Universal Weekly (1920, 1923-27)

VOL. 19, No. 3 Universal Weekly 23 Key City Reviewers Acclaim “The Darling of New York” A SURVEY of newspaper reviews of “The Darling of New York,” the Universal Jewel picture featuring Baby Peggy, shows that the production has been royally received wherever it has been shown. Reviewers have been almost unanimous in giving high praise to the entertaining qualities of the picture, to the acting and directing, as well as to the lovable charm of Baby Peggy. Everywhere the youngster has been heralded as a screen prodigy of great promise since the release of this picture, her first big feature. The following excerpts, from different cities, are typical: ural part of her. The picture was made, I imagine, with the idea of chiefly appealing to youngsters. It has. however, a pull of appeal that few grown ups will find themselves able to resist. They will adore her.” The Milwaukee Sentinel characterized the picture as follows: “It is one of those exceptional stories which are not built around a star, but as a narrative to entertain. From the beginning the interest is caught and sustained. There is a nice balance between pathos and comedy. For thrills there is a tenement fire and an exciting rescue.” Metropolitan Critics of All Sections Pay Enthusiastic Tribute to Baby Peggy’s First Universal Jewel Rob Reel, in the Chicago American, said: of New York’ has ‘The Darling The Baltimore Evening Sun said: innumerable virtues, which will make it a thoroughly enjoyable entertainment, if not for all, at least for the majority of filmgoers. It tells, in the first place, an exciting, closely knit, although not markedly original story. Further, you will find the picture realistic in its details. Direction is splendid. And the cast is of high quality. Sheldon Lewis, Gladys Brockwell and Max Davidson, in the principal roles, are particularly noteworthy. “The part of the kiddie is played by Baby Peggy, who is much more winning than she was in her two-reel comedies.” GARRICK, BUT NOT GARISH DISPLAY Mgr. Field’s effective display at the for “The Hunchback Polly Wood, in the Chicago Herald and Examiner, characterized Baby Peggy as “the Mary Pickford of film infants.” She says: “She is not only attractive and sweet — as you’ll know if you see ‘The Darling of New York’ — but she is by instinct an actress.” Mae Tinee, of the Chicago Tribune, hailed Baby Peggy’s advent into feature-length movies with the following: “Well, thank goodness, here’s Baby Peggy come into her own again. With the understanding guidance of Mr. King Baggot, who directed the picture, she becomes once more the adorable, huggable baby girl who first charmed producers. Mr. Baggot brings out all the charm of her tears and smiles and the winsome ways that seem such a nat Garrick Theatre, St. Paul, Minn., of Notre Dame.” ‘If you want to give your kiddies a treat, take ’em to see ‘The Darling of New York.’ The film was written by King Baggot and Raymond Schrock expressly for use by the little Universal star, and it fits her nicely.” The New Bedford Standard Mercury (Mass.) said: “If Baby Peggy continues to appear in features as good as this one, she will be the darling of film followers everywhere. The story provides an excellent vehicle for the youngster and shows her off to good advantage. Those re sponsible for the production have not attempted to cast her as an overclever or precocious child, but have depended upon her wonderful personality and unques tioned ability to play upon the spectator’s sympathy by permitting her to appear simply as a lovable girl who becomes the plaything of fate. “In this attempt the producers have surely succeeded, for ‘The Darling of New York’ should appeal to all classes of audiences: it is a kind of a picture that will get under the skin. It is unusually rich in human interest, with plenty of action, pathos and clever comedy touches.” The St. Louis Globe Democrat says: “ ‘The Darling of New York’ is a fine and wholesome entertainment. King Baggot, the director, has infused the story with realism, romance, fragrance of atmosphere and dramatic qualities. The story, briefly, is one of intense heart appeal.”