Wid's Filmdom (1920)

Sunday, August 22, 1920 Motor Story Up to Mark of Reid’s Others Wallace Reid in “WHAT’S YOUR HURRY” Paramount DIRECTOR ii x5 7 sees ee eee Sam Wood AUTHOR: G3 vino perenne Bryon Morgan SCENARIOS Y «pre ees oe ee Byron Morgan CAMERAMAN "Seite etes eee sn sc eee Al Gilks AS A WHOLE...... Automobile story that differs from this star’s previous offerings of their series in that it does not depend on a spectacular race to furnish it’s climax SLORY sae Eulogizes the awkward truck rather than the pretty but useless racer DIRECTICN] = Generally good; one or two slight slips, but held up well otherwise and put the big punch over in fine fashion PHOTOGRAPHY Very ‘good LIGHTINGS . Up to the standard; fine in rain scenes CAMERA WORKP 2a 224.0 Highly satisfactory DLAR 2.42% Performs as usual, with his broad smile frequently visible SUPPORT Charles Ogle is next in importance to star; Lois Wilson acceptable in feminine + ©. we. e 6 © 'e'.0 © 0 @ 6) 6 & © 8 emene.e lead HXTHERIORS eee Suitable, good atmosphere being maintained. INTERIORS .... Just what they are supposed to be DETAIL Gare One of the “Packro” trucks bears the distinctly visible trademark of a well-known brand CHARACTER OF STORY Dare-devil driver forsakes racing car to drive trucks to scene of danger in time to avert a catastrophe LENGTH) OFSPRODUGTION::.. 3550 5,040 feet In the preceding automobile stories in which Wallace Reid occupied the stellar role, he drove speedy racing and stock cars to victory, the thrills coming oft eo 'e, 16 as his vehicles flashed across the line in position of honor. In the third of the series, it is an ungainly truck that he pilots to the scene of a raging body of water that threatens to tear a dam, flood a valley and cause tremendous loss of life and property. It is this deviation from the other two productions largely that should spell success for this one. Undoubtedly, this type of story which, while maintaining the same atmosphere, differs in theme, will sustain interest in the series. It is a drama that can be depended upon to please the average audience, and while not a special, can hold its own before any crowd. Reid as “Dusty” Rhodes is introduced as a hero of the speedway, looked upon unfavorably by Patrick MacMurran, president of the Packro Motor Co., but the hero of Virginia MacMurran. Pat holds that Rhodes should do some useful work before he may wed the fair Virginia and Rhodes accepts a position as publicity man for the new Packro truck. What “Dusty” considers splendid exploitation ideas fall flat until he is summarily discharged. Then comes his big opportunity! The Cabrillo dam is threatened by the swollen torrent caused by heavy rainfall. No spillway can be blasted because of the lack of dynamite in camp. Crossed wires result in his receiving the information. Rhodes loads several machines, secures the necessary help and after a long, weary drive appears at the scene of danger. Meanwhile, the torrent, increasing in power forces aside the weakest portion of the enbankment. Water pours in and it seems that the battle has been lost after all. Rhodes is the proverbial, Johnny-on-the Spot. however, and rides a machine into the breach. His rival who had previously displayed symptoms of cowardice is discredited and Rhodes claims the heroine. You Should Be Able to Put This Over Easily Box Office Analysis for the Exhibitor In “What’s Your Hurry,” you are offered a producThree ace cards are given you in the fact that it is the third tion which should be easy enough to exploit. of a successful series, the other two of which, many of your patrons have undoubtedly seen, that it is a Saturday Evening Post story from the pen of Byron Morgan and that Wallace Reid is starred. The knowledge that it has appeared in the Saturday Evening Post under the title, “The Hippopotamus Parade,” will attract many others, and you can promise the Reid fans a production in which their favorite appears to advantage. Should you care to go in for something unusual in the way of exploitation, rig up a truck and something resembling a racing car, think up some catchy slogan and have them driven about the streets of your town. Probably, you will be able to get some establishment which is advertising some brand of truck to co-operate with you in one of its window displays or otherwise. If they liked Reid’s other racing tales, this one w#!! also be well received.