The international photographer (Jan-Dec 1932)

September, 1932 The INTERNATIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER Thirty-five tinue his trade of big game hunter. It is the experience, of course, gained as a hunter that permits him to outwit the wily Russian in the end. Pay Wray is the girl Eve who precedes Bob in arrival on the island as a survivor and who chooses to cast her luck with his in an attempted escape. While the love interest is brief nevertheless it is appealing. One of the factors in the success of the production is the realism of the sequence of the wrecking of the yacht and the quickly following explosion and sinking. The production will rate high as an attraction. It is possible complaint by some will be registered that at times it is a bit sturdy for comfort. Certainly no one viewing it will waste time or thought on the troubles of any one other than the hero and the heroine. BRING EM BACK ALIVE AFTER seeing Frank Buck's "Bring 'Em Back Alive," beingdistributed by RKO-Radio, it is understandable why so much should have been heard from this picture following its first showing in New York. It is a rare picture of the jungle, rarer by reason of the craftsmanlike photography. Plainly it was the work of experienced men, which frequently in the matter of jungle pictures is not the case. Some of the best of the photographic stuff is the ability shown in the handling of the many follow shots, tracing the wanderings of the creatures of the wild through the maze of vegetation. One marvels at the patience that Sunset Camera Shop OF HOLLYWOOD 6305 Sunset Blvd. at Vine Street CAMERA RENTALS MITCHELL, BELL & HOWELL STILL, GRAFLEX, ETC. A Store for Cameraman "Service" Complete LEICA Cameras and Accessories must have been exercised by the producer and his cameramen in securing the extended series of individual animals and reptiles. It would seem the many battles between these creatures must have been staged so much of it takes place in open spaces obviously scarce in proportionate area. Then the skeptic wonders how they might have been staged had it been so desired. After a small amount of puzzling has been expended the average observer will forget his skepticism and be lost in the realism of the combat. The fights between the python and the tiger, the python and the crocodile and the black panther and the tiger are filled with thrills, especially the first. Each contestant returns again and again to the struggle, only in the end mutually and simultaneously to declare a draw. Overuse is made of the face of the hunter where it is necessary there be a cutback. One of the factors emphasizing the overuse is the employment of the same shot, with the result of the recurrence of a single and unchanging expression. One r-eal relief is when the hunter with his rifle attacks a tiger. There is a marked departure from the imperturbability that has characterized preceding views of the hunter's face. Three shots are fired at top speed. There are humorous moments that serve to lighten the tension and also to indicate the likable qualities of the hunter. Scenes of the tiny honey bear and the white monkey Percy contribute to these. In the case of the former there is the second of suspense when the little runaway walks twice across the doubled body of the python. The big fellow is asleep and the bear passes in safety. But the little fellow's curiosity is aroused. He returns and the snake jumps him, reaches him with lightninglike speed. Then a miracle happens, and the honey bear is freed of the coils. Possibly it is his diminutive stature that saves him. He then stands not on the order of his going, but hurries back to his cage at camp. The picture has been synchronized with sound and lecture, the latter by Buck. It is a subject not to be missed except by those who may be handicapped by a heart unstable when looking upon mortal combat between major beasts or by those who fear to look upon the serpent in any form. Take Your Optical Problems to C. C. MINOR CONSULTING ENGINEER OPTICAL TECHNICIAN Special Cinema Lenses, Prisms, Optical Flats, Etc. Your Ideas Developed and Materialized New and superior Optical Unit for sound on film. GRanite 7331 1806 Whitley Ave., Hollywood, Calif. MY PAL THE KING First cameraman, Dan Clark ; operative cameraman, Norman De Vol ; assistants, Lloyd Ward, William Dodds, Edward Jones ; stills, Adolph Schafer ; sound, Fred Feister. TOM MIX in Universal's "My Pal the King" frankly has stepped out to make a picture for the children rather than for adults. For the latter such interest as will obtain will be in the reflected enthusiasm of the boys in their early teens. The story is of a mythical kingdom and of the friendship of the American circus wild west showman for the child king. In a way it is reminiscent of a picture made by Fox with Will Rogers, with the latter in the guise of an American Dan Clark diplomat. The role shows Mix to advantage as a horseman and everyday human being, a personality that has made him a favorite with the younger generation even more so than with their elders — and that is saying quite a lot. Money has been expended on the interiors of the royal structures. The palace exteriors will be convincing to the average audience and appear palatial in fact. The circus shots some of them seem to be the result of process work or of a draft on the library files. Mix puts his own stable through its competent paces. In fact, those who are fond of riding will get an eyeful. Mickey Rooney is the child overloaded with the responsibility of playing the young king also overloaded with responsibilities. The child is clever enough to realize what he is being put into, what a job has been saddled upon him. It is to his credit and his promise that his looks and manner betray his concern. James Kirkwood has the part of the prime minister who conspires against the lad and Paul Hurst is the aid of Tom in his management of his show. No attempt has been made to lend any strength to the feminine side of the tale, the accompanying romance being somewhat weak. Kurt Neuman directs Richard Shayer's story, continuity and dia GUY NEWHARD HE 5566 Night Phone YO 4553 CRESCENT BROKERAGE CORPORATION Gustave A. Blumenreiter, President INSURANCE IN ALL ITS BRANCHES SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE INSURANCE NEEDS OF THE CAMERAMAN ROBERT D. CRANDALL I AtcnriiTP UAMArpp<: ROLAN C. KENNELL I ASSOCIATE MANAGERS 416 W. 8TH ST., LOS ANGELES TRINITY 8677