The Film Daily (1936)

THE Tuesday, Sept. 1,1936 ■s&m DAILY Reviews of Hew Films Joan Crawford, Robert Taylor, Lionel Barrymore, Franchot Tone, Melvyn Douglas and James Stewart in "THE GORGEOUS HUSSY" with Alison Skipworth, Louis Calhern, Gene Lockhart (HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW) M-G-M 102 mins. GORGEOUS BOX-OFFICE ATTRACTION WITH SURE-FIRE MARQUEE CAST PLUS STRONG ENTERTAINMENT VALUES. This is a superb production in every department. It is romance staged against historical background with throat catches and bits of laughter that spell entertainment at the box-office. It gives Miss Crawford the best acting opportunity she has had in a long time and she fully takes advantage of it. However, she is surrounded by such able supporting performers that to this reviewer she stands out not so much as the lead, but rather as one of a perfect cast. The story, an adaptation of Samuel Hopkins Adams' book, concerns the political turmoil of states' rights and Union rights in 1823 when America was strll young and "not yet beyond an occasional growing-pain". The historical characters and events revolve — in this fictionized version — about the life and loves of Peggy Eaton, daughter of an inn-keeper, and finally First Lady of the White House as the n;ece of President Andrew Jackson. Lionel Barrymore surpasses his former triumphs in the role of Andrew Jackson. Melvyn Douglas, as John Randolph, and Beulah Bondi, as the homey homely wife of "G:neral" Jackson, deserve equal rating in their splendid performances. Robert Taylor is excellent as the youthful, exuberant naval officer, Peggy's first husband The other characters were beautifully conceived and performed down to the smallest speaking part. Direction by Clarence Brown showed finesse and fine feeling. Credit for the exceptionally fine dialogue and screen play goes to Ainsworth Morgan and Stephen Morehouse Avery. The story, albeit episodic is well-knit and beautifully eloquent. Though this is his first important production, it marks Joseph L. Mankiewicz as a producer of the first rank. "Gorgeous Hussy" can be sold to the patrons who go for big names, to those who seek entertainment, and to those who love romance. The ladies will love it — but so will the rest of the family. Cast: Joan Crawford, Robert Taylor, Lionel Barrymore, Franchot Tone, Melvyn Douglas, James Stewart, Alison Skipworth, Louis Calhern, Beulah Bondi, Melville Cooper, Edith Atwater, Sidney Toler, Gene Lockhart, Phoebe Foster, Clara Blandick Frank Ccnrcy, Nydia Westman, Willard Robertson, Charles Trowbridge, Greta Meyer, Sncwflake. Producer, Joseph Mankiewicz; Director, Clarence Brown; Author, Samuel H:pkins Adams; Screenplay, Ainsworth Morgan, Stephan Morehouse Avery; Music, Herbert Stothart; Cameraman, George Folsey; Editor, Blanche Sewell. Direction, Expert Photography, Best "POSTAL INSPECTOR" with Ricardo Cortez, Patricia Ellis, Bela Lugosi Universal 60 mins. MELODRAMA WITH RATHER OBVIOUS PLOT MAKES FAIR ACTION ENTERTAINMENT FOR THE SECONDARY SPOTS. A number of action sequences, largely based on newsreel shots of flood conditions, comprise the highlights of this somewhat routine program offering. The cast also is good, but the story is too obvious in destination to carry much suspense. Ricardo Cortez plays the part of a postal inspector who meets and takes a liking to Patricia Ellis, cabaret singer. Patricia, however, is in love with Ricardo's brother, Michael Loring. When Patricia unwittingly gives her crooked employer, Bela Lugosi, a tip on a big money shipment about which Michael has told her, Lugosi thefts the money and Patricia becomes one of the suspects. Cooperation between Ricardo and Michael eventually leads to the capture of the Lugosi outfit who could not make a getaway with the swag because of raging floods. With the robbery cleared up, Ricardo moves on to his next assignment, leaving the lovers together. Some night club singing and touches of comedy are worked into the production. Cast: Ricardo Cortez, Patricia Ellis, Bela Lugosi, Michael Loring. David Oliver, Wallis Clark, Arthur Left, Guy Usher, William Hall, Spencer Charters, Hattie McDaniel, Maria Sheltcn, R;bert Davis, Henry Hunter, Billy Burrud, Harry Beresford, Paul Harvey. Producer, Robert Presnell; Director, Otto Brewer; Authors, Robert Presnell, Horace McCoy; Screenplay, Horace McCoy; Cameranan, George Robinson; Editor, Phil Cahn. Direction, G:cd Photography, Good. FOREIGN "DIE FAHRT IN DIE JUGEND" ("The Trip to Youth"), in German; produced by Pan-Film; directed by Carl Boese; with Hermann Thimig, Liane Haid, et al. At the 86th St. Casino Theater. Entertaining comedy poking fun at the topic of rejuvenation holds plenty of laughs and is helped by a good cast. SAN ANTONIO Al Schwartz of Memphis was a recent visitor to the Interstate city offices. Ben Hill, United Artists exploitation man from Dallas, is expected in soon to put on the campaign for "Last Of the Mohicans". Jean Finley, Columbia exploiteer, also from Dallas, was registered at the St. Anthony Hotel last week. Sack Amusement Enterprises now have an interest in two theaters. Visitors: Alexander Boynton; Sally Rand; Frank Nelson; J. J. Mercado, Azteca, Houston; Mike Benitez of Weslaco, and Ramon Ruenes, San Benito, Tex. NOW AVAILABLE for Discriminating Independent Exchanges TWO SERIES OF BOX OFFICE ATTRACTIONS 4 MUSICALS Adapted from Broadway Plays • AND Featuring Radio, Stage and Screen Stars "For the Love of Mike" by Owen Davis "Spider and the Fly" by Nat LeRoy "Not Tonight, Josephine" by Frank Kennedy "A Few Wild Oats" by Arthur Hoerl SINGING, DANCING, COMEDY HITS! AND 4 Romance Mysteries by Louis Joseph Vance (Author of Lone Wolf Stories) "Track of the Wolf" "The Thirteenth Door" "The Sins We Do" "Rendezvous With Death" ACTION! THRILLS! ROMANTIC DRAMAS! (Titles Subject to Change) For Territorial Information Write or Wire PRODUCERS NATIONAL DISTRIBUTORS INC. 1418 Paramount Bldg. New York, N. Y. Phone: LAckawanna 4-9213