THE SrNDAY OKEOOXTAN. PORTLAND. DECEMBER 11. 1921 POET-PREACHER USES PAINTINGS TO CONVEY SPIRITUAL MESSAGE TO HIS LISTENERS Appreciation of Art Essential to True Understanding of Religion, Says Rev. Branford Clarke, Who Has Set Church World Agog by His Innovation in Preaching. , j&S DO you appreciate true art? If not you cannot hope to have a true understanding of religion. Such, at any rate, Is the belief of Rev. Branford Clarke, known as the poet-palnter-prcacher, who has set the ecclesiastical world agog by a new innovation In preaching. As senior pastor of the Pillar of Fire church lit Brooklyn, N. Y.. he has just inau gurated a new system la preaching, whereby all of his sermons are drawn around oil pointings executed by him self on religious and allegorical sub jects. Without a proper appreciation of art there can be no real appreciation of religion, declares this young artist-preacher, whose work with the pen and brush has won praise from art connoisseurs In both this country and Europe. What is art and what is truth, are questions that have Interested many generations. According to Rev. Mr. Clarke, It Is the divine In either one. Their relationship Is far closer than people generally imagine, he believes, And by associating his own particular ;rt with his preaching he hopes to utilize it in the uplift of humanity. Mr. Clarke, although only 34 years of age, already has had a remarkable career, one as distinct and individual as that of the Pillar of Fire church, acd of which faith he is a member. Art Deflrn Definition. He Is quiet and reserved in man ner, but when he apeaks of his church and his work his brown eyes flash In the manner of an inventor who has. Just struck a new Idea that he be lieves Is destined to startle a critical ly blase world. And he believes that his method of Illustrating- his ser mons by the use of oil paintings means much more to humanity than any invention ever created by 'he master mind of a genius. "As Is generally conceded," said Mr. Clarke, "true art defies definition. However, It is also as certain that in real art there is a touch t the divine. The real trouble is that the masses ai a rule are unfamiliar with the true tenets of real art, with the result that in the past art has lent its contribu tions to the wrong channels. ,"For example, the populace want Jazz with their art. And it is not so much that they want it as that they hive been educated to want It. They have been catered to by the licentious in art, with the result that the art of today needs elevating. And. speaking or art, I refer not only to painting but to music and writing. All these (rms of art should and can be In cluded in the uplifting of humanity." The rndical young clergyman then went on to explain In just what man ner he hopes to use the art of paint ing as a medium in the uplift of hu manity. Art Vitalizes Ilrllg-lon. . "Without a true understanding of ; art one cannot hope to have a true understanding of religjon," he con tinued. "It is for this reason that 1 have inaugurated a system of preach ing whereby I use paintings as assets to the text. Understand, however, that the paintings I use are only as sets. The theme, of course, is taken from the Bible." A-U the paintings utilized in his ser ntoiis by Kev. Mr. Clarke are of his own creation and a different one is employed with every sermon. Per haps the most striking of these paint ings is one entitled "God's Truth Is Marching On." This Is an emblemati cal picture of truth painted in a most strikingly original manner. ' It depicts the head of Christ as flam- of fire. Protruding from the reouth may be discerned a two-edged sword, typical of the cutting charac teristics of truth. The figure as drawn is shown striding across the Universe, pushing aside the dark clouds. In one hand the figure holds seven stars, symbolical of perfection, while a view of infinite space forma the background for the whole. , It Is through the medium of this ajid other paintings that Mr. Clarke hopes to educate the masses In art, with a resultant education in religion. For a sermon which may be visualized, he believes, is imbedded on the mind In a manner not loon forgotten, Salvation Sole Alss. Rev. Mr. Clarke was cradled In an atmosphere "f, art, but has been through a great struggle to maintain his Ideals and use them to