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About The Omaha morning bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 1922-1927 | View Entire Issue (April 22, 1923)
American Photoplays Are Insincere Say Europeans Foreign Film Men and Dramatists State That While Technically Ahead of Europe, American Photo plays Are Most Immature and Lacking Sincerity of Heal Life. —. Mn__! American picture* are charged a* being Immature and Insincere by Jerome Lachenbruch, a well known film authority of Europe nnd after a •urvey wa* made the charge was backed up by the most of the thinking men of the drama and motion picture of foreign countries. While admittedly American pictures are very popular all through Europe, they complain loudly of the falsely romantic atmosphere of American production* and declsre that with pictures made true to life these same producers with their wonderful light ing and the finest of equipment could produce pictures that would show for month after month Just as do big stage productions In their extended runsr The vllllan In an American photo play they aver always overhears a plot. Intercepts a letter—the author makes every move and the audience ran picture the whole story after the first reel. The puritanical assump tions always present in American film are also assailed and here the Ameri can producer brings forth as his de fense the bugaboo of censorship. But before censorship the same things were true, states Mr. Lachenbruch. Newest European productions have striven to create this one thing In which America does not surpass them ■^-the atmosphere of sincerity. The imperfections of technique, will they believe, be overcome in time and act ing devoid of tricks will please audiences more than a sugared pro duction. Mr. Lachenbruch sums up his In dictment neatly In this paragraph In which he says, “I think Americans have Intincts much the same as Euro peans, and that it Is about time mo tion picture producers and directors stopped Insulting their lnteltgence by giving them pictures labeled as ‘seri ous problem?,’ which have the In tellectual content of a First Reader.” Douglas Fairbanks Comes Again in “Robin Hood” Douglas Fairbanks In his great classic "Robin Hood," which ran so successfully to large audiences at ad vanced prices at the Stj-and theater •his winter, returns to Omaha screens this week at popular feature prices at the Rialto. "Robin Hood” has been welcomed everywhere, ns it was in Omaha, as one of the classics of the screen and It undoubtedly is a story of romance of the Twelfth century that will live in the cinema until seen at least once by everyone. There Is a delightful blending of fact and fancy throughout the 12 reels of "Robin Hood” and the whole has been built into an artistic whole that has proven irreslstable to audi ences. Vivid Impressions of the life of that day are brought forward and throughout all the romance of a knight and lady is carried. The romantic life of “Rohln Hood,” himself is fully as colorful as the famous tales of his existence in Sher wood Forest and the redoubtable and active Fairbanks makes an ideal merry robber of the rich and friend of the poor. “Brass” at the Strand Story of Divorces The screen version of Maj. Charles O. Norris’ novel, ’’Brass,” with Monte Blue portraying the role of Philip Baldwin, opens today at the Strand. The picture is said to retain the viv idness characteristic of the novel. Tn« setting of the story is In sunny Cali fornia, first in a prosperous rural community, then shifting to bustling San Francisco, where most of the action passes. The queer domestio life of the young married Baldwins is the theme around which the story la apun. Phil ip is ao busy storming the gates of fortune during the day that he longs for the home evenings, while hia wife, Marjorie, a piquant slip of a girl, doesn't see why a baby should keep lier away from cabarets, gay boon companions and a generally good time. They get divorced' each goes separate ways, falling in love but In the end feeling the gap In their lives. The end Is developed In a whirlwind climax. Monte Blue’s