Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (Sep 1935 - Aug 1936)

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 12, 1936 What The Newspaper Critics Say: "JAILBREAK" (Warner's) "An inept and at tim2s ludicrous picture describing life within prison walls . . ." N. Y. HERALD-TRIBUNE. ". . . No star names; but a well-acted, tense and compact drama of life and death within prison walls . . ." N. Y. DAILY MIRROR. ". . . Adequate mystifier . . . Rowdy but acceptable entertainment . . ." N. Y. DAILY NEWS. "THE DEVIL DOLL" (M-G-M) ". . . Second-rate Tod Browning, but pretty good fun anyway . . . Mechanically excellent . . . You are more likely to be amused by the narrative than terrorized by it . . ." N. Y. HERALD-TRIBUNE ". . . Camera wizards on a field day ... A grotesque, slightly horrible and consistently interesting freak film . . ." N. Y. TIMES. ". . . Unusual, provocative and thrilling horror film . . . Its punch is violently landed by the wizardry of bewitching trick photography . . . Lionel Barrymore gives a sure performance N. Y. DAILY MIRROR. "THE ROAD TO GLORY" (20th Century-Fox) ". . . Powerful and effective war drama much more than a casual imitation of celebrated predecessors in the field . . ." N. Y. HERALD-TRIBUNE. ". . . Powerful war film with great stars in leads . . . Forceful and vigorous story with scenes of blood and butchery, feverishly written and directed and played by an inspired company . . ." N. Y. DAILY MIRROR. ". . . Realistic war film presented realistically enough to serve as pacifistic propaganda . . . Gripping and well directed by Howard Hawks . . . Cast excellent . . . Triangular love story is the film's only weakness . . ." N. Y. DAILY NEWS. :: :> :: :;• "SPENDTHRIFT" (Paramount) "... A slight and superficially diverting fable . . ." N. Y. TIMES. "Only distinguishing feature is that it presents Mary Brian in the role of the nastiest of the recent Hollywood villainesses . . ." N. Y. HERALD-TRIBUNE. "Nutty enough . . . Amusingly silly . . . Fonda a charming playboy . . ." N. Y. DAILY NEWS. {Continual on page 10) H'CILILyWCCD fILIICIKIEIES By DAVID I. HANNA Pinch-hitting for Harry Blair Hollywood, August 11. Nat Levine and the whole Republic organization are still basking in the applause and bouquets that followed the preview of "Follow Your Heart" the Talley-Bartlett picture. It was accorded a grand reception and the critics agree that it ranks with any of the million dollar musicals. Louis B. Mayer and the big ones at Metro must be feeling kind of low, since it was their studio that brought the warbling Talley from New York on a term contract. The Kansas City diva twiddled her thumbs for almost a year until she was released and signed by Republic. Independent producers, who two months ago, were taking the count, are looking forward to brighter days. By the end of the month the market should be straightened out and production deals set insuring well over 150 pictures for the 1936-37 season. Sally Eilers and Robert Armstrong go into the top spot in "Without Orders" at Radio. Louis Friedlander is directing. The success of Paramount's "Rhythm on the Range" is being attributed to Bob Burns, the radio comic. Smart showmanship was displayed by Para, on this production. Three newcomers, Frances Farmer, Burns and Martha Raye were all prominently cast, with each clicking 100 ', / with the public. The spectacular pageant "Everyman" which begins a limited engagement at the Hollywood Bowl in September is drawing its cast from picture names. Ian Keith is set for the romantic title lead. Others include Vince Barnett, Lionel Belmore and rumor has it that Mrs. Leslie Carter will be prominent in the cast. Sol Lesser announces "Rainbow Over the River" will be his next starrer for the singing juvenile, Bobby Breen. May Robson, Louise Beavers and the Hall Johnson choir will also be in the cast. The long delayed production of "The White Horse Inn" may finally see the light of day. It is reported that Warner Bros, have spent $150,000 for the picture rights and are prepared to spend that amount for the stage show. The beautiful Austrian operetta is scheduled to open at Radio City sometime in September. An addition to the film colony this week was the dark-haired beauty Lenore Ulric. The stage star is here for an important role in Garbo's "Camille." The actress hopes she fares a bit better with the film moguls than on her last trip. Noah Beery, Jr. has signed a new seven year starring contract with Universal. His first role will be in "Tress" by Albert Payson Terhune. Richard Dix and Chester Morris are head men in Columbia's "Depths Below." Screen play is by Jerome Chodorov with Edward Chodorov megging the production. Eddie Cantor may yet get the chance to play the coveted lead of the verse card scribbler in "Three Men on a Horse." Although Frank McHugh seems set at Warners in the role, they've stopped production to negotiate with Cantor. The comedian settled his suit with Sam Goldwyn without court activity and is now negotiating picture deals. Radio has bought the stage play "Once Over Lightly" . . . Gregory Ratoff off to New York for personal appearance with "Road to Glory" . . . The "Personal Appearance" company left this week for location. Alice Brady is dragging along her two pooches . . . Sam Katzman starts shooting August 10th on his fifteen chapter serial with Bela Lugosi set in the top role. Phil Regan, Brooklyn's singing cop returns in a few weeks to Republic Studios to begin preparation for "Join the Marines," his first picture under his new deal with the Studio. His ether crooning will be broadcast from Hollywood.