Hollywood Filmograph (Jan-Dec 1932)

February 6, 1932 Pictures — Reviewed and Previewed Arthur Forde "DANCE TEAM" and Fanchon and Marco at Loew's State Theatre Seymour Felix recently directed "Stepping Sisters" for Fox Studios which was a wow wherever it was shown, but the Fanchon & Marco "Clean Up" Idea which is showing this week is one of the most novel shown for a long time and got a "big hand" from the audience at its conclusion. A number of clever dances, some lovely girls and some entirely new novelties in which Mills and Shey, The Rhyme 1 1 e s, Alexander Callam and Vernan, Sylvia a n d Ruth and t h e Sunkist Beauties in all their glory. Sam Jack Kaufman and his excellent band of musicians played appropriate music for the acts. The feature picture is from the Fox Studios and star that popular team Sally Eilers and James Dunn in their latest "Dance Team." Here is a story which will interest most anyone as it is a page of every day life and depicts the struggle of ordinary people for a living. Most of the credit should be given to Edwin Burke for his natural dialogue. How this boy understands the language of ordinary people! Nothing of the drawing room about him. James Dunn is at his best in this sort of a play and Sally Eilers is a perfect partner opposite him. Some of the best work by a player is that of Harry Beresford as a broken down actor and he is always a valuable addition to any cast. Minna Gombell is another one who can always be relied upon to deliver the goods and Nora Lane, Edward Crandall, Ralph Morgan and Charles Williams were others who made this one attractive. Sidney Lanfield directed skillfully and the photography was also one of the high spots of the picture. 1 i i MUSICALE PLEASES At a musicale at the home of Vera Gordon, Sunday afternoon, Sol Babitz made his introductory bow as a concert violinist. Here is a young artist of exceptional promise, whose career should be well worth watchng. He played several Bach works and the first movement of the Brahms Concerto, in a highly creditable manner. He has a full, round tone, supported by an admirable technique, and gave his renditions in a serious and highly artistic manner. He is to appear in recital at the Council House, next month. 1 i 1 NOTE — Hollywood Filmograph's new address: Thompson Building, 1606 Cahuenga Ave., corner Selma. 'LOST SQUADRON" Dick Grace's followers who read his story of "The Lost Squadron" are in for a treat when they see Radio's latest epic, which David O. Selznick offers as his first effort as producing head of the West Coast studios. After much switching and juggling of story, Mr. Selznick finally O.K.'d what we saw at the Alexander Theatre, Glendale, and we must isay that it is by far different than anything that Howard Hughes or Columbia offered us in the way of air pictures, and if they will just trim down the opening sequences, cut out the first sequence with Eric Von Stroheim starting to work, and show his company operating, and kill the anti-climax at the cemetery, they will be able to call it a "wow" of a picture, unless the censors make 'em reshoot and show "Red" pay the penalty for the crime of killing the man who killed his pal, instead of Capt. Gibson, who takes the dead man up and kills himself, taking the evidence of the crime with him. It is a typical "Three Musketeers" story, with Richard Dix, Robert Armstrong and Joel McCrea playing buddies, Hugh Herbert stealing the show with his comical antics, Eric Von Stroheim proving that he is one of our greates heavies. Ralph Ince does one of the best detectives we have seen in many a day. Dorothy Jordan is immense, Mary Astor, Arnold Gray, Marjorie Peterson O. K. The stunts by Dick Grace and his flyers at times are too thrilling to be accepted as the real article, and it looks like trick shots by photographers Rob Robinson, Elmer Dyer, Eddie Cronjager and Leo Tover. The story is by Dick Grace. Screen play by Wallace Smith. Added dialogue by Herman Mankiewicz and Robert Presnell. William Hamilton did a good job of editing, while George Archaibaud directed in a capable manner. "Lost Squadron" about finishes the flood of air pictures as far as the public is concerned, and Radio Pictures should have no trouble in selling this one. David O. Selznick proves himself a man who knows story and production value, the way he handled this picture. "ARROWSMITH" After viewing "Arrowsmith" Wednesday night at the United Artists Theatre, Ronald Colman can now come home. All is forgiven, for his performance in "Unholy Garden" is remarkable, and John Ford seems to have benefited by leaving Fox Studios and making a picture for Samuel Goldwyn, for his direction is the best he has done in years. He actually made a human being out of Ronald Colman instead of a strutting actor who moves just enough to let the ladies look at him from different angles throughout the picture, and to hear his drawling English chirpings. Helen Hayes is blessed with more ability than personality, and fits the story perfectly. Richard Bennett at times mixed his German, Swedish and Irish — however, he repaid us for all that when he died in the picture so nobly. A. E. Anson, as the big shot physician, and Russell Hopton, as his aide, were excellent ; Alec Francis, Claude King, Myrna Loy and James Marcus served to keep up the interest. Sidney Howard wrote the screen play from Sinclair Lewis' book. A Masquers comedy, 'Wide Open Spaces," topped the show off. Douglas Fairbanks and Mary Pickford made speeches and signed autograph books till they had to yell for help. Sid Grauman signed his, too, and jokingly remarked to the small girl who was obtaining it, "Don't write Pass Two in front of my name and go to the Chinese Theatre and present it." "LADY WITH A PAST" Edward H. Griffith has another "Holiday" for production and direction value in Constance Bennett's "Lady with a Past," which was the last picture that Charles R. Rogers produced at the RKO-Pathe Studios, and if you ask us, a fitting one to give up the reins of the studio. It is the best Bennett picture turned on that lot and fits her perfectly. Ben Lyon surprised filmland with his flair of comedy. He held up his end and crowded Connie every inch of the way for first honoris. The Ritz theatre audiences howled at the antics of Miss Bennett and Mr. Lyon, and they were very ably assisted by David Manners, Albert Conti, Don Alvarado, Astrid Allwyn, Merna Kennedy, Blanche Frederici, Nella Walker, John Roche, Donald Dilloway, Freeman Wood, George Irving, Cornelius Keefe and Arnold Lucy. "Lady with a Past" is from the novel by Harriet Henry and adapted for the screen by Horace Jackson. It is ideally suited to the talents of Coifstance Bennett, and Hal Mohr seems to be able to photograph the famous actress at her best. Harry Joe Brown handled the production as associate producer, and is in line for a bow. Edward H. Griffith knows his comedy equally as well ais drama. "THE ENEMY" Los Angeles is to have a regular stock company of players at the Orange Grove Theatre, who are to appear in a new play every two weeks. The first is now on the boards. It is Channing Pollock's play, "The Enemy," and, if our memory serves us right, Emil Jannings did this as a silent picture for Paramount years ago. The players work under difficult circumstances to give theatregoers their money's worth. Winifred Nimo plays the lead and commands attention as she travels through the four acts. John Weatherby gets away to a bad start, and then catches up with the rest of the troupe. Lou Morrison performances is convincing. Wilbur Mayo, Emile B. Straube, Charles Bennett, Hanley Stafford, Katherine Pierce, Vale Dietz and Don Wilson did well. Warren Millais supervised, while Phillip Vose directed. The Troupers of Hollywood announce that they will present at the Figueroa Playhouse on Friday morning, February 12th, a historic drama by Muriel Berry, the cast including James Gordon, Lillian Marcus, Joseph Mills, Phyllis Barrington, Nan Preston, Gail Gordon, May Foster, Edith Fassett, Fannie Cossar, James Marcus, George Morrell, Mark Harrison, Edward Paulton, Donald Camp and Kellie Davis. Joseph de Grasse is to direct the play, following the advice of President Hoover that everyone in the United States should lend themselves to patriotic activities throughout the country, for the help of their fellow man. "THE MERRY WIVES OF VIENNA" At the Filmarte Theatre Another Viennese film operetta which will easily match the former efforts of the German Studios. Directed by one of the best known, Geza von Bolvary, written by Walter Reich, who has given us winners before and tuneful music by Robert Stoltz, who all had a hand in making "Two Hearts in Waltz Time" successful. The period is 1875 and tells of ten charming daughters of a Commissioner who are preparing a celebration for their father. They are piqued at their father's prospective marriage and in revenge get positions in the ballet of the Opera. The usual mix-ups which musical comedy involves but the production is replete with much good music, the prettiest line-up of lovely girls ever seen on the screen and some of the most gorgeous settings shown so far from the German Studios. Willy Forst, who we have seen in so many successes, is extremely funny as a "dancing teacher" who is the base of the plot. Lee Parry as "Gretl," the daughter, is not only extremely lovely but is an actress of fine ability. Others who distinguish themselves^ are Paul Hoerbinger, Ernest Wormser, Oscar Sima and Cordy Millowwitsch. While this production is in German the story is so well acted that it is easily understood by those not understanding this language. i i i "LOVE" Was the subject of the LessonSermon on Sunday in all branches of The Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, Mass. The Golden Text presented Paul's words, "Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you." One of the Scriptural selections in the Lesson-Sermon cited! Jeremiah's words, "The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee." Another citation included John's words: "Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. . . . And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him." A passage from "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures," by Mary Baker Eddy, stated, "Jesus' teaching and practice of Truth involved such a sacrifice as makes us admit its Principle to be Love." SID and BILL 6667 yg Hollywood Blvd. Buffet Lunch — Sandwiches — Beer