Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (Sep 1935 - Aug 1936)

10 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 ) a"d minus ( — ) will be used occasionally to indicate slightly above or below the point rating. GREEN PASTURES Hollywood Preview BOXOFFICE RATING DRAMATIC FANTASY . . . True and faithful recording of the great stage success . . . Done with charm and imagination . . . No names will be overcome to some extent by play's wide publicity . . . Rates • • • + for class houses; • • + for nabes and rural spots Warner Bros. 90 Minutes Rex Ingram . . . Oscar Polk . . . Eddie Anderson . . . Frank Wilson . . . George Reed . . . Abraham Gleaves . . . Myrtle Anderson . . . Al Stokes . . . Edna M. Harris . . . Ernest Whitman Directed by Marc Connelly & William Keighley One of the greatest stage successess of a decade, "Green Pastures" has finally reached the screen as a production of great artistic merit. An all-Negro cast depicts the story of the bible, as seen through the eyes of simple, colored folk. It is delightful in its comic moments, moving in its spiritual sincerity and boasts several stirring dramatic sequences. Marc Connelly, who was responsible for the stage version, has, together with William Keighley, done an inspired job, aided by a handsome production. The acting is topnotch throughout. The musical numbers contributed by the Hall Johnson choir are a distinct asset, while Hal Mohr rates praise for an exceptionally fine photography job. This picture is sure to stir much discussion, but its boxoffice potentialities are difficult to guage. Class audiences are certain to respond strongest, while the average city naborhood and action and rural house should see slightly above average grosses on the strength of the show's five year run throughout the country. Everyone no matter what class, will find this a cinematic gem and a rare experience in the theatre. PLOT: A Sunday school teacher relates the story of the bible to his class of pickanninies. The scene switches to "Heaven," where Do Lawd is much perturbed over conditions down on earth. He decides that only a flood can cure the people. This leads to the episode of Noah's Ark. The picture continues to portray various highlights of bible history, all in reverent manner and in no way to give offense. AD TIPS: Rates a big campaign. The play has found cities and hamlets for over five years. Treat it as something different in entertainment. Certainly can be tied up with churches, better film groups, etc. HAR BLAIR (Hollywood). KING STEPS OUT, The Hollywood Preview BOXOFFICE RATING COMIC OPERA MUSICAL . . Handsomely produced mythical kingdom operetta . . . Singing not up to previous Grace Moore vehicles, but Franchot Tone's presence should give it wider mass appeal . . . Rates • • • + for class houses; • • • — for general; • * for action and rural locations. Columbia 8 5 Minutes Grace Moore . . . Franchot Tone . . . Walter Connolly . . . Raymond Walburn . . . Victor Jory . . . Frieda Inescourt . . . Herman Bing . . . Elizabeth Risdon . . . Nana Bryant Directed by Josef von Sternberg While not up to previous Grace Moore films in musical accomplishments, "King Steps Out" seems destined for wider popular appeal than her last picture. It is a light, carefree mythical kingdom story, with fair share of romance and liberal sprinkling of comedy. Most important, from the viewpoint of its general boxoffice value is the fact that Miss Moore is paired with a popular leading man, Franchot Tone, who may be counted upon to enhance its drawing power with the classes which otherwise might be expected to pass up this type of film. The singing star performs capably and sings in fine voice, but the songs by Fritz Kreisler lack zest. Josef von Sternberg has given the story smooth tempo and fluidity and he has photographed Miss Moore to better advantage than she has ever been seen before. Fine supporting cast make all the bits interesting and keep the interest high. Class audiences will like it best and it should do better than average in naborhoods. Action and rural spots will find it only a fair attraction. PLOT: At the insistancc of their mothers, Tone, the Austrian emperor, and Freida Inescourt, his cousin in the Bavarian royal court, are engaged, although both parties are opposed to the match. Grace Moore, Freida's sister, and Vf'alter Connolly, their father, desire to break up the unwelcome affair, so they vis t Tone's summer palace, Grace disguised as a dressmaker. Tone falls in love with the girl he believes a commoner and they steal off for a night of fun together. Grace is jailed, but Connolly comes to the rescue to explain who she is and the couple plan to marry. AD TIPS: Sell Moore and Tone as a grand love team. Better class spots should be told the music is by Kreisler, others won't care. Connolly, Walburn, Bing are worthwhile names in the supporting cast. HAR BLAIR (Hollywood). THREE LITTLE WOLVES Disney Silly Symphony United Artists This gets our vote as the best Disney since "Three Little Pigs." It features the porkies again, this time depicting their harrowing experience with old man wolf and his children. While the two frivolous piggies again are misled and fall into a trap and are prepared for a luscious wolf repast, with carrots twisted on their corkscrew tails and red apples stuffed into their mouths, the pig who built his house of bricks is busy with the construction of a "wolf pacifier." The operation of this machine will bring howls when papa wolf is lured within range and it begins to work havoc upon his luckless hide. Finally, the contrivance jams him into a cannon and blows him clear through a cloud for a fade-out of the three little pigs marching away to the strains of their now famous dittie, "Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf." Tops in color, drawing, action and laughs. Audience indicated appreciation by applauding at conclusion. This should get heavy billing on all programs. NONNIE.