Motion Picture Daily (July–Sept 1938)

MOTION PICTURE DAILY Thursday, August 18, 1938 Short Subjects "Follow the Arrow" (M-G-M) For sheer thrills and excitement and for a few moments of vivid suspense this short tops all of Pete Smith's sporting films. Mr. Smith narrates the prowess of Harold Hill, an archer, who it is revealed, can hit anything and everything in the manner called. Flying targets, clay pigeons, bull's-eyes, splitting playing cards and penetration tests through three-inch boards are revealed while Smith comments and a number of attractive misses stand around and pop their eyes. The big moment comes when Mr. Hill shoots a small apple from the head of a man about 100 feet away who is standing against a tree. He makes it, too, right through the core. Before the short begins there is a shot of a notarized document which states that all the shots made by Mr. Hill are the real thing and not stunts. This particular short deserves a lot of attention by the exhibitor who won't regret any effort he makes to interest his patrons in it. Running time, 10 mins. "G." "Vitaphone Pictorial Revue No. 12" {Warners) Ben Grauer is the "voice" in the first unit of this subj ect, , which portrays the hard life of the film star at work. The star is impersonated by Marie Wilson. Clem McCarthy, in the second unit, describes the technique of rowing, including the training methods in use. The final sequence, in color, will thrill the women with a display of fine furs, described by Maida Severn. Running time, 10 mins. "G." "Paramount Pictorial P 8-1" (Paramount) Interesting and lively material plus the pleasant scenic beauty of western canyons is offered here. In succession are shown how big game fish are preserved through the taxidermist's art, Zion and Bryce canyons in Technicolor compositions with vocal accompaniment by David Ross and high speed aquatic sport on a western lake with aquaplanes and water skis. Running time, 10 mins. ' 'G." "Beauty Shoppe" ( Universal) Marty May operates a beauty parlor and puts on a show in order to lure the customers. What follows is an expertly selected variety show that should have the audience's whole and appreciative attention. The acts are particularly accomplished and neatly turned. The bill offers Buck & Bubbles, Imogene Coca, Harrison & Fisher, Mae McKim and her Three Boy Friends, Doris DuPont, a clever tap dancer with a new routine, and Hildegarde Halliday. Running time, 20 mins. "G." "It's in the Stars" (M-G-M) A light and youthful musical tworeeler revolving around undergraduate lite in college is offered here. The ac Loew's Can't Find 'em Loew's nationwide search for some of the supposed "millions of non-filmgoers" so far has been unable to unearth many who will admit that they do not patronize their local theatres or that they don't like "the movies." The search was undertaken by the circuit in cooperation with the newspapers in a dozen cities after newspaper stories appeared saying that there are 50,000,000 persons in the country who seldom or never see a picture show. Film editors ran a series of stories asking the abstainers to write in. Typical was the reaction of Paul Hochuli of the Houston Press, who gave up after a few days "search" with this comment: "It is this column's conclusion that practically all South Texans go to the movies. So far, few have written to tell why they stay away from the box-office. On the other hand, they have unburdened their souls as to why they go." Similar results were reported from New Orleans, Washington, Cleveland, Atlanta, Toledo, Louisville, Boston, Long Island and other spots where Loew's sponsored the "search," which was tied in with current attractions at the theatres. cent is on young romance. Students at the school decide to study instead of fulfilling dates. However, Johnny Downs and his girl friend cannot tear themselves away from each other and have a rendezvous in the astronomical observatory. It all works out in an effortless manner. Pleasant and light diversion. Running time, 19 mins. "G." "We Live in Two Worlds" (Educational) The part communication and transportation plays in the elimination of national barriers is the theme of this British short. J. B. Priestley, the English novelist, is seen and heard in the commentary. The film reveals by a series of documentary scenes and with maps the lofty internationalism of these modern factors in present day living. Its appeal is dubious since there is a message and philosophy between the lines and it deviates widely from the entertainment field. Running time, 11 mins. "G." "Trapped Underground" ( Warners) One of the Floyd Gibbons' "Your True Adventure" series, this attains — and maintains — a strong element of suspense, as a biologist, aiding detectives, tracks a murderer in a mine. Himself decoyed into an abandoned shaft by the killer, he is stunned, but recovers in time to capture his