Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (Sep 1934 - Aug 1935)

12 WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 21, 1935 What the Critics Say about the current films . . . Excerpts from newspaper reviews "BRIGHT LIGHTS" (First National) "... A surprise . . . doesn't contain a single elaborate dance routine. . . . Although Joe E. Brown is called upon to dance, sing, juggle, and perform acrobatics, the best thing about his performance is his creation of an attractive, believcable and well-rounded character. . . ." — New York Times. ". . . While Joe E. Brown is an appealing actor and has sequences in this picture which keep certain sections of the audience in stitches, there can be too much even of Mr. Brown, and here First National does not permit him to be off the screen a minute. . . ." — New York Herald-Tribune. ". . . Coming rather late in a never ending cycle of backstage yarns Joe E. Brown's amazing versatility makes his latest starring vehicle satisfactory entertainment. . . ." — New York Mirror. CHINA SEAS (Metro) ". . . Entertaining, if not overwhelmir-' convincing. Good melodramatic fun admirably performed. . . ." — New York Herald-Tribune. ". . . Muscularly entertaining melodrama. ... A loud and brawling show, which makes passable diversion out of pretty familiar stuff. n — New York Times. ". . . Exciting adventure. Beautifully photographed, brilliantly acted . . . stands head and shoulders above the average run of pictures. ..." — Philadelphia Record. "ALICE ADAMS" (Radio) ". . . Unassuming story by Booth Tarkington won a Pulitzer Prize for its deft treatment of adolescent emotions. . . ." — Philadelphia Evening Ledger. ". . . Seems to have but one purpose, to make both cast and audience squirm from acute embarrassment. In this, it is completely successful." — Philadelphia Record. "Easily the best story Katherine Hepburn has had and the best picture she has appeared in since 'Morning Glory.' ... A comedy which will entertain many by its human interest. ..." — Philadelphia Evening Bulletin. "Pin all the superlatives you want to on 'Alice Adams' — it deserves them. . . . Hepburn gives one of the finest performances of her career. . . ." — New York Evening Journal. "WOMAN WANTED" (Metro) "Plenty of action, a great deal of it of the improbable sort. . . ." — Philadelphia Inquirer. ". . . Despite its hackneyed plot, good entertainment. . . . Moves quickly. . . ." — Philadelphia Record. ". . . Another merry trifle about murder. . . . Has its moments of light and airy banter amid its shootings. . . ." — Philadelphia Evening Ledger. SHORT SUBJECTS from Philiy by Nonamaker FROM THE RECORDS— We'll never forget the time we walked into AL BLOFSON'S office, when he was manager of First Division, and asked him how much rental he wanted for "THE STRANGE CASE OF TOM MOONEY" — two-reel political subject that to this day has never had a local run; and he said without batting an eye lash: #300 a week. That in itself isn't very funny; but just as he quoted the "rather high" rental something happened to his swivel chair and he crashed down between the chair and his desk making considerable dent in the six inches thick plush rug on the floor; and causing a decided ruffle to his dignity. HEARD ON THE STREETDAVE BARRIST back. Kindly see another column in this issue for all the harrowing details of his Northern European trip. . . . MORRIS WAX, hay fever victim, vacationing in the White Mountains, N. H. . . . BEN STERN and JOHN GOLDER enthused over their ace wrestling short showing combat both in and out of the ring. This is the 18-minute official filming of the Danno O'Mahoney-Ed. Don George bout unpopularly refereed by James J. Braddock, world's champ heavyweight. . . . CHARLES HIRSCH renovates his Ruby Theatre. . . . JOE SCHAFFER to open independent film exchange. He will only handle unusual and novel films. It is believed that OSCAR NEUFELD is acting in an advisory capacity with him. . . . DAVE STARKMAN going into premium business at same office. . . . The Tent 13, VARIETY Club Clam Bake was well attended. 'Twas a very good day with cards, golf, fishing, swimming, luncheon and beer on tap all day, and a shore dinner at night. Over 100 present with SID SAMUELSON down from New York with a contingent of hungry folk connected with the industry. . . . Labor Day will be "Open House" at the VARIETY CLUB. Visiting Atlantic City Beauty Contest Winners will be guests and escorted 'round the town by OSCAR NEU,D and others in fifty cars loaned by Ford Motor Company. . . . DAVE MOLIVER soon to be the exclusive handler of "Lucky" all over. He has made considerable renovations during "DANTE'S INEERNO" (Fox) "... A story of man's ability to make this world an inferno of his own. . . . Into the middle of a straight-forward story, for no better reason than to show a spectacle, is injected a 15-minute trip through what is supposed to be the real 'Inferno.' . . ." — Philadelphia Record. ". . . Spencer Tracy delivers a fine performance and helps to make a rather maudlin story seem real. . . . The imaginative and thrilling conception of hell is the big thrill. . . ." — Philadelphia Daily News. ". . . Spencer Tracy gives his all as sympathetically as possible to a role in which he does not sincerely believe. . . . Spectacle scenes are impressive. . . ." Philadelphia Evening Ledger. the past week; and his showrooms are now quite a flash. ODD BITS... FRANK JORDAN, once upon a time manager of the Victoria, seen on the street the other day; and told us he is now in the medicine business but anxious to get back into the movie game. . . . HONEST EXHIBITOR FOUND!— CECIL (BLUEBIRD) FELT claims he played a Radio picture on which they forgot to send a checker, so he sent in his minimum plus some additional cash! . . . EDDIE GABRIEL, practicing archery since becoming "Lost Wilderness" conscious. . . . Policeman stripped of insignia after being trapped by fellow-officer as Ardmore Theatre burglar. . . . HENRY (LEDGER) MURDOCK on vacation. . . . HARRY LA VINE excited over trade press raves on Republic's "Harmony Lane." . . . BETTE HIRSCH, Metropolitan Printing bookkeeper, back from vacation and looking prettier than ever. SEEN AT THE SHORENORMAN LEWIS (the Norman whose face is white) . . . The ever smiling SAM KANTOR. . . . SAM WALDMAN and wife. . . . JACK HEXTER and his boy at the Ambassador Bar. . . . HARRY DEMBOW'S father, now retired; but looking younger than ever. Promised to visit the street after Labor Day; and we'll all be glad to see him. . . . IZZIE SEGAL (RIVOLI) giving the girls a break. . . . "NOOKIE" BECKETT and his ball-playing brother, HARRY, and BEN BLUMBERG and their wives. . . . SAM and NATE STEIFEL. . . . GEORGE SCHWARTZ, Metroite. . . . GEORGE LESSEY, Diamond and Cedar Theatres, and friend. . . . MRS. HAMERMAN, of Hollywood, Cal., wife of the star premium salesman. . . . HARRY FELT trying to drown his troubles in the ocean. . . . MORRIS STEIFEL, of Downingtown, who got hooked for five bucks in the Ambassador Bar. . . . NATE ABELOVE, who knows all the ' hot" spots and can get a companion for you if you are lonesome on a minute's notice. . . Just a bunch of pre-convention visitors. Maybe they were practicing. PENN THEATRE EQUIPMENT CO. Dependability Lowest Prices Let Us Quote On Your Next Requirements 309 N. 13th St., Phila. RIT. 3273 "Not a dark house in more than 20 years of film delivery service!" NEW JERSEY MESSENGER SERVICE 250 N. JUNIPER ST. PHILA.