Hollywood Filmograph (Jan-Jul 1930)

20 July 5, 1930 Pictures "Reviewed and Previewed / Stage Review "MOLLY MAGDALENE" At the Mayan Theatre Crane Wilbur wrote, staged and acted in this play and did a fine job of all three. Darn clever these former picture actors, we call it. Who said a man can't do more than one job well? Mr. Wilbur gives credit to Georges Renavant for assistance in staging the play. We were wondering why Georges was in the play till we saw this credit mention in the program, as he played the part of a paralyzed old man who can't talk or move. Georges is too clever a man, to do just that. In the language of backstage — Miss Wynne Gibson has the fattest part any actress could ask for, in the part of Molly, a burlesque chorus girl. She has a chance to show every emotion — love scenes, tragic scenes, comedy scenes and even mother love scenes with a little song and dance thrown in for good measure. What more could an actress wish for? The way she plays the part, shows that whoever picked her for it, knew their 'business. Miss Gibson is great in the part. Cornelius Keefe was splendid as the youngest son and husband — a part easily spoiled in less capable hands. George F. Hayes drew gales of laughter as Andrew, the slightly goofy son. The balance of the cast, Hedwiga Reicher, Dorothy Sills, Jack Egan, Frank C u r r a n, Theodore Adams and Ethan Allen, were all good. That's the only thing we didn't like about the show — .there was nothing to criticise — it's great. Go see it, but leave the kiddies at home. "Molly Magdalene" is for the adults. BEE VEE. i i i Review "BYRD AT THE SOUTH POLE" At the Paramount Theatre Here is a picture that everyone should see and make the red blood course faster through every Americans' veins. Richard Byrd, an American first, an intrepid explorer and a gentleman, with an extremely interesting personality. He takes us with him on the greatest trip it is possible for any human to make. Here are none of the accepted forms of the usual screen fare but a real adventure of which you really feel a pant of. When Byrd threw a flag covered stone over the South Pole in honor of his hero friend, Floyd Bennett, who had been his companion on his trip to the North Pole but had passed to the Great Beyond, a thrill was experienced that it would be hard to repeat. The audience was spellbound. We travelled over the wastes of snow and helped to lighten the plane in going over the South Pole by sacrificing much precious food. We saw "Little America," that miniature city, far from the haunts of man, and where they were imprisoned for two long years. Byrd gave full credit to former explorers as well as to his intrepid crew and made a strong point of the necessity of much humor to sustain them. Too much credit cannot be given to Willard Vander Veer and Joseph T. Rucker for their splendid camera work. Many of their "shots" are really works of art and it will be many a day before other camera men will have such opportunities and achieve such fine results. No youngster, or oldster either, can afford to miss this more than interesting picture, and the Paramount should be given full credit for assigning their best technicians. Board of education throughout the country should emphasize the education to be gained by seeing this remarkable film. ARTHUR FORDE. i i i Review "RECAPTURED LOVE" At the Warner Brothers Hollywood Theatre "Recaptured Love" is quite a human story about love in the Dangerous Forties, where a respectable married man believes he can regain his lost youth through a young girl — a cabaret entertainer. His wife gracefully steps aside and allows her husband to marry the girl, but the pace is too swift and he soon yearns for his first wife. John Halliday, as the wayward husband, gave a very clever characterization. This is his first picture and we hope to see more of him. Belle Bennett, as the wife, was splendid although we much prefer her in the "mother roles" which she handles so beautifully. Dorothy Burgess as the other member of the triangle, proved a very modern and entertaining enchantress. Junior Durkin, Richard Tucker and George Bickel completed a very fine cast. Director John Adolfi did a splendid job of making "Recaptured Love" a really pleasing and polished comedy. Fred Allan in "The Still Alarm," Trixie Friganza in "Strong and Willing" and Shaw and Lee in "Going Places," all Vitaphone short subjects, completed a very entertaining program. B. M. E. 1 i i CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT FOR WARNER MILWAUKEE BUILDING AWARDED Contract for the construction of Warner Bros. twelve-story office building and 2400 seat theatre in Milwaukee has just been awarded to the George A. Fuller Co. of that city, according to announcement made by Herman R. Maier, Chief of Construction for Warner Bros. The foundation of the building has already been laid and work is expected to progress rapidly. i 1 i PASSED AWAY Alice Stombs, well known in Filmland, has the sympathy of all her friends in the loss of her father, Daniel Stombs, who passed away June 27 at Glendale. The deceased was the father of Alice, Audrey and George Stombs. Preview "EL HOMBRE MALO" ("The Bad Man") At Warner Brothers Downtown Whenever the Warner Brothers set out to do anything, you can always depend upon them to do it right. When the producers decided to make Spanish versions of their pictures they didn't realize what an undertaking they were facing, and they have found their task an arduous one. Warner Brothers have just come through with "El Hombre Malo," which is the Spanish version of "The Bad Man," and to say that they did themselves proud would be putting it mildly. Those who saw the late Holbrook Blinn in this famous stage play will have to admit that Antonio Moreno is a living example of this great actor. He has caught the true feeling and tempo of the Spanish drama and was equally delightful in the humorous