Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (Sep 1935 - Aug 1936)

6 INDEPENDENT EXHIBITOR FILM BULLETIN AS I SEE THEM REVIEWS OF NEW FILMS By ROLAND BARTON BOXOFFICE RATING We have been requested by many exhibitors to use some simple system of indicating our rating of the boxoffice value of the films reviewed below. The "point" system of evaluation, at best, can give you only an arbitrary estimate of a picture's drawing power, so we urge you to read the entire reviews. Some pictures are particularly suitable for certain types of audiences and this must be covered in the detailed criticisms. • Means POOR • • Means AVERAGE • • • Means GOOD • • • • Means EXCELLENT Plus ( -f ) and minus ( — ) will be used occasionally to indicate slightly above or below the point rating. THINGS TO COME BOXOFFICE RATING FANTASTIC SPECTACLE . . . Will hardly satisfy more than a very limited class, but may provoke enough interest to bring slightly above average results generally . . . Photographic accomplishment, but naturally lacks human interest . . . Looks best for class houses, where it rates * • least in rural sections. United Artists Release 96 Minutes Cedric Hardwicke . . . Edward Chapman . . . Raymond Massey Ralph Richardson Margaretta Scott Directed by William Cameron Menzies This fantastic, imaginative spectacle of the world of the year 2046, as pictured by that eminent historian and story book writer, H. G. Wells, presents a very difficult job for the critic of today who views it from the angle of the average movie theatre boxoffice. It doesn't strike this reviewer as a particularly strong attraction, except in the limited section where Mr. Wells' provocative excursions into the distant future are regarded as intellectual stimulants. The trouble with "Things To Come," commercially speaking, is that it compromises its purported intellectuality with rather childish fantasy and vice versa. Thus, it is neither fish nor fowl nor good Buck Rogers. Mr. Wells tells us, and designer-director William Cameron Menzies strikingly photographs the events that will rend and repair this disturbed world during the hundred years from 1940 to 2040. War, brought on by ruthless, power-hungry dictators, wrecks havoc on the world and leaves it a shambles of pestilence and misery after more than a quarter of a century of fighting. The only intelligent people to escape disaster are a small band of scientists, who hie themselves off to some isolated, unknown spot, where they prepare to take charge of the world when the rest of mankind had wiped out all vestiges of the old civilization. Emerging from their seclusion, the scientists encounter a bit of opposition from a dictator, who is a composite of several well known European gentlemen of the present day, but soon overcome him and proceed to introduce their own mechanical civilization. In fabulously technological cities, where sunshine, rain and fresh air are produced automatically, the old bogey of "progress" arises and the ranks of the scientists are split between the "progressives," who wish to investigate the moon by shooting a handsome young boy and girl there in a rocket, and the "reactionaries," who disparage all the technological advancements because they have brought the people no real happiness. The film ends with the couple being shot off to the moon and the audience left wondering what the significance might be. We wondered, too, and came to the conclusion that both Mr. Wells and Mr. Menzies found themselves pretty much up in the air at that point and decided to place at least part of the cast in the same position. "Things to Come," as we have intimated, is too classy for the masses and too superficial to satisfy class audiences. Nevertheless, it should get good returns in class spots and average, or slightly above, in naborhoods and action houses. Rural spots will have a tough time with it. AD TIPS: This has a world of exploitation angles. The Riroli, N. Y., used a couple street bally men dressed in futuristic costumes and wearing glass enclosed headgear. Sell it as a tremendous spectacle and bring in the threat of -war today that may lead to the results pictured by Wells. 1JARTON. DRACULA'S DAUGHTER Hollywood Preview BOXOFFICE RATING HORROR MYSTERY . . . Well done thriller-chiller . . . Plot plausible enough to satisfy adults as well as kids . . . Well acted . . . Rates • • • — for action spots; slightly less for better class houses. Universal 63 Minutes Otto Kruger . . . Margaret Churchill . . . Irving Pichel . . . Hedda Hopper . . . Gloria Holden . . . Gilbert Emery . . . Claude Allister Directed by Lambert Hillyer Backed by the boxoffice success of "Dracula" and the other Universal thrillers this one should be a good money picture. Eerie atmosphere and tense situations will affect all but the most callous fans. While the story does not stand critical analysis, the hocus pocus is so well put over and the parts so expertly played that it all holds water in spite of its extravagant theme. The direction is well paced and the effects secured in a legitimate manner. Slick photography and an excellent musical score also help put the picture over. Otto Kruger delivers another competent characterization as a scientist bent only on facts and Gloria Holden, in both appearance and mannerisms, is everything anyone could wish for in the title role. Margaret Churchill's wholesome personality gives pleasing contrast as the scientist's secretary while Irving Pichel acts a sinister part to perfection. A word should also be said for the settings which are well chosen and help to preserve the proper mood. PLOT: Dracula, the vampire man, although "dead" for 500 years, is still able to possess others and make them do his will. When he is finally finished off by a specialist in the realm of the metaphysical, he releases a countess, "dead" for 200 years and also a "dweller on the threshold." Known as "Dracula's daughter," she returns to prey on the living. The psychiatrist on whom she centers her lust fights her strange power by modern scientific means, aided by members of Scotland Yard. In the end her influence is overcome and the scientist and his sweetheart free to find the love they desire. AD TIPS: Cash in on the popularity of the original "Dracula." This is its successor in horror. Wide selection of fine, creepy stills would be easy to plant because of unusual theme. HAR BLAIR (Hollywood).