The Union daily times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1918-current, 1922-03-25
D. w. Griffith Proves
He is a Real Genius

Genuine students Of the motion pic
ture and its future are from tima tC
time expressing doubts as TO its exac
province and many hold to the opin ion
that IN its present transitory state tn.
destiny of the cinema art is yet to be
defined. Directors and producers ar,
blamed by some FOR specializing in III,
new field, for making too much of the
entertainment feature, dwelling al 70,
much length on the spectacular, over
reaching the bounds Of the character
lzation and bringing forth in eXces
sire measure the pathetic. In his lat
est and greatest screen production
"Woy Down East" to be seen for the
first time in this city at the Rialt,
Theatre, beginning Tuesday for a rnr
of two days, d. w. Griffith has agai.
show his genius by avoiding any set
form, with the result that he has con
virccd them all in what amounts to
p"&cti ally n departure in the art.
hr. Griffith has overlooked nothing.
Rathc' he has made Of his screen a
mirror 60 re1cct life in ali its moods.
This unusual presentation, made from
sterling stage drama, has given tn,
wizard of the film great rein for his
vision and imagination. That he has
made the most of all these opportuni
ties is readily apparent to any stu
dent who witnesses a presentation of
"Way Down Fast" With rollickine
comedy types and scenes to work with
chance to contrast pastoral sim
piicity with city luxury and finally
in great climax of stirring scenes
amid swirling blizzard and crashing
ice foes it may be easily realized wha'
scope has been offered to him. How
ever. the pinnacle Of Griffth's art IN
This wondrous perturbation lies prob
ably III greatest strength wherein h."
takes the love story Of Anna Moore
odds 20 its charm and appeal ard :hus
Fares the truths Of woman's soul in
manner that has never before been
reached by paker of film and drama
This master of the film has not 9evi-
at'd from the compelling story of
heart interest Is originally set forth
by I.ot;;e Blair Parker and Joseph r
GrtSmcr. He has maintained it al! t.,
every Jot and little, but at the sam,
time has enlarged it to compelling
heights. Enlargement of spectacular
effect and elaboration of scenic ap-
peal in construction, but the broaden
ne OF an appeal and the widening of
= dramatic epic is genius in art. This
viviiicd Anna Moore Of the screen
sings an inspiration and Il hone into
the hearts Of all who follow her
through her struggles and trials in the
unfolding Of the tale. Thus Griffith
not satisfied with elaboration of the
scenes alone Of this great play, has
elaborated the theme. This accounts
for the fact that in New York, Phil
"dclpEin. Boston, San Francisco and
0thcr large cities where the picturiza.
ton is being shown the throngs that
daily attend its presentations are linz
tied only by the capacity Of the the
atrns.
EiSkir" no NJ snap or failure in the
:nSerprrttioa cf his art, Mr.. Griffith
assembled in tho making Of the pic
'ure notable array Of talented play
tra including Lillian Gish, Richard
3athelmcss. level Sherman, Burr
Mcintosh, Mary Hay. Kate Bruce
Creighton Hale, Mrs. Morgan Bel.
mont, EdGar Nelson, George Neville,
Vivia Ogden, Florence Short, Mrs.
David Landau, Josephine Bernard,
Emily Fitzroy, Patricia Frucn, Porter
Strong, Myrtle Sutch and host Of
"ther5.