supporting cast con sists of Marie Prevost, Harry Myers, Vera Lewis, Irena Rich, Frank Kee nan, Helen DuPont, Margaret Red den, Helen Ferguson. Edward Jo(j son, Harvey Clark, Cyril Chadwick, Tat OJ&alley, Gertrude Bennstt and Kthef Grey Terry. William Farnurn Star$ in “Moonshine Valley” William Farnurn opens today at the Gayety In a story of the foothills called “Moonshine Valley,” from the pen of Mary Murrillo. It Is said to he a picture with many thrilling Inci dents and striking photography. During the picture Farnurn stages two thrilling fights with Holmes Her he.rt, an old screen favorite, who te a number of the excellent supporting cast. Dawn O'Dsy, a tiny three-year-old r^hedlenne. and Sadie Mullen, who Is playing her first leading role, are imminent, members of the cast. Jean, thesamous moving picture dog, shows off pi good advantage. fact that Herbert Brenon dl r the picture Is the best assur ince that “Moonshine Valley” Is a photoplay out of the ordinary run by moving pictures. “When Dawn Came,” a story f|«Bded on the value of religious be llefTidfi rated as one of the better plc 1 urea^f the year, Is booked for the last, half of the week. -- &i*nHall Chine's Novel, _“The Christianat Sun in the photodramatle version of Sir Hall Caine’s great novel, “The Chrln lunjj jit the Kun, Maurice Tourneur has demonstrated In no uncertain way the w(|dom of selecting him to direct the production. It adds greatly to the interest In tbe i [picture to know that the exterior scenes, all were taken by Mr. Tour neur in their natural settings in Lon don, nt Epsom Downs and one the Isle of Man, in close and friendly co-oper ation with Sir Hall Caine. Sir Hall, in fact, was most closely associated throught the translation of hia novel to the silver sheet. Although Mir. Tourneur has shown bis genius for portraying mental con flice on the screen in his working out of the peculiar psychology of John Storm, played by Richard Dix, he has filled the picture with stirring action —the scenes at Epsom Downs on Der by day, the mob scene in Trafalgar square (for the making of which Mr. Tourneur by special permission of the British government turned that his toric spot into a huge motion picture set from mldnignt until dawn of one day). Mr. Dix, in the title role, Is gener ally considered to have done the best work of his career before the camera. Mae Busch, as Glory Quayle, has to be seen to be appreciated. Others in the great cast are Gareth Hughes, Phyllis Haver, Cyril Chadwick, Mahien Ham ilton, Joseph Dowling, Claude Gilling water, John Herdman. Beryl Mercer, Robert Bolder, Milla Davenport. Alice Hesse, Aileen Pringle, Harry Nor thrup, Eric Mayne, and William Moran. Viola Dana Portrays Southern Girl Now The latest photoplay to star Viola Dana la "Crinoline and Romance,” which is at the World this week. Many novelties, both in characteriza tion and in story, are promised for this film. , Miss Dana's versatility takes an en tirely new turn in "Crinoline and. Ro mance." In the photoplay she is seen as a naive southern miss, completely sequestered front the rest of the world on her grandfather's estates In North Carolina. The star is everything that her role calls for—demure, vivacious, spirited and fascinating. The story of the picture tells of the young girl's determination to escape from the rigidity of her surroundings. She visits the home of her aunt, and there tastes modern "social” life only to be bitterly disappointed and disil lusioned: There is a great deal of charm and amusing incident in the telling of the story, and It afford* the i|| jfar-nam*' Kk (5/ive.tv 08^ T mmJ^jolez. " 1 Dana \ IDOG.LD * A ' r ' .^hiiiiikmminvn G/dna iPufaneon. < e H«eeg? - g’TK’ANO.