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Home , Action in Arabia, Chip Off the Old Block, Dennis Hoey, Edward Fielding, Edward Ludwig, Emory Parnell

MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS JANUARY and FEBRUARY 19 4 4

FEATURE FILMS Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves Minesweeper Bridge of San Luis Rey, The Miracle of Morgan's Creek, The Broadway Rhythm Moonlight in Vermont Calling Dr. Death None Shall Escape Passage to Marseille Desert Song Passport to Adventure Destination Tokyo Phantom Lady Fighting Seabees, The Rationing Gung Ho! Song of Bernadette Guy Named Joe, A Song of Heavenly Body Spider Woman Henry Aldrich—Boy Scout Standing Room Only Impostor, The Sullivans, The In Our Time Tarzan's Desert Mystery

It Happened Tomorrow Tender Comrade Jane Eyre Three Russian Girls Lady in the Dark Timber Queen Lifeboat Uninvited, The Lodger, The What a Man

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Vol. XVIII JANUARY - FEBRUARY, 1944 No. 10

Copyright 1944 by Motion Picture Reviews FEATURE FILMS

ALI BABA AND THE FORTY THIEVES O by the screen writers until it loses its meta- physical quality and most of its power. Even , , Turhan Bey, Andy of the Devine, Kurt Katch, Frank Puglia, Fortunio some five destined to die escape de- Bonanova, Moroni Olsen, Ramsey Ames, struction in the rocky chasm below the bridge. Noel Cravat, Chris-Pin Martin, Scotty Beck- Akim Tamiroff as Uncle Pio gives the sole ett, Yvette Duguay. Written for the screen vivid performance; of the remainder of the by Edmund L. Hartmann. Direction by Ar- thur Lubin. Universal. cast, Francis Lederer and Louis Calhern are most capable The film is embellished by a In revamping this famous Arabian Nights’ picturesque Peruvian setting and elaborate tale, some liberties have been with the taken costumes, but these fail to give distinction to original fantasy, but it is given an unsophis- a curiously negative production.

ticated treatment which should delight family Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Mature and little No interest groups. It is unusually successful in the use interest of color, and the vast, spectacular sets, the beautiful costumes of oriental splendor, and BROADWAY RHYTHM O O the exciting action make it highly entertaining. George Murphy, Ginny Simms, Charles Win- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 ninger, Nancy Walker, Gloria De Haven, Good Good, except for Ben Blue, Eddie "Rochester" Anderson, very young Lena Horne, Hazel Scott, The Ross Sisters, Kenny Bowers, Dean Murphy, Tommy Dor- sey and his Orchestra. Screen play by Dor- THE BRIDGE OF SAN LUIS REY O O othy Kingsley and Harry Clork, based on , Francis Lederer, Akim Tamiroff, musical by Jerome Kern and Oscar Ham- Nazimova, Louis Calhern, Blanche Yurka, merstein 2nd. Direction by Roy Del Ruth. Donald Woods, Barton Hepburn, Joan Lor- M-G-M. ring, Emma Dunn. Adapted by Howard This glittering array of talent will more Estabrook and Herman Weissman from Thornton Wilder's novel. Photography by than satisfy those in search of light diversion. John W. Boyle, A.S.C. Music by Dmitri The slight story Tiomkin. Produced and directed by Row- ties together excellent spe- land V. Lee. Bogeaus. United Artists. cialty acts of diversified character, and it is Those familiar with Thornton Wilder’s fas- a riot of color and tuneful entertainment. cinating story of seventeenth century Peru will Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good of type If interested wonder why it has been altered and distorted Four MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS

CALLING DR. DEATH O O DESTINATION TOKYO O O Lon Chaney, Ramsay Ames, Patricia Mori- , John Garfield, Alan Hale, John son, J Carrol Naish, George Dolenz, Fay Ridgley, Dane Clark, Warner Anderson, Helm. Screen play by Edward Dean. Di- William Prince, Robert Hutton, Peter Whit- rection by Reginald Le Borg. Universal. ney, Tom Tully, Faye Emerson, Warren Douglas, John Forsythe, John Alvin, Bill Reported to be the beginning of the new Kennedy. Screen play by Delmer Daves and "Inner Sanctum’’ mystery series scheduled Albert Maltz from story by Steve Fisher. Photography by Bert Glennon, A.S.C. Music by Universal, this is a somewhat morbid film by Franz Maxman. Direction by Delmer dealing with pseudo-scientific theories and Daves. Warner Bros. hypnosis. Dr. Mark Steele, a brain specialist, "Destination Tokio” is a stunning adven- is the central character and is played by Lon ture film, packed with episodes any one of Chaney. The doctor's wife is murdered and which would have been sufficient for an ex- a man is adjudged guilty, but in the nick of citing film. It is the account of a submarine time and by scientific methods another per- mission sent to establish a temporary weather son is discovered to have been the perpetrator station on Japanese soil in order to broad- of the crime. cast conditions to the carrier “Hornet’’ prior Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 to Doolittle’s raid on Tokyo. The film gives Not recommended No a picture of submarine service reaching the peak of dangerous living and sublime hero- ism. It describes the conditions of the voy- CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK O O age, the informal but unrelaxed discipline, Donald O'Connor, , , the harmony between members of the crew, Helen Broderick, Helen Vinson, Minna Gom- the constant expectancy of danger. With ex- bel, Arthur Treacher, Patric Knowles. Origi- cellent photography, remarkable sound effects, nal story by Robert Arthur. Direction by . Musical direction by Chas. and a good cast, this is worth w'hile enter- Previn. Universal. tainment. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Efforts of the relatives of a charming young Good Emotionally girl to disrupt her romance with a youth disturbing who is too much like his dashing father form the nucleus of this light, tuneful, amusing pic- ture. Universal has allotted Donald O’Con- GUNG HO! O O nor excellent support and a comedy which is , Alan Curtis, Noah Beery, in is a set no ordinary mould. Ann Blyth Jr., J. Carroll Naish, Sam Levene, David charming and talented new actress, and the Bruce. Screen play by Lucien Hubbard based older members of the cast are as pleasing as on the factual story by Lt. W. S. Le Fran- cois, U.S.M.C. Direction by Ray Enright. the juniors. The specialty acts, songs and Produced by . Universal. dances are smoothly interpolated, while no Although necessarily “Gung Ho!” could brash jitterbugs cheapen the production. not be made on the scene of action, it has Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good Yes, if interested much of the feeling of a documentary film. “Gung,” meaning work, and “Ho,” meaning harmony, in Chinese form a slogan adopted THE DESERT SONG O O by Lt. Col. Evans F. Carlson to express the spirit he developed in the 210 picked Marines Dennis Morgan, Irene Manning, Bruce Cabot, he led on the Makin raid of August 17, 1942, Lynne Overman, Gene Lockhart, Faye Em- which was so successful that only two of the erson, Victor Francen, Curt Bois, Jack La Rue, . 350 defending Japanese were left alive. This is the step by step, phase by phase history of With new embellishments of the plot and the Makin raid: the training of the men to less emphasis on the music, this modern ver- make them powerful, relentless killers, the sion of an old favorite is still good enter- seven-day approach by submarine and the tainment. The setting is French Morocco in forty-hour inferno of battle across the sand 1939. Nazi agents are urging a French com- stretches and marshes of the palm-studded pany to build a railroad which will give island. It is savage, primitive warfare on them access to Dakar, and enslaved Riffs are both sides with the advantage going to the to be used as laborers. An American soldier Americans because of their superb strength of fortune, aided by a French songstress, and training and their ability to think as champions the cause of the Riffs and exposes individuals. the Nazi plot. Technicolor plays up desert scenery and the color of a crowded Moroc- The authenticity of the film is due largely can city. Dennis Morgan and Irene Manning to the fact that the author of the account on screen is Lt. S. sing pleasingly and the cast is good. which the play based, W. Le in the Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Francois, and seven of the Marines Good Little interest cast were actually on the Makin raid. The 2 2

MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS Five

terrible HEAVENLY BODY O O film is powerful, and some of it so THE Wm. Powell, Hedy Lamarr, James Craig, Fay not a strong grip on his that anyone who has Bainter, Henry O'Neill, Spring Byington, Morris Ankrum, Franco Corsaro, emotions should not see it, but it ranks high Robert Sully, Connie Gilchrist. Screen play by Michael Ar- as a picture of the war. len and Walter Reisch. Based on a story by Jacques Thery. Direction by Alexander Hall. 16 Children, 8 to 12 Adolescents, 12 to Production by Arthur Hornblow, Jr. M-G-M. Very strong. Depends No. Much too on individual realistic Anyone looking for frothy nonsense will find it neatly dished up in this film. Pro- Whitley is so intent upon computing SEABEES O O fessor THE FIGHTING the exact moment when his newly discovered , Susan Hayward, Dennis comet will collide with the moon that his William Frawley, Leonid Kinskey, O'Keefe, wife, Vickey, tired of his all-night absences, J. M. Kerrigan, Grant Withers, Paul Fix, Ben Welden, William Forrest, Addison Rich- takes up astrology, which she confuses with ards, Jay Norris, Duncan Renaldo. Screen astronomy, and becomes equally absorbed in Borden Chase and Aeneas MacKen- play by finding out when she will meet her true love. zie. Direction by Edward Ludwig. Repub- lost interest lic Pictures. By the time the professor has in heavenly bodies and begun to pay atten- In addition to entertainment value, this tion to more earthly matters, a lot of funny offers a constructive history of the Navy film things have happened. William Powell as “C. B’s’’ (Construction Battalions), explain- the professor and Fay Bainter as a fortune- ing their vital importance to the military teller are at their best, but Hedy Lamarr in light comedy. The set- effort, the reason for the requirement of com- seems less adept tings are unusually interesting. bat training, and the necessity for central Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 command. The action is exciting and dra- Unobjectionable No interest matic, and while the romance is perhaps an

unnecessary diversion, it adds to popular in- HENRY ALDRICH, BOY SCOUT O O terest and serves to highlight the characters Jimmy Lydon, Charles Smith, John Litel, Olive Blakeney, Joan Mortimer, Minor Wat- of two fine men. son, , David Holt, Richard Haydel, Ralph Hoopes. Original screen play Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 Good Exciting by Agnes Christine Johnston. Direction by Hugh Bennett. Paramount.

Except for the ending, which is unneces- A GUY NAMED JOE O O sarily exaggerated, this film keeps closer to Spencer Tracy, Irene Dunne, , the adventures of a real boy than most of Ward Bond, James Gleason, Lionel Barry- the series. Henry is a Boy Scout, and in more, Esther Williams, Barry Nelson. Screen spite of his aptitude for getting into trouble, play by Dalton Trumbo, adapted by Fred- erick Hazlitt Brennen from an original he becomes a “good example’’ and helps re- story by Chandler Sprague and David Boehm. generate a spoiled brat placed in his care. Musical score Herbert Stothart. Direc- by The story emphasizes the Scout creed of tion by . M-G-M. honor and duty, and it has enough details of It may be a mistake to attempt to preach interest and humor to make it agreeable a lesson in a picture dealing with the super- entertainment. natural. At any rate the best part of this Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 film is that which deals with the living, and Good Exciting ending Spencer Tracy as Pete is most successful when he is the brilliant, reckless flyer, be- O O loved by and loving beyond reason the lovely THE IMPOSTOR , Richard Whorf, Allyn Joslyn, D’rinda of the Ferry Command. Killed in glo- Ellen Drew, Peter Van Eyck, Ralph Morgan, rious combat, he returns as a spirit to act as Eddie Quillen, John Qualen, Milburn Stone. mentor to a young flyer, guiding him through Original screen play by Julien Duvivier, dia- logue adapted from the French perils of training and of warfare in the by Stephen Longstreet. Photographed by Paul Ivano. South Pacific. The plot is lightened by hu- Produced and directed by Julien Duvivier. mor which is shrewd and earthy. Most of Universal. the picture is very well presented by an Saved from the guillotine when the ad- excellent cast, the backgrounds are realistic vancing Nazis bomb a prison in Tour, La with fine composition, and music is skilfully Farge (Jean Gabin) escapes to join the introduced, with the Army Air Corps song Free French in North Africa. The gradual as a recurring theme. The scenes of aerial awakening of a man’s soul to the nobility of combat are some of the finest and most spec- friendship and love of country is revealed tacular ever filmed. in a convincing story of regeneration. The Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 film is somewhat somber in tone, but it Matter of taste Confusing lacks any suggestion of sentimentality, is 2

Six MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS

beautifully acted and directed, and is well atmosphere of deep brooding, increased by worth seeing. the masterly use of lighting and music. The Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 novel was an intimate disclosure of Jane’s Depressing and mature No thoughts and experiences. Joan Fontaine is a lovely serene Jane, and little Peggy Ann IN OUR TIME O O Garner makes the character very dear Ida Lupino, Paul Henried, Nancy Coleman, to us as a child, but no excellence of act- Mary Boland, Victor Francen, Nazimova, ing on their parts can keep the film from Michael Chekhov. Original screen play by becoming the story of Rochester. Orson Ellis St. John and Howard Koch. Music by Franz Waxman. Photography by Carl Guth- Welles dominates the picture. Although he rie, A.S.C. Direction by Vincent Sherman. did not direct it, his touch is apparent in Warner Brothers. the dark, massive backgrounds, the strong, title flimsy The uses Chamberlain’s prom- melodramatic action, his own flowing gar- ise that war, “in there should be no our ments and his declaiming of lines in the time.” English girl traveling in Poland An Shakespearean manner. This is not Bronte's meets and marries a young Polish aristocrat, “Javne Eyre,” but it is a fascinating pro- and after attempting an experiment to run duction. his estate on well-planned social lines, they Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 are caught in the German invasion. In show- Good No. Unsuitable. ing the fall of Poland and the kind of Early scenes dis- tressing thinking which made it possible, the picture brings out clearly the change of viewpoint IN that is taking place with tremendous impli- LADY THE DARK O O cations for the future. The love story is , Ray Milland, Warner Baxter, Jon Hall, Barry Sullivan, Mischa Auer, Phyl- moving. Paul Henreid brings a sharpness lis Brooks, Mary Philips, Edward Fielding. and fire to the role of Stephen, and Ida Lu- Screen play by Frances Goodrich and Albert pino shows strength of character blended Hackett, based on the play by Moss Hart. Music by Kurt Weill. Lyrics by Ira Gersh- with a disarming naivete. The supporting win. Director of photography, Ray Renna- cast is excellent. han, A.S.C. Direction by Mitchell Leisen. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Paramount. Good but mature No interest To many people, the stage production was a rare combination of psychological study IT HAPPENED TOMORROW O O and dazzling pageantry such as is seen once , , Jack Oakie, Ed- in a lifetime. The film production falls short gar Kennedy, John Philliber, Edward Brophy, of that it is George Cleveland, Sig Ruman, Paul Guil- mark, but a glorious symphony foyle. Screen play by and of color, a fashion parade using deep, rich Rene Clair. Direction by Rene Clair. Ar- tones when the earthly scenes are portrayed nold Pressburger production. United Artists. and exquisite pastels in the dream sequences. all at To of us who have wished times Graceful dancing and inspiring music in- that we could look into the future, this fable crease the aesthetic value. The center of will be a delight. Ingeniously devised, espe- interest is Liza, who doesn’t “know her cially it in its ending, tells the story of the mind” until a psycho-analyst takes her in fulfillment reporter’s be able of a dream—to hand. The cast, headed by Ginger Rogers to write tomorrow's headlines today. Novel and Ray Milland, is proficient. in plot, exceptionally well acted and directed, Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 and holding a pleasant measure of suspense, Mature Far too mature it is excellent entertainment. % Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good Yes LIFEBOAT O O Tallulah Bankhead, , Walter O O Slezak, Mary Anderson, John Hodiak, Hen- JANE EYRE ry Hull, Heather Angel, Hume Cronyn, Orson Welles, Joan Fontaine, Margaret Canada Lee. Screen play by Jo Sterling, O'Brien, Peggy Ann Garner, John Sutton, adapted from a story by John Steinbeck. Sara Allgood, Henry Daniell, Agnes Moore- Direction by . 20th Cen- head, Aubrey Mather, Edith Barrett. From tury-Fox. the novel by Charlotte Bronte. Music by Bernard Herrmann. Photography by George It is a distinctive achievement to depict Barnes. Direction Robert Stevenson. 20th the survivors of a shipwreck, adrift for days Century- Fox. in a lifeboat, without making them tiresome The story of “Jane Eyre,” the hapless or- or melodramatic. The film is compelling in phan who at last found refuge in the love of its realism, and this effect is accomplished the stormy master of Thornfield, is told in through strong characterizations and telling an unforgettable novel, and the film version dialogue. The twisted philosophy of the Nazi also leaves a vivid impression, though in a captain is contrasted with democratic ideals different way. The picture has a certain expressed by such widely divergent indi- wild beauty with its sombre tones and its viduals as the American capitalist and a sim- MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS Seven

