White Tiger (1923)

"WHITE TIGER" -- [Class A-c] 90%
(Adapted from story of same name)

Story: -- Adventures of Three International Crooks in England and America

VALUE
Photography -- Excellent -- William Fildew.
TYPE OF PICTURE—Sensational—Humorous.
Moral Standard Fair.

Story -- Excellent -- Melodrama -- Adults.
Star -- Excellent -- Priscilla Dean.
Author -- Excellent Tod Browning
Direction -- Excellent -- Tod Browning
Adaptation -- Excellent -- Tod Browning and Charles Kenyon.
Technique -- Excellent.
Spiritual Influence -- Neutral.
Producer -- Universal.
Footage -- 7,700 ft.
Distributor—Universal

CAST

December 15 to 31, 1923.

Our Opinion

MORAL O' THE PICTURE -- None

Fascinating melodrama, Capably Directed and Edited -- Small But Excellent Cast

Humorous melodrama if capably produced never fails to please, and of this type is the latest Priscilla Dean special,"White Tiger," in which Miss Dean is supported by an astonishingly small, but talented and well-selected cast. The fact that the story is written and directed by the same person no doubt has much to do with the consistency and smoothness of action which, together with a certain humorous angle from which the characters view their various adventures, gives the production a fascinating quality that will keep an audience in good humor. Wallace Beery's portrayal of Hawks, and international crook, (Continued on next page)

is masterly. Ray Griffith and matt Moore are also excellent in their respective roles, and no one could fill more convincingly the role of Sylvia Donovan then Priscilla Dean. She has the fearless personality that is demanded of the role. In short, "White Tiger" is a remarkable psychological story. Things happen fast and furious. the attention is momentarily called to some new and absorbing situations, and we feel quite sure that "White Tiger" will prove on of the best box office attractions of the season. It is suitable for a special at usual prices.

STORY OF THE PLAY

Sylvia Donovan and her brother Roy, separated in childhood by the death of their father at the hands of the police, finally become members of a gang of three international crooks, the remaining one being Hawkes, the indirect cause of their father's undoing, but known to them as "Count" Donelli, who poses as Sylvia's father. Roy, unaware that Sylvia is his sister, admires her, while he secretly suspects the Hawkes and Donelli are one and the same man. On their arrival in America, where they mean to make a clean-up, Sylvia becomes interested in Dick Longworth, a young man who brings them in touch with the social element of New York City,where they succeed in stealing some jewels. When the police become suspicious they make a get-away to Longworth's cabin in the Catskills, to which they have been previously introduced by its owner. Here they are surrounded by the police, who have been tipped of by Longworth, who proves to be a detective. Hawkes makes his escape, but is later found dead in the woods. Sylvia becomes Longworth's wife.

PROGRAM COPY -- "White Tiger" -- Featuring Priscilla Dean

The most fascinating melodrama of the season introduces adventures that will hold you riveted to your chair, and comedy that will keep a laugh on your lips. Priscilla Dean, Wallace Beery, Ray Griffith and Matt Moore are the interesting case playing the picture.

-- Screen Opinions, December 15, 1923, pp. 109-110

"What the Picture Did For Me"

White Tiger, with Priscilla Dean. -- while perhaps not just the type of picture the majority of your patrons prefer, the fine acting of the leads put it in the good picture class. Seven Reels. -- Guy S. Abbott, Hamline theatre, Estelline, S. D. -- Small town patronage.

The White Tiger, with Priscilla Dean. -- "Drifting," "Storm Daughter" and "The White Tiger," all three are of teh very ordinary program type of picture and about two reels too much footage. Universal evidently had a grudge at Dean when they cast her in these last three pictures. Ran "Drifting" first, which killed the business for the other two. Seven reels. -- C. H. Bills, Opera House, Lenora, Kan. -- Small town patronage.

-- Exhibitor's Herald, November 1, 1924, p. 79

STRAIGHT from the SHOULDER REPORTS

WHITE TIGER, (7177 feet). Star, Priscilla Dean. A program picture that failed to please. Miss Dean no longer creates any stir at my box office. Her screen appearance is usually the opportunity for a nice uninterrupged nap for the ticket seller. Miss Dean is attractive and talented, but my patrons just can's see her. "White Tiger" is just another crook story with Miss Dean in an unsympathetic role. Sunday no, Special no. Guy C. Sawyer, Town Hall Theatre, Chester, Vermont

WHITE TIGER, (7177 feet). Star, Priscilla Dean. Came near paying for this one and not playing it. Thought it too old. Seven reels of good stuff. A little old but good print. Bought it right and made a little money. One hundred per cent., audience appeal. Sunday, no. Special, no. George Marlow, Washington Theatre (289 seats), Atoka, Oklahoma.

-- Moving Picture World, June 13, 1925, p. 783

A Study in Crooks Is This Universal Film
"WHITE TIGER,"Universal production, starring Priscilla Dean. Written and directed by Tod Browning. Length 7,177 feet.

Priscilla Dean and her supporting players, Ray Griffith, Wallace Beery and Matt Moore, score in this unusually well planned and well executed crook melodrama. It starts with a rush and the situation at the hunting lodge is unique and holds one in suspense as to the final outcome. It is a play well suited to Miss Dean's talents and she makes the most of the part assigned her.

The story moves along smoothly from the opening scenes, which are in London, in the shadow of Scotland Yards. In sets and atmosphere it is correct, and no expense has been spared to put in the little details that make for a good production. The business with the automatic chess player, which the crooks use to secure entree to the fashionable homes where they can rob without detection, is a clever and convincing bit. Beery was good as the ring leader, Hawkes, later known as Count Donelli, and Raymond Griffith excellent as Sylvia's brother, Roy Donovan.

Wherever stifling melodrama is appreciated "White Tiger" should go over big. It is one of the best crook dramas Universal has ever made.

The story revolves around Sylvia Donovan and her brother Roy, who comes to America with Count Donelli with an automatic chess player to steal from the wealthy. Sylvia meets and falls in love with Dick Longworth, a wealthy youth. A home, which they have entered and robbed by means of smuggling Roy into the house concealed in the chess player, is surrounded by police when the robbery is discovered, and they flee to the Catskills and hide in Longworth's summer home. Longworth comes to the cottage and is held prisoner. The trio suspect each other of trying to poison them and spend sleepless nights watching each other. Finally it is disclosed that Roy and Sylvia are really brother and sister and they turn on Donelli. Longworth, who proves to be a detective, persuades Sylvia to return the jewels and thereupon she gives up the business of lady pickpocket and marries the detective.

The Cast: Sylvia Donovan, Priscilla Dean; Dick Longworth, Matt Moore, Roy Donovan, Ray Griffith; Hawkes, Wallace Beery.

-- Exhibitor's Herald, December 15, 1923, p. 30

More Information on this Film

This work (White Tiger (1923), by Universal), identified by Bruce Calvert, is free of known copyright restrictions.

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