Hollywood (Jan - Nov 1935)

TOPPER'S Film Reviews If "Topper" waves his hat, it's grand. Otherwise — / Crawford, Montgomery, Tone in — Barrymore, Morris, Kelly in — Coward, Haydon in — NO MORE LADIES— (M-G-M)— Joan Crawford, Robert Montgomery and Franchot Tone join together in a triangle story of the usual Crawford type. The film, emerges above average and is certain to please Joan's fans. Edna May Oliver dominates several hilarious scenes. You will giggle at Treacher, the English lord. Sparkling dialogue plus clever plot manipulation bring the picture to an illadvised but quite expected solution. This should teach nice husbands never to tell fibs to their attractive wives. Fortunately the moral is thoroughly overwhelmed by hilarity and you'll enjoy the show. Treacher's English comedy role gets more laughs than the Charlie Ruggles' antics — though Charlie is excellent as usual. Arthur PUBLIC HERO No. 1— (M-G-M) — Although just another version of the Dillinger cleanup by federal agents, this picture will click with audiences everywhere. Lionel Barrymore wins honors with his characterization of a broken-down doctor. Paul Kelly and Chester Morris are the men. The role of a Dillinger Joseph Calleia very much in prominence. Machine guns and purple gangs are everywhere, but the bad men are portrayed accurately as a bunch of heels who deserve no sympathy. Clever story manipulation sends all of the pity to Jean Arthur, who plays the role of the gangster's helpless sister. Very good entertainment. Chester Morris scores heavily in this picture. federal brings J THE SCOUNDREL— (H e c h t-M a c Arthur) — In one of the finest films ever ^^ to reach the screen, Noel 'X^k Coward and Julie Haydon \»/ overcome technical imperfec [\( tions to attain new heights in screen acting. Coward, cast as the heartless and cynical publisher without a friend in the world, does a marvelous job. The psychological aspects of this film may prove puzzling to many, especially when they try to interpret his return from ap-! parent death. Nevertheless, this is one picture that will be the talk of the town. Every member of the cast deserves a bouquet for a masterful performance. The independent production efforts of Mr. Hecht and Mr. MacArthur apparently cannot miss. Raft, Arnold, Dodd in — THE GLASS KEY— (Paramount)— Is a story of political intrigue and cleanup. George Raft and Edward Arnold turn in performances that make this picture appeal especially to the men. The story deals with the murder of a senator's son, with Arnold suspected. Raft, as Arnold's lieutenant, risks his life to exonerate his chief. Ensuing complications focus a lot of attention on Guinn Williams, who is one of the most savage screen villains seen in a long time. Frank Tuttle's direction is good. All in all, the picture should go a long way toward restoring Raft to his old popularity. Edward Arnold is thoroughly likeable. As an actor he is an excellent politician. The kiddies may like this one, too. 18 Hepburn, Boyer, Beal in — M | : 1 Baxter, Gallian in — BREAK OF HEARTS— (RKO)— Katharine Hepburn hits tops again in this story of a small town girl composer who marries a famous orchestra leader. Charles Boyer plays the musician's role with finesse, and will in all likelihood steal into the ladies' favor. The story, skilfully handled through a series of situations that might have become hackneyed, depicts the stormy married life of the couple, with its almost tragic ending. Forging his way to the front as the third party of the love triangle, John Beal scores a triumph. The orchestra numbers under the baton of Max Steiner will be lauded everywhere. Mr. Steiner, no part of the picture, must be contented with the echoes of applause. (See this month's front cover.) UNDER THE PAMPAS MOON— (Fox) —Is excellent Warner Baxter film. ^ reminiscent of his biggest suc "4lft cess, In Old Arizona. With the \»' Argentine Pampas as a backfi(^ ground, Baxter plays the ' ' swaggering gaucho who goes in search of a stolen horse and proceeds to fall in love with Ketti Gallian, a French singer who has dropped in unexpectedly by airplane. Outstanding for her comedy performance is Soledad Jiminez. Her portrayal of the gaucho's mother will keep the audience roaring. Baxter will ride, love, and sing his way into the hearts of all picture goers. John Mil j an clicks with his villainy. All in all, you will find this a very entertaining picture. [Continued on page 56] HOLLYWOOD