pie negro. The cast is superb: Tallulah Bank- has mixed his ingredients with too much high head as the hard, materialistic woman jour- explosive, but underneath the noisy slapstick nalist, Henry Hull as the decadent capitalist, is a really moving theme. A young man loves William Bendix as the appealing, everyday a girl so deeply that he offers to marry her to worker, John Hodiak as the superficially give his name to her unborn child. When it pleasant but dangerous Nazi. Whether or is discovered that she has already married not one reads an allegory into the tale, it is a chance acquaintance when befuddled by highly entertaining in the well-known Hitch- Champagne after a party given for depart- cock style. ing soldiers, the boy tries to free her legally Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 from her predicament, but his efforts land Mature Too mature him in jail; and then comes the miracle. Betty Hutton gives a restrained and lovely THE LODGER O O performance, and Eddie Bracken plays his Merle Oberon, , Laird Cregar, role so sincerely that he wins genuine sym- Sir , Sara Allgood, Aubrey pathy. The picture will undoubtedly entertain Mather, Queenie Leonard, Doris Lloyd. Screen adults, but for others the contrasting play by Barre Lyndon from the novel by many Mrs. Marie Belloc Lowndes. Direction by elements will not seem to “jell.” . Produced by Robert Bassler. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 20th Century-Fox. No No Mrs. Marie Belloc Lowndes is known for her classic mysteries, and this one, a favorite MOONLIGHT IN VERMONT O O of Alexander Woollcott, became especially Gloria Jean, George Dolenz, Fay Helm, Sid- excel- popular. The story has been given an ney Miller. Direction by Stacy Keach, Uni- lent cast and all the trappings of Whitehall versal. of the nineties. It has properly dismal, damp As a starring vehicle for Gloria Jean, this in, the holes for Jack the Ripper to hide and is a disappointing production. The cast is settings and atmosphere are impressive. But made up of amateurish young singers and is at once, and the the mystery solved almost jitterbug dancers, and the plot is routine. A story thus becomes one of suspense and hor- musically talented youngster from a Vermont ror with little subtle psychological interpreta- farm enters a theatrical school in New York, tion of character to hold mature interest. but has to return home because of financial Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 troubles. Her schoolmates follow her to Ver- No. Very No mont, harvest unsuitable her father’s crop, and put on a % show to raise funds to bring her back to MINESWEEPER O O school. Gloria Jean looks pretty, but her voice is not recorded to advantage. Richard Arlen, Jean Parker, Russel Hayden, Emma Dunn, Guinn Williams. Screen play Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 by Edward T. Lowe and Maxwell Shane. Di- Fair Little interest rection by William Berke. Pine-Thomas. Paramount. NONE SHALL ESCAPE O O story An improbable with mediocre dia- Marsha Hunt, Alexander Knox, Henry Tra- logue and music is woven around a former vers, Erik Rolf, Richard Crane, Dorothy naval officer with a bad record of gambling, Morris, Richard Hale, Ruth Nelson, Kurt Kreuger. Screen play by Lester Cole from who redeems his past by heroic action on a a story by Alfred Neumann and Joseph minesweeper as a common seaman, plain Than. Direction by Andre De Toth. Colum- Jim Smith. The chief asset of the picture bia Pictures. are underwater scenes, which are accurate, This is the first film to forecast the fulfill- exciting and unusually well done. While chil- ment of the pledge by Churchill, Roosevelt, dren might overlook the poor qualities of and Stalin that those guilty of oppression and the film, the subject matter is not especially cruelty in the present war shall be held for suitable for them. trial. The story opens in a courtroom in Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Litzbark on the Silesian border of Poland, Fair Not recommended where the Nazi commandant is on trial. As each witness comes forward to give testi- THE MIRACLE OF MORGAN'S CREEK O mony, flashbacks trace the history of the ac- Eddie Bracken, Betty Hutton, , cused as he was known to the Catholic priest, William Demarest, Porter Hall, Emory Par- to a Polish woman to whom he once was nell, Alan Bridge, Julius Tannen, Victor Po- tel, "McGinty" and "The Boss." Written engaged, and to his own brother who has and directed by . Para- never subscribed to the Nazi creed. The mount. man’s life story begins in Litzbark where he “The Miracle of Morgan’s Creek” has the was a school teacher prior to World War I. delicate touch of a dream—one in which After the war interval he returns and is cor- you get run over by a locomotive! Appar- dially received, but later the community ently, in striving for novelty Preston Sturges forces him to leave when he shows a sur- 2

Eight MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS prising lack of decency. When war strikes spect for the courageous women of London again, he becomes a Nazi official and returns who exemplify that intangible quality of for vengeance with the power at his com- stamina which the English have displayed mand. The film outlines the characteristic throughout the war. Nazi disregard of righteousness. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Very entertaining Possibly too It is an extremely interesting and power- mature to interest ful picture, directed with artistry by Andre 4*« De Toth. Alexander Knox is notable as the PHANTOM LADY O O Nazi, and among other fine performances Franchot Tone, Ella Raines, Alan Curtis, is that of Richard Hale as a Rabbi who ex- Aurora, Thomas Gomez, Fay Helm, Elisha horts his people to fight rather than submit. Cook, Jr., Andrew Tombes, Regis Toomey, Joseph Crehan, Doris Lloyd. Screen play by It is an important contribution to standards Bernard C. Schoenfeld, based on the novel of post-war thinking. by William Irish. Direction by Robert Siod- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 mak. Associate producer, Joan Harrison. Strong—but good Too strong Universal. A crazy hat is the pivotal clue in one of PASSAGE TO MARSEILLE O O the best mystery pictures of the year. A man , , Michele estranged from his wife spends the evening Morgan, Philip Dorn, , with a half dozen oddly assorted people, and , , Helmut Dan- when he learns that his wife has been mur- tine, John Loder, Victor Francen, Vladimir Sokoloff, Edward Cianelli. Screen play by dered and that he is accused, none of these and Jack Moffitt from a companions can be found to establish an novel by Charles Nordhoff and James Nor- alibi for him. Superbly shaded delineation of man Hall. Direction by . Music by . Photography by James both normal and psychiatric characters in Wong Howe, A.S.C. Warner Bros. connection with the smoothly coordinated ac- The action begins and ends at an air base tion holds the audience spellbound. of the Free French in England, a garden Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 For those over 14 Unsuitable spot by day and a bristling bomber field by night. There Cap/. Frcycinct recounts to an American correspondent the adventures of a RATIONING O O group of convicts who have escaped from Wallace Beery, Marjorie Main, Donald Meek, Dorothy Morris, Howard Freeman, Connie Devil’s Island with one motive, regardless of Gilchrist, Tommy Batten, Gloria Dickson, past records, to fight for the liberation of Henry O'Neill, Carol Ann Beery. Original France. Their experiences are told in a screen play by Willian R. Lipman, Grant Garrett and Harry Ruskin. Direction by series of thrilling, realistic flashbacks. It is a Willis Goldbeck. M-G-M. virile production marked by swift action and Since it is easy to fall into ways of self- strong character delineation, containing par- pity in regard to rationing, it is good for all ticularly fine work by Humphrey Bogart and of us to be brought to account now and then, Claude Rains. especially when the ribbing is administered Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 12 to In serious Good action film of Too strong is good humored form. a more the war vein this picture emphasizes the cumulative effect of self-indulgence in hoarding, unnec- PASSPORT TO ADVENTURE O O essary use of gas, and other practices which of black markets. Wal- Elsa Lanchester, Gordon Oliver, Lenore Au- lead to the growth bert, Lionel Royce, Fritz Feld, Joseph Vi- lace Beery and Marjorie Main are at their tale, Gavin Muir, Lloyd Corrigan, Anita best, and Dorothy Morris and Tommy Bat- Bolster, Lydia Bilbrook, . the lovers. Screen play by Val Burton and Muriel Roy ten are delightful as young Bolton. Direction by Ray McCarey. RKO. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Entertaining Yes Elsa Lanchester gives dignity and deli- cious humor the to characterization of a gal- O O lant little English charwoman whose belief SONG OF BERNADETTE William Eythe, Charles Bick- in her passport of invincible security takes Jennifer Jones, ford, Vincent Price, Lee J. Cobb, Anne Re- her on the most amazing adventure. It is vere, Roman Bohnen, Ermadean Walters. hard to think of any one else in the role, for Screen play by George Seaton from novel by Miss Lanchester's unexpected and unconven- Franz Werfel. Music by Alfred Newman. Photography by Arthur Miller, A.S.C. Di- tional “business,” her asides, and the naivete rection by Henry King. Producer, William of her lines provoke many laughs Moreover, Perlberg. 20th Century-Fox. she convinces us that faith makes almost all Franz Werfel’s book of the life of Saint things possible, and when in the end her Bernadette of Lourdes has been adapted to primary objective is not achieved, we know the screen with added beauty and spiritual that fate alone has cheated her. In the mean- significance. Jennifer Jones fills the part of time her experiences have given us an in- the young peasant girl to perfection. Al- triguing hour of fantasy and an added re- though she radiates human warmth, the 2 2

MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS Nine girl lives as one apart, pure, selfless, a mys- mentary pictures of Russian crowds and tic through whom a message may be given battle scenes seem too heavy and depressing to the world. Besieged by the arguments of for a musical production. political and clerical dignitaries, she tri- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 Long and some of umphs by the simple answers of truth. This Romantic story and beautiful music it too somber is no sentimental plea for belief. Except for the cure of the infant in the Grotto spring, no miracles are verified, and the scepticism O O of the sophisticated is gently countered by . Nigel Bruce, Gale Sonder- Dennis Hoey, Vernon Downing, Alec the foreword: “For those who believe in God gaard, Craig, Mary Gordon, Arthur Hohl. Screen no explanation is necessary; for those who play by Bertram Millhauser. Based on a do not believe in God, no explanation is story by Sir . Associate William Neill. possible.” producer and director, Roy Universal. The photography, creating the atmosphere An especially ingenious plot places “The of a small French provincial town, is beau- Spider Woman” among the best of the Sher- tiful, and the music is inspiring, rising in lock Holmes series. Peculiar circumstances in triumphal crescendos. Many of the parts are connection with a number of so-called “py- played with rare understanding. Demon- jama suicides” in London cause the master strating the intelligent handling of a contro- detective to suspect murder. He is right, of versial theme, “Song of Bernadette” sets a course, and he traps the killer after assum- high standard for films of a religious nature. ing various disguises and risking a horrible Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 though everyone knows that Excellent Good, although death. Even too long and Sherlock Holmes must always survive to solve mature for many new mysteries, the suspense is very real, and the man-killing spider which plaj's an impor- O O tant part will give many people the creeps. Robert Taylor, , John Hodiak, The cast, as usual, is superior. Robert Benchley, Felix Bressart, Michael Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 Checkhov, Darryl Hickman, Jacqueline Good of its kind Probably White. Screen play by Paul Jarrico and frightening Richard Collins, based on a story by Leo Mittler, Victor Trivas and Guy Endore. Di- rection by . Music adapted STANDING ROOM ONLY O O for the screen by Herbert Stothart. Peter Mereblum's California Junior Orchestra. Fred MacMurray, Paulette Goddard, Edward Produced by Joseph Pasternak. M-G-M. Arnold, Hillary Brooke, , Anne Revere, Clarence Kolb, Isabel Randolph. The music of Tschaikowsky, with additional Original screen story by Al Martin. Direc- numbers by modern Russian composers, con- tion by Sidney Lanfield. Paramount. ducted by Albert Coates, is used as an im- This highly amusing expose of war-time portant element of this picture, and the com- Washington attacks on three fronts: the hous- positions selected are sufficiently familiar to ing shortage, the red tape methods of the please the average audience. They are intro- bureaucracy and the servant problem, adding duced very naturally, since the story is about for good measure a trenchant satire on self- John Meredith, an American orchestra leader important women in uniform. In the hands of who Russia as a guest conductor and a cast adept in farcical routines and persi- falls in love with a brilliant young musician, flage, it all adds up to a lot of irresistible Nadya, a peasant girl from Tschaikoye, the merriment. birthplace of the great musician. They are Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 married, but when the Nazi invasion forces Yes Little interest sweep over the land, Nadya returns to her own community to share in the labor of THE SULLIVANS O O “scorching the earth” as a true Russian, sub- , Selena Royle, Anne Bax- ordinating her personal existence to her duty ter, Edward Ryan, Trudy Marshall, John Campell, James Cardwell, John Alvin, George to her country. Offerman, Jr., Roy Roberts, Ward Bond, Although Robert Taylor’s role of a con- Mary McCarty, Nancy June Robinson, Mar- vin Davis, Buddy Swan, Billy Cummings, ductor is a new one for him, he fills it suc- Johny Calkins, John Nesbit. Screen play cessfully, and Susan Peters endows the girl by Mary C. McCall, Jr. Direction by Lloyd of modern Russia with a fine blending of Bacon. 20th Century-Fox. efficiency and idealism. Photography is de- No film has pictured the best American lightful in most of the scenes. The film traditions with greater fidelity, genuineness presents a romanticized picture of Russia and warmth than this simple story of a fam- with lovely girls and handsome men, but ily group with their inarticulate loyalty to there is a deeper motif, the surge of the each other and their sense of responsibility invincible spirit of Russia and the great love to the country which means Home to them. of the land. In the later sequences, the docu- It shows the delightful family of a freight train s

Ten MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS conductor whose income is limited but ade- TENDER COMRADE O O quate. As the children pass through the nor- Ginger Rogers, Robert Ryan, Ruth Hussey, Patricia Collinge, Mady Christians, Kim mal stages of development, a rare sense of Hunter, Jane Darwelt, Richard Martin, Mary Forbes, Richard Gaines. Screen play by softens the trials of their parents who humor Dalton Trumbo. Direction by Edward Dym- love but discipline their brood. They grow tryk. RKO. into fine normal young people and finally re- To many people this film will carry the spond to the call to arms. Through perse- significance of their own experiences and to verance they receive the unusual govern- them it will be an especially tender and mov- mental permission to be placed together on a ing drama. To others, the over-all effect

ship. Because the tragic event which ends may seem artificial. It tells the story of four their careers is not overdramatized, the gen- wives of absent service men. The women eral effect of the film is a happy, inspirational work in a plane factory and pool their re- one which leaves a glowing impression of sources, hiring a housekeeper as part of their

pride in America and respect for the stamina budget plan. Much of the film is given to of those left with only memories to comfort flashbacks of the courtship and interrupted

them. The casting is remarkably sympathetic, marriage of one of the girls (Ginger Rog- and acting and direction are exceptional. It ers) The husband, played very beautifully

is a “must see" film. bv Robert Ryan, is representative of many Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 of our finest men in the service. The lighter Excellent Excellent scenes are entertaining, but at times the

pathos is overstressed and the message of the film seems a little too obvious.

