Modern Screen (Jan-Jun 1945)

Use this SUPER VALUE BRUSH by the makers of Dr. best's Miracle-Tuft Toofhbrush V Pat is non-committal. She does everything possible to make Emil feel at home, but she can see that all their efforts are getting nowhere. Emil is still a Nazi. It is through Pat, eventually, that the situation comes to a climax. It is through her, too, that it is resolved.— U. A. P. S. In bringing this story to the screen, Producer Lester Cowan believes he is also bringing movie audiences the meanest, nastiest juvenile menace in history. It is twelve-year-old Skippy Homeier, who created the role on Broadway, and reaches heights in villainy that would embarrass a Karloff, a Lorre or a hugosi. . . . Fredric March had seen the play in New York and knew that Skippy was likely to steal the picture, but eagerly accepted Cowans offer because of the importance oj the story. . . . Miss Betty Field, almost f or the first time in pictures, played a straight role. . . . Through all the assault, battery and mayhem in the picture, Skippy and Rudy Wissler were the only casualties. They came down with poison oak as a result of falling into the stuff during filming of their battle on the final day of the shooting schedule. THE THIN MAN GOES HOME Crime statistics should take a rapid drop, now that the Thin Man is back on the job. William Powell as Nick Charles is still the most fascinating detective on record, and Myrna Loy is still the most charming detective's wife. Asta once more leers happily at lamp posts. Nick and Nora are transposed from their usual gilded haunts of sin to a new locale. It's the sleepy town of Sycamore Springs, where Nick grew up. He hasn't been back for a long time. His father Dr. Charles (Harry Davenport) doesn't approve of detectives, particularly the Scotch-drinking variety. When Nick is asked to take a case involving subversive activities in his home town, he protests wildly. "I'd die of thirst!" But he goes at last, still protesting, and Nora goes, too. Nick's mother (Lucille Watson) is delighted to see them. And when Dr. Charles finds that Nick has switched from Scotch to sweet cider, he greets them with enthusiasm. Not so enthusiastic are some other characters around town. "Crazy Mary," for instance, a witch-like fugitive from a straitjacket, conks Nick over the head with a coffee pot at the first opportunity. The president of the bank regards Nick's detecting with a coldness that might stem from a guilty conscience. Something peculiar is certainly under way in the town. Nick's arrival acts as a catalytic agent, and within a few days, there are two murders. Then there is the matter of the painting which Nora bought as a birthday present for Nick, and which appears and disappears in the most outrageous fashion. Nick is not entranced with the painting, but he objects to having his possessions swiped at regular intervals. Nora, of course, knows who did the murders. She even confides his name to Nick. Unfortunately, her candidate for the electric chair is a New York police detective in disguise. But he makes a nice suspect to keep her out of mischief , while Nick does the real sleuthing. Until you've seen Nora "tailing" her suspect, you haven't lived! It's all very merry, as well as mystifying, and you'll find Gloria De Haven, Helen Vinson, Donald Meek and Anne Revere among those under suspicion.— M-G-M. U;t,*ltL"i»fQL^Lr,« tZ, Jk 'cau» our „ppl» «rt U« longanother wonderful Dell book. QUESTIONNAIRE e? Write 1, 2, 3 What stories and features did you enjoy most in our January issue at the right of your 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices. Journey Among Warriors (John .. □ A Xmas She'll Never Forget (June Ally son) Johnny Comes Marching Home (John Payne) U ton McCallister, Life Story, Part I □ Dream Walking (Diana Lynn) □ Nobody's Sweetheart (Van Johnson) □ Which of the above did you like LEAST? What 3 stars would you like to read about in future issues? order of preference Garfield) □ Oh, Kaye! (Danny Kaye) □ Your Favorite Stars of 1944 by Louella Parsons LI "// He Were Single . . ./" (Walter Pidgeon) by Hedda Hopper Good News by Louella Parsons □ List them 1, 2, 3 in 14 *Women are amazed when they discover beautiful Clopay Window Shades are economical fiber instead of costly linen. In plain finish only 15c. In washable finish only 29c. Full 36 in. x 6 ft. size, ready to attach. At 5c & 10c and N eighborhood Stores everywhere. City. Zone State My name is My address is I am years ol<L ADDRESS THIS TO: POLL DEPT.. MODERN SCREEN 149 MADISON AVENUE. NEW YORK 16. N. Y.