Harrison's Reports (1939)

60D HARRISON'S REPORTS April 15, 1939 Universal "Youth Takes a Fling-": The forecast said: "Universal has a fine piece of property in this story, which fits exceedingly well Andrea Leeds' ability to express emotion . . . there is no reason why Universal should not make a picture either very good or excellent in quality, with similar box-office results." It turned out an entertaining romantic comedy, but only good in quality. Accuracy 80%. "One Exciting Night," forecast under the title, "Adam's Evening": The forecast said: "The material lends itself to a rollicking farce. . . . If the story should be given to a producer and to a director who understand farce-comedy work, there is no reason why the picture should not turn out anywhere from good to very good in quality." It turned out a good comedy. Accuracy 100%. "Freshman Year" : The forecast said : "This should turn out a pleasant college comedy with music, doing iairly well at the box-office." It turned out just as predicted. Accuracy 100%. "That Certain Age," forecast under the title, "First Love": Although the names of the authors of the finished product and of the story forecast are not the same, Harrison's Forecaster is taking credit on this because the basic idea of a young girl's falling in love with an older man is'the same. The forecast said: "... Jackie's adolescent love for Allan, if handled properly, should touch one's heart. The characters are all fine and generous, even Allan; the fact that he does not suspect that Jackie loved him is in his favor. . . . And, of course, there is plentiful opportunitv for music." Considering that this was the main idea of the finished product, it turned out as predicted. Accuracy 100%. Average Accuracy 95%. Warner-First National "The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse" : The forecast said: "As a comedy, 'The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse' should turn out good to very good in quality, with its box-office performance depending on Mr. Robinson's popularity. It should draw well if produced as a comedy-melodrama." It turned out a good comedy-melodrama. Accuracy 100%. "Brother Rat" : The forecast said : "The play is very good, and Warner Bros, should not have any trouble in making a very good picture out of it, with the box-office results depending on the popularity of the two stars." It turned out just as predicted. Accuracy 100%. "Heart of the North": The forecast said: "This should make a good outdoor melodrama, with plentiful exciting action. Its box-office performance will depend on George Brent's popu larity." It turned out a good outdoor action melodrama. Accuracy 100%. "Garden of the Moon": The forecast said: "This is another one of those musicals that depends on lavish settings and popular tunes to put it over, for there is not much to the story ... it should turn out good as a musical. And, considering the players already announced, it has a good chance to do well at the box-office." It turned out an entertaining comedy with music Accuracy 100%. "Four Daughters," forecast under the title, "The Sister Act": "The material is powerfully dramatic . . . Warner Bros, has an excellent piece of property in this one and, handled by a competent director, the picture should turn out either excellent or very good, both in quality and box-office performance" It turned out just as predicted Accuracy 100%. "The Valley of the Giants": The forecast said : "The action in this book is virile, and since the giant redwood trees are used as a background, it is impressive Subject matter with such a background lends itself to the purpose admirably. Consequently the picture should turn out very good." It turned out a very good entertainment. Accuracy 100%. "Boy Meets Girl": The forecast said: "The outcome of this material will depend a great deal on handling of script. A good script writer can retain the comedy. There is the possibility that it may turn out a very good entertainment." It turned out very good as an entertainment, although not so good in box-office results. Accuracy as to quality 100%. "The Sisters" : The forecast said : "If the sex angle should be cleaned up, and a more interrelated plot evolved out of the story, it should make a good picture ... As it now stands, it may turn out either fairly good or good in quality, with good to very good at the box-office" Accuracy 100%. "Yes, My Darling Daughter": The forecast said: "The story is lightweight, but there is enough action to interest one constantly. Many of the situations offer an opportunity for comedy." It turned out a good comedy. Accuracy 100%. "You Can't Get Away With Murder," forecast under the title "Chalked Out": The forecast said: "Warner Bros, has a good piece of property in this stage play, and with the experience its studio has had in prison-life dramas there is no reason why the producer who will be assigned to produce this picture will not make a good or very good one with it, faring well to very well at the box-office" It turned out a good prison melodrama and should do well at the box office Accuracy 100%. Average Accuracy 100%.