one end the salvation of man. His successes as an art student were unusual, as exemplified in his winning or scholar ships which gave him years or free tuition under some of the best mas ters of Europe, prominent among these scholarships being those af forded by the Birkbeck institute and the London County Council. When he passed his examination to sit as a probationer in the Royal Academy school one of the deciding committee was John S. Sargent. Ar tiste or International fame recognized the feeling and poetry in his work and he was picked as one or the fu ture great artists. John Seymour Lu cas said, in criticising one of the sketches of young Clarke at a sketch club contest where the exhibitors' names were not allowed on their works, "Whoever painted this sketch has what no technique will give any man, namely, the unknown quality that cannot be taught, that must be God-given art, poetry, soul, which ever you prefer to call it." The "poet - painter - preacher" is heartily opposed to highly-paid minis ters, believing that high salaries lead to inside church politics and tend to make the church bow down to wealth "To be religious," he remarked, "it is not necessary for one to go about with a long face. Religion of today as a,, rule is altogether too formal, with the result that it loses much of its spiritualism. It leans too much on form and not enough on spirit. And it is with the hope of Instilling more or the spiritual as well as love for the beautiful into the masses that I am using art as an asset to my preaching." NEWS OF THE MOVIE THEATERS (Continued From First Pare.) 'wedded' to them, although I played the mother in 'Wall Flowers,' anJ with a Dorothy GIsh picture I was quite an ancient person." Miss Rait Is surprisingly young and charming when she doffs her make up, however, and teiis of a lengthy career in vaudeville and In musical shows. She was a member of "The Trained Nurses," a vaudeville success, and also appeared at the Winter gar den. She spent several seasons with Allen Brook in vaudeville. "I like pictures, however," she says. "Who could help enjoying working, with Will Rogers or under the direc tion of James Cruze? Mr. Rogers is a constant menace to those who aro afraid of gaining weight It the adage 'laugh and grow rat' Is to be taken seriously. Keeping a straight face while acting with him Is a difficult task for anyone." RIVOLI HAS NORTHERN PLAY Henry Wulthall and Pauline Starke In Leading Holes. "'Flower or the North," a James Oliver Curwood story, with Henry B. Walthal and Pauline Stark In the leading roles, is the attractlonat the Rivoli this week. "Flower or the North" Is a story of the advance of civilization with Philip (played by Henry B Walthall) in the vanguard breaking the trail. Sinister and powerful forces are surrounding him and retarding his work; he Is a man righting blindrold. Then the situation is complicated when he rails in love with a child of the old regime, Jeanne of Fort o' Ood, a daughter of the French cavaliers. There is a charming love story shrouded in an atmosphere of strug gle, mystery and foul play. And the climax comes in the terrific night battle when the Cree Indians wipe rfcputa ole In- Mrs. Strong's apartment, she makes herself up charmingly, transforming her hair and gown and borrowing the. make-up and perfume of the vamp. Shipley arrives and In the dim light of the room he sees only the back of his wife, of whose Identity he is ignorant. She proceeds to vamp him so perfectly and completely that she Is in his arms when the real vamp arrives. By clever handling of the situation the wife makes the vamp's presence odious to hubby and thus binds a contract that will stand any kind of attack. WILLIAM S. HART JFEATURE D Popular Film Hero Appears at His Best In "White Oak." William S. Hart is the star of "White Oak," now playing at the Majestic. Mr. Hart is said to be at his best In this photoplay, a p c turesque, commanding figure every inch a man sterling, true and honor able despite his calling a gambler. And he proves that his name of Oak Miller, really stands for "White Oak," for he Is white all the-way through. This picture Is another or Mr. Hart's own conceptions. The story tells of a period he loves the early days of the west, the days) of the prairie schooner, the wagon trains, the long and perilous Journeys