Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1914-09-28
War Flashes
~ Richard Neili.

BY Richard Neili.
In my last note. when l said my
earliest recollections OF war dated
back to the twelfth century. l had
forgotten | was with Leonidas, the
Spartan king, when he defended the
Pass of Thermopylae against Aerxes,
king of the Persians. This was about
4S0 years B. G. 1t was very much
like the Germans against the Belgians
at Liege. The Greeks and their allies
numbered about 10000, while Persians
numbered from 100000 to 100000
However, VEL say we, because |
was one of the commander, Artiades,
q Greek of the classical type. | spent
lot of time picking out the best
toga, helmet and sandals Indeed, I
went to the extreme of curling my
hair, If l remember rightly. II was "A
wonderful battle, and we held the
Persians in check for hours; but some
Greek traitor betrayed US, and
showed the Persians a pass over the
hills, and they attacked US in the
rear. At the onslaught we retreated,
but with dignity Ii was wonderful
and most spectacular battle, and
certainly felt proud of myself as Ar
tiades, the handsome. Greek warrior
of the classical type, and the deeds of
valor ] performed on that occasion.
One feat was taking batch of Celtic
prisoners They were a lot of jovial
dogs but they caused me an inn
mense amount of trouble by persist
ing In trying TO shake my hand and
telling me how glad they were to
'see one Irish face among all them
Creeks This picture had great
sale in ireland.
For real out and out itghting
sincere serapping. undiuted warfare
the neighborhood OF Broadway and
Forty-fourth street. Now York. Is
Just about bubbling over with 1t.
And, If you want to gain some idea
about real lighting just wait until
Captain Alvarez comes TO town.
For. in that picture you will see more
conflicts than perfectly respectable
nation could afford to wage during its
entire history. There are battles
skirmishes. fights, duels-with pistols
and knives--a lot of ambushing, at
tacks. thrilling escapes, daring, dizzy
charges OF cavalry--in fact. all the
war that any one could possibly hope
to see in such limited time as two
hours and a half, without getting
shot himself
But it's worth anybody'a journey to
the movies to see Captain Alvarez,
who in every deed and action upholds
the reputation of the American for
his daring, and the reputable film
company for which he does all those
remarkable things that he does do
filmistically.
The Vitagraph Company OF America
has more than acquitted itself in the
manner in which ii has produced
Captain Alvarez"
Captain Alvarez Is q romantic
drama in six parts from the versatile
pen OF II. S. Sheldon. who needs ne
Introduction to any audience, and was
picturized by Marguerite Bertsch. 1t
is the first big feature produced by
the Western company of the Vita
graph, and the pictures were taken
at Santa Monica, Cal, where the
climate and scenery were perfect for
the representation of the country in
Argentina where the story of the
play is laid.
The cast suits the tale. Those who
admire Edith Storys acting will
never see her to better advantage
than she Is seen as Bonita, the niece
of President Rosas's foreign minister
Her acting is especially strong, and
she is the same ardent lover, fippant
ana lnCOnSlBLtDL BWtbLiltttIt rs SIie IL
in most Of her roles. But there Is no
doubt about her being a great actress,
and she shows II in every movement
and gesture.
In William d. Taylor. who is seen
as Robert w. Wainwright, who 10
later given the name of Captain AL
verez by his Argentine sweetheart,
Miss Story has excellent support. Mr.
Taylor Is not very well known east of
tho Mississippi. Although he has been
from time to time on the screen this
is the first real big production in
which he has been featured, and un-
less some great calamity befalls him
1t is safe to predict that he will be
seen more frequently In the future.
At any rate, his work In this play as
the daring, dashing, devilish, defeat
ing soldier Of fortune, who leaves the
"States'' and seeks fame, fortune and
wife I'm the South American repub-
lie, is gripping from the very begin
ming, and one was Inclined 10 grip
the arm of the seat every time he
appeared in the picture, for 1t was al
WAYS a question OF what daring piece
of work he would do next. As
horseman the brave Captain Alverez
was no amateur, and the manner IN
which he handled his fiery steed tes-
tilted only too We'll tnat Wifiihhi lay
lor is not a native Of Manhattan, and
at the same time no stranger TO the
plains. His reckless riding made the
tips of our hair curl right up and
snap. and once we thought our breath
had been completely turned off as we
saw him speed across a fiimsy bridge
/ 900 feet above ravine, which bridge
was Just wide enough for a horse to
cross on. Naturally he left the enemy
far behind.