Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (1939)

6 FILM BULLETIN 'ALLEGHENY UPRISING' HAMPERED BY POOR STORY Rates • • + in action houses; less elsewhere Hollywood Preview RKO 81 Minutes Claire Trevor, John Wayne, George Sanders, Brian Donlevy, Wilfred Lawson, Robert Barrat, John F. Hamilton, Moroni Olsen, Eddie Quillan, Chill Wills, Ian Wolfe, Wallis Clark, Monte Montague, Olaf Hytten, Eddy Waller, Clay Clement. Directed by William A. Seiter There is sufficient material in "Allegheny Uprising" to satisfy action fans, but beyond this division the film's appeal is somewhat dubious. "Allegheny" will not gain the first run attention and grosses accorded "Jesse James", "Stage Coach" and other recent outdoor epics. The story consists of a series of incidents, loosely strung together without respect for dramatic or entertainment value. The fault lies in the screenplay by producerwriter P. J. Wolfson. William A. Seiter's direction fails to overcome the script's weak ness, even in the action scenes which lack vigor and excitement. Names are not strong enough to carry this and we fear that extra exploitation will not overcome the effects of unfavorable word-of-mouth advertising this opus will receive. Story takes place in Pennsylvania a few years prior to the Revolution. John Wayne and his fellow valley settlers end domination by the British Army and force them to stop shipping liquor and other military supplies to the Indians under the guise of army equipment. Claire Trevor struggles with a badly conceived role. Wayne is fair. George Sanders capably enacts the villain of the piece, ably assisted by Brian Donlevy. Although Wilfred Lawson (of "Pygmalion") acquits himself admirably in his American debut, it seems unfortunate he was chosen for a picture designed to entertain audiences who will find it difficult to understand his Scotch burr. HANNA (Hollywood) PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES' LAUGHS APLENTY IN A FRANTIC FARCE Rates • • for naborhoods and rurals 20th Century-Fox 75 Minutes Jane Withers, Ritz Bros., Lynn Bari, Joseph Schildkraut, Stanley Fields, Fritz Leiber, Lionel Royce, Georges Renavent, Leon Ames Adrienne d'Ambricourt, William Von Brincken, Ed Gargan, Robert Emmett Keane, Henry Victor. Directed by H. Bruce H umbers tone. The rapidly-growing Jane Withers finds herself bucking the wacky Ritz Bros, during most of "Pack Up Your Troubles" and the former baby star comes out second best. The three clowns are permitted to run riot through this World War tale and, although their antics destroy the continuity, their numerous fans will find plenty to laugh at. With its double-barrelled name value, this should be good boxoffice in all but first-runs. It's the Ritz Bros.' picture except for a few short scenes during which Jane again demonstrates that she is a clever entertainer by doing imitations of Eva Tanguay and George M. Cohan and by singing a ballad. The Ritz Bros, play vaudevillians whose German dialect act is cancelled when America enters the World War. Rather than find new material they join the Army where they are immediately put to work as nursemaids for the mules. On arrival in France they meet a little French girl who wins their friendship by caring for a uauy mUie. An attempt to be serious, with the introduction of a spy sub-plot during which Jane attempts to get a message to her long-lost father, is quickly dissipated once the Ritz Bios, get caught behind the enemy lines. From that point it is out and out farce. Joseph Schildkraut and Lynn Bari, both given shadow spy roles, are unable to make an impression. Stanley Fields, accustomed to playing gangsters, plays the part of tough top sergeant in the same vein. Lionel Royce is excellent as the German general. LEYENDECKER 'SMASHING THE MONEY RING' OKAY ACTION MELODRAMA Rates • • in action houses Hollywood Preview Warners 61 Minutes Ronald Reagan, Margot Stevenson, Eddie Foy, Jr., Joa Downing, Charles D. Brown, Elliott Sullivan, Joe King, Charles Wilson, William Davidson, John Hamilton, Sidney Bracy, Jack Wise, Jack Mower, Don Turner. Directed by Terry Morse Despite some implausible story construction, this WB Secret Service yarn makes good action fare for juvenile and action audiences. Proceedings move briskly with plenty of fisticuffs and gun play. Film will do nicely in its bracket. Action revolves around a counterfeiting ring operating from within a prison. Ronald Reagan, Secret Service ace, and his pal, Eddie Foy, are assigned the case. They discover a connection between the ring and a gambling ship operated by Charles Brown and his daughter, Margot Stevenson. Reagan goes to prison, where he discovers the necessary evidence. Performances are routine. Direction by Morse packs the necessary action ingredients. HANNA (Hollywood) 'DANGER FLIGHT' OKAY Rates • • — in action spots Hollywood Preview Monogram 61 Minutes John Trent, Marjorie Reynolds, Milburn Stone, Jason Robards, Tommy Baker, Dennis Moore, .Julius Tannen, Edwin Parker, Joe Bernard, Harry Harvey, Jr., Walter Wills. Directed by Howard Bretherton Because the story for this addition to the FOR KIDS "Tailspin Tommy" series goes slightly overboard on hokum and becomes rather implausible its appeal will be limited strictly to youngsters and avid action fans. In this category it will do nicely. Production and performances are first rate. Tommy (Trent) is the sponsor of a group of youngsters who work at building and flying miniature planes. One of these, Tommy Baker, is used by his brother, Dennis Moore, to lure Tommy into a position where he and his accomplices rob him of a payroll he was flying to a construction job. In a wildly melodramatic manner Tommy and the youngster are freed and the payroll saved. Trent improves with every performance as the genial daredevil aviator. Marjorie Reynolds and Milburn Stone lend able support. Tommy Baker, the boy, is an excellent juve actor. HANNA (Hollywood) (More Reviews on Page 8)