The Washington times., 1915-04-19
THE BEST
Photopldy Department in
WASHINGTON
Production Of "The
Niger" Is A Big
EOent In Local
Film History.

While there might be a difference
of opinion as to the advisability of
making a picture from a story that
has aroused controversy or is call
culated TO arouse controversy of IL
political, racial. or religious sort.
there can be no question but that the
production given most pictures of
such character usually eXcels the
work IN the ordinary photoplay.
Just as David w. Griffith has
marked an epoch in phOtoplay his
tory with his presentation of THE
Birth Of the Nation" so the Fox
Film Company lays valid claim to
unusual tcchniuuc and scenic in
tvestiture In the production of The
New Governor" as the film drama
made from Edward Shcldon's play,
The Niger, is called. This play
is to be produced at Crandalrs the
first four days of this week. 1t was
shown at the Hippodromc in New
York and attracted widespread at
tention.
Ono of the best descriptions of the
film is that of George d: Proctor,
In the Motion Picture News. Mr..
Proctor writes:
This feature, whether it is called
'Thc Niger" or "Thc New Cover
nor" makes no particular difference.
deals with two large and elemental
problems, the race question and the
liquor question, chiefly the race
question. The element of politics
also enters into the story.
There YOU have it all These two
problems exist. and that they are
not romantic is about all that can be
said against them. But they furnish
strong food for n story and the plot
of The Niggcr" is strong one.
In nj lty
lam Farnum in his usual distinguish
ed manner, is the central figure.
Though he does not know it till the
exposure by Il political enemy. negro
blood flows in his veins. In fact he
il the son of an oCtoroon Changeling,
the house Of Morrow died in baby
hood. only jimmy, tn" old Colored
aunt. knew Of tho substitution.
"Phil, when sheriff, tried in vain
to save for legal trial negro hunted
TOR assault. At this stirring TIM;
the clue. later seized by Phil's
enemy. When Ihil, at the solicita-
tton of his sweetheart, entered poll
ties ne became governor. AS COVER
nor he reused the ire o. the power
which elevated him. Then CAM the
exposure. PhiI's renunciltiOn of his
sweetheart and his return to help
his own people
Many spectacular scenes and
much fine acting is seen. The chief
parts of the story. as it is handled.
~" the substitution Of the baby. the
hunt of the criminal negro. Phil
Camp'is;n, WhiSkey riots. tho calling
ont Of the militia. Real militiamcn
arc called out and the biz scenes ave
satisfactory in every way, including
the pursuit of tn" negro and those
showing the campaign crowds and
excitement.
''Outside of Farnum the most con-
spcuous are Edna Whistler. VINO
plays the colored grandmother OF
Philip: Gertrude Clemens. who
plays Aunt jimmy; William W. Cri-
mans. as Phils enemy; and Henry
Armetta, tho hunted negro. Claire
Whitney plays PhiIs sweetheart.
This picture. when first assem-
hled, contained several close-cut
views, aCcCntuating the stronger
parts of the film. These and several
other scenes have been removed at
the request of the National Board
of Censors. AS 1t stands in its
present form. in which shape it
will BE- presented to the public, It
bears the stamp. Passed by the Ma
tional Board of Censors. True. the
story is strong rather than senti-
mental, but that's all"