Universal Weekly (1920, 1923-27)

Vol. 19, No. 3 Universal Weekly 35 CRITICS” “WITH THE "The Hunchback of Notre Dame ” Makes Big Hit at the Springer; Again Today Matinee and Night THE first of three exhibitions of the wonderful production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” Victor Hugo’s great classic, with the inimitable Lon Chaney in the title role, was given at the Springer opera house last night to a large audience, and for two hours and a half this audience sat as if spell-bound as scene after scene was flashed upon the screen. The question might be asked by some before seeing the picture why the great producer Carl Laemmle, selected such a story for such a massive production, but no one coming fresh from the showing will do so. He has the answer in his own emotions. Probably no more elaborate or heavier motion picture has ever been screened. There was nothing lacking to give the spectator every emotion of the heart. Grief, sori-ow, pity, joy, gladness, horror, regret, victory, defeat and whatnot were depicted with a vividness that beggars description. And one who looks upon these pictures, of a time before Christopher Columbus sailed the seas on his voyage of discovery of America, forgets that he lives in this day of advancement and enlightenment, and becomes a part and parcel of the scenes that are unfolded before him. The selection of Lon Chaney for the leading role was most appropriate. Aside from his other successes, his “Miracle Man” stamped him as an actor far above those who have endeavored to reach the height to which IT is a great deal more pleasant to be surprised than to have some anticipation fulfilled. Perhaps that is why I, among others, liked “A Lady of Quality.” That there was such a picture being made by Universal I knew; that there was a pretty, young screen actress from Chicago wearing the fancy name of Virginia Valli I also was aware; and that Frances Hodgson Burnett had written other books than “Little Lord Fauntleroy” has been ticketed away in my mind ever since I can remember. Oherwise “A Lady of Quality” was, when I went into the Randolph Thea he has climbed. “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is his greatest artistic achievement. Unquestionably his make-up as the hunchback could not be better. Aside from the deformity of the hunch, there is also deformity of his feet and legs, and his face is hideous to look upon. And in that part where he is flogged he is superb. But no more so than in the various other parts of the role. Patsy Ruth Miller as “Esmeralda,” is a natural emotional actress and a charming girl. At times gay, at others grief-stricken and inconsolable, she goes straight to the heart, even in the picture, and one can but wish her all the good things that life can give. Norman Kerry, as Captain Phoebus, her soldier lover, is well cast. Tully Marshall has the role of Louis XI, and movie fans know him too well for it to be necessary to speak of his ability. Ernest Torrence as “Clopin,” the king of the rabble, is the best actor in the vividly sinister roles on the screen or stage. It will be recalled that he and Tully Marshall were both in “The Covered Wagon” recently shown here. There are several others, among them one who is well known to screen fans, Gladys Brockwell, but to name them all and say something of them would add nothing to the splendid production. It will be shown again this afternoon at 3 o’clock and tonight at 8:30, and those who have not seen it have a great treat in store. It is a magnificent production. — The Columbus ( 0 .) Inquirer-Sun. tre last week, just another picture. That things were entirely different when I left the theatre previous comments revealed. “A Lady of Quality” was such a thrilling surprise. Why, it was a good story, excellently directed, handsomely photographed, carefully cast and perfectly acted by Miss Valli! What more could any one want? * * * Of course, Miss Valli had what is known as a “fat” part. If Mrs. Burnett had not made Clorinda Wildairs an English girl of the early eighteen century Clorinda might have been " EXCELLENT COMEDY! ” THE first of a new series of “Leather Pusher” productions, called “That Kid from Madrid, Mich.,” serves as an excellent comedy relief to the feature. In fact, we could follow the story of this pugilistic fun far better than we could in the longer production. The sub-titles are full of laughs, one of them informing us that a certain prize fighter would rather be a sponge in the ring than an orchid in the Ritz. You see a comical fighter falling from the ring the referee counting him out while the pugilist in question clings to a female spectator who happens to have a ringside seat. He tells the referee to keep on counting, that it means nothing to him. A rather tired looking chap goes to a restaurant, orders something to eat and then tells the Italian waiter that he hasn’t any money. The owner of the restaurant tells a champion, who happens to be sitting in a comer with some friends, that the tired looking man won’t pay his bill, whereupon the champion fighter approaches with a great deal of chest, saying: “Kick in with the coin or I’ll slip you a knuckle.” In the end the tired looking man shows that he’s fresh and strong, and wonder is rife as to what he would have done if he had eaten a porterhouse steak instead of ham and eggs. He is engaged to fight, and his opponent in about the third round insists that this individual take “that mule out of his glove.” You can sit back and enjoy this comedy, and forget all about the arid desert and the banging of pistols. — The New York Times. played by the vivid Pola Negri. For Clorinda is, until she goes up to London to become the toast of the town, “that sort” of a girl — wild, free, profane and sporty. Oh, she’s perfectly decent in spite of her drunken, “horsey” father, but she is unmoral, which is a very different thing from immoral. Yes, our ladies of either stage or screen like a role such as that of Clorinda. But they have to be experts to play them convincingly. That is what makes me feel that Miss Valli is not only a handsome young woman, but a capable actress. She doubtless has things to learn, but — and mark my words well — when she has learned them the producers will be fighting for her services. * * * And the direction of “A Lady of Quality” — ( Concluded on Page 40) The Picture of the Week “A Lady of Quality”