across the deserts and mountains with hid den enemies lurking in ambush. It Ja a colorful story with vivid action and contracts that are startling in their conception. It Is the age-old tale of, love and passion and the lust or men ror wealth. It is the story Of man's inhumanity to man and woman; of a strong man's battle and ot a girl's true affection. The scenario is by Bennet Musson, a talented writer, who was in full sympathy with Mr. Hart's ideas and transferred them to continuity form with rare skill. Lambert Hillyer, responsible ror all Mr. Hart'3 productions from a direc torial standpoint, directed "White Oak." QUEEN OF SHEBA" TO STAY Blue Mouse Theater to Retain Film for Third Week. Tomorrow the "Queen or Sheba" will begin Its tnird and last week at Mr. Hamrick's new Blue Mouse the ater at Eleventh and Washington streets. The production is spectacular. Thousands of people appear in the numerous settings and gorgeous cos tumes make the picture noteworthy. The "Queen of Shcba" contains many elaborate scenes. The marriage 6r the Queen or Sheba to King Ar mud, her arrival at the court of King Solomon, the day of racing and games, the thrilling chariot race between Sheba and Princess Vashti. ttee ar rival or David, the little Prince or Sheba, and many other scenes are massive and interesting. The romance of the beautiful Queen and King Solomon is a story so in tense In Interest that it demands the closest attention. Betty BIythe is altogether charm ing In the exacting role of the queen. Fritz Lieber is Impressive as King Solomon and all the other members of the cast are good. The pretty sunken-garden effect, together with the beautiful and spe cially written musical score that ac companies the showing of this pro duction rendered by the Blue Mouse symphonic orchestra, are two of the notable features. I out their white enemies. This Is a I rilraf the great outdoors. Stately ' fcreSTrushing mountain torrents and rugged hill country make up the stage on which the human actors play their adventurous parts. Other members of the cast are Em mett King, whose work in pictures has won for him an enviable t:on, and Joseph Rlckson. who dian interpretations are regarded as one of the best ever presented. He has the role of a half-breed. The heavy is in the hands of Harry North rup, who is a decided contrast to Jack Curtis, who plays the evil assistant. VAMP PICTURE AT PEOPLES Ethel Clayton Starring in Film Show This Week. "Exit the Vamp." starring Ethel Clayton, is at the People's this week. The story or the picture is as Tol- lows: Marion Shipley is one or those fweet little perfect wives who wait on their husbands with rare devotion, and because of their unselfishness and consideration for others, are imposed upon by others. Mrs. Willy Strong, the vamp, on the border line or social ostracism, is one who turns to Marlon, her old school mate, In her troubles, and Is cordially taken In. While Marion is busy with her own children and those ot her sister-in-law, the vamp shows her gratitude by starting a riirtation with Marion's husband. As affairs progress, Shipley guar antees the vamp's account for a dia mond necklace. Through the jewelry salesman, who is a friend of hers, Marlon discovers this. Taking the Xauing man as an escort, she goes to the cafe where her husband and Mrs. Strong are. dining and sees the lat ter hand him her apartment key. Instead of provoking a dramatic! scene, Marion decides to beat thej vamp at her own game. Going to I CONSTANCE TALMADGE COMING Popular Star Opens at Liberty In Her Latest Success. Constance Talmadge in "Woman's Place," declared to be one of the brightest and liveliest vehicles yet given to that popular star. Is the fea ture offering at the Liberty this week. "Woman's Place" is a John Emerson-Anita Loos story, written es pecially ror Miss Talmadge, and she Is said to have a part admirably suit ed to her talents. Josephine Gerson, a pretty young society girl, played by Constance Talmadge. Is the heroine or the story. On her return trom Paris she is put up by the woman's political - league as a candidate for mayor or the town in an effort to clean up crooked pol itics. Beauty is absolutely essential and brains are negligible, is the logic of the league's leader. The old guard politicians pick a young aristocrat to run in opposition