One picture seen during the month we consider unworthy enough to be
given a review outside of our regular “Boosts and Boots” department.
This doubtful compliment goes to Realart’s offering “A Dark Lantern” in
which the ever thinning, now far from beautiful Alice Brady is starred.
When we thankfully saw the final fade-out, one expression rose to our
tired mind “A heterogeneous mass of nothing.” That is about all we got
out of this so-called feature.
Occasionally we wonder at the almost unlimited patience possessed by a
forgiving public, which will permit big manufacturing companies to foist
a mass of celluloid such as this time and time again, upon them through
the exhibitor.
Jumpy to a farcical point in its continuity, with a story chiefly
notable by its absence, and with a star in Alice Brady, who may well be
regarded as a “has-been” if this effort is the best she can offer, “A
Dark Lantern” is really pitiable as a modern day picture.
Alice has apparently adopted the “grab it all for the family” policy,
for friend husband James L. Crane is found in the cast. One reviewer
most aptly describes his work in saying “his face reveals scant trace of
emotion in any scene.” Rather doll-like, as it were. And pray tell, what
else could be expected of Jimsey?
Elephanitis of the bean, to put it inelegantly, is liable to result
fatally for Alice, so far as her artistic career is concerned.