Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (1952)

Stale Scenario Stymies "Mara Maru', Say N.Y. Critics Warner's adventure saga "Mara Maru" sailed a stormy sea of criticism when reviewed by the N. Y. scribes. It was almost unanimously agreed that the film is an ordinary rehash of melodramatic situations that have long grown stale. In their opinion, Flynn and company were unable to overcome a dull, hackneyed screen play, and the result was a run-of-the-mill action meller. The Times' Bosley Crowther caustically observed "The gobbledegookish title ... is not the only obscure and unexciting thing about this stale adventure film". He finds that the "wholly improbable build-up of a criss-cross of rivalries ... is bleakly confused and grossly tiresome . . . hackneyed and cheaply emotionalized". Otis L. Guernsey, Jr., in the HeraldTribune followed in the same vein with "For all its blood and intrigue, 'Mara Maru' is a stagnant thriller containing more sham than excitement". As far as he was concerned the film "does everything that has been done to death before on the screen". "Course is about par for Errol Flynn when everyone, including Mr. Flynn, is keeping things around average," wrote Alton Cook in the World-Telegram. He closed with this parting shot, "If you happen to suggest the picture to any member of the family exclude yourself." The Journal-American's Rose Pelswick greeted the film with "an energetic adventure yarn that doesn't miss a trick". Her critical eye found that "the goings-on may not be entirely clear, but they never lack for action". Only Irene Thirer's review in the Post approached any measure of enthusiasm. "Mara Maru" struck her as "An exciting adventure film whose earlier1 reels, however, don't compare with the thrill packed footage of its last half". ENCORE' PARAMOUNT PICTURES "While the stories presented in this picture arc clever and diverting little bits, touched with a sly, ironic whimsey and most adroitly played, they are obviously superficial, beneath the ordinary skill of Mr. Maugham, and at least in the case of one of them, completely commonplace." — Crowther, N. Y. Times. "British producers have repeated the formula and scored once again ... As in the previous pictures, the accent is on charm and wit, literate writing and expert casting." — Pelswick, N. Y. Journal-American. "Excellent (Movie Meter Rating) . . '. The many who enjoyed 'Quartet' and 'Trio' will not want to miss 'Kncore', and the few who didn't sec them might as well start now and work back." — Winsten, N. Y. Post. "The vein of Somerset Maugham is running about as rich as ever in 'Encore' ... It sets a cunning balance of humor and more substantial drama." -Cook, N. Y. WorldTelegram. 18 "QUOT6S" What the Newspaper Critics Say About New Films "Slick and professional job of short story presentation on the screen . . . 'Encore' has neither the texture nor the bite of the best parts of its predecessors . . . Stories do not seem to have any special cinematic quality justifying their choice for film production." — Guernsey, N. Y. Herald Tribune. 'BEND OF THE RIVER' UNIVERSAL-INTERNATIONAL "Bang-up westerner packed with . . . enough action to stock half a dozen Westerners, and it's all spun out against one spectacular out-door setting after another!" — Pelswick, N. Y. Journal-American. "Good plus (Movie Meter Rating) exciting picture which refinej and improves the outdoor action formula . . . Grabs your attention and sympathy, and it holds them. It's a good one for the whole family to enjoy." — Winsten, N. Y. Post. "Actors are first-rate performers when it comes to slinging guns and giving a general impression of cryptic personalities . . . Scenery is good in Technicolor and the fightin' is frequent and bold ... A present for the Western outdoor fans." — Crowther, N. Y. Times. "Rugged, exciting . . . film is a pictorial joy, photographed entirely in the picturesque mountain region . . . Wild tale but told with more conviction than these outdoor melodramas usually achieve." — Cook, N. Y. W orld-Telegram. "Situations are a bit unusual but the conflicts take place along traditional lines in a simple, hearty Western style . . . put together out of a little bit of plot, a lot of action." — Guernsey, N. Y. Herald-Tribune. FAITHFUL CITY' RKO "Picturesque and frequently compelling drama . . . excellently photographed and performed with restraint . . . Traces the rehabilitation of a group of Jewish war orphans against the hectic background of the newborn state."— H. H. T, N. Y. Times. "Treated as a propaganda film, (it) is a good job . . . Makes a strong point of ihe plea for solidarity . . . Film makers have a good point in presenting such a specialized movie as 'Faithful City' to American audiences."—Pihodna, N. Y. Herald-Tribune. "Good (Movie Meter Rating) . . . the Palestinian picture is grim — yet hopeful . . . Exteriors have charm; interiors are simple, and the general atmosphere is warm." — Winsten, N. Y. Post. "Warm, human, often poignant film . . . Passages of truly compelling emotion, as well as melodramatic ones . . . Photography is fine and the direction is frequently subtle and always effective." — Cook, N. Y. WorldTelegram. "Poignant drama . . . Sincerity and understanding have gone into the making of the film whose actors are for the most part nonprofessionals."—Pelswick, N. Y. JournalAmerican. JACK AND THE BEANSTALK' WARNER BROS. "Good (Movie Meter Rating) . . . There is far more pratfall than whimsy. However, there is not a real lack of the latter . . . Plenty of hilarity — if you're willing to allow the boys to do it their way." — Thirer, N. Y Post. "Spotlight is on the pratfalls and mayhem that Abbott and Costello concoct. They have not refined their particular brand of slapstick to any great degree, and the improve ment can he traced mainly to their choice of a story." — O. A. G., N. Y. Times. "Picture doesn't begin to approach the calibre of 'The Wizard of Oz' ... It is short on spontaneity and imagination, and it i| grievoulsy burdened with some singular); wooden performances. But it is frequenth funny in a highly visual sort of way ane there is plenty of action." — G. A., Heralr Tribune. "Photographed in bright SupercineColoi and dotted with diverting gags, songs an' dances, the film gives Costello every chanci to do his characteristic clowning." — Pels wick, N. Y. Journal-American. "Adult reaction to this film may deper.' largely on the warmth of sentimenta memory which may object to violent man handling of the old story, even though it i plot is still there. Children . . . are sure t< greet it with high glee." — Cook, N. Y World-Telegram. 'AT SWORD'S POINT' RKO "Dumas' durable set of musketeers havj been given a new touch in their latest ap, pearance . . . This is not the most flattering appearance the musketeers have made, but they probably will have another chance t do better in a new picture before long."-| Cook, N. Y. World-Telegram. "An amusing swashbuckler, a successio of duels, captures, escapes and they-wentl thataway chases in costumes and Technl colors." — Pelswick N. Y. Journal-American "Fair plus (Movie Meter Rating) swasl buckler . . . Fast action with deft duelini and stern-lipped Cornel Wilde right in thei swinging as Doug Sr. used to do , an Maureen O'Hara gorgeous in Technicolo; too, showing a swift sword." — Thirer, N. Mi Post. "Able-bodied men . . . give a mighty fir] exhibition of athletic prowess, swinging r chandeliers, jumping over tables and fightini a whole platoon of dragoons. What til sle>ry lacks in coherence, it makes up t| some extent in movement." — Pihodna, N. 1 1 1 erald Tribune. "Assemblyline mixture e>f thundcrirj hoofs, bobbing plumes and clashing rapiel ... so woodenly designed ami enacted th even the stanchest adventure rooters a likely to flinch between rounds." — H. H. 'I N. Y. Times. MAY 5 , 19