World Film Corporation Releasing a Strong Portrayal of the Famous Old Story

  THE World Film Corporation released on August 10 a five-part adaptation of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," the book that if it did not make history powerfully contributed to the making of it. As to the stage interpretation of Mrs. Stowe's work few communities have have been too small to have had their periodic visits from Uncle Tom troupes—no play in the last half century has reached more remote parts of the country. It is fitting that we should have a screen portrayal that treats this famous story seriously, one which reflects the atmosphere of the South and the spirit of the author of the book.

  The picture was produced by Bob (William Robert) Daly, under the general management of J. V. Ritchey. Mr. Daly has chosen to follow the book rather than the stage version. He has shown good judgment in his presentation; fine discrimination in depicting pathos so that it never verges on bathos—and this all the more notable by reason of the fact that of necessity he was using many colored players, a majority of whom, it is fair to assume, had had no camera experience. He was particularly happy in his selection of Uncle Tom. This character was portrayed by Sam Lucas, the seventy-two-year old negro who has for years taken the part on the legitimate stage and who also has had training before the lens. Lucas is the center of interest throughout the picture. His work is dignified and displays a grasp of dramatic values.

  Marie Eline, long known on the screen as the "Thanhouser Kid," has the part of Little Eva. No odds need be asked on account of her childhood. Her characterization of the happy little daughter of the St. Clairs is charming, her portrayal of the decline and death is worthy of an adult. Topsy, that famous child of nature who "just growed," is renewed to us by Boots Wall, who finely depicts the colored girl with the "acquiring" habits. Irving Cummings and Teresa Michelena in the roles of George Harris and Eliza provide the dramatic interest in the earlier part of the picture. Simon Legree is played by Roy Applegate. Paul Scardon is Mr. Hanley, the slave dealer. The cast, numbering twenty-four, is good throughout.

  It is no stage ice on which Eliza crosses the river. The real article is present in abundance. In the scene where Little Eva falls overboard from the stern-wheel steamer and Uncle Tom jumps to the rescue there may be some inclined to criticize the detail of the action as registered by the camera. It seems that Uncle Tom could not swim and that Little Eva could, in spite of the story, and that the child was compelled to do what she could to support the old man until the cameraman jumped in and straightened matters out. Another case of truth being stranger than fiction.

  We are told that the picture has been booked far ahead in New York, which would indicate that those exhibitors who have had a chance to see it liked it. That's the whole story after all.