SCREEN JOTTINGS.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 30 June 1924, Page 13

SCREEN JOTTINGS.

Many racing pictures have been produced in the past, and many- doubtless will be produced in the future; but “Long Odds’’ a British Master picture, is in a class by itself. There is__a villain in the story, but he is a company promoter, and contrary to custom, he does not try to dope or injure the horses in any 7 way. And the big surprise—which is also the big sensation of the film —is associated with one of tiro little known rules of the turf, in stead of with -an impossible circumstance, such as tho beautiful heroine riding to win! There are several novel effects in the film and one of them will probably create- considerable comment and some speculation as to how it was accomplished. It occurs at the first water jump in the big steeplechase, and to all appearances, the horses leap into the camera. “Long Odds” commences at the Theatre Royal on uedrosdav evening, and is accompanied by a particularly mermaid comedy ‘ Look Out Below."-

I It’s the old adage that one does best what one believes in. Work is .well : done when it is agreeable aiid well chosen. An actor can act best the part he, likes best, and a director can make , a fine picture if the story in hand ex presses his own sentiments. The play ;“A Chapter in Her Life,” adapted, from the novel by' Clara Louise Burn ham, expresses a philosophy of optimism and happiness which is the personal viewpoint of Lois Weber, woman screen director. Consequently tho Universal Jewel production which Miss Weber directed and which comes to the Grand Theatre next Wednesday, represents i her best work. # « * * Being proprietor of a gambling place in Tia Juana was only the means to an end —that of saving his plantation home —for Brownlow Clay, Herbert Rawlinson’s role in “The Dancing Cheat,’’ in which he is co-starring with Alice Lake, to bo shown at the Grand Theatre shortly 7 . However, there en tered into his life the “woman," and although there came a time when he was convinced she had deliberately be trayed him into the hands of a blackmailer, love saves him. * s- * * Ever hoar of Jane Mercer ? Very few had until the release of “A Chapter in Her Life,” Universal-Jewel pro duction, which will bo seen locally at the Grand Theatre on Wednesday, and with the first showings in metropolitan cities the critics spoke highly 7 of the ten-year-old child who plays the title role in this picture with no background of such experience. She was taken from the ranks of the unknown, and from a bit player jumped into fame in the guiding role of tlie plot. Lois Webei directed the picture, and she is known as the ‘‘star-finder” of the picture world. # *■ * * During the course of his numerous gallops on the back of Bonnie Black Lass for the screen masterpiece “Dick Turpin’s Ride to York,” Matheson Lang, as the famous highwayman, dis played so much speed and agility in getting away 7 from the Bow Street runners, that the camera man remark ed: “Well, his name may be Matheson Lang, but for the future, I shall call him ‘Marathon Lang.’ ” *-* * * A star feature is “The Dangerous Maid,” with Constance Talmadge in the title role. Dangerous? That is putting it lightly. Anything from es caping jail to horsewhipping the king s officers or fighting liis whole army is right in Connie,’s line, and when she wants the heart of his most handsome captain there are some stirring, scenes. This is a story of the days of old when knights were bold, and Connie Talmadge does some of her finest work as a flapper of 1662. * * * * “The . Bad Man” furnishes a fine evening’s entertainment. The story is very obviously 7 founded upon the oper ations of the late Panclio Villa along the border, bub Porter Emerson Browne’s facile pen has drawn in all the characters' with delightful satire, which turns all the most serious moments into the humorous.

* * # * 'Those who view “The Ban Man,” a First National attraction which is to bo screened at the 'Theatre Royal on Saturday 7 next, should not make the mistake of confusing satire with realism. Holbrook Blinn, star of the original stage version, i.s the star also ol the film play. Blinn is .so accomplished an actor that comment on his ability 7 would be out of place. Sufli cient it is to say that there is no screen actor that can be called to mind at this moment who could give a finer interpretation of the role than lijinn. Charles A. Sellon, in the role of “Uncle Henry,” was also a member of the original stage cast, and the same praise goes for him, too. * * *• * Wesley Barry is undoubtedly a favourite amongst Royalty. Recently tho Prince of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of York, paid a visit to tho New Gallery Cinema in London to seo Barry in “The Printer’s Devil.” This is a pleasing evidence of the Prince oi Wales’ genuine interest in photoplays 'Their Royal Highnesses expressed tlieii appreciation of this Master picture, to the theatre manager. The next Mastoi picture featuring Barr.v to be * * * * Picturegocrs are to be entertained by the third series of the famous “Lcathci Pushers.” The popular Reginald Denny is still the handsome hard fighting young man, whilst his manager is the same smiling person that Fullerites hold in favour. * * * « Tho longest and most thrilling adventure of Sherlock Holmes, “Tho Hound of the Baskervillo’s,” has been screened by (he Stoll Film Company, a British concern. « « # tf Among the character studios of sove--itl decades, none stands out more picturesquely limit that of “Beau Brttnimel” famous I'nshionplute wit and dilettante of the eight eon I h century. Richard Mansfield first.introduced this chartteler on the stage. and now John Barrymore Ims brought it to the screen .in tliu great Master picture.