TARZAN'S DESERT MYSTERY O O Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good No Johnny Weismuller, , Johnny Sawyer, Lloyd Sheffield, Otto Kruger, Joe THREE RUSSIAN GIRLS O O Corrigan, Robert Lowery, Frank Puglia, Cheeta. Screen play by Ed. T Lowe from Anna Sten, Kent Smith, Mimi Forsaythe, Alexander Granach, Paul Guilfoyle, Kane, a story by Carrol Young, based on charac- Richmond, Manart Kippen, Jack Gardner, ters created by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Di- Marcia Lenack, Mary Herriot, Anna Marie rection by Wm. Thiele. Produced by Sol Stewart, Dorothy Gray, Feodor Chaliapin. Screen play by Aben Kandel and Dan Tal- Lesser. RKO. bot. Direction by Fedor Ozep and Henry Kesler. United Artists. Since the unique appeal of the Tarzan pic- The superb work of Russian Red Cross tures is in their naivete and complete remote- volunteer nurses at the front during the siege ness from present-day problems, when Tar- of Leningrad is treated in a singularly objec- zan and Boy encounter Nazi saboteurs, the tive but effective manner. All the roles are series loses some of its allure. The current well played, and the love affair between one episode is, however, still a back-to-nature nurse and an American aviation engineer fantasy with wild creatures helping their is dignified and charming. The battle scenes human friends and Cheeta practically steal- on snow-capped hills are fascinating, and ing the show. Tarzan’ mate, Jane, writes while the plot actually covers only a few in- from England, where she is nursing soldiers, cidents in a yet unfinished drama of epic pro- and asks Tarzan to procure some “fever portions, it gives us added understanding of medicine.” While he and Boy are searching the men and women of an allied nation. for the plant from which to distil the medi- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 cine, they cross a desert, become involved in Good Possible a Nazi plot, and have various blood-curdling adventures which will prove sufficiently en- TIMBER QUEEN O O Richard Arlen, , June Ha- tertaining to Tarzan fans. Some of the se- voc, Sheldon Leonard, George E. Stone, Dick quences would probably terrify a sensitive Purcell, Tony Hughes, Edmund MacDonald, Horace MacMahon. Screen play by Maxwell child. Shane and Edward T. Lowe. Pine-Thomas Production. Paramount. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Scenes of logging operations with giant Entertaining Questionable trees against the sky and great logs floating 2

MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS Eleven

down the flume to the river are entertaining psychological. Music and sound effects are

and spectacular, but the melodramatic plot skilfully used, photography is unusually fine, and brawling action will not appeal to exact- and all members of the cast unite to achieve

ing audiences. It is a conflict of the wilds, a finished performance. of trig- with he-men the lumber country and Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 ger men from the city joining in the contest. Tense but very No. Frightening interesting Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 Matter of taste Not recommended

WHAT A MAN O O THE UNINVITED O O Johnny Downs, Wanda McKay, Robert Kent, Ray Milland, Ruth Hussey, Donald Crisp. Cor- Etta McDaniel, Harry Holman. Direction nelia Otis Skinner, Dorothy Stickney, Bar- by Wm. Beaudine. Monogram. bara Everest, Alan Napier, Gail Russell. Screen play by Dodie Smith and Frank Par- With probably one of the silliest plots on tos from the novel by Dorothy Macardle. record, this combination of murder mystery Music by Victor Young. Direction by Lewis and success story runs an extremely dull Allen. Produced by Charles Brackett. Para- course mount. to an ending that leaves everybody wondering what happened and why. The Seldom has a picture been made with such story is about a meek young man who turns a delicate balance and such keen perception out to be a smart business executive and a of occult values as this story of a haunted girl who enters the picture as a mystery house on the rocky coast of Cornwall. Fasci- woman followed by detectives, spends several nated by the beauty of the place, two Lon- days hiding in the young man’s bachelor doners purchase “Windward House” and establishment, vanishes, and reappears as the learn to know the strange and lovely young daughter of our hero’s boss. girl whose soul is sought by the contending Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 spirits. Treatment of the theme is largely Poor No interest Twelve MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS

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INDEX . . . JANUARY THROUGH DECEMBER, 1943 A Girl Crazy September-October Good Fellows, The . . September-October Above Suspicion May-June Good Morning, Judge May-June Action in the North Atlantic May-June November-December Adventures of a Rookie, The. September-October Guadalcanal Diary November-December March-April Air Force January-February H Air Raid Wardens March-April Alaska Highway July-August Happy Go Lucky January-February All By Myself May-June Happy Land November-December Always a Bridesmaid September-October Harrigan's Kid March-April Amazing Mrs. Holliday, The January-February Heaven Can Wait July-August March-April Appointment in July-August He Hired His Boss He's March-April Assignment in Brittany March-April My Guy Hello, Frisco, Hello March-April

B Henry Aldrich Gets Glamour . January-February Henry Aldrich Haunts a House Nov. -Dec. Background to Danger May-June Hers to Hold July-August Bataan May-June Hi, Buddy March-April Battle of Russia November-December Hi Diddle Diddle September-October Behind Prison Walls March-April Higher and Higher November-December Behind the Rising Sun July-August High Explosive March-April Best Foot Forward July-August His Butler's Sister November-December Bombardier May-June Hitler's Children January-February Bomber's Moon September-October Hitler's Hangman May-June Hit Parade of 1943 March-April C Hit the Ice September-October Hi Ya, Chum March-April Cabin in the January-February Sky Yi Ya, Sailor November-December Chetniks January-February Holy Matrimony September-October China March-April Honeymoon Lodge September-October Cinderella Swings It January-February Hostages September-October City That Stopped Hitler, The. September-October How's About It? January-February City Without Men March-April Human Comedy, The March-April Claudia September-October Colt Comrades July-August March-April I Coney Island May-June Constant Nymph, The July-August Ice-Capades Revue January-February Corregidor March-April September-October Corvette K-225 September-October Immortal Sergeant, The January-February Cowboy From Manhattan May-June In Old Oklahoma November-December Crash Dive May-June In Which We Serve January-February Crazy House November-December Iron Major, The November-December Crime Doctor July-August It Ain't Hay March-April Cross of Lorraine, The November-December It Comes Up Love January-February Cry Havoc November-December I Walked With a Zombie March-April D I Dancing Masters, The November-December Desert Victory May-June Jack London November-December Desperadoes, The March-April Jitterbugs May-June Destroyer September-October Johnny Come Lately September-October Dixie July-August Dixie Dugan March-April K Dr. Gillespie's Criminal Case May-June Kansan, The May-June Doughboys in Ireland November-December Keeper of January-February DuBarry Was a Lady May-June the Flame E L Ladies' Day March-April Edge of Darkness March-April Lady Bodyguard March-April F Lady Takes a Chance, A September October Larceny, With Music September-October Falcon and The Co-ed, The. November-December Lassie, Come Home September-October Falcon in Danger, The July-August Leather Burners, The May-June Falcon Strikes Back, The March-April Leopard Man, The May-June Fallen Sparrow, The September-October Let's Face It July-August False Colors November-December Lost Angel November-December Fired Wife September-October First Comes Courage September-October M Five Graves to Cairo May-June Flesh and Fantasy September-October Madame Curie November-December January-February Man From Down Under, The. .September-October Follow the Band May-June Man From Music Mountain, The Nov-Dec. Forever and a Day January-February Margin For Error January-February For Whom the Bell Tolls July-August Meanest Man in the World, The Jan. -Feb. Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man Jan. -Feb. Mexican Spitfire's Blessed Event July-August Frontier Badmen September-October May-June Mister Big May-June G Mr. Lucky May-June Moon Is Down, The March-April Gang's All Here, The November-December More The Merrier, The May-June Get Going July-August My Friend Flicka March-April Gildersleeve's Bad Boy May-June My Kingdom for a Cook September-October Fourteen MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS

Mystery Broadcast November-December Spotlight Scandals November-December Squadron Leader X May-June N Stage Door Canteen May-June Next ot Kin March-April Star Spangled Rhythm January-February No Place for a Lady March-April Stormy Weather May-June Northern Pursuit November-December Strange Death of Adolph Hitler . September-October North Star November-December Stranger in Town, A March-April No Time For Love July-August September-October Sweet Rosie O'Grady September-October O Swing Fever November-December Swing Shift Maisie May-June Old Acquaintance November-December

One Dangerous Night . March-April T Our Lady of Paris May-June Ox-Bow Incident, The May-June Tartu . September-October Tarzan Triumphs January-February P Thank Your Lucky Stars July-August They Came to Blow Up America May-June Paris After Dark . November-December They Got Me Covered January-February Petticoat Larceny July-August July-August Phantom of the Opera ..September-October This Land Is Mine March-April Pilot No. 5 March-April Thousands Cheer September-October Power of the Press May-June Three Hearts for Julia January-February Prelude to War May-June Thumbs Up July-August Lily Mars. May-June Presenting Time to Kill January-February Princess O'Rourke September-October Tonight We Raid Calais March-April Q Top Man September-October Tornado September-October Quiet Please, Murder January-February True to Life September-October Two Senoritas from May-June R Chicago Two Tickets to London May-June to Live March-April . Weeks Reveille With Beverly. . March-April Two Ride, Tenderfoot, Ride May-June U Riding High November-December Rhythm of the Islands March-April Unknown Guest, The November-December Sahara September-October Salute for Three March-April V September-October Victory Through Air Power July-August Secrets of the Underground March-April Seventh Victim, The September-October W January-February Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon. Jan. -Feb. Watch On the Rhine July- August Sherlock Holmes Faces Death. .September-October We've Never Been Licked September-October

. Sherlock Holmes in Washington March-April We Killed Hitler's Hangman. . January-February Shrine of Victory September-October What a Woman November-December Silent Village, The September-October What's Buzzin', Cousin? July-August

Silver Skates January-February Where Are Your Children?. . .November-December Sky's the Limit, The July-August Whistling In Brooklyn November-December Slightly Dangerous March-April Wintertime September-October Someone to Remember September-October Woman of the Town November-December Something to Shout About January-February Y Son of Dracula November-December You're a Lucky Fellow, Mr. Smith Nov. -Dec. So Proudly We Hail July-August Young and Willing January-February So This Is Washington September-October Youngest Profession, The March-April Spitfire May-June Young Ideas July-August

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FEATURE FILMS Action In Arabia And The Angels Sing Nine Girls Andy Hardy’s Blonde Trouble Once Upon a Time Buffalo Bill Pin-Up Girl Cover Girl Curse of the Cat People, The See Here, Private Hargrove Days of Glory Shine On, Harvest Moon Escape to Danger Show Business The Falcon Out West Tampico Tunisian Victory Four Jills in a Jeep Two Sisters and a Sailor Going My Way Uncensored Hat Check Honey Uncertain Glory Up in Mabel's Room Hi, Goodlookin' Up In Arms The Hitler Gang Voice in theWind The Hour Before The Dawn The Whistler Knickerbocker Holiday The White Cliffs Ladies Courageous The Yellow Canary Lady, Let's Dance You Can't Ration Love Meet The People SHORT SUBJECTS The Memphis Belle Over the Wall Moon Over Las Vegas The Negro Soldier

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Vol. XVm MARCH AND APRIL, 1944 No. 11

Copyright 1944 by Motion Picture Reviews FEATURE FILMS

ACTION IN ARABIA O O verve and dash that carry the spectator on a George Sanders, Virginia Bruce, Lenore wave of fun. The opening scenes promise a Armstrong, Aubert, Gene Lockhart, Robert delightful picture of the home life of four H. B. Warner, Alan Napier, Andre Chariot, singing sisters Marcel Dalio, Robert Anderson, Jamiel who form an excellent quar- Hasson, Mike Ansara. Screen play by Philip tette, but whose real aspirations are directed MacDonald and Herbert Biberman. Direc- at individual success as an artist, a reporter, tion by Leonide Moguy. RKO. a concert pianist, and a dramatic actress. Melodramatic action fairly reeking with Father steps in to thwart their ambitions, intrigue, is set in and around Damascus. and the situations get out of hand. The film Sanders George plays the bored newspaper- will appeal to adults with a robust sense of man who has been recalled because he has humor, but the drinking scenes, with innocent unearthed too of much evidence Nazi coer- young girls under the influence of liquor, cion to conform with American diplomacy, in will be offensive to many. October, 1941. But before he gets away he Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 finds conclusive proof of “dirty work” in No No tricking peaceful Arab tribes into revolt against the English. After much sculduggery ANDY he escapes after a desperate chase reminis- HARDY'S BLONDE TROUBLE O O Lewis Stone, , Fay Holden cent of Serial action. foreign The settings Sara Haden, , Bonita Gran- and exotic characters add atmosphere, and ville, Keye Luke, Lee Wilde, Lyn Wilde, aerial photography of huge desert caravans, Jean Porter. Screen play by Harry Ruskin, William Ludwig and Agnes Christine John- picturesque realism. ston, based on character created by Aura- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 nia Rouverol. Direction by George B. Seitz. Good action film Exciting action M-G-M. Identical and lovely twins add to Andy’s AND THE ANGELS SING <> O usual girl trouble and add hilarity to his Fred MacMurray, Dorothy Lamour, Betty adjustment to college. For private reasons, Hutton, Diana Lynn, Mimi Chandler, Ray- the sisters pretend to be one, and Andy is mond Walburn, Eddie Foy Jr., Frank Al- completely befuddled, especially bertson, Mikhail Rasumny, Julie Gibson, when he Erville Alderson, Harry Barris. Screen play becomes interested in another blonde who is by Melvin Frank and Norman Panama. Di- apparently romantically concerned with a rection by George Marshall. Paramount. professor. He is on the point of leaving This rowdy musical comedy offers a va- school when Father appears to straighten riety of entertainment, and it goes with a him out. His experiences offer delightful fun 2 2

Four MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS for family groups, and a bit of sound phil- THE CURSE OF THE CAT PEOPLE O O osophy is injected in the role played by Bo- Simone Simon, Kent Smith, Jane Randolph, nita contrasted the types Granville as with Ann Carter, Elizabeth Russell, Eve Marsh, portrayed by the twins. Julia Dean, Erford Gage, Sir Lancelot. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Screen play by DeWitt Bodeen. Direction Good Yes by Gunther V. Fritsch and Robert Wise. < Produced by Val Lewton. RKO.

