FilmIndia (May-Dec 1938)

Harrison's Reports NEW YORK {These are important excerpts from "Harrison's Reports '. New York, the only paper of its kind which is famous for impartial criticism due 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 filn indurtry. Some of the pictures reviewed here are still to be released on our side, but the reviews coming as they do from the world known critic, their advance publication* will be useful to the exhibitors all over India in booking the sai I pictures. = THE EDITOR.) "SECRETS OF AN ACTRESS" with Kay Frani George Brent, and Ian Hunter. (First National ; (1938-39) September 10; time 69i min.) Just a fair program picture. The story is trite d lacks fast action. And it is developed in so utine a manner, that one knows just what is gol to happen and how it will end; for this reason e loses interest in the outcome. There is not ach that the performers can do with the mateb for almost throughout they are made to mope. Although there is nothing morally unsuitable the picture it is hardly the type of entertainment r children. Therefore class B. "ROAD TO RENO" with Randolph Scott. Hope impton and Helen Broderick. {Universal; 1938-39— September 30; time 68 min.) Just a light program comedy. As for Miss ampton's return to the screen, this reviewer fears at there is not much hope of her becoming popur. Considering the fact that operatic stars whose imes have been before the public constantly have >t had much success in pictures, it is doubtful lether Miss Hampton, who has not appeared on e screen or in public in general for many years, 11 attract the masses. Nor is the story of much •lp; it is for the most part pretty silly, and at nes slightly risque. The actions of the characrs are not such as to awaken the spectator's tnpathy. Not suitable for children. Class B. "MARIE ANTOINETTE" d Tyrone Power. with Norma Shearer (M.G.M. 1938-39— August 26; time 157 ruin.) Excellent! It is a magnificent spectacle, proced with extreme lavishness; the direction and iing are brilliant. But, for all its "bigness", it is ; personal drama of the Queen's life that holds ; spectator's interest throughout. Played with istry by Norma Shearer, the queen is a pathetic lire, one for whom the spectator feels sympathy Id in the end deep pity .'he closing scenes show1 her bewilderment during the Revolution and her Isery at being separated from her children are so Bverful that one cannot hold back the tears. Of lerest, too, is the picture of court life, with its ■rigue and extravagance. The Revoultion itself is ■ played up; the story is concerned only with the personal effect it had on the queen, her husband and her children. The romance in the Queen's life is handled with good taste, but it is of minor importance. Although consistently interesting, the picture is a little too long for general release. Not quite suitable for children. Class B. "GrVE ME A SAILOR' Hope and Betty Grable. with Martha Raye, Bob (Paramount; 1938-39 — August 19; time 76 mitt.) Just a moderately entertaining slapstick comedy. A few of the situations provoke hearty laughter; the action is, however, for the most part, so silly that it tends to bore instead of amuse the spectator. Martha Raye and Bob Hope work hard, but they are handicapped by trite material and an obvious plot. The occasional musical outbursts are not of much help. Suitability, Class A. "FOUR'S A CROWD" with Errol Flynn, Rosalind Russell, Olivia DeHavilland and Patric Knowles. (Warner Bros-; 1938-39— September 3; time 90 min.) A fairly good farcial comedy. The story itself is not particularly novel; it is in the different situations and in the individual performances that it derives its comedy. Towards the end, it goes completely wild, and ends up with an extremely amusing scene, where two couples are married by Hugh Herbert, an annoyed Justice of the Peace. Nothing in the story is taken seriously; because of this it lacks human appeal. The comedy in a few situations is forced, thereby slowing up the action. Where nonsensical comedies are liked, this should go over. Suitability, Class A. "CONVICTED" with Charles Quigley and Rita Hayworth. (Central Films-Columbia; 193S-39— August 18; time 54 min ) Poor. The picture does not look as if it were produced in Hollywood, for the players, aside from the two leading ones, as well as the backgrounds, are unfamiliar. The production looks cheap, the story is trite, and the acting does not help matters much. It hasn't one redeeming feature — even the dialogue is stupid, and in some spots rough. And it fails to hold the spectator's attention, for it is quite obvious just how the plot will develop and end. Suitability, Class B. 75