Motion Picture Herald (Nov-Dec 1934)

November I 0, I 934 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 47 PICTURES IN THE CUTTING ROOM hunting interloper. Her illusions, as well as those of her fiance, crumble when both discover they are being victimized. They marry. As the husband devotes himself to months of wild philandering, the lonely pair are brought together when they realize the folly of their individual sufferings, and under the spell of chimes tolling the birth of a new year understand that true love will efface the memories of many bitter experiences. Chester Morris, currently in "Let's Talk It Over" and "Repeal," and Rochelle Hudson, in many Fox pictures and soon to appear in "Imitation of Life," are teamed in the leading roles. Gene Lockhart, outstanding in Radio's "By Your Leave," is the third party to the triangle. A newcomer, Phyllis Brooks, widely publicized artists' model, will make her screen debut. Other principals are G. P. Huntley, Jr., Isobel Jewell, whose performance in MGM's "Evelyn Prentice" is a valuable asset to this picture, and Walter Walker, currently in "Strange Wives." WINGS IN THE DARK Paramount As the title indicates, this is an aviation story, but one in which the romantic and melodramatic content, and the manner in which both are developed, is quite ofif the beaten path. The story revolves around two separate ideas. The hero has devoted himself to perfecting mechanical devices which will permit aviators to fly safely in the dark or fog. The heroine is attempting a transatlantic flight from Europe to New York. Prevented from landing by fog, she is piloted out of the clouds by the hero, and the meaning that is read into the title is given a surprising punch in the climax. The original story is by Nell Shipman, former screen star, and Philip D. Hum. Adaptation is by Dale Van Every, with the screen play by Frank Partos and Jack Kirkland. Direction is by James Flood, whose most recent pictures are "All of Me" and "Such Women are Dangerous." The picture is being produced by Arthur Hornblow, who was similarly associated with the current "Pursuit of Happiness." The cast features Myrna Loy, currently in "Evelyn Prentice," and Gary Grant, now appearing in "Enter Madame." Supporting players include Roscoe Karns, Hobart Kavanaugh, Dean Jaggers, Russell Hopton, Mabel Forrest, Bert Hanlon, James Burtis, Mat McHugh, Julian Madison, Rita Owen, Esther Michelson and Virgil Simmons. As the production angles of the picture feature much unusual aerial thrill, it makes possible a brand of exploitation which establishes the show as something other than a war-flier attraction. Also it affords opportunity to make some new kinds of cooperative contacts with plane manufacturers, commercial transport lines and local fliers. Similarly it suggests an out-of-the-rut brand of publicity and advertising. PASSPORT TO FAME Columbia The story by W. R. Burnett upon which this picture is based appeared in the Saturday Evening Post under the title "Jailbreaker." A drama, tinged with unique romance and situation comedy, it's the yarn of clerk Jones, whose resemblance to a feared public enemy. Killer Mannion is so amazing that it develops high and thrilling entertainment. While for picture purposes much of tlie original story content has been altered, it still preserves all the characteristic suspense packed drama. The screen play is by Jo Swerling, recently credited with "The Defens eRests" and "Lady by Choice" and Robert Riskin (See "Carnival"). Direction is by John Ford, who made "The Lost Patrol" and "World Moves On.'" Edward G. Robinson, last seen in Warner's "Man of Two Faces," plays the dual role of the spineless hardware store clerk and the ruthless killer Mannion. In support are Jean Arthur, featured in "Most Precious Thing in Life" and "Defense Rests"; Etienne Girardot, drug store proprietor in "Handy Andy" ; Arthur Hohl ; Fred Keating and Donald Meek, both of whom are in "The Captain Hates the Sea" ; Douglas Dumbrille, now in "Broadway Bill" ; Paul Harvey and Edward Brophy, currently in "Evelyn Prentice." There being a continuous air of gangster threat and menace in the production, the story is told in situations entirely apart from the semi-political background of the original. Therein, Jones sold the story of his strange experiences to newspapers and went to Hollywood. Here, as the instrument, he lures Mannion to death to collect a reward making possible a South Sea Island honeymoon. Potential unusual showmanship is to be found in the title and story content and also by stirring up memories of the success which Robinson met in early gangster pictures from "Little Caesar" onward. FATHER BROWN, DETECTIVE Paramount Outstanding among commercial values is the fact