The New Pictures

The Eternal Struggle. Oldsters will recall the day when Earle Williams was one of the major idols of the cinema, Earle rather dropped from prominence. Here, then, is he back again. Playing the Royal Northwest Mounted Policeman in scarlet coat and honor of pure white, he makes what is dubiously known among movie fans as a "romantic figure." Royal Northwesterners have by this time become just a trifle stereotyped. The first sentence in the Scenario Writer's Primer reads: " The Northwest Mounted Policeman always gets his man."

The Fighting Blade. Richard Barthelmess appears a trifle more romantic than ever in round helmet and shiny breastplate--a Roundhead Captain in the forces of Oliver Cromwell. Divesting himself of these friendly ferries, he enters the enemy stronghold at Staversham as a spy. Spying he is spied upon, detected, made prisoner. There follows a hideously tiresome torture scene--the only blemish of the production. Finally the lovely heroine files his fetters and he escapes via the water route beneath the castle walls.

Many and many a year ago was this plot skeleton first set up for celluloid decoration. Despite its age, Barthelmess makes it dance with more than its share of youthful agility. His own part is set squarely in a favorite groove. His supporters (particularly Dorothy Mackaill) know well and perform capably their various businesses.