Motion Picture Herald (Oct-Dec 1932)

December 17, 1932 MOTION PICTURE HERALD 49 MAN ABOUT TOWN: Warner Baxter— Very good and pleased generally good patronage. Played Nov. 9-10.— C. W. Mills, Arcade Theatre, Sodus, N. Y. Mixed patronage. MYSTERY RANCH: George O'Brien— A real western. Fact is, it is one of the best made last year. Book it and step on it because it will please the action fans. Six reels. Played Nov. 12. — Mayme P. Musselraan, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kan. Small town patronage. REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM: Marian Nixon, Ralph Bellamy — A sweet picture that will please anyone and did above average business. Played Oct. 9-10.— Tom Edwards, Ozark Theatre, Eldon, Mo. All kinds patronage. SIX HOURS TO LIVE: Warner Baxter and Miriam Jordan — Wonderful cast and ably directed, but the theme did not hit our patrons as very pleasant. Left a bad taste in their mouths because of the possibility of the story. One of those kind which send you home to dream about and wish you hadn't seen. Played Nov. 20-21.— Horn and Morgan, Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small town patronage. SIX HOURS TO LIVE: Warner Baxter and John Boles— Another good one Fox has on their new group. Good acting and an interesting story and plot that will please the majority. You can play it up and you won't have to hide as the people pass out. Played Oct. 23-24.— G. W. Turner, Family Theatre, Pine City, Minn. Small town patronage. TESS OF THE STORM COUNTRY: Janet Gaynor, Charles Farrell — Fairly good production, but another re-make and few re-makes click at the old b.o. Some nice direction, especially the sequence on the opening with the monk almost stealing the picture. Gaynor appears to be showing age. Some close-ups not so ho.t Not near as good at box office as formerly.— Joe Hewitt, Lincoln Theatre, Robinson, 111. WILD GIRL: Joan Bennett and Charles Farrell— A picture that will please the entire audience. The finest picture in every way that we have put on the screen in some time. Don't go by the title, it is misleading. The acting and photography and get-up of the entire picture is great. Step on it. If Fox delivers this kind of picture the rest of the season they will lead the pack. Played Oct. 9-10. Running time, 74 minutes. — G. W. Turner, Family Theatre, Pine City, Minn. Small town patronage. WILD GIRL: Charles Farrell and Joan BennettHere is a picture that is as delightful as the proverbial ocean breeze. The entire cast is fine, the story great and the scenery excellent. Don't forget to say this is Bret Harte's famous story, "Salomy Jane's Kiss." We used this in connection with a pie contest and turkey giveaway that filled our little old 600 seats. Excellent comments from the patrons. — Gerald Stettmund, Odeon Theatre, Chandler, Okla. Small town patronage. WILD GIRL: Joan Bennett, Charles Farrell, Ralph Bellamy — It's been a long time since I played a picture with Charles Farrell. The picture is only fair and nothing to get excited about. Some beautiful shots around the big redwoods of California. — S. H. Rich, Rich Theatre, Montpelier, Idaho. WILD GIRL: Joan Bennett and Charles Farrell— Pleased the western fans, but those who came to see Farrell growled. They expected him to sing. Good for Friday or Saturday. Farrell's talk not clear enough. Freedom from sex brought favorable comment from the ladies. Played Dec. 2-3. Running time, 77 minutes. — G. Carey, Strand Theatre, Paris, Ark. Family patronage. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer BLONDIE OF THE FOLLIES: Marion Davies, Robert Montgomery, Jimmy Durante — I played this on Friday-Saturday and my patrons liked it. I know a lot of exhibitors would say I was foolish to play Marion Davies on Saturday, but this was my best Saturday in months. Played Sept. 9-10. — Tom Edwards, Ozark Theatre, Eldon, Mo. Adults and children. DIVORCE IN THE FAMILY: Jackie Cooper, Irene Rich and Lewis Stone — This one will please big, little, old and young. It's just one of those that happen along occasionally that everyone enjoys. Our second night gross practically same as the first night. One would imagine it was a divorce picture, but all the action takes place a year or so after the divorce. You can get behind this one and hang around the lobby when the show is over, or in other words you do not have to hide out when your patrons are leaving the theatre. Played Oct. 4-5— Gerald Stettmund, Odeon Theatre, Chandler, Okla. Small town patronage. DIVORCE IN THE FAMILY: Jackie CooperJuvenile star featured in adult title. A combination tending to lessen both juvenile and adult attendance. Good picture well produced. — Charles Born, Elks Theatre, Prescott, Ariz. General patronage. DOWNSTAIRS: John Gilbert— Enjoyed by about 50 per cent. Good sound and photography. — W. H. Cuzner, Strand Theatre, Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia. Small town patronage. DOWNSTAIRS: John Gilbert— Not much drawing power and no box office, but the picture got all the business that it deserved. Seven reels. Played Nov. 3.4. