Wid's Filmdom (1921)

~acene Mer tea os , Fi ec Sunday, September 11, 1921 4 re DAILY 3 Nice Atmosphere But Slow Moving Story R. A. Walsh presents “SERENADE” Asso. First Natl. Pic. BTCA RO ech Pee a0. vas « «0 a seeee R, A. Walsh CREME St ON Ue See ee re ere ...» Felin y Condina BRS eae a CRESS ce cans 4 0 he's J. T. O’Donohue oN VES VE EN rere ogi a dee George Peters AS A WHOLE...... Fairly attractive Spanish atmosphere, but picture lacks action STORY eee, Tells impassioned native love story very well, though it is quite slow moving DERE CTION? 3.25 Has provided artistic production and delightful settings; detail shows care et) LOCALE Vere lias fev ob ee wate Satisfactory PeeCrrd LN Cryaee eee are. oy. 8s Fair; some too dark PUA Y HRS. .oe5 Miriam Cooper suitable in Spanish maid role; George Walsh an: athletic Pancho; others offer capable support Bape h: LUA AA) REN rea ss ss ow dv Stoke ele Suitable Bs LO cee tes. .', s.r Correct yr ALT Lee Spee ee cs obs a 6 wetieietale « oi2 Good ReHARACTRR OF STORY........ Girl in love with deposed ruler’s son is almost forced into a marriage as a sacrifice to save lover’s life Pe Nolo OUPPRODUCTION. ...0.2.... 6,380 feet R. A. Walsh’s second independent production, “Serenade,” gives a Spanish drama called “Maria Del Carmen” as its origin, although those who saw one of last winter’s musical comedies, “Spanish Love,” might almost think it an adaptation of that play. “Serenade” contains a delightful Spanish atmosphere that should prove popular with a good many who like stories that _ get away from the conventional society atmosphere. The picture is slow moving though and the interest lags badly at times. One reason would appear to be the fact that a great many sub-titles are required to -and is always photographed to advantage. explain matters and they keep breaking in at too fre quent intervals and rather tend to slow things up. The revolutionary sequence is not made particularly clear, but sufficiently so to not cause any confusion in the spectator’s mind. Director Walsh has given the story an artistic interpretation and provided pretty settings and generally good atmosphere. There are many good effects, but occasionally the lightings are too dark on backgrounds. His attention to detail is good and management of players first rate. There is one instance in which he might have used a little fuller explanation, and that is the sequence having to do with the deposition of the Governor. Miriam Cooper makes a beautiful Maria Del Carmen She has one habit—that of staring straight ahead of her—that she should overcome. George Walsh gives the production what action it possesses in some acrobatic maneuvers in his attempts to escape punishment and win the girl he loves. Walsh wears the cavalier costume well, but doesn’t really look Spanish. In Magdalena, a Spanish possession, lives the beautiful but poor Dona del Carmen and her daughter Maria, in love with Pancho, son of the governor. Ramirez and a band of brigands surprise the inhabitants and depose Pancho’s father. Don Domingo becomes governor and his son Don Ramon soon falls in love with Maria. The girl’s mother favors the match, inasmuch as the marriage would mend the Del-Carmen fortune. In a quarrel Pancho wounds Don Ramon and is forced to flee into the hills. Later Pancho is captured and imprisoned and Don Ramon goes daily to taunt Pancho by telling him he (Don Ramon) is to marry Maria.. A counter revolution arises, Pancho escapes and after the death of Don Ramon is happy with Maria. Will Do as a Novelty and Has Exploitation Possibilities Box Office Analysis for the Exhibitor If you are looking for something a bit out of the ordinary you would do well to secure “Serenade” and undoubtedly satisfy the majority with R. A. Walsh’s production, a picture with an attractive Spanish atmosphere. You have the names of Miriam Cooper, who will be remembered for her most recent work in “The Oath,” another R. A. Walsh production, and George Walsh, who has not been seen since the completion of his contract with the Fox organization. .An appropriate setting for a prologue would be the balcony scene used in the opening reel of the picture. This was used effectively at the Strand showing and a fitting musical accompaniment was supplied by a marimba orchestra. The result was very effective and might be repeated to good advantage elsewhere.