Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (1941)

'THE WOLF MAN' FANTASTIC TALE MAKES GOOD HORROR FILM Rates • • + in action spots; better where exploited. Universal 70 minutes. Claude Rains, Lon Chaney, Jr., Warren William, Ralph Bellamy, Evelyn Ankers, Patric Knowles, Maria Ouspenskaya, Bela Lugosi, Fay Helm, J. M. Kerrigan, Doris Lloyd, Forrester Harvey. Directed by George Waggner. Made to order for the thrill fans, "The Wolf Man" ranks well up as a horror film, despite a fantastic story. Imaginative direction by George Waggner and the capable performances of a fine cast do much to make the spectator overlook the implausibilities of the tale based on the legend of the werewolf. An eerie quality pervades the entire film and the chilling climax is guaranteed to make the average patron shudder. The title and the Lon Chaney, Jr. characterization make this an exploitation "natural" for the action spots. Cast names also make it a fair dualler generally. The story unfolds in and around an ancient British castle to which Lon Chaney, Jr. returns after a long sojourn in America. Chaney meets an antique dealer's daughter, buys a heavy cane with a werewolf symbol on it from her and, later, is forced to use it on a gypsy fortune-teller when he attacks and kills a village girl. In the struggle, Lugosi, in his werewolf guise, bites Chaney who henceforth, according to legend, must also carry the half-man, half-beast symbol. Although Chaney actually respects Miss Ankers and her fiance, he attempts to attack her during one of his bestial moments and is killed by his own father armed with the wolf-headed cane. In death, the wolf reassumes human shape as the father and the villagers look on in horror. In a difficult role resembling his late father's portrayals, Lon Chaney, Jr. gives a strong, yet sympathetic, performance as the unhappy human. His werewolf characterization is an effective make-up feat. Maria Ouspenskaya is excellent as an old gypsy v/oman with a sense of foreboding and Patric Knowles and Evelyn Ankers handle the slight romantic scenes competently. Claude Rains, Warren William and Ralph Bellamy do little but add marquee value to the cast and Bela Lugosi is killed off after a tenminute scene. LEYENDECKER BORROWED HERO' COMPETENT INDIE ACTION OFFERING Rates • • as dualler in action pop houses HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW Monogram. 65 Minutes. Alan Baxter, Florence Rice, John Hamilton, Constance Worth, Wilma Francis, Richard Terry, Mary Gordon, Jerry Marlowe, Stanley Andrews, George Dobbs, Paul Everton, Guy Usher. Directed by Lewis D. Collins. "Borrowed Hero" is the story of a young and energetic prosecuting attorney who cleans up lawlessness in his city — even though it means attacking sanctimonious big shots who pose as civic leaders and head drives against vice. The only twist is the fact that the young chap gets his oppor tunity after he is instrumental in capturing a big-shot crook. The plot is routine stuff — acted and directed in the same groove, but it has been produced competently and has a fair-to-middling cast. It will satisfy as a dualler in the action spots. HANNA (HoUywood) 'SING FOR YOUR SUPPER' FORMULA MUSI-QUICKIE Rates as dualler only. Columbia 65 minutes. Jinx Falkenburg, Buddy Rogers, Eve Arden, Don Beddoe, Bert Gordon, Benny Baker, Bemadine Hayes, Henry Kolker, Sig Amo, Louise Squires, Dewey Robinson, Judith Linden, Harry Barris, Red Stanley, Larry Parks, Lloyd Bridges. Directed by Charles Barton. Strictly formula as to plot and thoroughly routine as regards to songs and direction, "Sing For Your Supper" is another run-ofthe-mill programmer from Columbia. The two performers who manage to shine through the dull proceedings are Jinx Falkenburg, who sings well and gives a poised and capable performance, and Bert Gordon, known to radio fans as "The Mad Russian," who garners many laughs with his phoney accent and broad comedy. Although he resorts to extremely obvious humor, Gordon's antics amuse the masses and exploiting his name may help business in naborhood houses. Strictly for the duals — and in the supporting spot only. Eviction proceedings against Charles "Buddy" Rogers' band are halted when the owner of the dance hall (Jinx Falkenburg), a Park Avenue heiress, takes an interest in the leader. Just for a lark, Jinx permits Rogers, who is unaware of her real identity, to put her on as a dance hostess. She soon takes over the singing spot with the band and, through her influence, they aiTange to open at a smart night club. When the newspaper publicity reveals the fact that Jinx is an heiress, Rogers is upset but Cupid, in the form of The Mad Russian, patches up matters for a happy finale. P. L. PAYS Off ftEPUBLIC PICTURE CHARLES D. BROWN, as Hunt, captain of a doomed ship. SPIES AND SABOTAGE AT SEA! • J. EDWARD BROMBERG OSA MASSEN WILLIAM WRIGHT MARGARET TALLICHET ABNER BIBERMAN JOHN H. AUER— Director Screen play by Lawrence Kimb!« and Malcolm Stuart Boylan Original story by George Worltiing Yates and Julian Zimet DnCEMBER 29, 19 41 23