Motion Picture Daily (Oct-Dec 1934)

MOTION PICTURE DAILY Looking 'Em Over "The First World War" {Fox) The world's film libraries, known and hitherto unknown, passed through the editorial hands of Laurence Stallings to sum up the results obtained in "The First World War." It is an excellent job of its kind, intensified by the cryptic but effective narrative of Pedro de Cordoba. Epoch-making events in the light of the backwash of the Great War here parade themselves in authentic newsreel shots, climaxed by the clips themselves and dramatized as no Hollywood studio could do it by the inherent drama of the incidents. The story of preparation for the conflict, as seen through the camera's eye traveling through many countries, is told through a sort of prelude and terrific, awe-shaking war shots concentrated into one grand melee of carnage with no particular attention fastened on the combatants of any nation. "The First World War," as impressive and as unrelieved as it is, thus becomes a dubious quantity as straight entertainment goes. Rather, it is a serious, thought-provoking document of how nations and men can so quickly shed their veneer of civilization on the twin altars of political and economic gain. The picture will require extensive and intensive exploitation to get it by these continued depressed times. Deserving of a break becauses it rates, "The First World War" becomes a questionable grosser. Production Code Seal No. 040. Running time, 72 minutes. KANN MOTION PICTURE DAILY* HOLLYWOOD PREVIEW "Limehouse Blues" (Paramount) Hollywood, Oct. 30. — London's unknown purple, sector of vivid excitement, here is revealed on canvas not so colorful, although fairly interesting. George Raft, half white, half Chinese, from America's underworld, takes control of Limehouse by bumping off Montagu Love, former head man, in Oriental style. Raft's love life conflicts between Anna May Wong, who loves him, and Jean Parker, an alley denizen whom he loves. Miss Parker, however, loves Kent Taylor, whom Raft puts on the spot. Realizing her affection for Taylor, Raft rushes to save him, sacrificing his own life before police guns. He gives an undistinguished performance. Miss Parker and Taylor have played better roles. Miss Wong, although beautiful, is given little emotional opportunity and all the other players perform adequately but none stand out. Alexander Hall's direction, usually original and distinctive, seems hampered here by convenient situations and uninspired dialogue. The story is an original by Arthur Phillips with the screen play by the author and Cyril Hume. Harry Fishbeck's photography is fine. The production has eye value with a certain glamour. Where melodrama is relished this should rate okay. In other spots it assays only a fair attraction. Production Code Seal No. 300. Running time, 65 minutes. "The St. Louis Kid," which opens at the Strand this morning, was reviewed by wire from Hollywood on Oct. 9 tinder its former title, "Perfect WeekEnd." "Transatlantic Merry-Go-Round," this morning's opener at tlie Rivoli, was covered by Hollywood wire on Oct. 5. "We Live Again," tomorrow's occupant at the Music Hall, was reviewed from Hollywood on Sept. 24. "Kansas City Princess," which debuts at the Roxy Friday, was also reviewed from the coast by wire on Aug. 7. 18 Probe Is Up To Make-Up Of Congress {Continued from page 1) Washington believe that films will bulk more largely in Congressional activities in 1935 than they did last season. Demands for restrictive legislation are expected to be made by various religious bodies which last surrfmer launched their campaign against indecent films. Independents are expected to continue their agitation for the elimination of block booking. The industry, however, is seen in a better position to resist adverse action due largely to its voluntary clean-up campaign and concessions made in block booking through greater liberality in the cancellation clause prerogatives under the NRA code. The make-up of Congress will determine whether pictures are to be a subject of investigation. If next month's elections send representatives of pronounced radical character to Washington, it is anticipated the industry will be made the butt of considerable publicity-bringing agitation. Fight on Sinclair Praised by Editor Kansas City, Oct. 30.