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kan. Small town patronage. DOWNSTAIRS: John Gilbert— No good reason for making, releasing or showing this one. Just so much ENTERTAINMENT VALUE FIRST Entertainment value is the real criterion, says Charles Born, Elks Theatre, Prescott, Arizona, and this is the why of it, he says: " 'What the Picture Did for Me' is but a part of the story. A good picture with poor title and unknown or little known cast will usually do less than a catchy title with prominent stars in a poor picture. Entertainment values should count most." wasted film and time. Poor entertainment. Poor at box office. Played Nov. 27-28. Running time, 72 minutes. — N. E. Frank, Wayland Theatre, Wayland, Mich. Small town patronage. FAITHLESS: Robert Montgomery, Tallulah Bankhead — Said to be Robert Montgomery's best picture, but far from it. Story and plot unwholesome. Why not give these folks some open air and healthy breathing? Played November 22. Running time, 74 minutes. — N. Ray Carmichael, Coliseum Theatre, Lamoni, Iowa. Small town and college patronage. GRAND HOTEL: Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford and Lionel and John Barry more — This picture did a little more than a program picture, but is not liked by the movie-going small town.— J. B. Weddle, Walnut Theatre, Lawrenceburg, Ind. Small town patronage. GRAND HOTEL: John and Lionel Barrymore and Greta Garbo — Elaborately produced and well acted.' Drawing power almost exclusively from high-brow patrons who appreciated the offering. A good drawing card. Running time, 112 minutes. — Charles Born, Elks Theatre, Prescott, Ariz. General patronage. GRAND HOTEL: Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, Joan Crawford, Lionel Barrymore, Wallace Beery — Wonderful picture and I can't understand why it fails at box office. Played Nov. 27. Running time, 120 minutes.— Walt Bradley. Moon Theatre, Neligh, Nebr. Very high class patronage. GRAND HOTEL: Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, Joan Crawford, Lionel Barrymore, Wallace Beery — The biggest disappointment I have ever played. My people didn't like it and I had several walkouts. Metro made me play it 3 days and it was the smallest Tuesday I have ever had. Personally I enjoyed the picture, but at the box office I call it a big flop. Played Nov. 13-14-15. — Tom Edwards, Ozark Theatre, Eldon, Mo. Small town patronage. KONGO: Walter Huston and Lupe Velez— The old Lon Chaney "West of Zanzibar" done over with an excellent cast and good acting, but it does not please the patrons. You know a picture has to be terrible these days to cause walk-outs. Don't worry, you will have them on this one. Played Nov. 17-18. — Gerald Stettmund, Odeon Theatre, Chandler, Okla. Small town patronage. THE MASK OF FU MANCHU: Boris Karloff, Myrna Loy, Karen Morley — An attempt at a new style of mystery thriller. Not as good as some that were released a few months ago. In these days of worry, people want light entertainment, comedy drama; everyone has enough trouble, why sit through a depressing picture. Let's have something that finishes up with adventure and optimism. The possibility of attaining success. People will leave our theatres then with their heads up, smiling and we may expect them to return. — -N. Ray Carmichael, Coliseum Theatre, Lamoni, Iowa. Small town and college patronage. PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES: Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy — Laurel and Hardy's best feature comedy, certainly drew the kids in and pleased most of the adults. Played November 25-26. Running time, 64 minutes. — N. Ray Carmichael, Coliseum Theatre, Lamoni, Iowa. Small town and college patronage. PAYMENT DEFERRED: Charles Laughton, Maureen O'Sullivan — Why Metro ever released this is beyond me. The most disgusting picture in ages. If I had it to do over again I would have paid and not played. However it only goes to show that no matter how good some of them can make 'em they can also make a juicy crow. — Joe Hewitt, Lincoln Theatre, Robinson, 111. RED