Canadian Film Weekly (Sep 1, 1954)

{| THE PICK OF | THE PICTURES REVIEWS INFORMATION RATINGS Page 8 REVIEWS FROM THE FILM DAILY, NEW YORK Vol. 19, No. 33 FOX UK PROD'N (Continued from Page 1) release. That Lady, produced in Eastmancolor, stars Olivia de Havilland, Gilbert Roland, Paul Scofield and Dennis Price. Others are Long John Silver, now shooting in the Pacific, and a PowellPressburger film. Since 20th-Fox and JARO ended their long close relationship the first-named company may give British film production its greatest boost since the coming of Rank into the field. It is determined to establish quickly “a continuous flow of top-quality CinemaScope product,” all quota pictures. A 20th-Fox announcement notes that Britain is still in “the obsolescent 2-D field, as_ this country was left behind in the post-1918 war period and again in the ‘talkie era.’” The company says that it intends “to stimulate British production in CinemaScope, and by opening the door to world markets they offer for the first time in film history a large dollar return to British producers from the United States. In other words, British CinemaScope films will not have to play the small capacity ‘art’ houses in the United States as heretofore, but will have as their market the 10,000 theatres which will be equipped with CinemaScope. by the end of the year.” It is interesting to see one of the greatest of Hollywood companies echo the position of many British people that their country lost its place in the world film market when it almost abandoned production to meet the challenge of Germany in 1914. It was in the war years that Hollywood, not called on for any sacrifices and far removed from the fighting, forged ahead and continued to expand until it dominated the film world. J. Arthur Rank was the chief figure in the British film recovery, which hit snags several times. UA's 'Not As A Stranger’ Broderick Crawford has been signed by Stanley Kramer for the all-star cast of his UA release, Not as a Stranger. Cast In 'Moonfleet' England’s top child star, nineyear-old John Whiteley, has been signed by MGM for a costarring role with Stewart Granger in Moonfleet. Others in the cast include George Sanders, Viveca Lindfors, Joan Greenwood and Liliane Montevecchi. THE CAINE MUTINY with Humphrey Bogart, Jose Ferrer, Van Johnson, Fred MacMurray, Robert Francis, May Wynn — Columbia (Technicolor) 125 Mins. KRAMER’S “CAINE” WILL REGISTER AS ONE OF THE BEST OF THE YEAR. LONG AND EAGERLY AWAITED, IT RENDERS FULL AND THOROUGH SATISFACTION. WILL MEASURE UP TO PRIOR ACCLAIM AND DELIVER FULLY. ALL HANDS IN TOP FORM. Stanley Kramer has registered a new high in solid and affecting dramatic entertainment with this film version of the noted novel by Herman Wouk. It will easily be recognized and enthusiastically greeted as one of the outstanding screen attractions of the year, done on every hand to a fine turn. Long and eagerly awaited by a wide audience, The Caine Mutiny will notably.measure up to prior critical acclaim and recognition of its merit. Frequently a grim war story, the script, by Stanley Roberts, which adheres creditably to the book, does not lack for rough humor, a romantic element. Sailing in the “Caine” and lending laudable emphasis to the narrative that was given expert directorial treatment by Edward Dmytryk, is a worthy complement of strong and attractive name talent. The delineation of event and incident is studied and forceful with many highly moving and exciting moments on display. It is almost unnecessary to report that the appearances of Bogart, Ferrer, Johnson, MacMurray and others register with solid impact. Kramer’s handling of production detail contributes pertinent realism to an unusual yarn. Pinpointing the initial phases of a young officer’s naval career, the script gets under way in 1943 with Robert Francis the focus of attention. A green ensign, Francis is in love with May Wynn, a nitery singer. However, he is dominated by his mother. At Pearl Harbor, Francis reports aboard the ‘Caine’ and finds her in rather slovenly shape. Tom Tully is her skipper and she is just back from 18 months of combat duty. In short order Tully is transferred and Bogart comes aboard as “Captain Queeg.” Training and maneuvering about the Pacific things happen and Bogart’s officers and men become curious what with their skipper’s behavior. The incident of the target towing is related, also the combat mission at