Boxoffice (Apr-Jun 1939)

J?kott Subject ?2eview5 In the Mediterranean RKO (March of Time, No. 8) 19 Mins. Plenty of dynamite in this one and excitingly told. It tells of Premier Mussolini’s campaign to stir unrest among Moslems living in the French and British colonies for what is designed for the big grab of more territories, such as Tunisia. Mindful of the situation, the French are moving in their own way and prepared to fight if II Duce goes through with his plan. The Mediterranean is a great source of worry to some countries and March of Time studies it from all angles with excellent views of the points in question. There were plenty of hisses when Mussolini appeared on the screen at the Music Hall. The “umbrella man’’ was not treated so kindly, either, by the same audience, but for France and Premier Daladier there appeared to be heartfelt sympathy and applause. A current topic of great interest with a better insight into the international situation than one might gather quickly from the printed page. Money to Loan M-G-M (Crime Does Not Pay) 20 Mins. Action drama that can be entertaining as well as educational is a rare combination and showmen should take advantage of this short. M-G-M focuses the light on that group of social parasites who are known as loan sharks and mulct the public out of millions each year. It shows one of these crooked outfits in operation and the methods it uses to squeeze the borrowers dry. Director Joe Newman hasn’t overlooked the dramatic qualities and the result is a dynamic two-reeler that packs a wallop. Featured in the short are Alan Dinehart, Paul Guilfoyle, Truman Bradley and Tom Collins. The Roaming Camera Vitaphone (Color Parade) 11 Mins. Material in this subject is varied so as to appeal to different type of audiences. The opening topic shows Hawaiian schoolboys playing football in their bare feet. They never wear shoes and kick a ball as skilfully as the player who wears them. How hairdresser Antoine of Paris achieves his startling effects is next demonstrated. The reel concludes with scenes aboard the United States Maritime Service’s training ship, the Joseph Conrad. Hello Momma RKO (NuAtlas Musical) 9 Mins. George Jessel’s presence lifts this out of the ordinary class. He unfortunately is restricted to telling a few gags and introducing some not so scintillating acts. The performers are the Eton Boys, radio singers of some renown; Frieda Sullivan, night club dancer, and a hill-billy aggregation called Emerson’s Mountaineers. Sons of Liberty Vitaphone 20 Mins. (Historical Technicolor Features) Warner rings the bell again, and, in doing so, has established a distinguished landmark in the making of short subjects. Never has a subject been more urgent and timely. This splendid dramatic reenactment of the story of the Jewish patriot, Haym Salomon, who played such an important role in the American Revolution carries magnificent implications. It emerges as a stirring document in the cause of liberty and equality and, as such, will be praised by every honest-thinking person across the land. In the two reels allotted to him. Director Michael Curtiz conveys with fine understanding the principles by which Haym Salomon lived and died. Claude Rains beautifully interprets the part of Salomon, reading his lines with convincing sincerity. Gale Sondergaard, Donald Crisp, Montague Love, Henry O'Neill and James Stephenson all figure prominently. It's big time stuff with a big time cast and far superior to the average product that constitutes the lower half of a dual bill. And that's no hint, but a solid suggestion. Fisherman s Pluck Paramount (Paragraphics) 10 Mins. One for the anglers as the camera accompanies the noted sportsman and author, Zane Grey, on a fishing trip. This one is to a remote Oregon river where steelhead trout are found. To get to their habitat is an exciting journey down the rapids. But the party makes it and Grey displays his skill with the rod as he lands some of these Oregon beauties. So Does an Automobile Paramount (Betty Boop) 7 Mins. A fairly diverting bit of cartoon nonsense in which Betty Boop is the nurse in an institution that takes care of automobiles. Car ailments are compared to humans, but the net result isn’t as funny as it might be. Sporting Wings RKO Pathe (Sportscope) 9 Mins. That aviation is not always a commercial pastime is amply illustrated by this subject which presents the sporting aspect of flying. It shows how the pastime may be available to groups with modest incomes through the accessibility of lowpriced planes. Going to the other extreme, the closing sequence has Gar Wood flying his own luxuriously equipped amphibian to his winter home in Florida. It is an interesting peek into what the future holds for sport enthusiasts who will be able to increase their field of pleasure considerably through the medium of aviation. Three Kings and a Queen Paramount (Headliners) 11 Mins. A combination of three male radio singers, Betty Hutton and Vincent Lopez and his orchestra. The choice is singularly uninspired. It affords, however, the opportunity of radio fans a glimpse of some of the popular voices. Barry Wood opens with "You’re Mine, You;” Dick Todd sings "Penthouse Serenade,” then Lopez swings out with "Pagan Love Song, Del Casino appears on the scene with "My Silent Love,” and Betty Hutton tarings the proceedings to a close with a slightly frenzied version of “Where Has My Little Dog Gone?” Chicken Jitters Vitaphone (Looney Tune) 7 Mins. Porky Pig is the proud owner of a chicken farm. The antics of the barnyard inhabitants provide some amusing moments although the whole thing is conceived without rhyme or reason. Everything goes along nicely until the fox appears on the scene but he runs afoul of the ducks and is smashed to smithereens. Good stuff for the youngsters. Tiny Troubles M-G-M (Our Gang) 10 Mins. Acceptable comedy by Our Gang with considerable appeal for the matinee trade. The Gang becomes involved with Tiny Tom, a midget watch thief. It starts off with Our Gang before the judge explaining how they got Tiny Tom confused with Alfalfa’s baby brother. Popular Science Paramount (No. 4) 11 Mins. Filled with the latest developments in science, this is an absorbing subject with appeal for everyone. A glimpse of the newest gadgets for home use is really worthwhile. Included are a new operatic shower curtain, electric piano teachers and combination shavers and tooth brushes, all calculated to make things more pleasant. The other topics dealt with are a (Continued on page 85) BOXOFFICE :: April 1, 1939 81