The New Pictures

The Man Without a Country.

They say that there was considerable of a struggle in the breast of the producer before they decided to leave this title in its place. It didn't seem to suggest bootlegging, seduction, happiness or any of the few inevitables for which people are supposed to go to cinema. Leave it he did, however, and thereby displayed rare good sense. For the picture, based upon the poem, is a sincere and sensitive document. It depicts the long sea exile of the man who said: "Damn the United States." It is an illustration of one of the sagas of U. S. history, and it deserves a place in everyone's calendar.

Charley's Aunt is probably one of the most famous plays that was ever produced. For over 30 years, England has not been without at least one company performing its absurdities. As nearly everyone knows, it depicts the ridiculous consequences of an Oxford undergraduate's dressing up to impersonate an elderly chaperon. As played by Sydney Chaplin (Charlie's brother) the picture version is hearty broad farce. Exacting observers noted that much of it was old stuff; they noted also that the audience seemed steadily delighted.

Quo Vadis. Italy herewith put in a bid for cinema consideration. To assist their bid, they hired Emil Jannings, the most distinguished picture actor on the Continent, and used Rome for background. Jannings played Nero. Characteristically, his performance was intelligent and distinctive. He gave the Emperor a judicious mixture of viciousness and humor. Otherwise, the film was inconspicuous. There were a great many actors and a good deal of scenery, but the swift smoothness of Hollywood was lacking.

New Toys. Richard Barthelmess and Mary Hay, who cooperate as man and wife, extended their cooperation as hero and heroine of this entertainment and made it generally amusing. They play a newly-wedded pair, have a child, a quarrel or two and finally fall foul of the "other woman." The singular individuality of Miss Hay seems to grow with her experience; Mr. Barthelmess displayed a vein of comedy which most of his previous pictures have not tapped,