Kwajalein and the yellow stain. Triggered by MacMurray’s attitude, Johnson starts his log of the curious elements in Bogart’s mental makeup and this of course leads to the typhoon and assumption of command by Johnson when the “Caine’’ comes close to foundering. The fabrication of this storm at sea and in Technicolor is one of the high spots in a film loaded throughout its whole length with high spots. Brilliantly arriving at the court martial scene the tension of the script builds to the point where Bogart takes the witness chair and prodded and harried by Ferrer, is broken down into a mumbling incoherence that results in ultimate acquittal for Johnson and Francis. But there is acute understanding of Bogart and his methods that is socked solidly home by Ferrer. ; Fine photography is the general order of the day and that is the contribution of Frank Planer with a second unit under Ray Cory. Lawrence W. Butler’s special effects are noteworthy. Michael Blankfort supplied additional dialogue. CAST: Humphrey Bogart, Jose Ferrer, Van Johnson, Fred MacMurray, Robert Francis, May Wynn, Tom Tully, E. G. Marshall, Arthur Franz, Lee Marvin, Warner Anderson, Claude Akins, Katherine Warren. CREDITS: A Stanley Kramer Production; Director, Edward Dmytryk; Screenplay, Stanley Roberts; Additional dialogue, Michael Blankfort; Based on the novel by Herman Wouk; Photography, Frank Planer;; Production design, Rudolph Sternad; Musical score, Max Steiner; Art, Cary Odell; Editors, William A. Lyon, Henry Batista; Sets, Frank Tuttle; Sound, Lambert Day. , DIRECTION, Expert. PHOTOGRAPHY, Fine. space and a British crew, and also set wheels’ in motion for Copa’s second picture, Lorenzo the Magnificent, also to star Power, and to be made principally in Rome. Both will be filmed in color by Technicolor. Col.'s "Riot On Pier Six’ Beverly Garland will star opposite Arthur Franz in Columbia’s Riot on Pier Six. Columbia, Copa Film Starts November 15 ‘A starting date of November 15 in London has been set for Copa Productions’ first Columbia release, The Stalk, to star Tyrone Power and Linda Christian. Producer Ted Richmond made the announcement following a trip to England, during which he made arrangements for stage SINS OF ROME with Ludmilla Tcherina, Massimo Giroftti, Gianna Maria Canale. International Film Distributors 75 Mins STRIKING DRAMA SET IN ANCIENT ROME. DELIVERS ACTION, SPECTACLE, VIOLENCE. A NATURAL FOR STRONG EXPLOITATION WHICH SHOULD MAKE IT PAY OFF. Produced in Italy by Spartacus Consortium, with an effective job of dubbing to give it appeal in this market, a highly spectacular and rather lavish story of ancient Rome, BC is recounted. The telling does not lack for action and warm, passionate scenes of amorous dallying. Picture has every natural potential for indicated exploitation which should pay off. Recounted in black and white photography the narrative maintains a solid hold on the attention and imagination. It is smartly paced to insert plenty of the gruesome and the battle scenes are frequently bloody, awesome shambles. Script details the Roman invasion of Greece where the conquerors acquire slaves. Among them are Massimo Girotti, a strong handsome type, and Ludmilla Techerina, daughter of a local official. Taken to Rome, Girotti is sold to a coutractor who supplies gladiatorial exhibits. Ludmilla is induced to perform when Gianna Maria Canale observes that she is in love with Massimo. It is a trap for at the conclusion of her dance lions are set loose in the arena. Massimo, however, saves the girl. Led by Girotti the gladiators hatch a plot, escape to form an army to combat the Roman tyrants. They are making headway. Girotti ‘is wounded, finds refuge in Gianna’s villa. There is woman conflict. A large scale assault is planned and executed by Ludmilla who thinks Massimo has deserted her for the other woman. In the ensuing conflict Girotti is mortally wounded. Ludmilla finds him and he dies in her arms as she seeks his forgiveness. CAST. Ludmilla Tcherina, Massimo Girotti, Gianna Maria Canale, Yves Vincent, Carlo Ninchi, Vittorio Sanipoli. CREDIT: Produced by Spartacus Consortium; Director, Riccardo Freda; Music, Renzo Rosselini; Photography, Gabor Pogany. DIRECTION: Effective. PHOTOGRAPHY: Good. Added To ‘Untamed’ Cast Richard Egan has been added to the cast of Fox’ Untamed. Col.'s 'My Sister Eileen’ Betty Garrett has been signed by Columbia to star in the musical, My Sister Eileen.