Independent Exhibitors Film Bulletin (Sep 1936 - Dec 1937)

9>tdependent EXHIBITORS FILM BULLETIN AS I SEE THEM REVIEWS OF NEW FILMS By ROLAND BARTON BOXOFFICE RATING:— • Means POOR; • • Means AVERAGE; • • • Means GOOD; • • • • Means EXCELLENT Pins ( + ) and Minus ( — ) will be used occasionally to indicate slightly above or below the point rating. At best this "point" system can jrive you only an arbitrary estimate of a picture's drawing power, so we urge you to read the entire review*.. Some pictures are particularly suitable for certain types of audiences and this must be covered in the detailed criticism. President's Mystery, The Hollywood Preview BOXOFFICE RATING MYSTERY DRAMA ... The Liberty Magazine yarn suggested by President Roosevelt makes engrossing entertainment . . . Lack of marquee names offset by great exploitation angles . . . Rates • • • generally with selling. Republic 80 Minutes Henry Wilcoxon . . . Betty Furness . . . Sidney Blackmer . . . Evelyn Brent . . . Barnett Parker . . . Wade Boteler . . . John Wray Directed by Phil Rosen A juicy exploitation morsel for showmen during the next few months, this semisocial mystery drama should click to well above average grosses everywhere. Originally conceived in outline by President Roosevelt, the story was written by six famous writers and appeared in Liberty Magazine. The fact that it contains certain politico-social beliefs harbored by the President is bound to stir unusual curiosity that should translate itself into good boxoffice returns. Surprising as it may seem, these theories are not merely implied, then subjugated to a melodramatic plot, but boldly stated and made an integral part of the main story. Tiring of his smug social and financial security and the shallowness and insincerity of his wife and friends, a wealthy corporation lawyer cuts all ties with his past and wanders off for leisure. Through his attraction for a girl, he becomes interested in the destitution of a small town, where the cannery has been closed down by the monopolistic firm which formerly employed him as counsel. He organizes the workers to operate the factory on a cooperative basis. Meanwhile, his wife has been accidentally killed and blame is laid at his door. Eventually he is found by the police. Through the aid of the factory workers he proves his innocence and returns to carry on the job he started and defeat the cannery monopoly of his old firm. Henry Wilcoxon is strong and convincing in the leading role of the lawyer. Betty Furness furnishes attractive romantic interest as the girl who wins Wilcoxon's attention to the poverty stricken town. Evelyn Brent is effective as the deceptive wife. Phil Rosen's direction is punchy, his handling of the factory workers mob scenes being particularly adroit. AD TIPS: Sell it strongly as the personal story of President Roosevelt, as written by these six famous authors: Rupert Hughes, Samuel Hopkins Adams, Anthony Abbot, Rita Weiman, S. S. Van Dine and John Erskine. A heavy campaign on this will pay heavy dividends. HANNA (Hollywood). 1 IN HIS STEPS BOXOFFICE RATING DRAMA . . . Tender, moving and dramatic story from world-famous novel . . . Fine performances by entire cast . . . Rates • • • — generally; better if sold. Grand National (B. F. TLeidman) Minutes Eric Linden . . . Cecilia Parker . . . Henry Kolker . . . Charles Richman . . . Harry Beresford . . . Roger Imhof . . . Robert Warwick . . . Olive Tell Directed by Karl Brown Here is something off the beaten path of film entertainment. Adapted from Charles M. Sheldon's world-famous novel, "In His Steps" is a modern problem story told in a semi-spiritual tone. At the same time, it is a tender, appealing love story. Thus, it offers elements that make it suitable for all types of audiences and should respond with above average grosses generally. This picture has a ready-made audience awaiting it. It is a simple story. A boy and a girl deeply in love encountering the obstacle of parental objections. Their elders so engrossed in their desire to make money that they refuse to understand the feelings of the younger people. The young couple, befriended by a gentle old man who follows in the steps of Christ, fight for their happiness, marry and find contentment in the simple duties of farm life. When their friend is threatened with jailing on their account, the boy surrenders. There follows a gripping court room scene, in which the youngsters, by the sincerity of their love and wholesome devotion to the real values in life, bring their elders to a greater understanding of true happiness. Eric Linden and Cecilia Parker, both borrowed from M-G-M for the roles, are wholly sympathetic lovers. They will win the hearts of everyone. Considerable tension is developed in the climactic court room sequence. Incidental comedy is shrewdly spotted throughout the picture and it is always spontaneous and unaffected. The supporting cast is flawless and Karl Brown's direction maintains a steady, never-lagging pace. AD TIPS: See "Sleepers" campaign in FILM BULLETIN issue of September \6th. E. L. POLO JOE Hollywood Preview BOXOFFICE RATING COMEDY . . . Routine Joe E. Brown picture with familiar situations and gags . . . Polo game finale tops it off with fair punch . . . Rates • • for Brown fans. Warner Bros. 63 Minutes Joe E. Brown . . . Carol Hughes . . . Skeets Gallagher . . . George E. Stone . . . Joseph King . . . Gordon Elliot . . . Fay Holden Directed by William McGann An average Joe E. Brown vehicle. The plot and gags are typical of previous films featuring the wide-mouthed comic. It will satisfy those fans who favor his particular brand of humor, but has nothing original to offer those who studiouslv avoid his pictures. This time the plot concerns itself with a girl's fondness for horses and polo and Joe's inability to stop sneezing every time he looks at a horse. Nor can he do anything but look silly on a polo field. But he loves the girl and his only chance to win her hand is to overcome these two deficiencies. This (Continued on page 6)