BUFFALO BILL O O This title may easily give the impression Joel McCrea, Maureen O'Hara, Linda Dar- of a “horror film” and keep away those who nell, Thomas Mitchell, Edgar Buchanan, An- would find it most rewarding. Actually, it is thony Quinn, Moroni Olsen, Frank Fenton, an excellent psychological study of a lonely, Matt Briggs, George Lessey. Original screen imaginative child who accepts literally the play by Frank Winch. Music by David But- visionary stories her elders tell her to enter- tolph. Photography by Leon Shamroy, A. S.C. tain her, and whose father, hurt by a former Direction by William A. Wellman. Pro- marriage to a mentally unstable woman, is duced by Harry A. Sherman. 20th Century- oversensitive and fearful for the lovely small Fox. daughter of his second marriage. When the Photographed in magnificent Technicolor, child’s imaginary “friend” takes the form of "Buffalo Bill” outstrips most of the Irena, the dead woman whose picture the pictures. It is the story of a man who lived child has seen, the father takes drastic meas- among the Indians, understood them, and ures. But while the action is dramatic and tried to protect them when the white men exciting at times, the story is sincerely beau- came to destroy the buffaloes, their chief tiful, told with rare understanding of child- food supply, and who nevertheless fought for hood. It should hold special interest for his own people when their lives were in peril. parents. Little Ann Carter gives a sensitive It tells of his romantic marriage, his long and understanding performance. The cast is years in Wild West performances, and his well rounded, with Julia Dean as an ageing final return to the West he loved. It belongs actress living in the past, particularly good. to a picturesque era which stirs the imagina- Sir Lancelot brings a wholesome, delightful tion. Joel McCrea brings this almost legend- touch to the pleasant home life which be- ary hero to life in a very convincing man- comes disturbed by the father’s fears. It is ner. The battles with Indians are stunningly an exceptionally interesting film presenting a projected. problem and a constructive solution.

Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 Good Exciting but no Mature but enter- Too mature objection for most taining

COVER GIRL O O Rita Hayworth, Gene Kelly, Lee Bowman, DAYS OF GLORY O O Phil Silvers, Jinx Falkenburg, Leslie Brooks, Toumanova, , Alan Reed, Eve Arden, Otto Kruger, Jess Barker, Anita Maria Palmer, Lowell Gilmore, Hugo Haas, Penn, Igor Dolguruki, Colby, Curt Bois and The Cover Girls. Glenn Vernon, Dena play Screen play by Virginia Van Upp from story Edward Durst, Lou Crosby. Screen by Melchior by Erwin Gelsey. Music and lyrics by Je- Casey Robinson from story by Gaudio, rome Kern and Ira Gershwin. Filmed in Lengyel. Photography by Tony Technicolor. Direction by Charles Vidor. A. S.C. Producer: Casey Robinson. Direction . by Jacques Tourneur. RKO.

“Cover Girl” is a lush musical which,, in The plot is woven about a group of Rus- addition to excellent music, good specialty sian guerrillas who live in the underground acts, spectacular beauty of settings and lovely rooms of a ruined monastery, emerging to girls, has a tender love story that wins sym- harass the enemy, and who are to be used to pathy. The dancing acts are particularly divert the German forces when a Russian worth seeing because both Rita Hayworth spearhead strikes at another point. The story and Gene Kelly are stellar performers. is touching but not overpowering in its emo- Gene Kelly’s soliloquy number is stunning in tional effect. It has a propaganda tone, show- settings, photography and perfection of per- ing the people regardless of standing, age formance. Phil Silvers and Eve Arden add and education, selflessly united in fighting the comedy. The famous Cover Girls are intro- battle of Russia. Photography by Gaudio is duced in a beautiful sequence which is an beautiful. Interest is particularly caught by integral part of the story. As tuneful, light Gregory Peck, Toumanova, and other new entertainment it is “tops.” personalities in the cast. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Excellent If Interested Passable Morbid MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS Five

the amount of ESCAPE TO DANGER O O ing. It is impressive to see Stepanek, detail involved in spotting and planning pro- Eric Portman, Ann Dvorak, Karel Ronald Ward, Felix Aylmer, David Peel, grams, working out schedules for the per- Ronald Adam, Marjorie Rhodes, Hay Petrie, formers, arranging for transportation on a Kann. Screen play by Jack Whitting- Lilly large scale. There is an irritating plot about ham from story by Patrick Kinyarr Direc- for- tion by Leonide Moguy. British-Gaumont a temperamental pair of actors, which film. RKO. tunately is not important enough to spoil the This exceedingly interesting spy story is picture. told with the restraint and understatement Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good Yes, if interested and factual quality characteristic of the Brit- ish, but not always found in American pic- tures of this type. Added suspense is attained FOUR JILLS IN A JEEP O O by having an English girl, a former teacher Kay Francis, Carole Landis, Martha Raye, who remained after the occupa- Mitzi Mayfair, John Harvey, Phil Silvers, in Denmark Dick Haymes, Alice Faye, , to tion and won the Nazis’ confidence, prove Carmen Miranda, George Jessel, Jimmy be a member of the underground. But when Dorsey and Orchestra. Screen play by Froma Sand and Fred Niblo, Jr. Direction she starts for England on a Nazi mission, by William A. Seiter. 20th Century-Fox. presumably to forward information to them, An opportunity to demonstrate what our she comes under suspicion of the English overseas U.S.O. units really accomplish has counter espionage. The action may confuse been overshadowed by the personal stories some spectators, but many will find it real- of four motion picture stars whose trip has istic and exciting entertainment. It is dis- been much publicized. It has some interest, tinctly out of the ordinary in plot and treat- but one show they put on for civilians is not ment. in the best taste, and the command perform- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good of type Too complicated ance pads a weak script. However, it is for most possible that the girls did not want credit * for what they actually did. While the film is THE FALCON OUT WEST O O disappointing, it gives an impression of the hardships of war travel, as well as the fun Tom Conway, Carole Gallagher, Barbara Hale, Joan Barclay, Cliff Clark, Ed Gar- they gave and the satisfaction they must have gan, Minor Watson, Lee Trent, Lyle Talbot. felt in a job well done. Original screen play by Billy Jones and Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Morton Grant. Music by Roy Webb. Direc- Yes If interested tion by William Clemens. RKO-Radio. When a rich rancher suddenly dies in O O agony on the floor of the night club where GOING MY WAY , Rise Stevens, Barry Fitzger- he is giving a party for his fiance, The Fal- ald, James Brown, Jean Heather, Eily Mal- con, by chance, is close at hand. Later, action yon, Frank McHugh, Stanley Clemens, Jean shifts to the far West, and there he un- Lockhart, Adelaide De Walt Reynolds. ravels the mystery in the best Western sur- Screen play by Frank Butler and Frank Cavett. Direction by Leo McCarey. Para- roundings to the accompaniment of swfit mount. riding and stage coach driving. Tom Con- This is proof, if you need it, that movie way’s voice duplicates George Sander’s suave guides are helpful, for otherwise you might tones. The cast is able, and the picture at- ” conceivably miss " Going My IVay —that is tains the usual entertaining quality of the unless you were especially attracted by the series. musical combination of Bing Crosby and 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Adolescents, Rise Stevens. They both sing beautifully, Good of its type Rather mature but the film is more than a musical. It is a drama which is so rich in the portrayal FOLLOW THE BOYS O O of human character that it should not be missed. . Vera Zorina, Grace McDon- It tells the tenderly story of priest, ald, Charles Butterworth, Charley Grapewin, moving a Ramsay Ames, Regis Toomey, Elizabeth a spiritual leader with wisdom, tolerance, Patterson, Theodore Von Eltz. Original and great understanding of human nature. screen play by Lou Breslow and Gertrude it is told with rich humor, for the Purcell. Direction by Eddie Sutherland. And Photography by David Abel. Musical direc- young and modern priest is sent to a run- tion by Leigh Harline. Universal. down parish to take over from an older man “Follow the Boys” is in the nature of a who distinctly does not approve the other’s report to the public on the work of the mo- methods, and distrusts his gaiety, his love of tion picture Victory Committee in keeping sports and music. The pleasant younger man up the morale of service men in various subtly does not give away the authority camps throughout the country and in foreign vested in him, but finally wins over the lands. Here again vaudeville has come into other. its own with dog acts, magic shows, piano Barry Fitzgerald’s portrayal of the stub- recitals, bands, top-notch singing and danc- born, childish, bewildered priest is a mas- Six MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS

terpiece in picturing old age with its dig- to Hollywood to try for a radio career is nity, its pathos, and its humor. Bing Crosby entertaining and has a touch of novelty in gives to his role the power of a profoundly the fact that the girl does not, in order to natural performance. The story deals with further her career, “go Hollywood.” The juvenile delinquency, the raising of the specialties are amusing and the scenes re- church debt, and other matters which could veal interesting information about the tech- easily have been stereotyped, but the film nique of broadcasting. has a religious quality that makes it a rare Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 and beautiful picture of American life of Yes May not be inter- which we may be justly proud. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Fine, and very enter- Yes taining THE HITLER GANG O O HAT CHECK HONEY O O Robert Watson, Roman Bohnen, Martin Kosleck, Victor Varconi, Luis Van Rooten, Grace McDonald, Leon Errol, Walter Cat- Granach, Rein- lett, Ramsay Ames, Richard Davis, Lee Alexander Pope, Alexander Dennett, Freddy Slack and his orchestra, hold Schunzel, Sig Ruman, Fritz Kortner, Harry Owens and his Royal Hawaiians. Gene Stutenroth, Poldy Dur, Helene Thimig. Screen play by Al Martin. Direction by Ed- Screen play Albert and Francis Hackett. ward F. Cline. . by In order to give his son the chance for a Direction by . Paramount. big-time singing career, a carnival comedian Exceptional casting gives this picture breaks up the act in which the two are strength and reality. The director has used teamed. His son is heart-broken, thinking restraint in picturing Hitler, whose charac- that his father prefers to be alone, but he ter is drawn in detail, emphasizing his emo- finally gets his chance for success, only to tionalism, his egotism and lack of originality, find it complicated by his father’s blunders. but also showing shrewd intelligence and The Hollywood setting, modern music, and a knowledge of psychology by which he adapts story which builds a nice relationship be- the ideas of others and holds his followers tween father and son, should please young in line. It is informative rather than enter- folk particularly. taining, but the fact that it is supported by Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 documentary proof makes it important in our Entertaining If interested understanding of the origin and growth of HER PRIMITIVE MAN O O the National Socialist Party. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 , Louise Allbritton, Robert Interesting as history Too mature Benchley, Edward Everett Horton, Helen Broderick, Ernest Truex, Nydia Westman, Louis Jean Heydt. Original story by Dick Hyland. Direction by Charles Lamont. Uni- O O versal Pictures. THE HOUR BEFORE THE DAWN This gay farce differs enough from the Franchot Tone, Veronica Lake, Binnie run-of-the-mill to sustain interest. The au- Barnes, John Sutton, Henry Stephenson, thor of a supposedly authentic book, “Love Philip Merivale, Leslie Dennison, Nils and Death Among the Lupari Head Hunters,” Asther, David Leland, Edmond Brion, Don- is exposed as a fraud by a young woman ald Stuart, Viola Moore. Adapted from anthropologist. His ego is deflated. When novel by Somerset Maugham. Direction by he learns that she plans an expedition to Frank Tuttle. Paramount. bring a real hunter into head her home in This film offers another good, but not not- order to study his civilization, responses to able, story of the Nazi spy, this time feminine he is ready for her and, disguised as a sav- and working as housekeeper in a middle age, has a lot of fun. Robert Paige and class English family. There are certain im- Louise Allbritton are a bright and brittle plausibilities in the plot, but the charactriza- team. Robert Benchley and Edward E. Hor- tions are so lifelike and the interest so well ton by It amuse just being present. is light sustained that these may be easily overlooked. escapist fare which will delight the children Veronica Lake makes a convincing spy, but and won’t bore their elders. Franchot Tone is a bit too negative even Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 for his role of pacifist. The message of the Entertaining Good story, the realization of the conscientious HI, GOODLOOKIN' O O objector that freedom must and should be Harriet Hilliard, Kirby Grant, Roscoe Karns, rewon, would have been more vital two Milburn Stone, Betty Kean, Eddy Quillan, years ago than now. However, the picture Frank Fenton, Mary O'Brien. Screen play by Paul Smith, Bradford Ropes and Eugene is impressive and affords good, though som- Conrad. Direction by Edward Lilley. Univer- bre, entertainment. sal Pictures. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 This story of an unkown girl who came Yes Too mature MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS Seven

KNICKERBOCKER HOLIDAY O O concerned with the personal experiences of Nelson Eddy, Charles Coburn, Constance the women pilots at their army base, the Dowling, Ernest Cossart, Shelley Winter, way in which they spend their free time and Otto Kruger, Richard Johnny "Scat" Davis, their relationships with men. A frank view Hale, Fritz Feld, Chester Conklin, Carmen Amaya and her Company. From the stage is also given of their attitude toward the success by Maxwell Anderson. Screen play work. If the film is intended to indicate how by David Boehm and Rowland Leigh. Pro- they won the confidence of the Army, it misses duced and directed by Harry Joe Brown. Producers Corporation of America. United fire, for the impression is left that in at least Artists. two instances pilots were so concerned with The gay, lilting quality’ of the music and their own affairs that they actually endan- the satiric play on political trends is rem- gered the service. However, the cast is iniscent of a Gilbert and Sullivan opera. good, and the action is quite realistic in Peter Stuyvesant, Governor of New Amster- picturing the emotions, faults, ideals, and dam in early days, is commissioned to put humor of the various types of women in the down a rebellion of the tax-ridden colonists unit. It is fair entertainment. under Bron Broeck, whom he also plans to Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Rather rob of his lady love. In true musical comedy emotional No value fashion the tables are turned. Sometimes the dialogue is tedious, but the picture has many good features, including Nelson Eddy’s MEET THE PEOPLE O O fine singing, the seasoned comedy of Charles , Dick Powell, Bert Lahr, Vir- Coburn, abetted by Ernest Cossart, Fritz ginia O'Brien, "Rags" Ragland, June Ally- Feld and Percy Philborn, and the charm and son, Steve Geray, Paul Regan, Howard Free- poignant beauty of Constance Dowling. Stage man, Betty Jaynes, John Craven, Morris settings have been designed with admirable Ankrum. Screen play by S. M. Herzig and attention to detail It is novel entertainment Fred Saidy. Direction by Charles Reisner. with excellent musical numbers M-G-M. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 This musical offers some effective back- Good if they like Little interest grounds, amusing dialogue and a few fairly fanciful plots good specialty acts, but the story of an actress who goes to work in a shipyard for a pub- LADY LET'S DANCE O O licity stunt and finds herself “frozen on the job,” is loosely written and singularly unin- Belita, James Ellison, Walter Catlett, Frick and Frack, Lucien Littlefield, Maurice St. teresting. Fair entertainment. Clair, Emmett Vogan, Harry Harvey, Eu- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 gene Mikeler, Henry Bussy and His Orches- Matter of taste If interested tra. Original screen play by Peter Milne and Paul Gerard Smith. Direction by Frank Woodruff. Monogram Pictures. Monogram has been very succcessful in THE MEMPHIS BELLE O O allowing the camera to catch the full effect Paramount release. Photographed by Eighth of Belita’s intricate and novel routines which Air Force Cameramen and Combat Mem- she performs with exquisite grace. In see- bers, in Technicolor, under direction of Lt. ing her both as a dancer and as a skater, we Col. William Wyler. Released by Office of realize how she adapts dancing technique to War Information through War Activities ice routines. Her dancing and skating part- Committee. Narration written by Technical ners are excellent, and the comedy of Frick Sergeant Lester Koenig, spoken by Eugene and Frack is displayed to full advantage. Kent and John Beal. Music written by Cor- The story is slight but entertaining, and the poral Gail Kubic. picture is an excellent substitue for an eve- The Memphis Belle holds to the high ning at the Ice Follies. standard of excellence we are learning to Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 expect from documentary war reports. It Good Good has no plot and no simulated heroics, but it glows with the factual beauty of truth. It is LADIES COURAGEOUS O O a splendid contribution to our understanding Loretta Young, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Rich- of what bombing raids mean in careful plan- ard Fraser, Anne Gwynne, Diana Barrymore, ning, team work, and bravery, and also the , David Bruce, June Vincent, price we pay for victory. It is an exciting Lois Collier, Phillip Terry, Samuel S. Hinds, and stimulating Frank Jenks. Screen play by Norman Reilly picture of the twenty-fifth Raine and Doris Gilbert. Direction by Di- mission of a single ship and its crew, but mitri Tiomkin. Walter Wanger production. multiply this by thousands and we get an Universal Pictures. impression of what war in the air means This is a fictionalized story of how the It is exceptionally fine WAFS became an official part of the Army, Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 the Women’s Air Force Service Pilots. It is Excellent Older boys Eight MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS

