Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (Sep 1935 - Aug 1936)

10 INDEPENDENT EXHIBITORS 'FILM BULLETIN REVIEWS leave the kids and action fans breathless. There's a punch in the nose to almost every foot of film. Add, then, auto chases; a machine going over an embankment and bursting into flames; a simply swell riot, with newspapers being tossed into the air by the combatants until it looks like a snowstorm; wind-shields smashed, tires slashed, fists flying, and firemen playing streams of water on the scene while the cops round up the ringleaders— and you have plenty of excitement for one film. But, the producers had an interesting story to work with, including comedy, kid sympathy and a spirited battle between rival newspapers for supremacy. It's a bang-up movie for any house where they like their action in gobs — and fast! Jack LaRue, although they have become accustomed to seeing him in heavy roles, does very well in the hero's shoes this time. This will stand on its own in action houses and can do above average biz. PLOT: LaRue quits his job as circulation manager of one paper, when he learns the boss is unscrupulously involved in corrupt politics, and goes over to a rival sheet that is just being brought back by a new and clean owner. LaRue's old boss starts a circulation war, intimidating, bullying and even beating up newsboys. By placing innocent-looking pugs on the corners, LaRue gives the strong-arm men a good trimming. But, he is framed, and goes to jail. However, he gets out in time to direct the cleaning up of the rival gang in a free-fcr-all and to get his papers out on the street in time. Incidental romance between LaRue and Virginia Pine never gets in the way of the action. AD TIPS: Spot kids on the busy corners with newspaper, yelling "Read all about it— HOT OFF THE PRESS!" and they distribute heralds. Sell LaRue, who has a surprising following among action fans. NONNIE. (Continued from Page 12) PERSONAL MAID S SECRET "Finest I heatre Painting <md Decorating" HARRY BRODSKY 2315 WALNUT STREET, PHILA., PA. RITtenhouse 7828 • TRInity 1189 Evcty/hing in B qnipment NATIONAL THEATRE SUPPLY CO. 1315 Vine St., Phila. SPR. 6156 BOXOFFICE RATING COMEDY-DRAMA . . . Has nothing that might save it from mediocrity . . . Acting and fair pace aid considerably, but never enough to overcome an inherent element of cheapness in the story . . . O.K. for duals . . . Rates • + on its own. Warner Bros. 60 Minutes Ruth Donnelly . . . Anita Louise . . . Margaret Lindsay . . . Warren Hull . . . Frank Albertson . . . Arthur Treacher . . . Directed by Arthur G. Collins A few redeeming features (which aren't enough to redeem it, however) rescue "Personal Maid's Secret" from being an outand-out dud. One of those familiar, but capable, Warner "stock" casts handles the roles efficiently; the plot moves along in sprightly manner, despite very ordinary direction. The story is an old-fashioned dime novel tear-jerker about the wronged servant girl who gives up her motherhood's rights when the socially prominent parents of the son who went away to war and was shot dead before he could return to become a husband decide (the son's parents, we mean) to raise the chee-ild as their very own. But the scenarists realized that jerking tears with that kind of stuff isn't as easy at it was fifteen years ago, so "Maid's Secret" was dolled up with a coating of humor in the modern manner. That it was found necessary to repeat one gag twice in the course of this brief feature is sufficient evidence of its threadbaredness. However, Ruth Donnelly does some fine work as the sacrificial mother and she should bring a sob in her big revelation scene. Lack of b. o. names will hold the grosses down and this won't see Average business anywhere, unless it is part of a dual. PLOT: Ruth Donnelly, an ambitious maid, elevates her socially insignificant clients, Warren I lull and Margaret Lindsay, to Park Avenue prominence. Anita Louise, a debutante, becomes involved in an affair with a married man. To quash it, the maid confronts Anita with the startling information that she is really her mother. She swears her daughter to secrecy, because Donnelly says she wishes to marry Treacher, the butler, who doesn't know how old she is. The romance between Anita and Frank Albertson is patched up and all ends happily. AD TIPS: Sell it to the women as a "woman's picture." Or, you might try the angle that servants actually run their employers' homes. NONNIE. HEI TIKI First Division 36 Minutes An abbreviated version of the Alexander Markey film made on the "Isle of Ghosts" — New Zealand — was shown at the Earle (Philadelphia) last week. This 36-minute featurette pictures an interesting a Maori legend enacted by natives on the authentic locations. It has been excellently edited and unfolds as an engrossing subject of high average. There is no nudity. The legend is similar to that of "Tabu," but "Hei Tiki" (Love Charm) does not approach that prize-winning Murnau film. A symphonic musical score is the background for a running commentary that adequately explains the action in lieu of sub-titles. The audience seemed to enjoy it thoroughly and the film elicited applause at its conclusion. NONNIE. Boom In British Movies Thousands of aspirants to movie fame are flocking to growing British studios from all parts of the world. The boom in British motion picture production, in which American capital is heavily interested, is responsible. Money is being spent by both established and mushroom companies. A flood of talent ranging from impoverished Russian aristocrats to dusky South Africans and Irish girls is rushing toward the studios, which are a full hour's automobile run from the centre of London. Boris Karloff to Warners In order to fulfill a committment he owes Warner Bros., Boris Karloff will star in "The Walking Dead," horror yarn, for that company. ERVING theatre needs with a knowledge I of theatre business. SSISTING theatre owners with a staff of trained clerks and office files. No mtssouts. -REEING theatre owners of the worry that they may have forgotten part of their show. ■FFICIENTLY operating the largest film i delivery service in the world. ■ AKING CARE of every possible need in the delivery of film. rlEI.DING die epitome of safety, service and efficiency at a minimum cost. ORLACHED Delivery Service fl INC. PHILADELPHIA 1228 Vine St. WASHINGH)N 1031 Third St., N. W. BALTIMORE 206 N. Bond St. NEW YORK 518 W. 48th St. M. Lawrence Daily, Notary Public, Phila.