— The industry has sufficient reason for seeking the defeat of Upton Sinclair in his campaign for governor of California, declares the Kansas City Journal-Post. "Upton Sinclair complains that the motion picture industry has entered a war against his candidacy for governor of California," the paper says in an editorial. "If we have read the news aright, it was Mr. Sinclair who started the war, not only against the motion picture industry but against all business, which means also against all employes of business. "There are some things about the movies that we don't like, but we are with them 100 per cent in their efforts to prevent Mr. Sinclair from making California an economic wilderness. "If the movies are successful in defeating Mr. Sinclair, we'll feel like forgiving them for all their shortcomings." Rumors Gain of Cut At Phila. First Runs {Continued front page 1) that slashes will be made at some first runs, with the top cut from 65 to 55 cents. There are rumors also of policy changes, with the possibility that the Stanton will be renovated and S. L. (Roxy) Rothafel may operate the Mastbaum under Warners. Felix Feist to Hawaii San Francisco, Oct. 30.— Felix F. Feist, general sales manager of M-G-M, arrived tonight from Hollywood and New York en route to Honolulu for a short vacation. Pathe Directors Meet The regular meeting of the board of Pathe Exchange, Inc., was held yesterday. Only routine business was transacted, according to the company. Cremation for Tellegen Lou Tellegen, who died a suicide in Hollywood Monday, will be cremated on the coast following a Masonic funeral. Instructions to this effect were wired west yesterday by his fourth wife, Eva Casanova, who said she was complying with the actor's wishes. Astaire Set for 7 Years Hollywood, Oct. 30. — Radio has signed Fred Astaire to a seven-year contract for his exclusive services. Termer to Chester Hale Hollywood, Oct. 30.— Chester Hale has been signed by M-G-M to a new long term contract as dance director. V/edwtday, October 31, 19:1 "Divorcee" $9,000 Indianapolis Lea Indianapolis, Oct 30.— "The G< Divorcee" was outstanding in a d'j week. It reached $9,000 at the Ii diana, over the line by $2,000. "Judge Priest" finished its fouri week with $2,000, under par by $50 at the Apollo. "Kansas City Princess at the Lyric, pulled a good $7,500. Total first run business was $26,00 Average is $25,000. Estimated takings for the week en' ing Oct. 27: "JUDGE PRIEST" (Fax) APOLLO— (1,171), 25c-40c, 4th weeGross: $2,000. (Average, $2,500) "A LOST LADY" (Warners) CIRCLE— (2,638), 25c-40c, 7 days. Gros^ $3,500. (Average, $4,000) "THE GAY DIVORCEE" (Radio) INDIANA— (3,133), 25c-40c, 7 days. GtW $9,000. (Average, $7,000) "KANSAS CITY PRINCESS" (Warners LYRIC— (1,896), 25c-40c, 7 days. Vaud ville. Gross: $7,500. (Average, $7,000) "WHAT EVERY WOMAN KNOWS" (M-G-M) PALACE— (2,431), 25c-40c, 7 days. Gros $4,000. (Average, $4,500) Mrs. Gilman Asserts Films Promote Crim Baltimore, Oct. 30.— Films wef attacked as an incentive to crime h Mrs. Robbins Gilman, motion pictu: chairman of the National Congre of Parent-Teacher Ass'n., in an a( dress today at the three-day film coi ference at the Emerson Hotel here "I have no doubt," she declare "that much of the kidnapping, trur: murders and other such crimes conl mitted in this country are due to til stimulus given to feeble minds by tl motion pictures." Mrs. Gilman also charged that "tl American film definitely undermin< confidence in American womanhoo is a grave war menace and decided: lowers the prestige of the white ra( among the people of other races." In an attack on Will Hays, Mr Gilman said he could "no longer hie behind the skirts of the women clubs," which, she asserted, had "pr<" tected him long enough." She urg( support of proposed Federal legisl; tion providing for a government com mission to regulate industry practic and supervise production. Telegran from abroad asking that restrictior be placed upon the industry for til sake of America's prestige were rti by Mrs. Gilman. Mrs. Gilman said that if the your people of the country failed to tal advantage of the recreational oppo j tunities open to them the day migl come when they would be prohibite! from _ attending film theatres under certain age. Magazine Ban Lifted \ Hollywood, Oct. 30.— Publicity d> rectors, . at a conference today wiU Jack Grant, new coast representath I of Motion Picture and Motion Pi hire Classic, agreed to lift the bt\ which they have maintained again the two magazines for the past tv months on stipulation that they suli mit to studio supervision in cqmmr with pther fan publications. Tl magazines will in the future mainta i their own "white" list of writers. Loew's Gets Tax Refun Washington, Oct. 30.— Loew's at subsidiaries received an income tax r fund of $74,260 today.