The New Pictures

Little Annie Rooney. Mary Pickford, after several seasons as a great lady, has once more returned to short skirts and wistfulness of the type that made her famous. After competing with Pola Negri, Gloria Swanson and the rest for the honor of being America's fiancee, she returns to the role of America's sweetheart. She plays Policeman Rooney's daughter; throws tomatoes and has her bare knees scratched. Her best loved young man is nearly killed by a bullet and saved by a blood transfusion. Miss Pickford looks as young and lovely as ever. If you used to like her, you will surely like her still.

The Best People. Too many younger-generation pictures have come and gone, making money in the process, for one to complain viciously of this one. If you are of the people who have seen a flapper annoy her mother and finally marry the family chauffeur, or any of a dozen variations on the popular theme--if you have watched and liked it, you will approve The Best People.

Fine Clothes. Ferenc Molnar wrote the play from which this film was taken. It was here called Fashions for Men and later, when the public began to fall away, Passions for Men. It is the story of a humble shop clerk who lost his wife and his money, and finally got what he wanted. It makes a pretty good picture, particularly since it is played by Lewis Stone, Percy Marmont, Alma Rubens and Raymond Griffith.

Red Hot Tires. Monte Blue is a picture actor whose popularity a great many people have been at a loss to explain. Again it must be said that if you are one of those who like Monte Blue you will not mind this picture. He starts out with a phobia against motor cars and comes to know them. The old, old automobile chase ends up the picture in tiresomely popular fashion.

Flower of the Night. Pola Negri has slipped into a rut. All of her recent characterizations have been deeply seductive, heavingly emotional. In this one she is the daughter of a Mexican Don who falls in love with a New England youth, who has invaded the West to manage his dead father's mine. She is still a widely popular if a somewhat restricted actress. She plays Pola Negri as well as ever, and that in itself is probably a sufficient accomplishment.