Hollywood Filmograph (Jan-Dec 1932)

HOLLYWOOD FILMOGRAPH ti Chif-Chaf and Chaffer by Hal Wiener Timely Story, Excellent Cast, Fine Direction Make "The Conquerors" Radio's Best Bet of Season Bringing a timely theme to the screen, RKO-Radio's newest release, "The Conquerors," should be headed for a continued success such as "Cimarron" established last season. Though it lacks the power and punch that "Cimarron" had, it will nevertheless bring the pennies rolling into the cash drawer for Radio. Chief among its outstanding achievements is its cast. Richard Dix, as a poor adventurer who establishes a bank in a small frontier town and who lives to see it grow into a national institution; Ann Harding as his wife who fights the uphill battle to fame and fortune with her husband; Edna May Oliver as a hotel keeper who gives them their start in life; Guy Kibbee as her drunken doctor husband, who performs his operations under the influence of liquor; Julie Haydon, the daughter and her husband, played by Donald Cook. "The Conquerors" from the pen of Howard Estabrook, pictures several generations in the lives of this family group. Boom times, panics, reconstruction periods, the war, then the climb of the stock market and crash 1 — the much felt present depression, is all shown. The picture is a story of stouthearted Americans who have prospered in good times and have felt the pangs of hunger during panics. It is a plea to level headed citizens for their help in removing business from its present state of stagnation. Its logic is well founded, in that every depression in the past has had its reconstruction period followed by good times. So will the present condition change. Richard Dix, who proved his capabilities as the hero of "Cimarron," again turns in a distinct triumph. In fact, Ann Harding, Edna May Oliver, Guy Kibbee and the entire cast are splendid. And much of their success should be credited to Ernie Westmore, the makeup artist. His deft technique in aging the characters to correspond with the passing years is truly remarkable. Through his work in "The Conquerors," Ernie stands in line to again win the annual FILMOGRAPH award as King of Makeup Artists. William Wellman handled the megaphone on the picture and turned out a thorough job. Eddie Cronjager's knowledge of camera angles is evident. With him behind the lense you may be sure results will be nigh perfect. Radio can well be proud of "The Conquerors" and though it doesn't top their picturization of Edna Ferber's classic, it is an achievement for other studios to shoot at. GALA RE-DEDICATION CEREMONIES MARK OPENING OF EGYPTIAN THEATER Hollywood has witnessed one of the gala occasions of the season with the re-dedication ceremonies of Grauman's Egyptian theater held Thursday, Nov. 3, at noon. The Business Men and Service Organizations' mile-long parade from Vine street along Hollywood Boulevard to the Egyptian theater was one of the spectacular features of the ceremonies. Leo Carrillo, Eddie Lambert, Burr Mcintosh and Sam Hardy were noticed in attendance. At two P. M. Paramount's "The Phantom President" with Jimmy Durante, Claudttte Colbert and George M. Cohan, established the theater's screen once more in operation. Thursday evening resembled a gala premiere with huge sun arcs lighting the sky and a colorful array of celebrities from the film colony filing down the specacular forecourt. Sid Grauman, managing director of Fox Westcoast Theaters in Los Angeles and Hollywood, introduced the stars from the stage of the Egytian theater during intermission between the first and second showings of the Paramount laugh feature. Harry M. Sugarman, manager of the Egyptian theater, can well be pleased with the re-dedication ceremonies which marked the opening of Hollywood's first premiere showplace. Talking picture equipment, newly installed in the theater, is of the finest order. R. Karl Osterloh has been secured to supply each program with diversified music via the mammoth organ. The house will be opened daily at 1 P. M. and run continuous performances until 1 1 P. M. with prices varying from 25 cents matinees to 40 cents evenings with children admission at 10 cents. A fine program of pictures has been secured to immediately follow "The Phantom President." They include: "Back Street, " which opens Sunday, Nov. 6 for a three-day run; "Okay America," "Grand Hotel," "The Cabin in the Cotton," "Blonde Venus," "The Big Broadcast" and "Smilin" Through." GLOBE CIRCLING SCRIBE BRINGS TYPEWRITER TO RKO-RADIO STUDIO Radio Pictures Corp. have added another writer to their staff who is capable of furnishing many interesting ideas for original screen story material. Having had the basic foundation — experiences — so necessary to the success of fiction writers, Edward Doherty brings his typewriter over to the RKO-Radio studio to pound out original scripts for screen adaptation. Lest you already know, Edward Doherty is the author of those vastly interesting Libery Magazine stories, having served on the editorial staff of that publication for several years. His experience in the newspaper field has taken him through the ranks of the fourth estate from copy boy to city editor of the New York American. He has served on the staff of the Chicago Tribune, today's largest newspaper. He wrote sensational news for the New York Daily Mirror, home of the columnist's tabloid. He has been war correspondent, one day talking with Mussolini and the next with Italian laborers. His continual hunt for news has taken him around the world familiarizing him with all classes and types of people. Now, he tells me, with the gradual elimination of newspaper feature writers and with the slump that has overtaken our leading national periodicals, he has, like many before him, migrated