The Washington herald., 1918-08-18

Twelve years ago when David
Wark Griffith presented a dreary
drama Of his own authorship under
the title OF "a Fool and a Giri." in
the Columbia Theater, with Fannie
Ward in the stellar role, 1t was not
at all apparent that he was destined
to become the foremost director OF
Cinematographic entertainment in the
world. His activities since that luck
less venture, which resulted in his
affiliation with the old Biograph Com
pany. have blazed the way of prog
ress for the motion picture.
The first innovation introduced by
this wizard of the camera was the
utilization OF the closeup and the
cut-back. two devices that have done
more to bring a likelife quality to the
silent drama than any other tricks
since originated. subsequently MT.
Griffith startled the theatergoing pub
lie by announcing that he had COM
pleted a picture so gigantic and 50
vivid in its depletion of a crucial
period In the history of the nation
that 1t might be viewed only at a
scale Of prices ranging up to 81. His
next Gargantuan endeavor was stag
gering in its magnitude. despite the
fact that Intolerance" by reason of
a scattered story, was not the popular
success of its predecessor. Far from
discouraged, Mr.. Griffith went to
Europe. where the war was raging,
to flm there scenes which his asso-
ciates in the industry were trying to
Simulate on this side OF the Atlantic
by feeble reproductions of the blood
drenched trenches of France. The
utilization of the genuine setting, in
stead of a makeshift, was typical of
the Griffith idea of how things may
best be done.
1t has remained. however. in spite
Of all his previous departures from
convention. for THE Great Love-.
his latest picture. to disclose the
whole power of the premier direc-
tors genius for producing effects Of
actuality. In this gripping war-sub-
ject Mr.. Griffith not only has EN-
rloyed a cast of superlative merit.
including Henry B. Walthall, Bob
bic Haeron, Lillian Gish. George
Slegmann. George Fawcett and many
other stars. but he has also sue
ceeded in Incorporating into the Iogi-
cal development Of his semi-fictional
story scenes participated in by Queen
Alexandra. Lady Drogheda, Lady
Diana Manners, the Princess of Mon
AGO and many other members of
the British court circle. This pic
ture will be shown at the Strand
next week.
Richard Carle. the famous come
dian-star of "Furs and Frills," at
the New National Theater this week.
SAYS that soldiers make critical audi
snces. No one should know better
than he. for Mr.. CarIe passed the
summer months presenting ''Furs and
! FriIls" over the entire circuit of
Liberty theaters. playing to an aver
age Of 1000 nightly.
Speaking OF his work before the SOL
tisrs. Mr.. Carrie said: II have had
\ long career playing before all sorts
Of audiences in all sorts Of places,
but I must give the palm for being
critical TO the soldier boys. II Is
impossible to put over any old stuff
On them. They want the best and
will patTonize only the best musical
Ihows.
But they make good audiences. for
hey know what they want and there
. great satisfaction in playing to
tudfenceS VINO KNOW what they want
md who appreciate it when they get
4. And certainly no one can accuse
he soldiers Of any lukewarUness in
heir reception OF anything which
'eally does appeal to them"
II Is interesting to note, In this co.,
iection. that Richard Carle vas TIE
lrst American star to offer his service
.or the entertainment of the soIdiers
n camp. He played the entire circuit,
'Furs and Frills," receiving 4 most
sordial reception everywhere and the
work Of Mr.. Carrie making an especial
ait with the boys.
There are few .areers in the Amer-
can theater that parallel that of Alice
Brady. Miss Brady Is today the pos