion. To him must go the lion's share of credit for the superb perfection disclosed in every detail of the play. Wm. Worthington as "Thinkright" Johnson, around whom and because of whose "right thoughts" the whole progress of the story is built, has produced a character study — which might be considered in the light of a benediction. Without straining, without apparent effort, he has made the influence of his character felt every mo ment. Herbert Rawlinson does a manly piece of actiug as John Dunham, and makes you feel, with him the wonderful love he ha? for "Thinkright" and Sy) via, the girl. Anna Littlemakes a beautiful stud) of Sylvia, who finally learns the power of "right thinking." Others in th* east have realized the spirit of the story and played the roles witb sympathy and cleverness When the story opens Sylvia Lacey has been left an orphan. Her shiftless father, Sam Lacey, an artist, left her without money. Her mother had died ten year? before. The girl writee to her only remaining relatives, an aunt, Mise Martha Lacey, and her mothers' brother, Judge Calvin Trent. In hb youth the Judge wanted to marry Miss Martha but they quarreled. When Sylvia's letter arrives, announcing that she will be in Boston the next day, both uncle and aunt are nonplussed. Nei ther wants the responsi bility. Miss Martha final ly decides to go, and the Judge sends his young partner, Jobri Dunham, in his place. Miss Martha, excitable and sputtery, waits with the young lawyer in the hotel parlor. Plainly she speaks her mind to John about the inconveniences of the girl's coming. Sylvia b already in the room and hears. She promptly refuses any aid from either relative. Miss Martha is sorry, but it is too late. Dunham, however, goes back to the girl and forces her to accept a loan, (of th* Judges' money) . Back in the village Miss Martha and the Judge both remem ber a cousin of the Judge's, who manages the Judge's Main* farm. "Thinkright" is sent for, and his white hair and kindly eyes soon win the girl to visit him. "Thinkright" once loved Sylvia's mother, and is naturally drawn toward the girl. (Continued on Page 16)