The Canadian Independent (Jan 1, 1938)

Jan. 1, 1938 The exploitation manager of a major company sent a representative to Washington the other day to exploit a flop picture. Upon his arrival at the Capitol, the p.a. wired his boss: ““‘We opened against ‘Nothing Sacred’ and nobody will come to see our picture. What shall I do?” .. “Go to see ‘Nothing Sacred’,” responded the chief. ee ve And talking of Germany, Mr. Hitler might be amused, or surprised, if he attended a showing of ‘‘Lancer Spy.” Most of the German spy roles in the picture are played by non-Aryans—notably Maurice Moskovitch, Joseph Schildkraut and Luther Adler — all of whom received their early acting training on the Yiddish stage. * ® s A studio wardrobe girl said that ex-strip-teaser Gipsy Rose Lee required more time to dress than any other actress on the lot. “‘No wonder,” said another, ‘‘she hasn’t had much practice.” * * * It is little wonder that there is so much domestic fiction amongst movie stars. They are not taught to kiss and make up, but to make up and kiss. THE CANADIAN WE (SUED FOR THE BENEFIT OF WR (DEPENDENT THEATRE OWNERS Ro a SMa otra And Frank Nugent, Times dram-appraiser, headed his list of things to be thankful for: “... The fact that the Ritz Brothers aren’t quintuplets.” +f % One thousand years of what the west calls effective living will ruin any nation, says Dr. Lin Yutang, adding that “‘in the west the insane are so many that they are put in asylums; in China so unusual that we worship them.” Over here insanity is worshipped only if it comes from Hollywood. * ok * And then there was a quickie producer put on a mammoth production. For the mob scenes he used the star’s ex-husbands. * * * Scenarist Helen Meinardi asked a quickie writer why he always made three carbon copies of his stories. “Because,” he said, “I change the title on the carbon copies and then I have three stories instead of one.”’ * * * They’re telling this one of a local warbler: One guest at one of those musical soirees remarked: “But she sings out of key! Another guest agreed, but said the singer was deaf, so she couldn’t hear she was offkey. ‘Maybe then,” suggested the first, ‘“‘we could tell her that the song is over... 7" For BETTER SOUND INSTALL C.T.R. SOUND EQUIPMENT C.T.R. Full-Range Sound System, notable for its matched unit performance lower operating cost, modern features — “WITH HUSHED BACKGROUND” — “LATEST TYPE SOUND DISTRIBUTION,” and high sound presentations, “QUALITY” will improve your You’ll be amazed at the economy with which this modern * Sound System can be installed in your Theatre. desired. Easy terms if Why not have the best? Full Legal Patent Protection Sold outright No service charge For descriptive folders and price on C TR Sound Equipment Perkins Electric Company Limited 277 Victoria St., Toronto 2027 Bleury St., Montreal INDEPENDENT PATRONIZE THE ADVERTISERS WHO MAINTAIN |T. aim Page 7 UNITED ARTISTS NOTHING SACRED— A technicolor picture Frederick March in a grand satire from start to finish. The story is built on comedy with an entirely new starring Carol Lombard and twist. Picture should be headed for big business. 52ND STREET— It misses due to lack of story material. However, it boasts some swell individual entertainment, and Kenny Baker’s name is worth playing up. Do not expect the usual U. A. smash returns on this one. COLUMBIA SHE MARRIED AN ARTIST— John Boles and Luli Deste in a very pleasing comedy. An artist and a dress designer shake up a matrimonial cocktail with a big dash of artistic temperment. The mixture has plenty of fizz and sparkle. John Boles has never been better. THE SHADOW— Grade B formula murder mystery with a circus background. It will keep them guessing and the answer will surprise. Good as a second. PARAMOUNT WELLS FARGO— An excellent historic epic dealing with the opening of the middle and far west of the U. S. by express communications. Drama is here interwoven with realistic incident to make a satisfying picture. Joel McRae and Frances Dee carry the leads well and Bob Burns and his Indian Man-Friday supply the homely comedy. EMPIRE-UNIVERSAL MANHATTAN MERRY-GO-ROUND— Although packed with radio names and evidence of heroic efforts to be entertaining, it nevertheless misses badly and can only be classed as B fare. The song numbers are good. WARNER BROS. TOVARICH— Claudette Colbert, Charles Boyer and Basil Rathbone, together with an excellent supporting cast, combine to give an evening’s REAL ENTERTAINMENT that rings the bell in a big way. EVIDENCE— A grade Bi murder story with wrong man going to jail until proper evidence is secured to vindicate him. Lacks draw names. EXPENSIVE HUSBANDS— Another grade B picture. This one about a movie queen who purchases a title to help make a stage comeback, but returns to her homesup husband in the end. REGAL BEG, BORROW OR STEAL— This Metro programmer with an all-star comedy cast emerges as light entertainment that will please generally. CONQUEST— Garbo and Boyer score in this picturization of the affair of Napoleon and Marie Walewska. This is a grade A, head-of-the-list production. NAVY BLUE AND GOLD— Here is a swell navy football story containing plenty of laughs, and a capable cast headed by Robt. Young, Tom Brown, Lionel Barrymore and James Stewart. Will satisfy generally.