The Indianapolis times., 1924-08-25


by her character work in Secrets"
leaves no room for argument as to
the most commanding dramatic
actress on the silver screen. This
vehicle is Of such a character that
it permits Miss Talmadge to become
national institution. She has
powerful mother role in Secrets"
By the use of the fisshback she is
seen as a young wife of a man
when the West was really the West
in this country. We see her as the
mother Of a growing family in 1870.
Then she becomes a tragic but sweet
character in the late SOS. Then we
find and leave her as the sweet and
lovely aged mother and lover near
the end Of her journey of life.
A New Title
Mary Pickford may still retain the
title Of the Nations Sweetheart" "
but Miss Talmadge becomes more
than that-she is the Nations best
character film actress. I am sure
that as the influence of Secrets" is
felt that there will be no general
controversy upon this point
Miss Talmadge really plays six or
seven different characters although
it is just the same character. The
impression for this is arrived at by
the fact that she plays the leading
character at various ages.
It requires consumate artistry for
a woman the age of Miss Talmadge
to make up as a mother endowed
with the right Of being considered a
grandmother. She has given the
screen an aged mother characterize
ton which rings true every second.
Then the flashback makes her
girl just in her teens. She ages
right before your very eyes.
The really fine dramatic moment
of the play comes when Miss Tai
madge as Mary Carlton faces the
mistress Of her husband. The sit
uation is not cheap. Mary Carlton
knows that her husband still loves
her although he has been unfaithful.
She fights as only an honest woman
may fight. And she wins.
It is seldom that a dramatic scene
is so well projected as you find it in
Secrets" It is intimate drama done
in the best style Of the screen.
Concerning O'Brien
To make Secrets" the big fine
success that ii really is. the director
decided that the leading male player
opposite Miss Talmadge must also be
big artist. The man must age
and in the flashbacks he must be
youth itself. Eugene O'Brien was
selected to play the role Of John
Carlton. Here is more careful and
splendid character work.
Must mention the highly colored
work OF Gertrude Astor as the wom-
an who attempts "steal" husband.
Fine work although it is an un-
sympathetic role.
The cast is so important that l
give it in full:
Mary Carlton .... Norma Talmadge
John Carlton -.-.......- Eugene oBrien
Slsan ......-....- ..... patterson Dial
Elizabeth Canning ..... Claire Mcdowell
Mrs. Manwarring ........ Gertrude Astor
John Carlton. Francis Feeney and George
Cowl
Blanche Carlton ............A Alice Day
Boo .......---. .--....... -Ha arVey Clark
Ut. McOoVern .--........-. -Charles Ogle
Wllham N arlowe -----.- George Nlchols
Robert Carlton ...-..-..... Frank Elliot
Audrey Carlton May Giracy and Clarissa
Selwvnne
Dr.. Arbutnot .........W Winter Hall
boDert carton .....-..- W lnston Miller
Lady Lesslngton .--.-.... Florence Wtx
Secrets" is the sweetest story of
the home that 1 have ever seen
filmed and easily the best acted.
You will find Secrets" with Nor
ma Talmadge at the Circle this
week. This theater is celebrating its
eighth anniversary.
Constantine Bakaleinikoff and the
Circle Theater Symphony Orchestra
have been in vacation for several
months. They remake their appear
ance this week in a splendid pro-
gram. This director and orchestra
are welcomed back.
The Circle is presenting a splendid
ly satisfying bill this week.