Box office digest (May-Dec 1946)

i6 BOX OFFICE DIGEST Surprise Drama Hit from RKO "The Locket” (RKO-RADIO) The Digest's Box Office Estimate : 135% Executive producer Jack J. Gross Producer Bert Granet Director John Brahni The Players: Laraine Day, Brian Aherene, Robert Mitchum, Gene Raymond, Sharyn Moffett, Ricardo Cortez, Henry Stephenson, Katherine Emery, Reginald Denny, Fay Helm, Helene Tliimig, Nella Walker, (Jueenie Leonard, Lillian Fontaine, Myrna Dell, Johnny Clark. Photography Nicholas Musuraca Time 85 minutes Previewed Dec. 13th Form the RKO unit guided by executive producer Jack L. Gross comes a dramatic picture of high merit, a little-heralded offering that will meet with wide audience approval. Box office should also be healthy with Laraine Day for focal marquee attention and such worthies as Brian Aherne, Robert Mitchum and Gene Raymond not to be overlooked. It is the psycho type of yarn, and. as "Fabulous Suzanne” (REPUBIC) The Digest's Box Office Estimate: 80% Associate producer-director Steve Sekely The Players: Barbara Britton, Rudy Vallee, Otto Kruger, Richard Denning, Bill Henry, Veda Ann Borg, Ivan Agay, Grady Sutton, Frank Darian, Harry Tyler, Eddie Fields, A1 Hammer. Photography Henry Sharp Time 71 minutes Previewed Dec. 13th The far-fetched farcical idea that is the basis of “The Fabulous Suzanne'* called for a smartness of dialogue and a bubbling of development that it did not receive in this Republic offering. So the result is a run of (MGM) The Digest's Box Office Estimate: 135% Producer Robert Sisk Director Willis Goldbeck The Players: Mickey Rooney, Lewis Stone, Sara Haden, Bonita Granville, Lina Roniay, Fay Holden, Dorothy Ford, Hal Hackett, Dick Simmons, Clinton Sundherg, Geraldine Wall, Addison Richards. Photography Robert Planck Time 94 minutes Previewed Dec. 2nd Andy Hardy is back, after three years absence in the service, and the preview audience reception to “Andy Hardy Laughs at Locksmiths” is indication that he will often the case with such subjects, suffers from the danger that flashback treatment creates. But barring a few early flutterings the story, as guided by producer Bert Granet, and directed by John Brahm, takes on straight line, gripping interest, is rich in situations of emotional “theater,” and leaves the spectator with that contented feeling of having been given something for the expenditure of his time. Laraine Day rises to new heights as the girl, angel on the surface, and destined through a cruel fate to bring unhappiness to all men who love her. The demands of the role are heavy, Miss Day meets them superbly. She is in fast company — Robert Mitchum delivers forcefully in a meaty part as one of her victims, Brian Aherne is suavely convincing as a psychiatrist, also a victim. Playing Miss Day as a child, Sharyn Moffett, RKO’s own moppet, turns on the emotional spigot effectively. Gene Raymond is pleasant to see again in his first appearance since war serv ice. Balance of cast names is assurance the mill comedy drama that will get by in the double billing situations, leaving the original potentialities only to be guessed at. Barbara Britton’s touch of the fabulous is due to her possession of a lucky pin, with which she can pick winners at the races and, before the story is wound up, pay-off items on the stock market. Inheriting $7000 from a codger whom the lucky pin had helped with the ponies she would like to use the windfall to aid boy friend Bill Henry, struggling proprietor of a hamburger hut. Bill spurns aid from a woomyun, causing Barbara to depart for the Big Town where she becomes the pawn of stockbroker Otto Kruger, and his sons, stuffy Rudy Vallee quickly resume his own solid niche in the entertainment lists. Mickey Rooney is older, it is true, and the future may pose problems about his continued existence as Andy. But Mickey is still the same solid trouper showman, and with his comedy talents emphasized in this one, he wraps up an evening of considerable hilarity. Also, his return is natural. It is Andy the soldier boy coming home, with college facing him and with romantic dreams about marrying Bonita Granville. But Bonita has found another mate and from there on we find Andy tossed about the field. Less importance is given to the family of the all-around excellent trouping skill. Miss Day’s wedding to Gene Raymond is interrupted to start the picture. Aherne, who is stalling the proceedings, sets out to tell the bride groom-to-be the story of her past. Back to childhood it goes, when frustration over a locket she greatly desired marked the twist in her character that results in the later tragedies. Aside from a story of real interest, scripted with skillful technique, and finely played, the picture’s unique asset is an air of intelligence, of sureness — a tribute to the collaboration of sympathies between producer Granet, former writer, and director John Brahm. Executive producer Gross can add a top number to his list. Photography by Nicholas Musuraca is of the top quality that adds much to the over-all class effect. WHAT THE OTHER FELLOW'S SAID: REPORTER: “Unquestionably will be a big success at the box office.” VARIETY : “Will unquestionably be regarded as one of the better productions of the year.” and playful Richard Denning. Those are the elements, and they are developed in routine manner, maintaining a fair share of interest at all times but never picking up momentum. The playing is better than the material, Miss Britton registering for looks and ability, Vallee lifting his role for comedy results above the material. Bill Henry is okay with limited opportunity. Production values are strictly budget, enhanced however by the fine camera contribution from veteran Henry Sharpe. W HAT THE OTHER FELLOW S SAID: REPORTER: “Will do a brisk business in the Republic market.” VARIETY: “Far from fabulous, even downright dull.” Gala Return story than in earlier episodes, but the lovable old regulars, Lewis Stone, Fay Holden, Sara Haden are there and delivering in convincing style. Top comedy sequence places Mickey alongside Dorothy Ford, a gorgeous gal with height that towers over the star. Bonita Granville carries her assignment capably, and a top spot moment is accounted for effectively by Lina Romay. The picture will meet with a warm reception, and is a credit item for the lists of producer Bob Sisk and director Willis Goldbeck. W'HAT THE OTHER FELLOW7 SAID: REPORTER: “Rooney return to series not so happy.” VARIETY: “Provides plenty of laughs.” "Love Laughs at Andy Hardy” Tells Cinderella Again