Hollywood Motion Picture Review (1937-1940)

Sepfember 28, 1940 HOLLYWOOD MOTION PICTURE REVIEW Page 5 THE QUARTERBACK (formerly "Touchdown") Pa ramount COLLEGE AND FOOTBALL COMEDY DRAMA HOLDS SUSPENSE AND INTEREST WITH GOOD COMEDY, ACTION & DUAL ROLE. Produced by Anthony Veiller. Directed by H. Bruce Humberstone. Original Screenplay by Robert Pirosh. Photography by Leo Tover, A.S.C. Sound Recording by Harold Lewis and Gene Garvin. Release date October 4, 1940. Running time at preview 68 minutes. THE CAST JIMMY JONES ) BILL JONES ) Kay Merrill Sheila "Pops" Professor Hobbs Townley Tex Coach Tom "Slats" Finney WAYNE MORRIS VIRGINIA DALE ...LILLIAN CORNELL EDGAR KENNEDY ALAN MOWBRAY ....JEROME COWAN ROD CAMERON WILLIAM FRAWLEY WALTER CATLETT FRANK BURKE Rating: B. F. I. K. O. W. a The Story: Morris is both heel and hero in twinbrother roles as a flashy quarterback and the campus grind, both of whom love Virginia Dale. The twin football hero gets in trouble by gambling at a night club and the studious twin pays his bills. While one plays football, the other studies. Their secret is kept by Kennedy, who hides one while the other goes about his duties. Morris, as the hero, makes the grade and wins acclaim, while Morris, the student becomes a professor and marries Virginia, who later presents him with twins. COMMENT : As the title suggests, this is a football and college drama of youth, for youths and gridiron fans. It has good suspense, fast action, football sequences, and Wayne Morris plays a dual role, that of twin brothers. Though at times some of the scenes are confusing in establishing Morris’ character, the story traverses smoothly, with fine comedy, dialogue and a romantic angle. Playing opposite Morris, who handles most of the scenes, is Virginia Dale. Lillian Cornell is the feminine menace and sings a few songs in a night club atmosphere. Edgar Kennedy has a choice role for comedy and he doesn’t miss a scene for laughs. Alan Mowbray, Jerome Cowan, Frank Burke and William Frawley are best of tbe supporting players. The production, handled capably by Anthony Veiller, has authentic college atmosphere, as well as lavish sets, and scenes on the gridiron. H. Bruce Humberstone has excellently directed this latest of college football pictures, with good performances and smooth tempo maintained throughout. Leo Tover’s photography is splendid. Recording, music are of average quality. Advertising: Go strong on the title and take advantage of the new season of football. Contact local schools and colleges for cooperation on the football angle. Wayne Morris for marquee and play up the dual role angle. Pennants and other college regalia for lobby decorations. Sport shops for school sweaters, collegiate fashions, etc. Use art copy of pretty girls surrounding football hero. — A.B. (Additional Previews on Page 7) Bob Hope will emcee all ceremonies at the quadruple premiere of Warner Bros.’ “Knute Rockne — All American” starring Pat O’Brien at South Bend on October 4. Hope will be part of a delegation including Pat O’Brien, Gale Page, Donald Crisp and Ronald Reagan from the picture, along with James Cagney. flOO fl BfilLLIflOT CAST Of SCfiffO AOD fiflOlO sforr/ng Kenny BAKER • Frances Hugh HERBERT • Mary BOLAND Ann PATSY KELLY. PHIL SILVERS -STERLING HOLLOWAY DONALD MacBRIDE • BARNETT PARKER FRANKLIN PANGBORN.SIX HITS AND A MISS Borroh MINEVITCH and his HARMONICA RASCALS • John H. Auer — Director HOW PICTURES ARE DOING af the Box Office An Exhibitor from Small Town in Iowa. Reports: TORRID ZONE — (W.B.) — Cagney, O’Brien, Sheridan. Fair profit. Well liked but business off 20 per cent. • TYPHOON — (Para.) — Lamour, Preston. Profit. Pleased and they liked it. • ON THEIR OWN— (Fox) — Jones Family. Loss. Jones Family washed up except on family nights. • HONEYMOON IN BALI — (Para.) — MacMurray, Carroll. Fair business. Pleased all and seemed to click. • I WANT A DIVORCE — (Para.) — Blondell, Dick Powell. Profit. An excellent picture. Carries a wallop, teaches a lesson and has comedy galore. My people liked it very much. Give us more like this one. • Eastern Kansas Town, Single and Double Bill, Reports: • GREEN HELL — (Univ.) — Fairbanks, Bennett. A conglomeration of jungle scenes that the public would not come to see. Allocated too high. A loss to us. • IF I HAD MY WAY — (Univ.) — Crosby, Gloria Jean. Bing Crosby and Gloria Jean make a good picture here which we played on Sunday to only fair business as conditions here now are poor in general and that always reflects on the show business. This is a good picture. A North Central States, Small Town Exhibitor, Reports: • SAPS AT SEA — (U.A.) — Laurel, Hardy. Here is one that will drag them in and they will really enjoy the slapstick. Why doesn’t Universal or Warners grab this pair and give them some decent stories and a little dough to work with. We want more of them. They really pack them in at the box office. Profit. • THEY DRIVE BY NIGHT — (W.B.) — Raft, Lupino, Bogart. A good Sunday show that will bring them in if exploited right. Step on it, it’s okay. • MY LITTLE CHICKADEE — (Univ.) — Mae West, Fields. Mae West is all washed up! Better forget her and let Bill Fields have some stories with comedy of his type and he will go to town again. • DR. TAKES A WIFE — (Col.) — Young, Milland. Another swell picture with a helluva title! The title keeps them away from us! Give us a chance please! The love stuff is poison. • Northern States, Small Town Single Bill Exhibitor, Reports: • MY LOVE CAME BACK — i(W.Bi.) — DeHavilland, Lynn. Broke even. Unusual comedy combined with excellent music. Enjoyed by all. • NEW MOON — (MGM) — MacDonald, Eddy. Loss. Lavish production but did not draw. Last two days business was terrible. • INTERMEZZO — (U.A.) — Howard, Bergman. Loss. Did not even take in film rental on this picture. United Artists pictures are too high.