The Film Mercury (1928-1929)

Page Fourteen THE FILM MERCURY, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 1929 Hollywood, Calif. VIEWS AND REVIEWS “IN OLD ARIZONA,” a William Fox Production. Directed by R. A. Walsh and Irving Cummings. Based on a story by O. Henry. Dialogues by Tom Barry. Cast: Warner Baxter, Edmund Lowe, Dorothy Burgess and J. Farrell McDonald. Critical Viewpoint: somewhat borne out by the fact This picture probably goes that Cummings is known to further to show the possibilities of sound and dialogue on the screen than any other film to date. The limitations and confinements which have marked other talkie offerings to date have been brushed aside by the producers of “In Old Arizona” and the result is refreshing, at least, to those who have become “fed up” already by the new and noisy cinema. The plot and situations are by no means new, they have been done over and over again in the silent past, but there is a certain novelty and effectiveness to them in dialogue form, particularly in view of the fact that it is the first time film audiences have had an opportunity of viewing and hearing a sound film wherein much of the action is laid out of doors and in its natural settings. This allows of more sweep and movement in the telling of the story and undoubtedly enhances the entertainment value of the film. In this respect the directors of “In Old Arizona” are to be highly commended for the naturalness and simplicity with which they have staged the action and handled the sound elements of the drama, making them synchronize with sincerity and a forceful yet restrained impressiveness that lifts the picture out of the ordinary run of raucous sound “entertainment.” Both R. A. Walsh and Irving Cummings are credited with the direction of “In Old Arizona,’ ’and it is therefore rather difficult for the reviewer to know upon which brow to pin the major laurel wreath. In Hollywood film circles it is generally reported that Cummings was responsible for the greater part of the production as it now stands, and this is their history. have directed all those portions of the film in which Warner Baxter appears — and which are among the best in the picture. “In Old Arizona” is rather sketchy and episodic in spots. It is marred somewhat by a weak ending, after building up to a climax which gave much promise of some kind of a powerful dramatic punch to come. Warner Baxter gives one of the most polished and compelling performances that the talkies have had up to the present time. His voice seems ideally suited to microphone work. Edmund Lowe delivers an interesting portrayal of the tough army sergeant but is completely excelled by Baxter. Dorothy Burgess is pleasing as far as her vocal efforts are concerned, but seems to lack a magnetic screen personality. She may improve with more work before the camera. Box Office Angle: “In Old Arizona” is entirely different from any sound production released so far. This may help it at the box office. Film offers good exploitation possibilities and it will be interesting to note how the production draws when released throughout the country. — Tamar Lane. * * * $235 Monthly for Japanese Stars Washington. — Leading film actors in Japan are paid an average of about $235 a month according to advice to the M. P. Section of the Dept, of Commerce. The average cost of a picture is about $2820. Of the 16 Japanese producers, six supply about three-quarters of the total productions. Most of the pictures consist of tragedies of Japanese life and episodes of “THE AIR CIRCUS,” a Fox production. Directed by Lew Seiler and Howard Hawks. Story by Graham Baker and Seton Miller. Featuring Louise Dresser, Sue Carol, Arthur Lake and David Rollins. Critical Viewpoint : “The Air Circus” is good audience material. The scenarists have supplied it with human interest and situations that give audiences a kick. Pictures dealing with aviation are popular at present and this one is not mackneyed in its treatment. “The Air Circus” has youth, thrills, laughs, mother love and the love of one buddy for another even to the point of risking his life. With such surefire material it cannot miss. The air stuff is good, the acting and cast pleasing and although two directors have worked on this film the result is not choppy. Louise Dresser, it is needless to write, gives a sincere and fine portrayal of a mother. David Rollins and Arthur Lake respectively supply the fun and human qualities. Sue Carol is charming as the feminine member who supplies the love interest. While the picture is not a great one, it is decidedly entertaining. Box Office Angle: Not only because it treats of aviation, but due to the fact that it has a human note, “The Air Circus” should appeal to ninety percent of the theatregoers. —AN ABEL LANE. * * * It’s Getting Humorous Minneapolis. — Fect-A-Tone, new synchronous device, has been placed on the market here by the Fect-A-Tone Co. * * * Garbo Film Titled “Kiss of the East” is final title selected for Greta Garbo’s new M-G-M film, which Sidney Franklin directed. “FURNACE TROUBLE” Fox Movietone (short film). Featuring Robert Benchley. Directed by Jas. Parrott. Cast: Ethel Wales, Marguerite Churchill and Paul Nicholson. Story by Robt. Benchley. Critical Viewpoint : Although the skit is amusing and has some good laughs, the beholder feels that there is not enough of Robert Benchley. Actually his monologues are funnier and more satisfying. This does not reflect upon the rest of the cast, as they were capable, but Robert Benchley is the one theatregoers want to see and hear. It is interesting to note that the biggest laughs come from the silent part of the picture — the things Benchley does rather than the things that are said, although much of the dialogue is humorous. In the small towns, husbands who come home from work tired, will appreciate the truth as well as the comedy of this Movietone. However, a new ending should be added to the production, as the chief flaw with it, is that it falls flat after the audience has been led to believe it is going to get a big laugh at some very funny gag. Box Office Angle: Needless to write, with the demand for good shorts, “Furnace Trouble” will be very popular. Everyone is sure to find it entertaining, especially if the end is improved. —AN ABEL LANE. * * * Sound for Germany Berlin — Herbert Polke, owner of the Atnim Beba-Palastes, and associates, plan to erect Germany’s first sound theatre at Potsdam next spring. The house will be equipped with Tonibild Syndikat apparatus which is claimed to be interchangeable with other systems.