-’ vivacious star ample opportunities to indulge in her distinctive brand of comedy. Supporting Mice Dana are players of real skill. Two of her suitors In the story ore portrayed by A .an For rest and John Bowers. Claude Gil lingwater plays her sturdy southern grandfather, and others of Importance are TJlltan I^awrence and Gertrude She ft “The Drug. Traffic" and “Head Hunters" at Moon "The Drug Traffic" picturing the working* of the trade In drugs and the harm that It I* doing to this country Is being offered at the Moon this week rs the feature attraction with Martin Johnson's "Head Hun tera of the South Rea*" fir* reel* of most Interesting film of a strange and weird people, as th* added at traction. Telling a story in entertainingly convincing fashion. "The Drug Traf fic" Is bound to pull at the heart strings of the moat fastidious theater-1 goer, for it is true tr> life and is cleverly and realistically enacted by an all-star cast that doe* credit to the > meritorious work of Harvey Gates. "The Drug Traffic” la an Interest ing character production replete with action and a romance that, will please any audience. It was carefully produced with everey attention paid to public entertainment value: Gladys Brockweii in the role of the reformed drug fiend presents an In teresting study of the addict. It Is typical of those unfortunntes without any overacting on the part of Miss Brockweii who truly does the best work of her career. Other members of the splendid cast Include Miss Bar bara Tennent and Boh Walker. * Music Notes Miss Sadie Levey will give a recital Tuesday evening. May 1, at the Schrnoller & Mueller auditorium. Miss Alta Gillette will present Ruth Ehlers, Marjorie Herrnansky and Marlon Rea In a piano recital Tneg. day evening, April 24, at Kchmoller & Mueller auditorium, at 8:15 o'clock. The public is cordially Invited. Cecil Berryman presents his advanc ed pupils In a piano recital Thursday evening, April 28, at Schrnoller & Mueller auditorium. Those taking part are Sadie Levey. Jane Fisher, Mrs. Barneby, Lillie Englund, Chris line Coughlin of Plattsmouth, Helen Root, Ruth Slama, Ida Lustgarten, Marie Byars of Valley, Anna Parker. Mr. Fred G. Ellis will present Miss Ruth Gordon, contralto, In recital at Burgess - Nash auditorium Monday evening, April 3h, at 8:15 o’clock. Flora Sears Nelson will he at the piano. This recital will be in the nature of a farewell to Omaha music lovers, as Miss Gordon has resigned her position as contralto soloist at the First Central Congregational church to take a similar position In the First Methodist church at Portland. Ore. Mis* Gordon will he greatly missed In Omaha musical circles. The public Is cordially Invited. The public is cordially invited to attend the piano recital to be given by the pupils of Mrs. L. F. Kilgore at the Burgess Nash auditorium. .Fri day evening, April 27, at 8 o’clock. Those taking part are: Phillip Wol ber, Gladys Pease, Vera Brlghtwell, Wayne Wright, Zorada Alexander, l4tura Ixiulse Kirk. Virginia Reed, Ruth-Johanson, Phyllis Leeka, Louise Morison. Lois Anderson, Estheer Haney, Naomt Haney, Leo May Cham berlin, Bluma Neveleff, Juanita John son, William Anderson, Nilma Smith, Eileen Murphy, Alice Zimmer, Ann Amsden, Fern Wilson, Elaine Leeka, Minnie Shawcross. Carrie Shawcross. Admission free. Come and bring your friends. NEIGHBORHOOD THEATERS GRAND - • - 16th and Bin nay RICHARD BARTHELMESS and DOROTHY GISH la "FURY" HAMILTON - - 40th and Hamilton RUDOLPH VALENTINO and ALICE TERRY In "THE CONQUERING POWER" VICTORIA - * 24th and Fort DOROTHY PHILLIPS in "HURRICANE S GAL" Three Who Will Play Piano Ruth Killers, Marjorie Hermansky and Marion Rea. who will appear in a rerilal at the Sehmoeller 4 Mueller auditorium on Tuesday evening. “Life’s Collateral” endorsed by thinking men and women throughout the country as one of the greatest messages of this day to the citizens of America. Sponsored by The Omaha Bee and prominent real estate men inter ested in Omaha’s welfare, this little heart interest drama will be shown as an added attraction ALL THIS WEEK at the and'All'Vfeelc. ettll-l-3-5-7~9 EVE $ SUN DAY MAT. SO$ WEE*DAY MATS'. 33$ CHILDRENAETD/iE 1CK DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS ROBIN HOOD Rich With Romance—Thick With Thrill*— Abounding With Adventure— N • Complete With Comedy. The Greatest Achievement in the History of Motion Pictures! STARTS TODAY COME EARLY Special Musical Accompaniment bjr Harry Brader and Symphony Players Juliua K. Johnson at the Organ