man. An excellent dramatic subject in a good series. Running time, 13 mins. "G." "Paris on Parade" ( FitsPatrick-M-G-M ) The exposition in Paris which opened last year is revealed here in all its colorful splendor. The camera has caught the costumes of the various nationalities, the exhibits and the spellbinding spectacle of a fountain upon which a symphony of color is played. This last part is a Technicolor achievement. The reel concludes with fireworks. Worth while. Running time, 9 mins. "G." "Fits and Benefits" (Universal) A benefit show serves as the framework upon which is built a variety show of entertaining calibre in this musical two-reeler. The performers are more or less familiar to the gen eral public and they do their respective turns in fine style. The lineup offers York & King, Carolyn Marsh, Mirty & Mack, Eight Men of Manhattan, Sunny Rice, Eddie Bruce, The Merrie Macs and the Cotton Club Tramp Band. Running time, I9y2 mins. "G." "Miracles of Sport' ( W arners) In color, this E. M Newman subject presents, in turn, Amos Alonzo Stagg, famed football coach, showing his methods and his contribution to the game ; a blind bowler who displays truly amazing skill, and Dr. and Mrs. Wehner, whose work it is to save horses with broken legs, hitherto condemned to immediate death. An interesting and entertaining subject. Running time, 10 mins. "G." "Rhythm Cafe" (Universal) This is another of those night club affairs but it hits off well with an entertaining blend of dancing, singing and fair comedy. The performers are fresh and youthful for the most part. There are modern musical numbers and familiar personalities. The talent schedule lists Oshins & Lessy, Virginia Verrill, the Four Eton Boys, Don and Dolores Foursome, Vic Hyde, Samuels Bros. & Edith Fleming and Rosa Linda. Running time, 20>2 mins. "G." "The Courtship of the Newt' (M-G-M) Robert Benchley devotes his screentalk here to the creature mentioned in the title. The laughs do not occur as frequently, or as easily as they did in "A Night at the Movies" or some other Benchley "lectures." Benchley builds up a lengthy piece of business which totters when the conclusion rolls around. Running time, 8 mins. "G." "A-Lad-in Bagdad" ( Warners) A Leon Schlesinger color cartoon, this is an entertaining cartoon rendition of the famous story, embellished and made colorful as suits the artist's tastes. It may be depended upon to suit that of the general audience, as well. Running time, 7 mins. "G." Short Subjects "Zero Girl" ( Warners) With a background of a comedy situation in which Eric Waite learns ■ to skate because his girl, Evelyn Chandler, likes ice-skaters, then finds her suddenly desiring polo players, this subject presents Miss Chandler, Bruce Mapes, Ronny Roberts DuReine Farley, the Four Eton Bcli and several others in specialty acts on the ice, with and without skates. Miss Chandler's exhibition is, of. course, the highlight. Running time, 20 mins. "G." "The Little Ranger" (M-G-M) The "Gang" goes in for western! films in this latest detailing of their exploits. Alfalfa falls asleep in a theatre and dreams he is a western here who is mistreated by a villain. His girl also leaves him. About to be blown up, he is saved by another girl Then he wakes up. It's regulatior stuff which should have little difficulty pleasing the juveniles. Running time 11 mins. "G." "Silly Seals" ( Universal) There should be little difficulty ir pleasing the patrons with this cartoon It has clever animation and utilizes the chase idea. The latter is always exciting. The plot offers a school for seals where a variation of the "Schitzelbank" song is taught. One young seal would rather practice juggling however. He is given the dunce cap Later he comes to the rescue of th; other pupils and the teacher when a polar bear raids the igloo academy Running time, 7^ mins. "G." "Bravest of the Brave" (M-G-M) Was Marshal Ney, Napoleon's aide really executed when he was capturec after the 100 Days' War which attempted to restore Bonaparte to th< French throne? That is what this Historical Mystery attempts to learn It introduces evidence that one Petei Stuart Ney lived in North Carolina He was a school teacher who on hi; deathbed admitted that he was Mar shal Ney. It is puzzling and entertaining. Running time, 11 mins. "G' "Barnyard Romeo" ( Universal ) Barnyard poultry has a go at ro mance in this cartoon. The ensuing action is familiar stuff. A note o? variation, however, is injected to giv< it just the right appeal. It will satisfy generally. Running time, 7 mins "G." "His Busy Day" ( W arners) For those in the audience who lib the socalled swing music of today and there undoubtedly are manv. thiA, subject, featuring Clyde McCoy anc his Sugar Blues Orchestra, shouk prove entertaining musically. Sol others it will be just another shor subject featuring a modern band. Run ning time, 10 mins. "G."