The Washington times., 1922-01-09
METROPOLITAN
'aThe Invisible Fear"

Six offerings Of distinguished merit
comprise the elaborate program Of
photoplay and musical features at
Crandall's Metropolitan Theater this
week. Anita Stewart has never had
30 sumptuously mounted or 30 tensely
Interesting Q vehicle as her new at
traction, 1.-THE Invisible Fear" Ben
Turpin is consistently grotesque and
unfailingly funny as star Of Mack
Sennett's new two-reel comedy.
Bright Eyes, the Sunset Burrud
natural color study Of the scenic
masnificence Of the Tar West. 'The
Ranger" IL amplified In charm by
the exquisite orch estral accompani-
msnt for which N. Mirskey, conductor
Of the Metropolitan Symphony. has
chosen the superb tone poem of the
second movement Of II. Hadiey's
"Angelus" symphony, one Of the
greatest of American compositions;
Ernest Harrison achieves a tremen-
dous personal hit in his piano rendi-
ton Of Rachmaninoffs Prelude, G
Minor" offered in miniature recital
as an added attraction. and the new
Of the Day" round out an exceptional
bill that In completed by the sym
phony's splendid execution of the
brilliant Lucia" fantasia chosen by
Mr.. Mirskey as the weeks special con-
cert number.
1.-THE Invisible Fear" visualizes the
narrowing experiences and the charm
ing romance In the life of Sylvia
Langdon, beautiful young woman,
who marries the man of her choice
harrassed by the secret belief that she
has been the cause Of the death OF q
rival sutton, supposed to have burned
to death In a lonely hunting lodge
after having been heroically repulsed
and seriously injured upon becoming
too ardent in his protestations to the
betrothed of another.
An atmosphere Of mystery and
strong element Of suspense are sup
piled by the sudden temperance of
Arthur Comstock during q birthday
party In honor of Sylvia and by his
strange ability to make the girl his
easy accomplice In the furtherance of
q sinister scheme interrupted by the
episode in the lonely cabin. Not until
the concluding climax Of the drama
10 reached II II made clear in what
manner Comstock survived what
seemed plainly to be his tragic demise.
II would be futile to attempt to de-
cctioo the pooisahty Win Wnicn tnis
picture has been produced. It's ma
terial investiture while never over
stepping the bounds of good taste
esestablished new standards of rich
ness and elegance. Miss Stewards
portrayal of the central character in
the story Ia quite as artistic as the
purely visual aspects of the feature
represented by the exquisite settings.
The photography, too, is extraordi-
narily effective as are the contribu-
tory delIneations contributed to the
splendid ensemble by Walter McGrail,
Alan Forrest. Estelle Evans, George
Kuwa- the willy Oriental who finally
furnishes the key to the mystery
and the villainy Of the Comstock
schemes, and a host of others who
lend Wvacity and forcefulness to en-.
crossing pastimes of the rich, includ.
ing thrilling cross-country paper
chase.
Bright Eyes" the Turpin comedy,
utilizes It's stars face as plot. Mr.
Turpin Is cast In the laughable role
OF q western oil magnate who seeks
the hand OF an Eastern heiress, but
iinally contents himself by marrying
the kitchen maid in her home. A
TRICK golf game Is introduced while
Luke Larson 10 paying suit to the
heiress and she is endeavoring to get
used to his face. There are also
numerous other absurd episodes par.
uclpated In by Phyllis Haver, Harriet
hammond. Billy Bevan, and many
others Of the Sennett Comedians and
famous beauties.
MI. Harrison's rendition of the
Rachmaninoff &c Minor Prelude"
marks him as an artist of finished
technique. brilliant tone production
ana Keen interpretative sense. HIS
reception by yesterdays overflow
crowds was characterized by a warmth
tnat suggested the ACCESSIBILITY Of
aad'ng on" or more encore numbers TO
ms snort program. Equally enthusi.
as.ic Were the expressions Of appre-
n OF the fn'omparably sweet
Angelus" music played by the muted
orchestra. 'u'e"