Wid's Filmdom (1921)

@ nner Sunday, August 28, 1921 : ahi f DAILY 3 A Master-Work from Practically Every Angle George Arliss in “DISRAELI” United Artists DIAC GASP ahs «ods ss le ee Henry Kolker De Se a yw. Ln ees Louis N. Parker Che a EAE ei Ge ae ee ewe Forrest Halsey ANUP Giclee oi rors cee sak Harry A. Fishbeck AS A WHOLE...... Masterly’ production of renown ed play; high class entertainment that will win _riew screen followers. ol Ora sees Handled with fine appreciation; smooth to the last foot and intensely interesting. Bea e EC) NRO cosas oes + bee Pe US's Fine Is ARE Mere ans oo sv a bo nee Ried’ Excellent PEE Ca a UN Ce ge. ia sw os Generally excellent Bete ei em On Kee il. hae cee oie wa os Good a ALICE eee rn ee Gives a superb characterization SUP EO ie es Well known players do excellent work. j ODS ME 6 We ee Some very beautiful PMs Bet) Oh ee ise ss oe x § ate seb es Just right PITS eee, ae. ss 5s Se sr 5500) ee Very good CHARACTER OF SFORY...... British minister strengthens Empire by winning control of Suez Canal. LENGTH OF PRODUCTION...... about 7,000 feet “Disraeli” looms on the screen as one of the greatest high class attractions of the times. If George Arliss and lis associates intended it to win new followers -of the screen they may rest content that they have accomplished a worthy purpose. For they have presented a picturized version of a play renowned the world over for its delicate subtleties and shadings, and retained practically all the delightful worth of the original work. The characterization rendered by Mr. Arliss as the Jewish Prime Minister of England, forced to play a ) 7 : gain possession of the Suez lone hand against Russian diplomacy and intrigue to Canal to perfect Queen’s empire, is one of the finest piecés of acting the screen has ever reflected. Here is a star who plays with his wholé mind. The closeups reveal, not so much Arliss in his perfect makeup of Disraeli, but a picture of the inner workings of his brain, all the delicate quick changes of thought revealed in unmistakable action.’ The scenarist and director have maintained the thrill and suspense of the original work to a perfect degree as well as the delightful spirit of comedy. No laugh or smile or thrill is lost, the actors are playing for them every instant. This is revealed in the fact that the characters actually speak the fines used as subtitles. This results in a perfectly coordinated, smooth-running story. Kolker’s work, doubtless aided not a little by the star himself, is usually on a very high plane. A slight tendency to play important. action in deep shots is the only lapse he suffers. Disraeli, a middle-class Jew, has become the English Prime Minister for Queen Victoria and has ine curred the enmity of nobles and racial snobs. He knows that Russia is angling for the Stez Canal and. realizing that unless England secures it the strength of her empire will be lost, he plays a lone game for it and eventually wins. In his final hour of honor at the court those who stood against him claim the honor of having helped him. Reginald Denny and Louise Huff, who furnish the romantic interludes of the story, are both good, the former particularly so. Miss Huff suffers some inconsistent lighting. Frank Losee as the patriotic Jewish banker is another who adds to the picture as does Edward J. Ratcliffe as the bank governor. Margaret Dale, Henry Carvill, Grace Griswold, Mrs. Arliss and Noel Tearle complete the capable cast. his Here’s a Real One to Stop Complaints of Mediocrity Box Office Analysis for the Exhibitor You exhibitors who have been complaining about the j.ck of good pictures, chalk “Disraeli” down on your s.hedule as an answer to your Then “MUST” after it and allow for double or triple your calls. write usual run. As said, it’s a mighty high class attraction and you ¢an bank on big business if you advertise and.exploit it properly. The star himself and the name of the play will certainly draw them in. Don’t be afraid of any propaganda in it. There’s none either from England or the Jewish race. It’s pure, undiluted entertainment, an entertainment that*is by turns going to amuse and grip the great majority of audiences with its subtle comedy and its intense situations. (Advertisement)