that this production is adapted from a series of short stories published in magazines by Gilbert K. Chesterton, noted British vvriter. For this purpose, the highlights of several of the best read stories have been combined. Father Brown, the key character of the series, is a jovial clergyman whose hobby of solving baffling crimes has made him a famous detective. Here the story builds to the solution of a great jewel robbery, the pursuit and capture of an international thief, the manner in which Father Brown slyly outwits his nemesis, reforms him and rnakcs him a fit man to marry the girl he loves. The screen play is by Henry Myers and C. Gardner Sulhvan. Direction is by Edward Sedgwick, maker of 'Here Comes the Groom,' Til Tell the World' and 'Poor Rich.' It is being produced by Bayard Veiller, who functioned similarly on 'Menace.' Walter Connelly, currently in 'Whom the Gods Destroy' and 'The Captain Hates the Sea,' has the role of Father Brown. Paul Lukas is the crook. The girl is Gertrude Michel, now in 'Menace' and previously seen in 'Murder at the Vanities.' Halliwell Hobbes, also seen in 'Menace,' is the man whom Lukas robs and is the uncle of the girl he loves. Supporting players include Robert Lorraine, Una O'Connor currently in 'Barretts of Wimpole Street'; Peter Hobbes, Bunnv Beaty, E. E. Clive, Gwenllian Gill, Eldred Tilbury, Robert Adair and Yorke Sherwood. Showmanship seeking to interest those who have read the Chesterton stories as well as the army of fans who delight in unusual mystery detective yarns is the brand of exploitation for this attraction. MILLS OF THE GODS Cohmibia Because it gives May Robson an entirely different character, this production has dramatic story value and topical interest for much unique showmanship. The original story is by Melville Baker and Jack Kirkland. who collalwrated on 'Zoo in Budapest' : the screen plav is by Caret Fort, recently credited with 'Private Scandal' and remembered for 'Frankenstein' and 'Dracula.' Direction is by Roy W. Neill, who has made several Columbia pictures. The story is a drama of a woman, an Industry, a family gone to seed, and a current social condition. Mary Hasting (Miss Robson) builds a blacksmith shop into one of the world's greatest industries. At the height of prosperity, ready to retire, she summons her family, Fay Wray, Raymond Walburn, James Blakelyj Josephine Whittel, all grown fat in the lap of luxury, to take over. Each preferring the gaudy life they live, all refuse and the factory is turned over to employees to run. Comes the depression. The children, called upon for financial support, again refuse to help. The old woman steps out of the picture; the family would close the plant. Headed by the agitator Victor Jory, who finds in Fay Wray the kind of woman he never knew before, the workmen riot. As the elder son is slain, Mary raises the money to put the mills in operation again, giving the workingmen a chance to live and setting matters so that Jory and Miss Wray know that real love will be theirs. Topical significance, plus the present May Robson box office draw, appear to be the outstanding showmanship angles. Those players mentioned predominate in interpreting the story. With the exceptional title as a basis and almost every community familiar with situations similar to the story, smart showmen should find in this picture plenty of opportunity to test their business building abilities. Fay Uses Letter to Himself as Film Ad Ed Fay, well known exhibitor of Provi-dance, used a unique method of advertising a performance which featured the Warner film, "Big Hearted Herbert," at the Majestic theatre. Taking considerable space, Mr. Fay ran, as the advertisement in its entirety, a reproduction of a letter which he had received from Major Albert Warner of Warner Brothers, thanking him for the suggestion that the original play be purchased by Warner for screen adaptation. AMPA Sues General Foods The Associated Motion Picture Advertisers, New York, has brought suit against General Foods Corporation for $2,500, allegedly due by virtue of a contract whereby the AMPA supplied talent for a General Foods radio broadcast, with monej'' paid to have gone to the AMPA charity. No money was paid, according to the complaint. General Foods has filed a denial. Audio Makes New Reel Audio Productions, Inc., has completed a one-reel subject in two-color stop motion, featuring the range of premiums offered by the Brown & Williamson Tobacco Company. F. Lyle Goldman supervised the subject. Bol+ano Joins Donahue and Coe L. F. Boitano. who is a former executive of Agfa-Ansco, raw stock manufacturer, has become associated with Donahue and Coe, New York advertising agency which has several motion picture companies as clients.