Wid's Filmdom (1921)

Je Wy 12 { iff DAILY Sunday, July 10, 1921 Oe Dorothy Dalton Picks Another Poor Story Dorothy Dalton in “BEHIND MASKS” Paramount DIRECTORS oc. peveees ce eee Frank Reicher AUTHOR ree es ieee ee E. Phillips Oppenheim SCENARIO “BY Vs. sos: = ere Kathryne Stuart CAMERAMAN”........<« eu Gilbert Warrenton AS A -WHOLKA.-s: Dull picture that will have a difficult time getting by as entertainment SEY gare a A disappointment inasmuch as the author’s name usually stands for really interesting material DIRECTION as. Fair on production but decidedly poor with regard to management of players PHOTOGRAPHY |...53 seepree ces ties All right LIGHTINGS Occasionally too bright on faces CAMERA WORK Satisfactory WEAR or. Has a role that requires nothing but straight playing SURO hia... a. Noticeably poor work even from Julia Swayne Gordon; Fredrik Vogeding not suited to leading male role eo atts a)le Wale’ oe) (ORs) wine > O56. 6. 97ge le EXTERIORS |. ee cee Oe erage Suffice INTERIORS (ee ee eee Adequate DETAILS. | os. Settee eee eee ie Fair CHARACTER OF STORY.=~.. Heiress’ guardian tries to marry her off to rich old man in return for compensation LENGTH OF PRODUCTION 4,147 feet With a really well known author like E. Phillips Oppenheim, folks will probably be disappointed in the adaptation of his novel, “Jeanne of the Marshes,” which has been selected as a starring vehicle for Dorothy Dalton, and re-titled “Behind Masks.” The theme has no trace of originality nor no new twists that make it distinctive. It is the same old story of the heiress with the fortune seeking aunt, who tries to marry her off to a rich old fellow, regardless of the young lady’s wishes in the matter. And that’s about all there is to “Behind Masks,” except, of course, the usual ending, when the girl is happy with the one she really loves. . Director Reicher has accorded the story a satisfactory production for the most part, at least with regard to settings and general composition. The photography is good although frequently the players’ faces are too brightly lighted. Miss Dalton is not called upon for any unusual display of acting ability, the part requiring only straight playing. Her facial expression is really good throughout. The star has appeared to neglect her costuming in this film, however. Miss Dalton usually pleases her feminine admirers with some attractive gowns. Players selected to support the star have been chosen in poor taste, and either over act or don’t act enough. Julia Swayne Gordon is very stiff in her variety of spangled gowns. The male players include William P. Carleton, Kempton Greene, Lewis Broughton, and Alex. Kaufman. Jeanne Mesurier, orphaned heiress, overhears Madam Ena’s plan to marry her off to the rich Brensault, for a consideration. Madam and Major Forrest arrange to fleece Ronald Engleton, a rich man, at bridge. Cecil Bourne, younger brother of Andrew Bourne, master of Westhaven Manor, invites the bridge players to the ‘Manor. Jeanne goes along and falls in love with Andrew, who avoids the social connections of Cecil. Engleton, also a guest at the Manor, accuses the players of fraud, and is injured by Cecil. Jeanne discovers her ward’s trickery and exposes both Madam and Major Forrest to Andrew. Of course Jeanne marries Andrew and they live happy ever aieets " Author’s Name and Perhaps Star’s Will Attract Box Office Analysis for the Exhibitor By using the author’s name and that of the star, if she is popular with your patrons, you shouldn't find it difficult to get them interested in “Behind Masks.” Also the title might be played up attractively with catchlines. On the other hand if you know their tastes and realize in this feature a disappointment, perhaps it would be better to hold off and hope for a better one next time. Miss Dalton seems to be unfortunate in the stories selected for her use lately, Perhaps those in charge saw possibilities in “Jeanne of the Marshes” but director Reicher has failed to bring them forth convincingly. E. Phillips Oppenheim’s name will be certain to draw if you merely want to fill your theater. Catchlines and can be exploitation suggestions secured from the Paramount press sheet.