td the remlnlne candlate, and a most amusing, romantic an,d extraordinary serious or incidents follows. Kenneth Harlan is Copstance Tal madge'e leading man, and others prominent In the supporting cast are Hassard Short, Florence Short, Ina Rorke, Marguerite Linden and Jack Connolly. "Woman's Place" was produced under the direction or Victor Flem ing. "MOLLY O" IS AT COLUMBIA Picture Combines Forces That Made "Mickey" Supreme. It was Mack Sennett who flashed the wit, wisdom, beauty and brilli ance of "Mickey" to the world. It was Mack Sennett who has pro duced another triumph one that will out-rival "Mickey." and its title is "Molly O." This picture is at the Co lumbia this week. In "Molly O" are again combined the forces that made "Mickey" su preme among comedies: Mack Sen nett, the producer; merry Mabel Nor mand, the mischievous star; afid F. Richard Jones, the director. A Cinderella story is told in "Molly O" a story bubbling over with com edy, yet fraught with raun, wu. nu mor. pathos, beauty, pageantry and romance, and graced with exquisite glimpses of human nature. Miss Normand touches the peaks of art and the heights of comedy in her portrayal of a daughter of poverty struggling against the overwhelming odds of environment to,reach the up lands of happiness. The story of "Molly O" is primarily strong comedy, but It hs a tense dramatic background and many of the incidents in the development of the plot are sufficiently thrilling so that it might safely be classed as a melo drama. , The production is the most expen sive one wklch Mr. Sennett has ever made, but despite its great cost there was nothing wasted In It. The locale or the story runs from the slums of a great city to the grand ball room in the most fashionable hotel In the same city, and the actual require ments to cover the story resulted in the building of many lavish and ex clusive sets. ALIAS LADYFINGERS AT HIP New Kind or Crook Play Is Offered on Bill Starting Today. An entirely new brand of crook play will be that In which Bert Lyte.l Is the star at the Hippodrome thja afternoon, under the title "Alias Ladyflngers." This picture Is said to be an artistic ensemble ot love and crime cunningly interwoven into a powerful drama. The story is ger minated from the mooted question as to whether good and evil are heredi tary. It Is trom the pen of Jackson Gregory and was prepared for the screen by Lenore J. Coffee. The out line of the story follows: By chance tne orphaned child of a wealthy family comes Into the hands of a notorious safebreaker and by him is trained to follow that line f precarious livelihood. The youth be comes an expert, and because of his slim and delicate hands, is known a "Alias Ladyflngers." He Is much wanted by the police, who learn that he is being sought as the heir of his rich grandmother. The youth, knowing nothing or this re lationship, visits the home ot the old lady Intent upon plying his profes slonal talents, and Is informed by her of the relationship. So far Trom wel coming the chance to live in peace and security with the girl ot his love, he determines to work out his own salvation. ' FAMOUS WAR FILM RETURNS "Hearts of the World" Is This Week at the Star. D. W- Grimth's "Hearts or the World." famous war picture, returns to Portland this week at the Star. Several of the stars who helped to make "The Birth of a Nation" and "Intolerance" so successful are seen in "Hearts of the World." They are: Lillian Gish, the late Robert Harron. George Seigman and Josephine Crowell. Dorothy Gish plays the part of "the little disturber" In "Hearts of the World" and fur nishes the most lively bit of comedy in the entire production. Her sister, Lillian, who plays "the girl" in "Hearts of the World" and who made the trip to the battlefields of France with Dorothy and Robert Harron to make scenes of the big production, was seen as Elsie Stone man in "The Birth of a Nation" and symbolized Walt Whitman's imagin ary character "out of th-:- eradle'end less rocking" in "Intolerance." Josephine Crowell, wh.i took the part or the "southern mother" In "The Birth of a Nation" and the vindictive Queen Catherine de Medici In "In tolerance." is "the girl's" mother In "Hearts or the World." Robert Harron, who plays the male lead, "the boy," in 'hearts or the World," impersonated the Stoneman boy in "The Birth or a Nation" and played the modern boy In "Intoler ance." His nemesis in "Hearts of the World" Is Von Strohm (played by George Seigman), a villainous Hun officer and ertswhlle spy. George Seigman was Silas Lynch In "The Birth of a Nation" and the leading villain in "Intolerance." UNIQUE POSITION ON STAGE ENJOYED BY NANCE (JNEIL Actress Has Played in Many Lands and Been Associated With Great Roles of Foremost Modern Dramatists. "CAPPY RICKS" CIRCLE BILL Thomas Meighan Big Attraction in Thrilling Picturization. Thomas Meighan in "Cappy Ricks" is the attraction at the Circle today and tomorrow. Mr. Meighan is seen as a seaman In the story, which is colorrul, dramatic and at times quite thrilling. It is a picturization or Peter B. Kyne's stories or the same Peasley, a sailor's mate, rails in love with Florrie, daughter or Cappy Ricks, owner or a fleet of ves sels, and the latter objects to the match. The story takes one to the South Seas, and every scene tollow ing the murder or Matt's captain, his thrashing ".' a burly Swede and his triumphant return home to Florrie, is rilled with genuine drama. The action is rapid and the love appeal charming. Agnes Ayres has the lead ing teminine role, while Charles Abbe gives an artistic portrayal ot Cappy. The picture was directed by Tom Forman and the photography by Harry Perry. rajKr TODAY vH WBBB D- w- Griffith's Q9H BnA. In the Cast mKEL HWV LILLIAN AND DOROTHY GISH igB ffiJB ROBERT HARRON, GEORGE FAWCETT, BH BEN ALEXANDER NO RAISE IN PRICES mMBiBUtt! i ; 1 IHkhHB Bf J. & V. H. Admission Books WB&I "The Ideal Xmas Gift" 1Q9 QH i 'i HHBH FROM an International standpoint Nance O'Nell enjoys a unique position upon the American stage. She has played In many lands and been associated to a remarkable extent with the great roles or" the foremost modern dramatists. A Call rornian by birth. Miss O'Nell served an apprenticeship both in the west and In the east, where her first ap pearance was in the national capital. Her first distinctive creation was Suderman's "Magda." at that time regarded as a word of audacity and one of the earlier of the developed specimens or the realistic school ot the drama. Miss) O'Nell was a pioneer In the production ot "Madga" In English, although the play was sub sequently acted 'by Mrs. Fiske and by Mrs. Patrick Campbell. It is In teresting to note that Lionel Barry more was the original Max, and John Barrymore made his first appearance on any stage In the same part in Miss O'Nell's support. Miss O'Nell's debut took place at the Alcazar theater, San Francisco, but it was In Australia that she was first acclaimed as an artist or high rank. In the course or her Initial Australian tour. Miss O'Nell attracted the attention or Hallam, second Lord Tennyson, then governor or South Australia and a son or the poet, and under the stimulus or his encourage ment embarked upon a tour or the English-speaking world," playing through Australia, New Zealand. South Arrica and Egypt, concluding her tour at the Khedival opera house at Cairo. An engagement followed at the Adelphl theater, London, after which Miss O'Nell returned to Amer lca, remaining ror an entire season In ......... anff 0-ll, who ha.fi hniltitojtr success la maoy lands. Boston under the management of the late John B. Schoerrel. It was during this engagement that Thomas Bailey Aldrlch composed his poetic tragedy "Judith or Bethu 11a" ror Miss O'Nell. Judith was pro duced In Boston, and atterward at Daly's theater. New York, In reper tory with "Hedda," "Magda" and "The Fires or St. John." Judith achieved a greater success theatri cally than any other play written by the New England Brahman group. Violin Used in Making of Motion Pictures. Instrument Help to Reanlate Tempo of Ai Ion and Attune Artists to Work. THE violin Is probably the most used musical instrument In the making of motion pictures. It regulates the tempo of the action, helps bring a tear or a smile to the screen player's face, and otherwise attunes the artists to their work. A violin player Is present at all times on every set in the huge Lasky studio at Hollywood. It Is no un common thing to hear the strains of Chopin's funeral march coming from the stage where Olorla Swanson is making a dramatic scene which calls for tears On a "set" near by Betty I Compson may be registering