South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-09-22


med John Marvin are trying to
swindle Mrs. Jones out of the hotel
property. because on the grounds
IS a w.sterfall at which they wish 10
build a power house. The chief
crook is a suave lawyer. whose
modus operandi is TO make love 70
Mrs. Jones foster daughter. while
pulling the wool over the mothers
eyes about the property.
John Marvin comes into the pic
tUre just in time 70 spoil the plans
of the Lane grabbers by getting
.'Iightnin' TO refuse TO sign the
sales papers. The cOnspirators try 10
have John arrested for stealing his
own timber, but he foils the eager
sheriff by the simple eXpedient of
stepping over TO the California side
of the hotel office MIR. Thomas, the
smooth lawyer. succeeds in dis
crediting John and persuades Mrs.
Jones that il is her duty 70 divorce
"Lightnin' " so that she can sell out
for a fortune and end her days in
comfort ThereupOn 'Lightnin
disappears.
The next scene reveals the su-
perior court at Reno, which really
isn't so darn superior. as the fellow
said about the shaggy dog. (NOte-
Shaggy dog story viii be mailed on
application to editOr) The judge.
a former guest at the Calivada ho-
tel. is very much in love with one Of
the applicants for a divorce and
naturally can't be annoyed 70 any
great extent by the other matters up
for decision.
BY "A conveniently arranged coin
cfdence the divorce case of Jones
vs.. Jones and the timber stealing
case against John Marvin are on the
same days call. The saturnine
sheriff. aware that he cannot arrest
John inside the court room, lies in
wait outside. and John comes in
through the window.
"Idghtnin' also appears, dress
ed in his G.. a. r. uniform, and re-
veals that he is living at a soldiers
home.
The case OF Jones vs. Jones IS be-
ing handled foe Mrs. Jones by
LAWYER Thomas. II is plain 20 see
want TO go through with Il but
what Is a happy home 10 a power
corporation?
Just as everything seems bluest
for the Jones family, with Light
min pusSyfOoung snamefaCejly
about the court room and Mrs
Jones slumped down in her chair.
looking as gloomy as a vegetarian's
dog, there comes a ray OF sunshine.
The would-be divorcee, who has
intrigued the affections OF the Reno
Judge. comes in weeping because her
attorney is 81. she IS afraid the de
vorce won't be granted. This is the
cue for Mr.. Thomas 20 volunteer his
services. The judge is somewh hat
Jealous Of Mt Thomas. Does IL look
as II any subsequent actions in
which Thomas appears will be de
cided in his favor? You have guess
ed It The answer IN mo-"
And this is the way IL turns out.
Mrs Jones plea is granted wher
she cries. "Oh judge, don't give me
a divorce II you can help it,
"Lightnin gets a new suit OF
clothes and swears of on the booze
with reservations.
John gets his land back and wins
the Jones foster daughter
Mr. Thomas and his fellow plot
tiers barely escape jail
And everybody is satisfied.
The cast which presents Light
min" is excellent throughout Frank
Bacon is indescribably funny a:
81 t-rfr{uf and the greatest charm
OF his acting is that il IS not actinl
az all To Is merely the presentation
OF a type familiar 90 all American.
who have ever lived BE "a small town
Ralph Morsan. ass John Marvin
and Paul stanton, as Raymond
Thomas. give O. presentation OF lesa
animosity iu the court room seen,
which is reminiscent OF the palm.
days OF the Chicago justice shops.