to Hollywood where he will resume his activities authoring entertainment for the enjoyment of America picture goers. Edward Doherty stepped off the train in Los Angeles, Wednesday, Oct. 12, and was busy at work at the studio Thursday, Oct. 13. The story at present that is occupying all his time is "Anna Green Gables." This field of screen writing is more or less new to Mr. Doherty, but having accustomed himself to deadlines, and the art of working under pressure, we look to him for many entertaining future screen releases. He is truly a globe cricling scribe who knows the power of the pen and can apply it. M. H. Hoffman's "The Iron Master" Feature Entertains Highly The main object of the motion picture industry is to supply entertainment for its patrons. "The Iron Master," produced under the eagle eye of M. H. Hoffman for Allied Productions, comes under this category. The picture is full of good old fashioned hokum, yet is so entertainingly told that one feels refreshed after seeing the picture. Screen play was by Adle Buffmgton. Georges Ohnet wrote the play. Briefly, "The Iron Master" tells of an amibitious iron worker who wins the confidence of his employer after accidently insulting his daughter in the court yard of the foundry. The employer dies leaving this boy in charge of his entire fortune, including his family. How he wins the admiration of all, through his upright and courageous convictions of honesty, is graphically told. Reginald Denny shares first honors with Lila Lee and commands attention, while J. Farrell MacDonald, Esther Howard and Richard Tucker enact their parts to the best advantage. William Janney and Freddy Fredericks make the most of their screen opportunities and very neatly steal all acting honors. Others who appear in the cast include: Virginia Sale, Ronny Cosby, Otto Hoffman, Astrid Allwyn and Nola Luxford. Chester M. Franklin directed and certainly accomplished his mission to wit: giving Allied a good picture for the best theaters, very ably, not losing a point of the story. ANNA MAY WONG MAY ONCE MORE GRACE OUR LOCAL RIALTO That graceful and glamorous figure from the mystic country across the sea — land of the rising sun — who so won us with her captivating personality and who remained a mystery to so many, is really no mystery at all. She is vibrant with the charm and gracefulness of her people, yet simple and understanding, with a sense of humor we Americans so enjoy, ^'e refer to none other than Miss Anna May Wong. You may remember a few years back, when Anna May Wong astounded all London theatrical circles with her remarkable stage success, to be followed with her triumphant return to America and her achievements in this country in the Belasco production of "On the Spot." Seldom have we heard such favorable reports as those growing out of her performance in "Shanghai Express" in which she brought to us a bit of realistic atmosphere of the Orient. Here is a performer who has the histronic art at her finger tips. Practically born and raised in the world of make-believe, Miss Wong has risen to great heights, unheard of among her people. At present she is contemplating a European trip with a stop over in the east long enough to appear in the New York Repertoire Company's production of "Circle of Chalk," in which, incidentally, she made her first stage success. While we were in the midst of discussion, Miss Wong received a call from a studio and right there negotiations were started whereby we may once more witness her on the audible celelloid. We won't be far wrong when we say that screen fans throughout the entire country will be happy to once more have their favorite back in the limelight. HARRY LANGDON CUTS CAPERS IN "TIRED FEET" AN EDUCATIONAL FUNFEST Harry Langdon's latest laughie, "Tired Feet," will be a credit to any exhibitor's program. This Educational release has what it takes to make audiences laugh. Slapstick? Sure, but the type that just can't help but bring gales of chuckles. It was written by Bobby Vernon and Frank Griffin. The frozen faced comedian is seen in the picture as a postman who takes a day off and goes for a hike in the mountains. His sweetheart and her mother help him spend his day of rest by giving him all the work to do. Typical Harry Langdon gags are constructed throughout the picture to the best of advantage by Director Arvid Gillstrom. And he knows how to anticipate audience wants. At the Fairfax Theater preview, showgers were delighted at the various antics performed by Harry Langdon. Vernon Dent, Glayds Blake, Maidena Armstrong, Eddie Baker, Bill Irving and Les Goodwin suported the comedian in his rampage of comedy. We noticed, also, that the minimum of dialogue was used, thereby assuring the greatest amount of laughs through the natural form of funmaking — pantomime. LECTURE CLUB PLANS SEASON OF ACTIVITY Rapidly gaining recognition as one of the highest types of institutions of learning, the Pacific Coast Lecture Club, Inc., boasts many new and inspiring names to its already large roster of members. At their meeting Saturday, at which your correspondent was fortunate enough to have attended, the Rt. Rev. Sophronios, Bishop of Los Angeles, was the guest speaker. Louis Victor Eytinge, known as the man who came back, drew a drastic illustration of what men can accomplish even though working at tremendous handicaps. Burr Mcintosh, Dr. Sanford MacDonald, Shirley D. Parker, Capt. Leo McLaglen and Lai Chand Mehra graced the meeting with bits of wisdom well spoken. Dr. Maurice B. Jarvis presided over the meeting and viewed prospects of future activities outlined for the Pacific Coast Lecture Club, Inc. B.B.D. PRESENTS The lOth Edition of His . . . "Boys Will Be Girls" AT THE CELLAR CAFE 653 COSMO STREET HOLLYWOOD