The New York herald., 1922-01-16
Hail the Woman
Thrilling Film of
'EastLynne Type
Melodramatic Picture Remark
ably Well Done With a Story
Filled With Pathos.

AN
III. Ince's production for First National
from n story by c. Grrdner Sullivan,
directed by John Griffith Wray ana
supervised by Incc.
Once more Theodore Roberts has an
opportunity to act a whiskered old bear
through nine-tenths OF a picture. and
then at the finish to have little child
brtstie. II must be getting 90 that
every time Roberts meets youngster
on the street he insensibly resolves to
lead better life. unless he happens TO
cross the road.
The movies arc quito obviously deter
mined to elevate womsn's position pcr-
hape because a majority OF the Aim fans
are women. This Is like another version
of Observation-Disclosures" much
rNorc synpatheticaily. naturally and
Il therefore appealingly done. and stripped
OF lightning, horses and crowds Of supers
who are trying to get accustomed to
wearing Roman helmets In hot weather.
Through actors like Charles Ray we
have grown familiar with rustic boys
less gently than the cows. Now 1t is
woman's turn to have her share OF mis-
cry down on the farm. The pathetic
daughter OF the odd Job man Is secretly
married TO tho son of New Hampshire
farmer, but keeps the marriage secret.
because the son is destined for the min
istry. and his adamantine father has
made for his creed, Men and their sons
first" Even when the girl is about to
become mother he will not change IL
to Women and children FIRST" The
weak willed son will not avow the mar
riage and the girl is driven forth to the
city 10 die In degradation, while Oliver
Beresford's daughter for her spunk in
rebuking her brothers cowardice. Is like
wise driven forth--into q successful
career as costume designer. with an
unobstructed view of Broadway at night
as one of the scenes show.
The unfolding of the awakening or the
old man and his son is sheer melodrama
and yet II 10 a version of East Lynne
SO gold plated one would swear II was
pure gold. Plays Of this type when well
done have always had tremendous ap-
peal with American audiences, and this
time the b'gosh drama has been revived
with a strong breath Of invigorating
fresh air about II. The situation whore
by the young minister's unrecognized
little son toddles UP to the pulpit and
wins acknowledgment from his father
before the whole village Is theatric and
familiar. being the sort of STUFF all good
Americans are brought up on. Yet 1t Is
remarkably well done, and the story is
buiii up with a sure effect OF patbos.
despite an occasional tendency TO lapse
from good. unhackneted directing.
The general gratefuiness one feels for
the picture IL increased by the stellar
cast, In which Miss Florence Vidor Is
not the least of the tribe. Her person
ality is quito unassuming, yet she Is
none the less star of the picture, and
the spiritual and winning quality about
her more than pretty face Is enhanced
by suggestion of q sorrowful glow be-
hind the eyes that compels the homage
of handkerchiefs from women. Besides
Oh. wondrous gift she knows when TO
stop registering.
AS the prosecuted little mother Miss
Madge Bellamy presents q stricken yet
winsome picture, and the manner Of her
dying Is not the least among her virtues.
Theodore Roberts Is his usual striking
self in a sort OF harsh John Ferguson
role, and yet he remains so human when
he grows tender at the end that his
character does not seem to do somer-
sault. Lloyd Hughes as the son. fully
Marshall as the brutal "odd jobs man"
Miss Gertrude Claire and Edward Mar
tindei are others In an exceptional cast
who know when the audience has had
enough.