MOON OVER LAS VEGAS O O ONCE UPON ATIME O O Anne Gwynne, David Bruce, Vera Vague, Cary Grant, Janet Blair. James Gleason, Vivian Austin, Joe Sawyer, Alan Dinehart, Ted Donaldson, Howard Freeman, William Demarest, Art Baker, Paul Stanton, Sig , Milburn Stone. Direction by Arno, Mickey McGuire. Screen play by Jean Yarborough. Universal Pictures. Lewis Meltzer a'nd Oscar Saul from story by Norman Corwin and Lucille Fletcher young couple having a tiff, arrange a A Herrmann. Direction by Alexander Hall. legal separation, but secretly, each schemes Columbia Pictures. to patch up their quarrel They both go We have here an adaptation of Norman West, planning to be “hard to get.” True Corwin’s fantasy, “My Client Curly,” writ- to farce, almost impossibly fantastic devel- ten and produced for radio. It is about a opments keep the lovers apart for the length disheartened and bankrupt Broadway pro- of the picture. In more expert hands it ducer who tosses his last nickel to two small might have been successful comedy, but the boys who insist that he look at their peep- leads are too inexperienced and the plot is show, a dancing caterpillar who responds to so slim that it fails to be very entertaining. the strains of “Yes, Sir, That’s My Baby,” Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 as pla3r ed on the harmonica. Instantly the No No man visualizes the publicity angles possible * and opens up a campaign which has unex- THE NAVY WAY O O pected results. Robert Lowery, Jean Parker, Bill Henry, Fantasy is perhaps the most difficult sub- Roscoe Karns, , Horace ject to film because the screen medium seems McMahon, Richard Powers, Sharon Douglas. best adapted to realism. So to some, the Screen play by Maxwell Shane. Direction story told by this whimsical parable may by Wm. Berke. Produced by Pine & seem too fragile and “much ado about noth- Thomas. Paramount. ing.” On the other hand, many will delight The visualization of the training given in its whimsy, its satire, and in the spiritual recruits in our Navy camps enhances the truth to which it draws attention value of this picture. Humor blends with the Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Yes Yes seriousness of purpose as the typical hetero- geneous group is molded into Navy material. PIN-UP GIRL O O It is to be regretted that the incident in Betty Grable, John Harvey, Martha Raye, which the young hero is almost dishonorably Joe E. Brown, Eugene Pallette, Dorothea discharged on account of a drunken de- Kent, Dave Willock, Condos Brothers, Char- lie Spivak and his Orchestra. Screen play bauch of should have involved a member by Libbie Block. Direcion by Bruce Hum- the Waves. The girl herself is above re- berstone. 20th Century-Fox. proach, but the scene leaves an impression The title is appropriate only because the of the dubious value of women at training film is about a girl whose photographs were the camps. However, picture is good enter- in demand with the G I’s whom she served in tainment and the two hymns sung by the a small town U.S O. Club—except, of course, Navy choir add a note of spirituality. that it stars a favorite Pin-Up Girl, Betty Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Grable. The action goes on to tell what Yes Theme too mature happened to Lorry when her ambitions took her out of her element to New York and NINE GIRLS O O Washington. The plot is fanciful. Interest Ann Harding, Evelyn Keyes, Jinx Falken- is centered on the lavish settings glamorized burg, Anita Louise, Leslie Brooks, Lynn by Technicolor, on sprightly and tuneful mu- Merrick, Jeff Donnell, Nina Foch, Shirley sic, and on the specialty acts. One roller Mills, Marcia Mae Jones, Willard Robertson, skating sequence has spectacular beauty in William Demarest. Adapted from the play performance and color, but the military finale by Wilfrid H. Pettitt. Direction by Leigh is overlong and anti-climactic. Jason. Produced by Bert Kelly. Columbia. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Entertaining Matter of taste Grace Thornton chaperones a group of younger sorority sisters on an initiation house THE PURPLE HEART <> O party in the mountains, and there a murder , , Farley mystery develops. While the murders are Granger, Kevin O'Shea, Donald Barry, Trudy not adequately motivated, and the perpetra- Marshall, Sam Levene, Chas. Russell, John Craven, Tala Birrell, Richard Loo, Peter tor is revealed too early in the play for high Chong, , Toren Meyer, Kurt suspense, Ann Harding adds distinction to Katch, Martin Garralaga. Screen play by the production. Dialogue and direction are Jerome Cady from a story by Melville Crossman. Photography by Arthur Miller, good, and comedy lightens situations which A.S.C. Music by Alfred Newman. Direction might otherwise seem macabre. by . Produced by Darryl Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Zanuck. 20th Century-Fox. Only passable No. Mature theme Although the facts surrounding the trav- 2

MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS Nine

esty of justice meted out in a civil trial to roles. Perhaps the simple, romantic singing the American fliers who bombed Tokyo still of “Harvest Moon,” which once brought remain a matter of speculation, this is an ex- down the house would be considered “corny” ceedingly realistic picture. Most of the ac- nowadays, but the picture, which is based on tion takes place in the Japanese courtroom the life story of Nora Bayes and Jack Nor- or in the prison cell where the men are re- worth, is a very good revival of the days turned after being tortured. While the worst when vaudeville was in its prime and when scenes of the administration of physical to appear on the Majestic stage was the cruelty are dispensed with, the emotional re- height of any actor’s career. There were action to the film is almost unbearable. It good songs in those days, tuneful, rhythmic, is strong propaganda, very well done, with haunting, and, thanks to radio, they are a fine cast and the best technique in all de- familiar enough to sway a modern audience. partments. Such a picture may be necessary The story describes the struggles of the to awaken certain elements of our population now famous singing team, denied big time to the urgency of an all-out war effort, but booking by a jealous woman and the vindic- it should be avoided by those having hus- tive owner of a theatre chain, until they bands, sons, or close friends in the Pacific finally got a spot in the Ziegfeld Follies. area, or even in the air forces. Jack Carson and Marie Wilson are spright- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 ly fun makers as the magician and his very Too grim No dumb stooge. The final sequences of the * Follies in brilliant color photography are elaborately SEE HERE, PRIVATE HARGROVE O O staged, and costumes are in the Ziegfeld manner. Robert Walker, Donna Reed, Robert Bench- Adolescents, ley, Keenan Wynn, , Ray Col- 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 Yes, but lins, Chill Wills, Marta Linden, Grant marred by a Not very inter- Mitchell. Based on the book by Marion few details esting Hargrove. Screen play by Harry Kurnitz. Direction by Wesley Ruggles. M-G-M. The main impression one gains from this SHOW BUSINESS O O film is that it is genuine. The dialogue, the Eddie Cantor, George Murphy, Joan Davis, acting, and the episodes selected to portray Nancy Kelly, Constance Moore, Don Doug- las, Bert Gordon. Screen play by Bert Gar- experiences of rookies drafted from civil- the net and Eddie Cantor. Direction by Edwin ian life into the unknown world of the Army L. Marin. RKO. the story is told are all very natural, and Show Business is tuneful and entertaining. with delightful humor. Robert Walker plays The action gives a panoramic impression of the type of young American we all know, the development of an act from burlesque into scarcely dry behind the ears, bungling through vaudeville to the ensemble, which the finest a maturity which somehow holds is a short step from the modern spectacular requisites His standards and of manhood. extravaganza. It is an excellent vehicle in personality associates are varied enough for Eddie Cantor. His comedy is often col- to reveal a cross section of a democratic ored with pathos which makes it human and army. The picture is important as a chron- lovable, and the film revives many of the icle of our times and, best of all, it is hilari- old-time melodies he has made popular ously entertaining. through the years. The others in the cast Children, 8 to 12 Adolescents, 12 to 16 also are excellent. The back-stage plot is un- Fine Yes original, but it seems relatively unimportant Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 SHINE ON, HARVEST MOON O O Entertaining Matter of taste Ann Sheridan, Dennis Morgan, Jack Car- son, Irene Manning, S. Z. Sakall, Marie Wilson, Robert Shayne, Bob Murphy, Four TAMPICO O O Step Bros., The Ashburtons, Wm. Davidson, Edward G. Robinson, Lynn Bari, Victor Mc- James Bush. Based on an original screen Laughlin, Robert Bailey, Marc Lawrence, story by Richard Weil. Music adapted by E. J. Ballantine, Mona Maris, Tonio Sel- H. Roemheld. Orchestral arrangements by wart. Screen play by Kenneth Garnet, Fred Frank Perkins. Musical direction by Leo F. Niblo, Jr., and Richard Macaulay, from an Forbstein. Direction by David Butler. War- original by Ladislas Fodor. Direction by ner Bros. . 20th Century-Fox. To those who remember the old days, and Tampico is a story of the Merchant Ma- perhaps there are not many who do, Dennis rine, set in the days when Nazi U-boats were Morgan is very much Jack Norworth and taking a terrible toll of Allied shipping in Ann Sheridan is—herself She is conscien- the Caribbean. After a tanker is torpedoed, tiously glamorous, and at times her costumes its captain becomes involved in a spy hunt are too daring and eccentric, although in with suspicion turning to a mysterious woman many scenes she shows more sweetness and he had married in port. The colorful for- strength of character than is usual in her eign settings are rather well done, and the Ten MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS

action is rugged and exciting, but the loosely UNCENSORED O O plotted story lacks conviction. Eric Portman, Phyllis Calvert, Griffith Jones, Raymond Lovell, Peter Glenville, Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Frederick Culley, Irene Handle, Carl Jaffe, Contusing ethically, No Stuart Lindsell. Screen play by Rodney value and no Ackland and Terence Rattigan based on book by Oscar Millard. Direction by An- thony Crabtree. British-Gaumont Produc- TUNISIAN VICTORY O O tion. 20th Century-Fox. American music by Dmitri Tiomkin, Army Here is a tense and realistic story of under- Air Force Band, Santa Ana, Calif. British ground newspaper activities in Belgium. It music written by William Alwyn, London tells of the secret publication of “La Libre Philharmonic Orchestra. M-G-M. release. Belgique,” a news sheet which caused head- This is a great documentary picture, taken aches to the Germans in the last war and the by many unnamed cameramen, often at resumed its activities in this after the occu- risk of their lives, and finally edited and pation. A music hall entertainer collects bits assembled by an American and a British of information from Nazi patrons, passes director, and Col. Hugh Stew- them on to the publisher, and distributes art. It is a satisfaction to be told what really some of the copies, until the chase gets hot happened, the careful charting of the battle on his trail. Photography and technique are plan known as “Acrobat,” the sudden land- typically British and lack Hollywood glamour, ing on the North African coast, the tactical but the story is well told, holds suspense. It use of paratroopers, tank, planes, infantry. gives the realistic viewpoint of those who Many things make this a living production: live close to war and know that events are the faces and mannerisms of boys, eager, only fragments of a larger pattern, that young, like those we know; comments by the while one episode may turn out well, it is American private and the English Tommy; only because luck is with them and that the the expressive music which complements survivors in such dangerous work may have the action. Men fall, and we know they to hand the torch to others for fulfillment have fallen in death, but the horror is Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 not stressed. There is a feeling of elation Exciting entertain- No objection as our armies move forward to victory in ment the belief that they are fighting for a better day, expressed in simple words by a soldier UNCERTAIN GLORY O O at the end, “What a job, bringing back the , Paul Lucas, Jean Sullivan, James Flavin, Lucille Watson, Douglas smiles to kids' faces!” Dumbrille, Dennis Hoey, Sheldon Leonard. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Original screen play by and Lazio Very tine No Too violent Vadnay. Direction by . Music by Adolph Deutsch. Photography by Sid A SAILOR O O Hickox, A.S.C. Warner Bros. TWO SISTERS AND Although the theme of patriotic sacrifice June Allyson, Gloria De Haven, Van John- by an unworthy individual is not new, the son, Tom Drake, Henry O'Neill, Henry Ste- treatment in this film is unusual. The focus phenson, Ben Blue, Frank Sully, Donald of interest is not the fate of the French convict Meek, Carlos Ramirez, Albert Coats, Am- Picard (Errol Flynn), who remains unre- paro Novarro, Jose Iturbi, Jimmy Durante, generate to the last and chooses the right Gracie Allen, Lena Horne, Virginia O'Brien, path only by a hair’s breadth, but the The Wilde Twins, Harry James and his psychological struggle of the inspector (Paul Orchestra with Helen Forrest, Xavier Cugat Lucas) who stakes his whole career on the and his Orchestra with Lina Romay. Origi- oath of a murderer that he will give him- nal screen play by Richard Connell and self up to save the lives of a hundred Gladys Lehman. Direction by Richard hostages. The picture is slow moving, and Thorpe. Produced by . M-G-M. the love affair is not convincing, but char- This musical may in all honesty be said to acterizations are very interesting, and the be “packed” with entertainment. In fact, it photography is beautiful in dark, rich tones gives more than one’s money’s worth, but no reminiscent of the old masters. one object, it should for offers diversified Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 acts to meet every taste. The story catches Too heavy No. Unsuitable our hearts from the first as it follows the careers of two lovely sisters from babyhood UP IN MABEL'S ROOM O O to maturity and shows the intriguing relation- Marjorie Reynolds, Dennie O'Keefe, Gail Patrick, Mischa Auer, ship betwteen them. Jimmy Durante has his Charlotte Green- wood, Lee Bowman, John Hubbard, Binnie best screen role to date and carries it ex- Barnes. From play of the same name by pertly. The picture is excellent diversion. Otto Harbach and Wilson Collison. Direc- tion by Allan Dwan. Edward Small-United Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Artists. Excellent Long, but matter of taste An old bedroom farce is revamped with 2

MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS Eleven

a charming and highly talented cast and is THE WHISTLER O O full of spontaneously funny situations Even Richard Dix, J. Carrol Naish, Gloria Stuart, parts which might be very risque are handled Alan Dinehart, Don Costello, Joan Wood- so skilfully that they are not offensive. The bury. Screen play by Eric Taylor, story by crux of the problem is a satin slip which a J. Donald Wilson, suggested by the C.B.S. recent bridegroom bestowed upon a person- program. Direction by William Castle. Co- able young woman on a trip to Mexico in lumbia. his bachelor days, and the ruses to obtain Announced as the first of a series of pic- this fluffy bit of evidence are breath-taking tures based on the radio program of the and hilarious. Most of the play takes place same name, “The Whistler” has little to during a house party at a lovely modernized recommend it. The plot is concerned with New England farmhouse while a blizzard one Earl Conrad, harassed by insinuations rages outside. of his one-time friends that he was responsi-

Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 ble for the loss of his wife in a shipwreck. Passable. Subject No interest He hires a professional killer to put an end matter mature to his miserable existence. He survives all perils, which seems rather a pity. The picture UP IN ARMS O O points no moral and is mediocre in every way. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Danny Kaye, Dinah Shore, Dana Andrews, Poor Impossible Constance Dowling, Louis Calhern, George Mathews, Benny Baker, Elisha Cook, Jr., Lyle Talbot, Walter Catlett, George Meeker, THE WHITE CLIFFS O O Richard Powers, Margaret Dumont, Donald Irene Dunne, Alan Marshal, Roddy Mc- Dowell, Frank Morgan, Van Johnson, C. Dickson, Charles Amt. Screen play by Don Aubrey Smith, Dame May Whitty, Gladys Hartman, Allen Boretz and Robert Pirosh, Cooper, Peter Lawford, John Warburton, suggested by Owen Davis' character, "The Jill Esmond, Brenda Forbes, Norma Var- den. Based on the poem by Alice Duer Nervous Wreck." Direction by Elliott Nu- Miller. Screen play by Claudine West, Jan gent. Produced by Samuel Goldwyn. RKO. Lustig and George Froeschel. Art director: Cedric Gibbons. Musical score by Herbert Done in Technicolor in the grand style, Stothart. Direction by Clarence Brown. with pretty girls, elaborate sets, singing and Produced by Sidney Franklin. M-G-M. dancing, this musical pictures a mad dream Alice Duer Miller’s beautiful narrative of what the Army is NOT. Danny Kaye, poem has been used as the basis of a deeply fresh from Broadway, is a sensational come- touching picture. Little has been added to dian for this kind of musical; his routines, the original story, only enough action to com- the “Lobby Number,” “Melody in 4F,” “Jive plement and expand the verse form to pic- Number” and others are hilarious. Dinah ture requirements. It remains the story of an Shore and lovely Constance Dowling take American girl who marries into a great old leading parts, and they, as well as a host English family and loves her foster country of Goldwyn beauties, are sure to raise the so deeply that that she is able to remain un- G. I. blood pressure. embittered, although she has lost her hus- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 band and her son in wars for the protection Good Yes, if it meets of the feel signifi- their taste kingdom. Again we the cance of the poem, that in spite of minor * differences, the Americans and English are VOICE IN THE WIND O O one people in fundamental beliefs and ideals. The picture is very well done. Irene Dunne Francis Lederer, Sigrid Gurie, J. Edward is particularly lovely, often in an ethereal Bromberg, J. Carrol Naish, Alexander Gra- way, but she remains human. These people, nach, Olga Fabian, David Kota, Jacqueline with their amusing foibles, are all true to Dalya. Screen play by Frederick Torberg life. It is hard to forget Frank Morgan and from an original story by Arthur Ripley. C. Aubrey Smith fighting over the chess set Direction of Arthur Ripley. United Artists. taken from the White House in 1812. Alan This gives an eloquent picture of the men- Marshal is well cast; Roddy McDowell is as tal breakdown of a sensitive artist unable to appealing as ever; all parts are competently endure Nazi torture. Its treatment is mainly acted. The atmosphere of the days of the through a psychological approach which pro- first World War is well established by de- duces a vivid impression of inner emotional tails of furniture, transportation, women’s turmoil. Each member of the cast is excel- clothes, soldiers’ uniforms. Although the lent. Photography, music score and direction picture is sad, it is inspiring, carrying a mes- complement each other in an artistic, if de- sage of hope for a world in which such pressing production. great sacrifices will no longer be required. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Too mature No Yes Too sad Twelve MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS

THE YELLOW CANARY O O college campus to a preponderant group of Anna Neagle, Richard Greene, Nova Pil- attractive young girls, but it uses cheap de- beam, Albert Lieven, Lucie Mannheim, Mar- vices and unpleasant inferences to achieve garet Rutherford, Patric Curwan, Marjorie its end. Betty Rhodes is a delightful heroine, Fielding. Screen play by Milles Malleson and De Witt Bodean from a story by D. and there are some good radio entertainers M. Bower. Producer-director: Herbert Wil- who add a skilful touch, but on the whole cox. Photography by Max Green. RKO- this is mediocre fare. British. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 “Yellow Canary” is one of the excellent Poor idea of college No English spy stories. It moves along at a brisk tempo with hugh suspense so that the audience is kept in doubt, not only of the SHORT SUBJECTS final outcome, but even of the national allegi- ance of the main characters. Tension is re- relieved by nonchalant repartee and typically THE NEGRO SOLDIER O O

English touches of humor. Action takes place U. S. War Department. Produced by U S aboard an ocean liner and in the port of Signal Corps under supervision of Col. Frank Capra and the direction of Captain Halifax, where destruction on a gigantic Stuart Heisler. scale is plotted against the Allies. The cast, This exceptional documentary outlines the headed by Anna Neagle and Richard Greene, Negro’s contribution in the making of Amer- is notable for vivid characterizations. Sound ica and the part he played throughout the effects are impressive with a fine musical history of this country in peace time industry score played by the London Symphony Or- and in warfare. It contrasts Hitler’s ide- chestra. ology with that of the Allies and is an im- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Unusual spy film No. Too tense portant and valuable film. Mature family

RATION LOVE O O YOU CANT OVER THE WALL O O Betty Rhodes, Johnnie Johnston, Bill Ed- wards, Marjorie Weaver, Marie Wilson, Warner Bros. 2 reels. Johnnie "Scat" Davis, Mabel Paige, Jean Wallace. Original screen play by Val Burton The suspense created by the short drama Lester and H. L. Fimbert. Direction by of the reformation of a criminal is sus- Fuller. Paramount. tained to the very end. The change in the for the This is another college movie prisoner is extremely well done for so short non-college trade. The prototype of strictly a space of development. The picture is is undoubtedly the hero, John, good for all age groups, for at no time is John rises from the college ranks to heights sympathy turned toward the criminal yet the because of his fas- where the girls mob him priest’s unfailing belief in mankind is shown, cinating croon. The film has an original to be justified. inception, rationing the few men left on the SUBSCRIPTION ORDER BLANK Please Detach and Mail in with Your Subscription

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FEATURE FILMS Address Unknown Invisible Man's Revenge, The Adventures of Mark Twain Johnny Doesn't Live Here Allergic to Love Anymore American Romance, An Ladies of Washington Attack, The Battle For New Make Your Own Bed Britain Man From Frisco Bathing Beauty Marine Raiders Bermuda Mystery Mask of Dimitrios, The Between Two Worlds Minstrel Man Canterville Ghost, The Mr. Skeffington Christmas Holiday Night of Adventure, A Double Indemnity Our Hearts Were Young and Eve of St. Mark, The Gay Gaslight Psychiatry In Action Ghost Catchers Secret Command Girl In The Case Sensations of 1945 Great Moment, The Seven Days Ashore Hail The Conquering Hero Song of The Open Road Hairy Ape, The Story of Dr. Wassell, The Henry Aldrich Plays Cupid Summer Storm Hey Rookie Take It Big Home In Indiana This Is The Life I Love a Soldier Three Men In White

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Vol. IX MAY AND JUNE No. 12

Copyright 1944 by Motion Picture Reviews FEATURE FILMS

ADDRESS UNKNOWN O O THE ADVENTURES OF MARK TWAIN O Paul Lucas, Carl Esmond, Peter Van Eyck, Fredric March, Alexis Smith, Donald Crisp, Mady Christians, Morris Carnovsky, K. T. Alan Hale, C. Aubrey Smith, John Carra- Stevens, Emory Parnell, Mary Young. Screen dine, Bill Henry, Robert Barrat, Walter play by Herbert Dalmas from the story by Hampden, Joyce Reynolds, Whitford Kane, Kressman Taylor. Producer-director: Wil- Percy Kilbride, Nana Bryant, Willie Best. liam Cameron Menzies. Screen play by Alan LeMay, based on works of Mark Twain and the play "Mark Dramatized from a short story widely read Twain" by Harold M. Sherman. Music by when it appeared in “The Reader’s Digest” Max Steiner. Musical direction by Leo F. a few years ago, “Address Unknown” is the Forbstein. Photography by Sol Polito, A.S.C. explanation of a letter so designated when Direction by Irving Rapper. Produced by Jesse L. Lasky. Warner Bros. it was returned to San Francisco. Martin The spirit of the great Mississippi Schultz, associated with a Jew in an art River, its importance shop, returns to his native Germany and in moulding our national character, becomes so potently inoculated with Nazi flows through this picture as it did through ideas that he fails to protect his partner’s Mark Twain’s life and writ- ings. From the moment the gifted young daughter when she is perse- when appear- ance of Halley’s cuted for her race. The retribution visited Comet in the sky ushered him into the world, until upon Martin is just and final. Paul Lucas its reappear- ance signalled the gives a finely shaded interpretation of a time of his death, the film reveals the compelling if unsympathetic role. Possibly most interesting and sig- nificant phases of his life: the early days the plot seemed more novel when it ap- peared in written form. along the great river, recorded in the stories Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn; his Too tense Unsuitable adventures in Virginia City as a newspaper 2

four MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS

reporter and in other parts of the West ATTACK—THE BATTLE FOR NEW BRITAIN where he won his first recognition by writ- Six reel documentary filmed by U. S. Sig- ing “The Jumping Frog of Calaveras Coun- nal Corps and Air Force Cameramen, dur- ty”; his marriage; his later days as a ing invasion of Arawa and Cape Gloucester world-famous lecturer. The result is a com- in South Pacific Area. Office of War In- plete and unified impression of the man as formation. R.K.O. earth he was, gifted, idealistic, close to and As Ernie Pyle says, “This is your war,” to the people he knew. Fredric March’s and the U. S. Signal Corps is accomplish- pleasant experience portrayal gives us the ing a magnificent feat in reporting it hon- of feeling that he really knew Mark Twain, estly to us. This documentary gives us a a great humorist and a fine American who vivid and thrilling picture of landing opera- had faith in democracy. tions, demonstrating just what an invasion Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 means in blood and brawn and brains. No Excellent Excellent other report has illustrated so clearly the perfect coordination of the various branches ALLERGIC TO LOVE O O of the service by which each individual Noah Beery, Jr., Martha O'Driscoll, David soldier knows exactly what he is to do and Bruce, Franklin Pangborn, Slapsie Maxie how to do it. The action opens in the stag- Rosenbloom, Fuzzy Knight, John Hamilton, ing area where the training, rehearsing and

Henry Armetta. Screen play by Warren briefing take place, and it continues through Wilson from an original story by Warren one day of attack. The film is realistic, Wilson, Jack Townley and John Larkin, dramatic, informative and inspiring, and it Direction by Edward Lilley. Universal. does not spare us the knowledge of the price The luxurious settings of a huge steam- we pay for victory. ship Rio bound, and the handsomely ap- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good Too mature pointed surroundings of South American hotels and gay spots seem too ambitious a background for a very light and frivolous BATHING BEAUTY O O about a young bride who sneezes farce , Esther Williams, Basil Rath- every time she is near her husband. Some bone, Bill Goodwin, Jean Parker, Nana in a rich, may approve of Noah Beery, Jr., Bryant, Carlos Ramirez. Musical direction others will hope for his playboy role, and by Johnnie Green. Direction by George return to the range. Sidney. M-G-M. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 This excellent musical has comedy skits All right Nothing objectionable and songs and orchestral numbers so logi- cally interpolated into the plot that they do AN AMERICAN ROMANCE O O not divert interest but complement the story. Brian Donlevy, Ann Richards, Walter Able, Red Skelton is at his best and gives two John Qualen, Horace McNally, Fred Brady. exceedingly amusing pantomimes. The popu- Screen play by Herbert Dalmas and Wil- lar music is well presented, color is unusu- liam Ludwig based upon a story by Charles ally fine, and the water carnival with lovely is exquisitely K. Wallis. Musical score by Louis Gruen- Esther Williams as the star, an berg. Photography by Harold Rosson, A.S.C. beautiful exhibition. Direction by King Vidor. M-G-M. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Excellent Excellent In spite of several very good sequences, this film fails to be inspiring enough or in- teresting enough to justify its extreme BERMUDA MYSTERY <> O length. Much of the material is too familiar Preston Foster, , Charles (the story of an emigrant who becomes an Butterworth, Helene Reynolds, Jean How- power) and the treatment of industrial ; ard, Richard Lane, Roland Drew, John labor is handled without imagination or Eldredge. Screen play by W. Scott Darling reality. Brian Donlevy, handicapped by from a story by John Larkin. Direction by poorly written dialogue, gives an oversim- Benjamin Stoloff. 20th-Fox. other hand, plified characterization. On the The theme of this mystery reminds one of industial scenes, the color dramatizes the the old doggerel, “Six little Indians, now trek, and the inspiring sight cross-country there are five,” as murder takes its toll. York skyline as seen from the of the New It never rises above average, and it is not ship. The picture is an intellec- immigrant too difficult to put one’s finger on the crimi- which in no way grips the emo- tual study nal. Six veterans of the first World War This account for its tedious effect. tions. may make up a fund of $10,000 to be divided 12 Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to among the survivors ten years later. Just Matter of taste Long and one harrowing scene before that date they begin to drop off. 2

MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS Five

Constance, niece of the first casualty, en- family. Their reactions to the ghostly pres- gages in outrageous tricks to seek evidence ence are very funny. has and meanwhile expends her surplus energy a field day as the Medieval Ghost weary of trying to capture the personable detective. haunting, and Margaret O'Brien and Robert Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Young are delightful. Matter of taste No Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 Excellent Good unless over- BETWEEN TWO WORLDS O O sensitive John Garfield, Paul Henreid, Sidney Green- CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY O O street, Eleanor Parker, Edmund Gwenn, Deanna Durbin, Gene Kelly, Dean Harens, George Coulouris, Faye Emer- George Tobias, Gale Sondergaard, Richard Whorf, Gladys son, Sara Allgood, Dennis King, Isobel El- George. From the story by W. Somerset som, Gilbert Emery. Screen play by Daniel Maugham. Score and musical direction by H. J. Salter. Direction by Robert Siodmak. Fuchs based on the play "Outward Bound." Photography by Woody Bredell. Universal. Photography by Carl Guthrie, A. S. C. Deanna Durbin is not quite mature enough Music by Erich Wolfgang Korngold. Direc- to play the emotional role she essays in this tion by Edward A. Blatt. Produced by introspective, psychological study of a girl Mark Hellinger. Warner Bros. who punishes herself for the weakness in Bound,” from which this is “Outward her husband’s character. Gene Kelly gives adapted, made originally in movie form was the scapegrace Robert Manctte reality and in 1931 by Warner Bros, with , a certain fascination, and Gale Sondergaard Douglas Fairbanks Jr., and Helen Chandler is excellent as his mother. The memorable supported by an all-star cast. The present parts of the film are the Philharmonic con- version, brought up to the present time, 1944, cert scenes, the Christmas Mass, and the does not create quite the same delicate at- lovely old-world settings of New Orleans. mosphere of the supernatural, but it is good But the strength of Somerset Maugham’s fantasy and may attract general approval. story is not realized. It is the story of a varied assortment of Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 people, newly dead, on a ghostly ship sailing Too sombre Definitely no toward an ultimate destination of a heaven or hell of each one’s creation. Among them DOUBLE INDEMNITY O C> are two suicides who must forever shuttle Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyk, Edward back and forth bringing the dead to the G. Robinson, Porter Hall, Jean Heather, celestial Examiner. While there are certain Byron Barr, Richard Gaines, John Philliber, Tom Powers, Fortunio Bonanova, Betty moments of arresting sentiment and moving Farrington. From the novel by James M. beauty, and the picture will always have Cain. Direction by . Paramount. novelty for those who have not seen it be- If crime is to be pictured this is perfectly fore, this version seems long, and several treated, for no sympathy is aroused for the of the cast have shown more distinction in perpetrator, only a normal feeling of regret other roles. that a man could be so fascinated by a Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 12 8 to despicable woman that he would wreck his Matter of taste Too somber and life. It is the story of “the perfect crime,” a murder planned with meticulous care that

it might have passed as accidental death THE CANTERVILLE GHOST O O (hence the double indemnity in the insur- Charles Laughton, Robert Young, Margaret ance claim), had not the two participants O'Brien, William Gargan, , become suspicious of each other. The story , Una O'Connor, Donald Stew- is told in flashbacks. Direction and acting art, Elizabeth Risdon, Frank Fay, Lumaden Hare, Mike Kasurki, William Moss. Screen are excellent. play by Edwin Harvey Blum based on story Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 by Oscar Wilde. Direction by Jules Dassin. Not recommended No. Unsuitable because of subject Oscar Wilde’s fantasy, brought up-to-date, matter is the jolliest ghost story imaginable. It tells A about a pitiful, tired old ghost, one Sir Simon THE EVE OF ST. MARK O O de Canterbury, who cannot rest peacefully , William Eythe, Michael in his grave until some member of his fam- O'Shea, Vincent Price, Ruth Nelson, , Stanley Prager, Henry Morgan, ily shall have exhibited bravery, all of his Robert Bailey, Joann Dolan, Toni Favor, descendants having displayed shocking ex- George Mathews, John Archer, Murray Al- amples of cowardice. Then in the present per. Screen play by George Seaton from the drama by Maxwell Anderson. Music war come American Rangers to be bivou- by Alfred Newman. Direction by John M. in acked the ancestral castle where six-year- Stahl. Photography by Joseph La Shelle, old Lady Jessica holds forth, and among the A.S.C. 20th-Fox.

Rangers is an American member of the While the film perhaps is not so strong as Six MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS

the stage play, which offered no hope for a GIRL IN THE CASE <> O happy ending, this is still a fine drama. A Edmund Lowe, Hanis Carter, Bob Williams, group of American soldiers, fever-ridden Richard Hale, Stanley Clements, Carole Mathews, Robert Scott, Dick Elliott. Screen and desperate, fight a delaying action on play by Joseph Hoffman and Dorcas Coch- Bataan, and in soul-trying moments give ar- ran. Story by Charles F. Royal. Direction ticulate expression to the philosophy of by William Berke. Columbia. fighting men, to the spiritual impulses which Marital bickering and crime detection impel them to die for the things they believe combined with some delightfully ridiculous in. These soldiers vary widely in tempera- situations are the chief elements in this slap- ment: the fine, young farm boy whose home stick farce. A lawyer whose hobby is pick- ties give him moral protection; the tough, ing locks uses his skill in various situations, hardened rookie from the underprivileged sometimes amusing and sometimes danger- class; the Harvard student, poet, idealist, ous. Eventually he aids the police in un- disillusioned and unhappy, but reawakened covering a Nazi plot and thereby tempo- to fight for a high ideal. It is well acted, rarily reestablishes himself in the good impressive, very moving at times. graces of his frivolous young wife. The Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 picture makes an amusing program filler. Will interest only the Little interest Adolescents, 12 older ones to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Entertaining No

GASLIGHT O C> THE GREAT Ingrid Bergman, , Joseph MOMENT O O Cotten, Dame May Whitty, Angela Lans- Joel McCrea, Betty Field, Harry Carey, Wil- b'ury, Barbara Everest. Screen play by Joan liam Demarest, Louis Jean Heydt, Julian Van Druten, Walter Reisch and John L. Tannen, Edwin Maxwell, Porter Hall, Frank- Balderston from the play by Patrick Ham- lin Pangborn, Grady Sutton, Written and ilton. Direction by George Zukor. Music directed by Preston Sturges. Paramount. by Bronislau Kaper. M.G.M. This film promises great interest which is In this psychological treatment of a crime, not realized because of inept treatment of a murderer uses the power of suggestion on the subject matter. It is a biographical por- an impressionable woman by casually ut- trayal of Dr. W. T. G. Morton, who dis- tered, subtle devices of calculated cruelty, covered anaesthesia. His secret revolution- seeking to convince her that she is going ized surgery but brought him, instead of mad. In the dim recesses of a mid-Victorian reward and recognition, the disgrace of be- house, the gaslight flickers, then flares forth, ing branded a charlatan. The crude surgical as the inscrutable master comes and goes. methods of the period are made the basis of Ingrid Bergman is wonderful as the young broad comedy which shocks rather than wife whose joy in her absorbing love for her amuses. Medical ethics appear to be vio- husband is contrasted with her feeling of lated by an attempt to patent a relief for uncertainty in herself, slowly developing into pain, and the flashbacks do not adequately abject terror. Charles Boyer gives a per- explain the ending which would seem to vading tone of menace to the character he vindicate Dr. Morton. The story is not suf- plays and is excellent in his interpretation. ficiently informative to compensate for the The only relief from the tense and cumu- unpleasant features. lative horror of the plot is in the character Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 depiction of the maid (Angela Lansbury) No No and other members of the household staff. Settings, music and all production values HAIL THE CONQUERING HERO O O rate high. Eddie Bracken, Ella Raines, Bill Edwards, Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Raymond Walburn, Franklin Pangborn, Wil- Subject matter doubt- No liam Demarest, Freddie Steele, Len Handry, ful. Well done James Damore, Stephen Gregory, Jimmie Dundee, Miriam Franklin, Georgia Caine, Elizabeth Patterson. Written and directed GHOST CATCHERS O O by Preston Sturges. Paramount. Ole Olsen, Chic Johnson, Walter Catlett, In this film we have Preston Sturges at his Martha O'Driscoll, Gloria Jean, Kirby Grant, Leo Carrillo, Lon Chaney, Andy Devine, best in a delicate and moving story. The Thor Johnson. Screen play by Edmund L. superlative cast is complemented by smooth Hartmann. Direction Edward Cline. by Uni- direction emphasizing delicious comedy and versal Pictures. subtle satire. It is the story of the son of It is necessary to be a whole-hearted a Marine hero of World War 1 who is dis- Olsen and Johnson fan to enjoy “Ghost charged after one month”s service because Catchers,” because its noisy, wacky slapstick of a physical disability. Because his mother is more pointless than ever, and there are and the friends of his father expect so much good specialty acts to relieve the tedium. of him, and because through a misunder- The macabre action will terrify children. standing they believe that he has been on Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Matter of taste No Guadalcanal, he is too embarrassed to go 2 2

MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS Seven home. How six Marine veterans of that HEY ROOKIE O O Joe Besser, , , Joe is the basis of the engagement settle matters Sawyer, Jimmy Little, Selmer Jackson, Lar- Barbara Brown, Chas. Trow- plot. The unhappy “hero” is placed in ry Thompson, bridge, Chas. Wilson, Hi-Lo-Jack and the hilariously difficult situations but ultimately Dame, Condos Bros., The Vagabonds, etc. based on the musical play by E. B. and of respect and proves that he is as worthy Doris Colvan. Produced upon the stage as courageous as any man on the firing line. by the original Yard Bird Club of Fort MacArthur for the benefit of the Athletic One charm of the film is that no controver- and Recreation Fund of Fort MacArthur. Direction by Charles Barton. Columbia. sial element has been injected. Losing, by the use of girls in the cast, the 12 16 Children, 8 to 12 Adolescents, to by Excellent Too mature novelty of the all-Army show produced the boys of Fort MacArthur, this will be somewhat disappointing to those who saw THE HAIRY APE O O the original revue. Jim Lighter, a theatrical Hayward, John Lo- William Bendix, Susan producer, inducted into the service, is picked Comingore, Roman Bohmen, der, Dorothy to stage an Army show. He visions an ex- Fadden, Alan Napier, Charles Cane. Tom pensive, spectacular affair, but is brought From the play by Eugene O'Neill. Musical down to earth by the announcement that he direction by Eddie Paul. Original composi- has $200 to spend for everything, including tions Michael Michelet. Direction by by the erection of his own theater. Some of Alfred Santell. United Artists. Joe Besser’s slapstick is funny, and there is Fine acting and an impressive musical a good song or two, notably “America’s Boy,” background are assets of this film. But the but on the whole it is only fair entertain- ment. whole atmosphere is stark and ugly. It dra- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 matizes the psychological upheaval which Yes Amusing takes place in the mind of a stoker who suddenly views himself through the eyes of HOME IN INDIANA O O a pampered society girl. Proud of his Walter Brennan, Lou McCallister, Jeanne strength and his part in vitalizing a great Crain, Charlotte Greenwood, Ward Bond, ship, he receives a crushing blow to his self- Charles Dingle. Screen play by Winston esteem when the girl, happening to see him Miller, based on the Saturday Evening Post story, "The Phantom Filly," by George at work, is obviously repelled by his appear- Agnew Chamberlain. Direction by Henry ance. He magnifies the incident until he is Hathaway. 20th-Fox. obsessed by the desire to kill her in revenge. Far removed from the war films, this is Why he is diverted from his resolve is not a story of a horse breeding farm and the convincingly shown, and the romantic attach- old sulky races. Sparke Thornton, a young ment of a young ship’s officer for the egotis- orphan boy, is sent to the Indiana farm of tical girl is hardly credible. an aunt and uncle who have known more Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 prosperous days. He spends many glorious Unpleasant and not No sufficiently enter- hours training the horse he loves and wins taining once and again. It is a delightfully human story of the Middle West presented in Tech- HENRY ALDRICH PLAYS CUPID O O nicolor, giving a warm picture of the people whose love of horse-racing has entered into Jimmy Lydon, Charles Smith, John Litel, their blood, not for the object of gambling Olive Blakeney, Diana Lynn, Vaughn Gia but for the glory of the sport itself. Ser, Vera Vague, Paul Harvey. Screen play Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to by Val Burton T2 and Muriel Bolton. Story by Good Good Aleen Leslie. Direction by Hugh Bennett. Produced by Walter MacEwen. Paramount. This episode in Henry Aldrich’s absurd I LOVE A SOLDIER O O Paulette Goddard, Sonny Tufts, Beulah misadventures is wholesome fun for those Bondi, Walter Sande, Mary Treen, Ann who enjoy the series. As a self-appointed Doran, Marie MacDonald, James Bell, Barry Fitzgerald. Written by Allan Scott. Pro- matrimonial agent, Henry attempts to bring duced and directed by Mark Sandrich. Paramount. romance to one of his instructors at school This well-balanced, human drama deviates and gets himself into a lot of trouble. The from the usual pattern of “boy meets girl,” situations no doubt are exaggerated, but the and the emotional and topical theme based picture of family life is human and appeal- on war marriage is an interesting one. ing. Paulette Goddard plays a girl who has char- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 acter and poise, whose love conflicts with Good Yes fear, but who comes to realize that on{ 2

tight MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS must have faith in life, accept its uncer- tasteful. The leading character, a pretty tainties and take its gifts on life’s own terms. young woman, turns out to be not only an The acting is excellent, and comedy balances obnoxious gold digger, but a paranoiac as the serious theme. well, and the story is cheaply melodramatic. Adolescents, 12 to 15 Children, 8 to 12 Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Needs adult No interest and No No evaluation unsuitable MAKE YOUR OWN BED O O THE INVISIBLE MAN'S REVENGE O O Jack Carson, Jane Wyman, Alan Hale, Jon Hall, Alan Curtis, Evelyn Ankers, Leon Irene Manning, George Tobias, Robert Errol, Carradine, Gale Sondergaard, John Shayne, Tala Birell, Ricardo Cortez. Screen Lester Mathews, Halliwell Hobbes. Original play by Francis Swann and Edmund Joseph Millhauser. Sug- screen play by Bertram from a play by Harvey O'Higgins and Har- Invisible by H. gested by "The Man" G. riet Ford. Direction by Peter Godfrey. Universal. Wells. Direction by Ford Beebe. Warner Bros. Trick photography is the main interest of Too many complicated situations spoil this this picture. to fantastic Returning England farcical mystery story, which is embroiled from horrible experiences in South Africa, with servant problems, Nazi intrigues, and cannot remember, Robert and five years he marital discord. Although the cast is capable Griffin finds that his fortune, acquired in a of carrying good comedy situations, the plot field, lost his old diamond has been by is developed with little originality and be- friend Jasper. He engages the services of a comes too suggestive at times. (Carradine) who, experiment- crazed doctor Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 ing on dogs, has learned how to make crea- Confusing and in Poor tures invisible. Through the doctor’s dis- questionable taste covery, Griffin likewise becomes invisible and makes life unbearable for his former friend. MAN FROM FRISCO O O visibility The only way he can be restored to Michael O'Shea, Anne Shirley, Ray Walker, is by blood transfusion and it takes a whole Gene Lockhart, Tommy Bond, Dan Duryea, body’s content of that. Ann Shoemaker, Stephanie Bachelor, Rob- ert Warwick, Forbes Murray. Original Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 screen story by George Carleton Brown. Passable No Direction by Robert Florey. Produced by Albert J. Cohen. Republic. JOHNNY DOESN'T LIVE HERE ANYMORE A great shipbuilding plant such as that of Henry Kaiser at Richmond, Calif., makes Simone Simon, William Terry, James Elli- J. son, Gladys Burke, Brady Sutton, Minna a fascinating background for a story which Gombel, Chester Clute, Froggy Laughlin. is human in its appeal and has an interest- Chick Chandler, Bob Mitchum. From a masterful, utterly Liberty Magazine story by Alice Means ing plot. Mat Braddock, Reeve. Direction by Joe May. Produced by ruthless in his dealings, tries without suc- Maurice King. Monogram. cess to introduce time-saving methods, until When Kathic spills salt in the dining car the disaster at Pearl Harbor changes the en route to Washington, she releases a grem- viewpoint of workers at the plant. lin who hops in and out of her life for seven Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 weeks of bad luck. Soon she meets Johnny Interesting Might interest and while insisting that he rent his apartment to her, fails to discover that he has given MARINE RAIDERS O O duplicate keys to various friends in the Pat O'Brien, Robert Ryan, Ruth Hussey, service and out. They begin to arrive. It is Frank McHugh, Barton McLane, Edmund all quite funny, and even possible in this Glover, Russell Wade, Robert Anderson, mixed-up world, a play with sufficient plot, Michael St. Angel, Martha MacVicar, Harry Brown. Screen play by Warren Duff from amusing dialogue and enough sophistication a story by Martin Rackin and Warren Duff. to give it spice. Direction by Harold Schuster. R.K.O.

Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 This is a story of war, showing the high Amusing Too mature standard of conduct expected of each Ma- rine, the cruel toll of battle, and the treach- LADIES OF WASHINGTON O O erousness of the opposing enemy in the Trudy Marshall, Ronald Graham, Anthony Pacific. However, the film has not the real- Quinn, Sheila Ryan, Robert Bailey, Beverly of a documentary, for the interest is cen- Whitney, Jackie Paley, John Philliber, Do- ism ris Merrick. Original screen play by Wanda tered on a war marriage, sudden, emotional Tuchock. Direction by Louis King. 20th- and temporarily thwarted. It seems to en- Fox. courage marriage on short acquaintance, and Of the many films set in wartime Washing- for this reason the picture’s social value is ton, this is one of the least entertaining. In debatable. spite of an attractive cast and the current Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 interest of the locale, the total effect is dis- Doubtful No value MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS Nine

THE MASK OF DIMITRIOS O O A NIGHT OF ADVENTURE O O Edward Brophy, Sydney Greenstreet, Zachary Scott, Faye Tom Conway, Audrey Long, Richards, Jean Emerson, Peter Lorre, Victor Francen, Ste- Louis Borell, Addison Hopton. ven Geray, Florence Bates, Edward Cian- Brooks, Nancy Gates, Russell Wilbur. Based upon nelli, Kurt Katch, Marjorie Hoshelle,, Screen play by Crane Georges Metaxa, John Abbott, Adapted the play "Hat, Coat and Glove" by Wil- from novel "A Coffin for Dimetrios" by helm Speyer. Direction by Gordon Doug- Eric Ambler. Direction by Jean Negulesco. las. R.K.O. Warner Bros. Novel complications and an intresting Technically this film achieves distinction, presentation of evidence make this a better particularly in the field of photography. It than average courtroom drama. A noted tells a story of crime and violence, sombre criminal lawyer acts as defense counsel for and drab in details, beginning in Istambul, a man charged with murder, although cir- where in massive and gloomy surroundings cumstances have so involved the lawyer that, the strange Dimitrios pursues his abnormal if certain facts were known, he himself craving for gold and starts a drama of would be equally suspect. Suspense is main- political intrigue. It is rather heavy fare tained by keeping the audience guessing and will interest few except those who enjoy how the lawyer can clear his client without vicarious experiences in crime. implicating himself. The courtroom scenes Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 are apparently in accordance with accepted Matter of taste Complicated and procedure, and the characters are well de- unsuitable fined. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 MINSTREL MAN O O Passable though No sophisticated in Gladys George, Alan Dine- Benny Fields, content hart, Roscoe Karns, Judy Clark, Gloria Petroff, Molly Lamont, Jerome Cowan. Original screen play by Martin Mooney and OUR HEARTS WERE YOUNG AND GAY O Raymond L. Schrock. Music score by Ferde Grofe. Direction by Joseph H. Lewis. P.R.C. Gail Russell, Diana Lynn, Charles Ruggles, Dorothy Gish, Beulah Bondi, James Brown, This is a smooth blending of song and Bill Edwards, Jean Heather, Alma Kruger, story, featuring Benny Fields, whose style Helen Freeman. Screen play by Sheriday Gibney from the book by Cornelia Otis and personality establish him as a favorite Skinner and Emily Kimbrough. Music score with another generation of playgoers. The by Werner Heymann. Photography by Theo- music revives the still popular “Melancholy dor Sparkuhl, A.S.C. Direction by Lewis Allen. Paramount. Baby.” Scenes of the old-time minstrel show and the modern adaptation are very well Even the most modern ’teen ager will have done. Interest is held throughout, and the a wonderful time looking at Mother as she tuneful score pleases with its nostalgic, melo- was in her youth, and we doubt that she dic character. will find her “quaint.” With gentle humor Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 th is delightful picture presents two charming Good Yes girls of Mother’s generation, eager and naive, off for a European vacation with a MR. SKEFFINGTON O O natural desire for independence and a hope of appearing utterly sophisticated. Both girls , Claude Rains, Walter Abel, Richard Waring, George Coulouris, Marjorie are superbly portrayed; the relationship of Riordan, Robert Shayne, John Alexander. Cornelia's parents to their unpredictable Screen play by Julius J. and Philip G. Ep- charges is healthy and normal, and the stein from a story by "Elizabeth." Direc- tion by Vincent Sherman. Music by Franz situations which arise are deliciously hilari- Waxman. Photography by Ernest Mailer, ous. It is a film which is unique in design A.S.C. Warner Bro^. and wholly delightful for all ages. In a happier time than the present, this Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 story of consuming vanity would have at Very good Good least aroused intellectual curiosity. Today it seems trivial and somewhat unwholesome PSYCHIATRY IN ACTION O O because it is not representative of anything Screen play by Stephen Ackroyd. Photogra- worth preserving. The theme, that a woman phy by Cyril Bristow. Direction by Michael Harkinson. Produced by Spectator Films for is beautiful when she is loved, is weakened the British Ministry of Information. by the ending, for Fanny Trellis never Lacking in technical excellence of Ameri- earned the right to be cherished. The pro- can films, this nevertheless should be seen duction is well done except for the pre- because it takes up an important subject of posterous make-up Miss Davis uses to simu- the day: the treatment of the many types of late age. The settings are interesting and the neurotic cases caused by the war. It musical score very beautiful. is a purely objective discussion of the way bril- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 No value Would not liant physicians and psychiatrists in England interest are attacking this problem. It takes up in 2 2

Ten MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS details the arrival of patients at one of the SENSATIONS OF 1945 O O big hospitals, Mill Hill, the mental and , Dennis O'Keefe, C. Aubrey Smith, Mimi Forsythe, Lyle Talbot, Eugene physical tests, the various medical and psy- Pallette, Hubert Castle, W. C. Fields, So- chological methods used, the progress made. phie Tucker, Dorothy Donegan, Cab Callo- It is not a film for enjoyment, but it offers way and his Band, etc. Screen play by Dorothy Bennett from an original story the sort of education we, the public, must by Frederick Jackson. Direction by Andrew have if we are to understand the returned Stone. Produced by Andrew Stone. United soldiers. Artists. 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 Adolescents, A certain type of audience in search of If sufficiently No interested sensation, boogie woogie, and constant acro- batic movement may find this picture to its SECRET COMMAND O O taste, but others will find it enervating. It Pat O'Brien, Carole Landis, Chester Morris, is crowded with extravagant variety acts, Ruth Warrick, Barton MacLane, Tom Tully, some outstanding in their class, as the circus Wallace Ford, Howard Freeman, Erik Rolf, performances; some grotesque, as that of Nat McHugh, Frank Sully. Screen play by Roy Chanslor from Saturday Evening Dorothy Donegan at the piano. The dance Post story, "The Saboteurs." Direction by sequences fall short of distinction, and the Eddie Sullivan. Columbia Pictures. emphasis throughout seems to be more on “Saboteurs,” when it ran as a serial in specialties and jazz than is usual. While the Saturday Evening Post, was a more com- the acts are an integral part of the story, plicated mystery than the screen adaptation. the plot holds little interest. in for a longer The reader was held suspense Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 time concerning the real significance of the Matter of taste No character of Sam. In the film version sus- pense depends entirely upon exciting epi- SEVEN DAYS ASHORE O O sodes of sabotage and threats of death or Wally Brown, Alan Carney, Marcy McGuire, discovery. However, the action, set in a Dooley Wilson, Gordon Oliver, Virginia modern ship building plant speeding up Mayo, Amelita Ward, Elaine Shepard, Mar- jorie Gateson, Alan Dinehart. Screen play war deliveries, is rugged and thrilling, the by Edward Verdier, Irving Phillips and acting is good, and the dialogue natural. It Lawrence Kimble based on an original is above average melodrama of its type, story by Jacques Deval. Producer-director: John H. Auer. R.K.O. though there is a lack of adult supervision in the film which does not conform with The old burlesque comedy slogan, “A actual facts, the actors are wholesome, lively sailor has a girl in every port,” is the basis youngsters, singing, dancing, romancing dur- of a particularly insipid and distasteful plot. ing free hours and performing useful tasks When a trio from the Merchant Marine in the daytime. Jane Powell is an attractive lands in San Francisco, one of their num- girl with a lovely voice. ber, Dan, sends letters to two chorines and Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 a girl of whom his family approves, pro- Entertaining No objection fessing mad love for each of them. To teach him a lesson the “nice girl” has the two THE STORY OF DR. WASSELL O O show girls sue him for breach of promise, , Laraine Day, Signe Hasso, and seven hectic days ensue for Dan until Dennis O'Keefe, Carol Thirston, Carl Es- he is rescued by his buddies. The three men mond, Paul Kelly, Elliott Reid, Stanley Ridges, Renny McEvoy, Oliver Thorndike, are unattractive, dispensing dialogue from Philip Ahn, Barbara Britton. Based on the ancient joke books, character roles are stereo- story related by Dr. Wassell and fifteen typed, and the musical specialty numbers will wounded soldiers and on the story by James Hilton. Photography by Victor Mil- appeal only to uncritical jive audiences. ner and William Snyder. Musical score by Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Victor Young. Producer-director: Cecil B. No. Waste of time No De Mille. Paramount. In the heartbreaking retreat through Java, when Allied forces were so pitifully inade- SONG OF THE OPEN ROAD O O quate that they could only fight a delaying Jane Powell, Edward Bergen, Charlie Mc- Carthy, W. C. Fields, Bonita Granville, action, Dr. Wassell, a plain country doctor Peggy O'Neil, Jackie Moran, Bill Christy, from Arkansas, was put in charge of a group Reginald Denny, Regis Toomey, Rose Ho- of wounded men from the ship Marblehead. bart, Sammy Kaye. Directed by S. Sylvan Simon. Produced by Charles R. Rogers. Those who were not walking were cases United Artists. rated expendable by the Army, but with While this picture is not of stellar propor- grim, dogged bravery and endurance the tions, it is a nice program musical with doctor brought them out alive. Gary Cooper rather a novel theme about a teen age girl is exceptionally good as Dr. Wassell because who joins a group of young people engaged Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 in live in hostels, Matter of taste Too violent for fruit-picking. They youth many which the average American may not realize 22

MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS Eleven

sequence with a fabricated exist in the U. S. as well as in . Al- ing scenes. One of his perfect naturalness, his modesty, and horse is really amusing. 8 to 1 his down-to-earth Americanism, The per- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children. Mediocre No sonal romance of the doctor lessens the ten- makes one think of him sion of the film and O more as an individual than as a symbol. THIS IS THE LIFE O There are many good performances by the Donald O'Connor, , Peggy Knowles, Louise Allbritten, other picture Ryan, Patric members of the large cast. No Dorothy Peterson, Jonathan Hale. Direction has revealed the psychology of the wounded by Felix A. Feist. Universal. so well as this one. Many spectacular scenes A pleasantly youthful atmosphere pervades backgrounds of in Technicolor against the this picture about a young girl who thinks in the Mille style the Orient are handled De she is in love with a handsome older man Chinese city with masses of people in the until a boy of her own age brings her to her on the streets, on the wharves of Java, and senses. Susanna Foster has a charming voice, last of the refugees. ship which removes the and her songs are well chosen, but she is too the films. It is one of the best of war large a girl and too mature looking to be Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 paired with Donald O’Connor, especially Fine picture with Too grim well-suited to him, is in historical significance when Peggy Ryan, the same play. The latter forsakes her in- SUMMER STORM O O cessant jitterbugging for some really tal- ented comedy dance numbers. Donald is an George Sanders, Linda Darnell. Anna Lee, Edward Everett Horton, Hugo Haas, Lori original youngster, whose pursuit of an elu- Lakner, Sig Ruman. Screen play by Row- sive cherry ‘ at the bottom of a lemonade land from novel by Anton Chekov, Leigh glass is one of the funniest bits of panto- adapted by Marshall O'Hara. Direction by Eugene Schufftan and William McGarry, mime on record. The older members of the Angelus Pictures. United Artists. cast are competent. The picture seems a little

This is an exceptionally interesting inter- uneven, especially in the earlier scenes, but pretation of the Russian social structure be- on the whole it is enjoyable light entertain- fore the Revolution, as told in a story of ment. illicit passion resulting in tragedy. It is ex- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1

Good I heme of doubt- ceedingly well produced, tactfully presented, ful interest and very well acted, with especially strik- ing performances by several supporting THREE MEN IN WHITE O O players. Its power depends upon its honesty Lionel Barrymore, Van Johnson, Marilyn which resorts to no sentimentality in emo- Maxwell, Keye Luke, Ava Gardner, Alma tional appeal through either plot or charac- Kruger, Rags Ragland, Nell Craig, Walter ters. The musical score is remarkably beau- Kingsford, George H. Reed, Celia Travers. Direction by Willis Goldbeck. M.G.M. tiful. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 One of the poorer members of the Dr. Gil- Too sophisticated Unsuitable lespie series shows the doctor becoming senile, bellowing at patients and nurses and quarrel- ing with the staff during the moments he is TAKE IT BIG O O not engrossed in choosing between a Chinese , Harriet Hilliard, Mary Beth interne and a cocky American boy for his Hughes, Richard Lane, Arline Judge, Fritz assistant. The romance between young Dr. Feld, Lucile Gleason, Fuzzy Knight, Frank Adams and a social worker flaunts all pre- Forest, George Meeker. Original screen cepts of good taste and invites censorship play by Howard J. Green. Direction by when the girl uses extreme efforts to lure Frank McDonald. Paramount. him to the altar. Two cases of moderate in- The popular demand for light comedy terest are used as examples of medical prob- musicals brings some to the screen which lems, and the inadequate plot is padded by are a sheer waste of time. This film falls rather trashy dialogue. into that class with its silly and somewhat Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 vulgar specialty acts interspersed with drink- Poor entertainment No

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