uncon- rined Joy to the tunc of Mendelssohn's spring song. This music is Inter mingled, perhaps, with "Scy It With Music" or some other popular soag from the scene where Agnt-s Ayres Is working. At the same time Jack Holt's scene for "While Satan Sleeps" Is In a merry whirl to the tune of "Sweet Rosy O'Grady." and Thomas Melgnan Is registering contrition with a violin accompaniment of "Hearts and Flowers." During the making of "Miss Lulu Bejt," William DeMille's production, all the old-fashioned songs were used to add to the atmosphere and give the correct tempo to the action. Cecil B. DeMllle not only tses the violin dur ing the making of his special produc tions, but in many cases an organ and often an entire orchestra. Of course for all ballroom scenes, banquets and entertainments, orchestras supplant the lone violin which does duty through the more intimate parts of the action. , There is one1 exception to this gen eral rule at the Paramount studio. That is round on the stage where Wallace Reid works. He has a banjo for musical accompaniment to the filming of his scenes, for much of the action Is fast and snappy. The banjo gives Just the exact tempo. At times, however, when tears arc needed, the violin Is used even for Iteld's scenes The violin has come to be an essen tial part of motion picture making. It has been found that acting tor Uie camera is much easlenewith musical accompaniment than without. Just as a motion picture is more enjoyable in a theater where there Is music than in one where there Is none. "It's the way or the drama W make things that are appear lis alrl't," says Pat O'Malloy, the ener getic lover In Oliver Morosco's pro duction, "Slippery Metier." "When I was 16 years old I was being cast in old man parts. Now I'm the dashing Juvenile. How can you figure it?" s From the New York office of Will lam Fox It Is learned that "Over the Hill," the picture that ran an entire year on Broadway, is to be sent abroad. Negotiations have been com pleted for sending It to central Europe. Shanghai, too, is to see it, and Singa pore. It Is to be eh'ppcd via England into Russia. The reason for sending It to these countries Is that It is a picture thu appeals to all people of all races and ot every class. Director Irvin Wlllat ssya the way to test an actor Is to go camplni: with him. Wlllat has Just reluriKxl from location for "Yellow Men and Gold." in which Richard Dix plays tho leading male role. The director put his O. K. on the actor. He says he's a fine dishwasher. see Arthur Miller, veteran Paramount cameraman, was sent al the way to London to grind the crank on (Icortfe Fitxmaurlce's production or "Thrn Live Ghosts." the Broadway success or last season. Miller, who formerly was a Jockey. Is among tho best known or American cameramen. His lighting and photo graphic errects have created unusual attention. Among tho notable Para mount pictures he has photograph1.'! are "Experience," "On With the Dance." "Idols or Clay," "Paying the Piper" and "Petor Ibbctson." S S Helen Ferguson says: "Every do.r has his day. and I guess I'm entitle to a little bnrk." Miss Ferguson , delighted with tho Tact that she ll playing the feminine lead in "Hungry Hearts," which caused her to make this Statement recently. The final scone has been taken for "Breaking Through," the spectacular serial In which I'armcl Myers nnd Wallace MacHonald played the lead ing roles. Tho finer shot In the 15th and concluding chapter was taken 30 miles out at sea on the Pacific neir Catallna Island and nearly resulted seriously. In a right In the wsvtsr over the possession of certain paper: the screen villain was seised wl'h cramps and Miss Myers, who fighting with him. had to use nil her expertness as a swimmer to save hi. lire. 'Huh! When I'm Mayor I Won 't Need a Husband! So There!" ALL THIS WEEK CONSTANCE TALMADGE Is running for may or on a platform of style and smile in "WOMAiYSPLACr Does she get the men's votes? Does a duck swim? Her stump speech is 14 trunks of Parisian gowns! i 2179 Laughs "The Fun! and More Fun! KEATES' CONCERT TODAY AT 12:30 Liberty News Liberty Quartet "What's the Limit?" Cartoon Boy Scouts March Durand After Vespers Nell Moret The Liberty Quartet Selections Andantlno in D Flat Lemarc Poet and Peasant Overture Suppt- Automobile Parody to the Tunes Wo All Know Keates