situations. Never before have we heard so much genuine applause in the Warner Brothers Downtown Theatre as greeted Mr. Moreno both before the picture opened and after it was completed and he made his appearance in the very costume worn in his appearance in the all-talkie picture. His pronunciation was so clear and distinct that the most critical Spanish linguists had to admit that he knows his Spanish, and especially for screen purposes. Outside of Andre De Segurola, also a screen satellite, he had to work with Spanish artists who had never been called upon to play such important parts. Mr. De Segurola was ideally cast and gave a very surprising characterization. Producers should have been there to see how capable he really is; in fact, his part was so unlike anything that he has done in the talkies that it is unbelievable that he was so versatile. Fine work was done by Rosita Ballestero, who is gifted with a charm and personality that is magnetic and reaches right from the screen to your heart. Juan Torena played the juvenile part well, as did Roberto Guzman the heavy. Manuel Conesa did excellently, while one of the highlights of the picture was the comedy relief of Delia Magana. Then there were Carlos Villarias and many other prominent Spanish players in the cast. William McGann was responsible for the direction, and we might say that regardless whether one could understand a word of Spanish, one could follow the story very closely and be entertained to the highest degree. Keep your eye on Director McGann. He will be heard from on some of our best features. B. Fernandez Cue, who has served on other Spanish pictures, adapted the story splendidly and is deserving of a world of credit. Other producers should send for this picturesque Spanish story and run it for their staff and co-workers who have to deal with this problem. HARRY BURNS. Mary Nolan, starring in "Outside the Law," at Universal, has formed a strong friendship for three-year-old Delmar Watson, who plays a bit in the picture. Delmar and Miss Nolan disappear from the studio set every once in a while and play children's games. Director Tod Browning scolds, but not much, for the "pals" are making one of the most dramatic pictures yet filmed and the relaxation is really a necessity. ^* ^* *£* STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT, CIRCULATION, ETC., REQUIRED BY THE ACT OF CONGRESS OF AUGUST 24, 1912. Of Hollywood Filmograph, Inc., publshed weekly at Los Angeles, California, for April 1st, 1930. State of Calfornia, County of Los Angeles — ss. Before me, a Notary Public, in and for the State and County aforesaid, personally appeared Harry Burns, who, having been duly sworn according to law, deposes and says that he is the editor of the Hollywood Pilmograph. Inc., and that the following is, to the best of his knowledge and belief, a true statement of the ownership, management (and if a daily paper, the circulation), etc., of the aforesaid publication for the date shown in the above caption, required by the Act of August 24, 1912, embodied in Section 411, Postal Laws and Regulations, printed on the reverse of this form, to-wit: 1. That the names and addresses of the publsher, editor, managing editor, and business managers are: Publisher, Harry Burns, 1428 Gordon St., Hollywood, Calif. Editor, Harry Burns, 1428 Gordon St., Hollywood, Calif. Managing Editor, Harry Burns, 1428 Gordon St., Hollywood, Calif. Buisine^s Manager, Frank J. Heyfro'n, 6232 La Mirada, Hollywood, Calif. 2. That the owner is: (If owned by a corporation, its name and adress must be stated and also immediately thereunder the names and addresses of stockholders owning or holding one per cent or more of total amount of stock. If not owned by a corporation, the names and addresses of the individual owners must be given. If owned by a firm, company, or other unincorporated concern, its name and address, as1 well as those of each individual member, must be given.) Hollywood Filmograph, Inc., 6425 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, Calif. Harry Burns, 1428 No. Gordon, Hollywood, Calif. Dorothy Burns, 1428 No. Gordon, Hollywood, Calf. Prank J. Heyfron, 6232 La Mirada,' Hollywood, Calif. Service Engraving Co., 224 E. 11th St., Los Angeles, Calif., E. W. Hughes, Bell, Calif. 3. That the known bondholders, mortgagees, and other security holders owning or holding 1 per cent or more of total amount of bonds, mortgages, or other securities are: (If there are none, so state.) Sam Terry, 308 So. Crocker, Los Angeles, Calif. 4. That the two paragraphs next above, giving the names of the owners, stockholders, and security holders, if any, contain not only the list of stockholders and security holders as they appear upon the books of the company but also, in cases where the stockholder or security holder appears upon the books of the company as trustee or in any other fiduciary relation, the name of the person or corporation for whom such trustee is acting, is given; also that the said two paragraphs contain statements embracing affiant's full knowledge and belief as to the circumstances and conditions under which stockholders and security holders who do not appear upon the books of the company as trustees, hold stock and securities in a capacity other than that of a bona fide owner; and this affiant has no reason to believe that any other person, association, or corporation has any interst direct or indirect in the said stock, bonds, or other securities than as so stated by him. 5. That the average number of copies of each issue of this publication sold or distributed, through the mails or otherwise, to paid subscribei-s during the sir months preceding the date shown above is. (This Information is required from daily publications only.) HARRY BURNS. Sworn to and subscribed before me this 28th dav of March, 1930. (SEAL) CHARLES P. ADAMS, Notary Public. (My commission expires May 22, 1933.)