The Modern Screen Magazine (Nov 1930)

The MODERN SCREEN ABRAHAM LINCOLN (United Artists) Somehow, one does not expect the well known story of Abraham Lincoln's life to make a picture which will hold the attention unfailingly. Yet, D. W. Griffith, the pioneer of artistic directing, has taken the Lincoln saga and made it into a talking film which is palatable and enjoyable to every taste and creed. True, many of the well known situations have been omitted. Perhaps this is just as well. One of the worst handicaps that the great D. W. was up against was the public's familiarity with the details and development of this biographical drama. Walter Huston as Lincoln seemed almost perfect; the other performances, although good, are dwarfed besides his. Understanding and delicacy mark the direction. MONTE CARLO (Paramount) Ernst Lubitch has produced another "The Love Parade" ; this time that subtle director of subtle situations works with an Englishman in the leading role. Jack Buchanan has been called "The Chevalier of England." But the man has a way about him which gives him the right to expect popularity without benefit or handicap of comparison. Jeanette MacDonald is again in the role of the temperamental continental beauty who harbors a struggle between her passion and her pride. This lady breaks into frequent (and charming) song. In other words, Monte Carlo is an operetta. And, say we, very, very delightful are operettas when they are as well done as this one. MOBY DICK (Warner Brothers) Many words will be spoken about this film discussing its merits in comparison to the same story of the silent days. To this reviewer, however, it will mean little, since he never saw the silent version. Perhaps it's as well, for the talkie can be judged on its own valuation and not on a comparison. It's a good film. John Barrymore as Ahab gets every ounce possible out of the characterization without overdoing it. His scenes with Joan Bennett are particularly appealing. The whale scenes are excellent. The only criticism is that in one or two shots the whale looks like a submarine. COMMON CLAY (Fox) We're reviewing this picture because it is one of the successes of the season and we feel everybody ought to know something about it. It played four weeks at the Roxy in New York and that's enough recommendation for any picture. It's a simple tale — and certainly not new. Briefly, it's about the girl who is a servant in the rich man's house and the rich man's son who seduces her. Of course, there is the baby. But don't think it's the old stuff done in the old way. It isn't. Constance Bennett and Lewis Ayres have injected such human appeal into the characters that you forget entirely about the plot. And the baby should get the usual number of oh's and ah's from the womenfolk in the audience. You will love it. Don't fail to see it. Here you are offered a most authoritative and helpful guide 82