Hollywood Spectator (1937-39)

Hollywood Spectator Page Fifteen was quite free from trite themes and hackneyed situations. She said: ‘It really is most encouraging. Perhaps the time will come when some producer will absentmindedly let the cat out of the bag by making a picture showing there are any number of people in this country — clever, up-to-date people at that — who get more of a kick out of popping corn than they do out of popping corks.’ ‘Shush!’ implored the young man, looking around in mock terror — ’Tis rank treason thou dost speak! Hast forgot that walls have ears? . . . That the night hath a thousand eyes ? . . . But — and thou wouldst prove thy rash statement — go, get corn and popper, and hie thee to yon open fire that doth glow right valiantly.’ “As they sat before the fire I could hear them talking of different types of pictures they would like to see. And this should interest you! They spoke of screen stories written with your beautiful English countryside for a background ; stories for instance dealing with the days of the troubadours, which, they insisted, would make fine musical shorts if done by artists.” OHN B. exclaims, “Oh, I say, there’s an idea! ... Of course, as a whole the troubadours and minstrels were not an exemplary lot, but I daresay there was an occasional one who would do nicely as the hero of a musical love story.” He paused, then went on thoughtfully — “The music would of necessity have to be something quite different. . . . And, as you say, done with a great deal of artistry. . . . Those superb artists of yours — ah — Miss MacDonald and Mr. Eddy — ” “Sorry, old man!” interrupted Sam, “ grant you that they would be ideal for a musical picture dealing with medieval days — I’d like mighty well to see them in a picture like that myself. But as a matter of fact, Columbia and I hope that some day not too far distant, we’ll see Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy in another picture with our own great out-of-doors for a background ; and that whether they sing from a mountain top or in a cabin before an open fire, it will be as a part of the story, with an orchestral background done in such a manner that one feels the musical accompaniment, but does not consciously hear it.” “Fine idea, that!” said John B. “I must tell Britannia about it. She’ll be hoping for it too. . . . But about that troubadour picture. . . . Comedy of course. . . . Hm. . . . I wonder. . . . Whom have we to compare with Miss MacDonald and Mr. Eddy?...” “Possibly you have someone,” replied Sam, “but I’m from Missouri!” “Your from — ” began John B., looking puzzled, then — “Oh, yes, I know! You mean to tell me I shall have to show you.” “Righto!” said Sam. And they journeyed on, deep in thought; their minds filled with the great potentialities of the cinema. Your issue of February 27, which arrived after I had cancelled my subscription, was so good that I have changed my mind. I will get the money for it somehow — and perhaps piece-meal. We teachers in Portland were hard hit by the failure of our recent legislation, but we still need your comments if we are going to teach motion picture appreciation. So please send me the next issues after that mentioned above so that I shall not miss any numbers. , Portland, Oregon. EDWARD LUDWIG Directed “HER HUSBAND LIES” A B. P. Schulberg Production DAILY VARIETY “Direction of Edward Ludwig is an especially creditable piece of work. He has motivated his characters with rare skill and given the entire film a dramatic tensity ..." HOLLYWOOD REPORTER "Strikingly fine direction gives this remake of 'Street of Chance' a top position."