1920-1924 Filmography

The Stealers (1920)

Directed by Christy Cabanne.
Screenplay by Christy Cabanne.
Cinematography by Georges Benoît.
Visual Effects by Stewart B. Moss.

Produced & Distributed by Robertson-Cole.
Released September, 1920.

Cast:
William H. Tooker ... Rev. Robert Martin
Robert Kenyon ... Martin
Myrtle Morse ... Mrs. Martin
Norma Shearer ... Julie Martin
Ruth Dwyer ... Mary Forrest
Eugene Borden ... Sam Gregory
Jack Crosby ... Raymond Pritchard
Matthew Betz ... Bert Robinson
John B. O'Brien ... Man of Dawn
Downing Clarke ... Major Wellington
Walter Miller ... Stephen Gregory

Notes:
-Norma's first credited film appearance.
-Filmed in two weeks during the summer of 1920.
-A lost film.

Vintage Reviews:

Edwin Schallert in Los Angeles Times, March 17, 1921: "In its way, The Stealers has somewhat the same strong inspirational sentiment as The Miracle Man. There are many resemblances in the underlying thought, but the surface plot is sufficiently different to give newness, and to hold keen interest.

"The cast is an unfamiliar one, but we will look with interest for further appearances of Willaim Tooker, the portrayer of the gang leader and his artful dodger who adds greatly to the humor. The daughter is ably interpreted by Norma Shearer."

Motion Picture News, October 2, 1920: "It must be confessed that Mr. Cabanne's story resorts often to the convenient, to far fetched coincidence. He has chosen to shoot at a high mark a theme of Miracle Man caliber- and he has scored strongly from a production standpoint, missing only in the strength and originally of the dramatic incident counted upon to carry over that great message of faith and the wonders it works. Valued as a picture intended for the entertainment of audiences, without attempting comparison, the directing, the acting, which is excellent throughout, and the atmosphere of the offering should get it all over."

The Man Who Paid (1922)

Directed by Oscar Apfel.
Story and Screenplay by Marion Brooks.
Photographed by Alfred Gonolfi.

Produced by Apfel Productions.
Distributed by Producer's Security.
Released March, 1922.

Wilfred Lytell ... Oliver Thornton
Norma Shearer ... Jeanne Thornton
Florence Rogan ... Little Jeanne
Fred C. Jones ... Louis Duclos
Bernard Siegel ... Anton Barbier
David Hennessy ... McNeill
Charles Byer ... Guy Thornton
Erminie Gagnon ... Lizette
Frank Montgomery ... Songo

Notes:
A lost film.

Vintage Reviews:

Exhibitor's Herald, April 8, 1922: "Wilfred Lytell, as Oliver Thorton, proves an acceptable hero, while Norma Shearer does good work as his wife. Miss Shearer's good looks are shown to advantage, and she not only photographs extremely well, but shows no small amount of talent in the portrayal of her part."

Mary Kelly in Moving Picture World, March 25, 1922: "Wilfred Lytell and Norma Shearer are largely responsible for the realism of their scenes. The star has plenty of energy and nerve, and besides a certain clean cut attractiveness that should give him wide appeal. Miss Shearer is pretty, and in her emotional scenes, very vivid. The whole production, including the style of direction, and science backgrounds, show a sincerity that will be generally appreciated."

J.S. Dickerson in Motion Picture News, April 1, 1922: "Wilfred Lytell is presented as the hero but much better acting opportunities are given Norma Shearer as the factor's wife, all of which she embraces with a poise and skill that stamps this new comer as an actress of promise. The girl has beauty and screen personality and she can act. Even in the wild melodrama that many parts of the picture exhibit, she is able to make her work hold her attention and her role seem real."

Channing of the Northwest (1922)

Directed by Ralph Ince.
Presented by Lewis J. Selznick.
Screenplay by Edward J. Montagne.
From a story by John Willard.
Cinematography by John W. Brown.

Produced and Rleased by Selznick Pictures.
Released May, 1922.

Cast:
Eugene O'Brien ... Channing
Gladden James ... Jim Franey
Norma Shearer ... Jess Driscoll
James Seeley ... Tom Driscoll
Pat Hartigan ... Sport McCool
Nita Naldi ... Cicily Varden
Harry Lee ... McCool's man
Jack W. Johnston ... Buddy
C. Coulter ... Channing's Uncle

Notes:
-Norma had a fling with Euguene O'Brien during production.
-The film which caught the eye of a young Irving Thalberg, then at Universal. He made the offer of a contract, which she turned down.
-A lost Film.

Vintage Reviews:

Mary Kelly in Moving Picture World, June 17, 1922: "The picture works up to a climax that is done with remarkable smoothness and an undercurrent of suspense, the more effective because of its subtlety. There is the scene of the bootlegger hiding in the girl's cabin. Norma Shearer's acting in this rather strenuous situation is exceptionally clever. Her personal charm is a factor that will be recognized, too."

Lawrence Reid in the Motion Picture News, May 6, 1922: "Norma Shearer lends a fragrant charm and emotional capabilities of a high order to the role of the heroine. It is a simple and obvious story on an old theme. And because it is well done it should excite interest for those who never tire of the mounted."