FilmIndia (May-Dec 1938)

Harrisons Reports NEW YORK (The*e are important excerpts from "Harrison's Reports" New Fiwitj the only paper of its kind which is famous for impart/al criticism flue to its being free from the influence of film advertising. It is ably edited by Mr. P. S. Harrison, the best known critic of America on men and things in the American film industry. Some of the pictures renewed here are still to he released on our side, but the reviews coming as the;/ do from the world known critic then advance publication will he useful to the exhibitors all over India in booking the said pictures. — THE EDITOR.) "Gold is where you find it" with George Brent, Olivia deHavilland & Claude Rains. {.First National : New York Release: February 19: lime. 04 mm.) A very gocd technicolor box-office attraction, despite a slow start. The first half is concentrated mostly on impressing the spectator with the gorgeous out-door photography, which becomes somewhat monotonous because of repetitious shots of certain scenes. Once the action starts, howewver, one is less conscious of the striving for effects and becomes absorbed in the plot. The real thrills are in the closing scenes, where the hero, in order to protect the farmers, dynamites the miners' plant, causing a flood. The technicolor photography heightens the excitement in these scenes. There are some situations that stir the emotions. The situation in which the young son of the leading farmer is killed by the miners is one of them. The romance is simple (put pleasing. The action takes place in the year 1870. Suitability: Class A. "A Slight Case of Murder" with Edward G. Robinson. (First National: New York Release; March 5; time, 84 in in.) This burlesqued gangster melodrama is one of the finest comedies produced in a long time. For one thing, the story is. different; for another, the action is both exciting and comical, holding one's attention throughout. The situations in which the bodies of four dead gangsters are made the butt of jokes are a little gruesome, but people will not be able to refrain from laughing at the reaction of Robinson and his henchmen when they find the bodies, and at what they do with them. The production is not particularly lavish; but that does not matier, for there are other things that make up for it— novelty of plot, comical dialogue, and fast action. Many laughs are provoked by a young orphan, who matches his toughness with Robinson's henchmen. A romance is worked into the plot: but that too. is treated in a comical vein. Not particularly suitable for children f Class B).. •1 l "The Adventures of Marco Polo" with Gary Cooper, Basil Rathbone & Sigrid Gurie. (United Artist's ;'New York Release; March 4: time. In4 min.) Expert performances and a lavish production are the highlights of this adventure comedy. But its entertainment value lies in the comedy more than in the adventure, for, with the exception of the thrilling closing scenes, the story lacks fast action. Because of this, its appeal should be directed more to sophisticated audiences. There is no doubt, however, that it will draw well at the box-office, first because of Gary Cooper's popularity, and. secondly, because of the fame of the character he portrays. The picture is "big" from a production standpoints — that is in sets and mob scenes. The romance is handled in good taste, and with an eye to comedy. Suitability: Class A. "Jezebel" with Bette Davis. Henry Fonda & George Brent. (Warner Bro : New York Release: March 26: time. 103 min.] Powerful dramatic entertainment. It is unusual in its way, for it makes no concessions to the boxoffice either in characterizations or development of plot; and it is from its honesty that it derives its power. For instance, the heroine is not painted as. a lily: she is shown to be a hot tempered emotionally uncontrolled, a person who resorts to contemptibletricks to get what she wants. Nevertheless, one understands her and even sympathizes with her. In the end, one's heart goes out to her, because of the great sacrifice she makes. It is not what one would call cneerful entertainment, and may not appeal to the rank and file, but it should please those who like good acting. No part of the action is immoral, but it is too depressing for children, and for many adults. Suitability Class A. "The Girl of the Golden West" with Jeanette Macdonald and Nelson Eddy. (MUM : New York Release: March IS: time, 120 min.) Very good! When First National produced it in 1930 without music, it was just fair entertainment. Although the story has not improved with age, this version is much more entertaining, because of the excellent production values, and of the singing by Jeanette MaoDonald and Nelson Eddy. Miss MacDonald is particularly appealing both in voice and appearance, and is largely responsible for the entertainment the picture offers. She acts the part of the western mountain girl with such warmth and understanding, that she makes the character believable. Typical of westerns, it has plentiful shooting and horseback riding. Towards the end one is held in 13