National Box Office Digest (Jan-Dec 1945)

10 BOX OFFICE DIGEST “Salty O’Rourke” . . Punchy Race-Track Yarn (PARAMOUNT) The Digest’s Box Office Estimate : 155% Associate producer E. D. Leshin Director Raoul Walsh The Players: Alan Ladd, Gail Russell, William Deinarest, Stanley Clements, Bruce Cabot, Spring Byington, Darryl Hickman, Rex Williams, Don Zelaya, Lester Mathews, Marjorie Woodworth. David Clyde. Photography Theodore Sparkuhl Time 93 minutes “Salty O’Rourke” is as salty as its title, in the true Raoul Walsh tradition of red-meat entertainment. Blessed with the seldom-failing attraction of a race track background, telling a consistently interesting story, played to the hilt, and directed by an assured hand, it should wind up as very profitable entertainment for producer and exhibitor. Alan Ladd will carry the marquee, and he turns in a top performance. Almost equal credit most be given, however, to the work of the surrounding players who unanimously respond to Raoul Walsh’s direction with crisply chiseled characterizations. Stanley Clements is a standout ; Gail Russell, William Demarest, Bruce Cabot and all others are on their toes. We are told the story of Alan Ladd, gambler caught behind the eight ball because of a heavy debt to toughie bookmaker, Bruce Cabot, and of what happens when he starts to fight his way out. First move is the purchase of a horse that is a bargain because, though he is faster than a fiction writer’s lightning, no rider can handle his ornery disposition. Ladd digs up Clements, disbarred jockey, who must tackle the job but must pose as his own younger brother. His fictitious age means attending school, and that results in meeting teacher, Gail Russell. There you have the elements for a corking story — when it has been handled in scripting, playing, and direction as it has been here. Three men, Ladd, Clements, and Cabot, and the girl, heading towards a dynamite situation. Romance, the bawdy humor of the stables, and the inevitable thrill of a race track climax are neatly blended. There is fine support for the principals already mentioned by the entire cast, with particular credit to William Demarest, Spring Byington, and Marjorie W'oodworth. Exhibitor’s Booking Suggestion : Sound audience meat for almost all classes. . . . Previewed Feb. i6th. WHAT THE OTHER FELLOWS SAID: REPORTER: “Packs a tremendous wallop which will keep the customers tense all the way.” VARIETY : “Will ride as profitable top entertainment in all locations.” Worth v of Charlie Chan “The Jade Mask” (MONOGRAM) The Digest’s Box Office Estimate: 75% Producer James S. Burkett Director Phil Rosen The Players: Sidney Toler, Manton Moreland, Edwin Luke, Hardie Albright, Janet Warren, Edith Evanson, Alan Bridge, Ralph Lewis, Frank Reieher, Cyril DeLavanti, Dorothy Granger, Jack Ingram, Lester Dorr, Henry Hall. Photography Harry Neumann 1 ime 64 minutes Charlie Chan marches on — and his tread is firm and steady. “The Jade Mask,” latest of his adventures as brought to the screen by Monogram, should fully satisfy Monogram customers for the group. In many ways it is the best of the series. “High Powered” (PARAMOUNT) The Digest’s Box Office Estimate : 80% Producers William Thomas, William Pine Director William Berke The Players: Robert Lowery, Phyllis Brooks, Mary Treen, Joe Sawyer, Roger Pryor, Ralph Sanford. Photography Fred Jackman, Jr. Time .... 60 minutes See the world, and all its occupations, with Pine-Thomas. And have an exciting time while you’re doing it. This time the partners Bill, whose product is now firmly established on the Paramount The pace, as handled by Director Phil Rosen, is fast, Sidney Toler grows even more closely into his exclusive role, the well-chosen support gives opportunity for excellent subordinate characterizations. True, there are a few loose story ends strewn about when the 64 minutes are up. But these trivialities are not dangerously serious to fans who like their Charlie Chan. This time Charlie lands in the home of a murdered scientist, Frank Reieher. It seems that Reieher was hated enough to have been murdered by almost anyone in the castexcept Charlie and Number 4 son, of course — and to make matters even better for spectator interest more murders happen after Charlie arrives on the scene. Charlie, himself, narrowly escapes death. list, take us to the rough and tough workers who are engaged in building a cracking plant for super-octane gas the Air Forces need so much. The hard-boiled characters of the action are boilermakers, steelworkers, and a couple of nice girls who run a lunchwagon serving the appetites of the hairy-chested males. It is a regeneration theme, Robert Lowery being seen as the former high rigger who has lost his nerve about the heights because of the death of a pal in a fall. Roger Pryor, Phyllis Brooks play a part in his comeback which is built for a strong climax scene. Mary Treen, partner to Miss Brooks in the All the trouble arose because the murdered scientist had been at work on a secret formula of importance to the war effort and the officials not only wanted the killing cleared up but the formula regained. Edwin Luke, brother of Keye Luke, original Number One son of the Chan series, makes his debut in this one and turns in a very competent performance. Mantan Moreland is tops in the support, milking some good moments for solid laughs. Exhibitor’s Booking Suggestion : Will satisfy the series followers. . . . Previewed Feb. 20th. WHAT THE OTHER FELLOWS SAID: REPORTER: “Fast-paced, highly exciting whodunit.” VARIETY : “Up to standard in plot suspense and characterization.” lunch business, teams with Joe Sawyer for the comedy. Film has been well paced by Director William Berke, numerous fight scenes handled for punch, and the Lowery top scene when he mounts the high boom to rescue Pryor, is a swell topper for the capably produced meller. Exhibitor's Booking Suggestion : Good action bet. . . . Previewed Feb. 1 6th . WHAT THE OTHER FELLOWS SAID: REPORTER: “Starts at a good pace and keeps moving . . . audiences will like it.” VARIETY: “Picturesque, dynamic melo drama, turned out to the popular taste.” Has Pine-Thomas Power Never Time to Stop Selling War Bonds !