Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1920-02-17
THE WILLOW TREE"
MAKES ARTISTIC BOW
Stanley Has Beautiful Japanese
legend-Elsie Janis in
New Film
sTANLEY-"The Willow Tree" with vjoi

STANLEY.--"1he Willow Tree" with Viola
ris6nS iis1,S' pSdtdrrS by II Benrimn and Har-
Metro play.
In this delightful story of japan there
is wealth of pictorial beauty and in
tercsting legend. although some of the
scenes might have been made Il trife
more artistic by the simple process OF
tintins. 1t is difficult to believe that
some of the scenes were not taken in the
land of the Nipponese. but they were all
MADE in a California studio where the
settings are to be permanent
Viola Dana is excellent in the difficult
role of the japanese girl and she gives
the part true Oriental touch. Peel
Trenton is the English youth. His role.
while not difficult, is well handled Ed
ward Connolly, recalled as "Rasputin. "
IS the japanese father of the girl. Frank
Tokunago is fine is the son.
\ wood carver makes statue of n
glrl who comes to life through the in
huence of magic mirror. The daughter
OF the maker takes the place of the
carved image, although the owner does
not know of the change for some time.
Credit for the artistic settings and
special effects belongs to NJ. p. Staul-
cup. With few exceptions, the story
follows that of the play. AS a fitting pre-
lude to the story. Coolies Il Prizma
natural color movie, is shown. It de-
pets Oriental laborers in all their va
ried work The pageant was especially
me Will, its soft colorings and shades.
A comedy His Royal Slyness' had
Harold Lloyd as star. The overture
was Madam Butterfly"
wck,. story ~ W. Somerset MauGhIn and
play.
Since Robert Warwick has returned
to the screen his roles have been of a
higher order than he had before enter
ing the army. In this he is appearing
IN a part which John Drew once acted.
warwick does the part with good eff
tect; Ihe plot has noblcman playing
IN the role. of iceman and waiter. Anus
ing complications enSuc.
Carroll McComas is the leading
woman and she fills her part with tell
ing effect, bringing to the screen new
personality which made itself felt at
once. In the acting of Sylvia Ashton
there is nothing lacking in the way of
faithful portrayal. j. NJ. Dumont again
comes forth with his usual good work.
kobrct Brewer and Charles Ogle have
important roles.
The picture has been artistically
staged and the directing of William c.
DeMille is excellent.
V1CToRIA-"should Woman Tell" with
Alice Lake. story by Finis Fox and di-
rected by John Ince. Metro play
Of course woman should tell and
SO should man if they want to be the
first ones to spread the fame of new
star. In Alice Lake is found a de-
lightful actress. and this play gives her
part for her first starring vehicle like
that Mary Pickford had in Tess"
a couple who live in fishing village
find it to their advantage to let their
daughter go with wealthy woman.
The nephew of this woman proves a
villain. The girl marries and in q short
time she meets her fishing village sweet
Eeart, from which tense dramatic situa-
tions develop. All ends we'll, although
the question of the title is left to future
spectators.
The night photography and the rescue
at sea are very effective. The director
has handled the delicate subject with
good taste. He has kept the action
moving at fairly rapid rate except in
the middle Of the story.
REGENT. AND sTRAND-"All-or-a-sud