DUST: Clark Gable and Jean Harlow— Great show. Gable back in parts that he can do and Harlow sells herself to the public as never before. Great Sunday show. — Walt Bradley, Noon Theatre, Neligh, Neb. General patronage. RED DUST: Jean Harlow, Clark Gable— One mighty fine picture. Pleased them all. Paul Bern's death might have hurt the draw of Harlow on this, but there should be no doubt about her future after they see her in this. — Joe Hewitt, Lincoln Theatre, Robinson, 111. Mixed patronage. RED DUST: Jean Harlow, Clark Gable— A sweetheart at the box office, and my audience ate it up. A little hot, but my people liked it, and are still talking about it. And this team means money. Played Nov. 20-21.— Tom Edwards, Ozark Theatre, Eldon, Mo. Adult patronage. RED HEADED WOMAN: Jean Harlow— Good adult picture. Drew fair at box office. Played Nov. 13-14. Running time, 75 minutes. — N. E. Frank, Wayland Theatre, Wayland, Mich. Small town patronage. RED HEADED WOMAN: Jean Harlow— No draw in this town. Very poor business. Played Dec. 1-2-3. Running time, 83 minutes. — U. F. Loibf, Chimes Theatre, Cedarburg, Wis. Small town patronage. RED HEADED WOMAN: Jean Harlow— Drew average adult patronage. No kids picture. No more risque than many others. No smutty lines. The little comedy in it probably saved it here. But think there are too many of this kind. Played Dec. 5-6. Running time, 74 minutes. — G. Carey, Strand Theatre, Paris, Ark. Famliy patronage. SKYSCRAPER SOULS: Warren William and Maureen O'Sullivan— Fair picture, but no drawing power in small towns. Business exceptionally poor on this one. Played Nov. 20-21. Running time, 80 minutes. — N. . Frank, Wayland Theatre, Wayland, Mich. Small town patronage. SKYSCRAPER SOULS: Warren William— Good program picture to fair business. Played Nov. 11-12-13. Running time, 68 minutes. — U. F. Loibl, Chimes Theatre, Cedarburg, Wis. Small town patronage. SKYSCRAPER SOULS: Warren William— Just another picture. Ran this on Sunday and business dropped off 50 per cent. One of MGM's designated specials which proved to be a poor program. — J. B. Widdle, Walnut Theatre, Lawrenceburg, Ind. Small town patronage. SMILIN' THRU: Norma Shearer and Fredric March — We have received more favorable comments on this one than any we have had for months. Pleased practically 100 per cent and the women rave about it. This one will make the old box office smile. Played Nov. 13-14.— Gerald Stettmund, Odeon Theatre. Chandler, Okla. Small town patronage. SMILIN' THRU: Norma Shearer, Fredric March, Leslie Howard — One of the best. Miss Shearer could not have been greater. Played Nov. 27. Running time, 87 minutes. — Walt Bradley, Moon Theatre, Neligh, Nebr. General patronage. SMILIN' THRU: Norma Shearer, Fredric March, Leslie Howard — The cleanest picture I have ever played and it certainly did please. All three stars are perfect and it's the kind of a show you are proud to run. Get behind this picture with a big campaign and just run a slide on "Grand Hotel." Played Nov. 27-28.— Tom Edwards, Ozark Theatre, Eldon, Mo. Adult patronage. SPEAK EASILY: Buster Keaton and Jimmy Durante— First rate entertainment. Better drawing card than most of the specials here. — Charles Born, Elks Theatre, Prescott, Ariz. General patronage. SPEAK EASILY: Buster Keaton, Jimmy Durante— A scream. I got behind this one in a big way and broke my Saturday record. These 2 boys make a real team. Played Sept. 16-17. — Tom Edwards, Ozark Theatre, Eldon, Mo. All kinds patronage. WASHINGTON MASQUERADE: Lionel Barrymore— Good picture, but no business. Played Nov. 8-9-10. Running time, 91 minutes— U. F. Loibl, Chimes Theatre, Cedarburg, Wis. Small town patronage. Paramount BIG BROADCAST: Stuart Erwin, Leila Hyams, and Radio stars — One of the nicest and most satisfactory pictures of the year. One radio-advertised picture that brought the crowds. Paramount deserves great credit for this one. — Joe Hewitt, Lincoln Theatre, Robinson, 111. Mixed patronage. BLONDE VENUS: Marlene Dietrich, Herbert Marshall, Cary Grant, Dickie Moore — -Better than "Shanghai Express." Here is a picture that has everything to appeal to an average audience. The work of Marlene Dietrich is surely wonderful. Dickie Moore great. Good at the b.o. Photography and sound great.— S. H. Rich, Rich Theatre, Montpelier, Idaho. DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE: Fredric MarchWonderful photography, perfect reproduction and a great box office attraction. — W. H. Cuzner, Strand Theatre, Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia. Small town patronage. GUILTY AS HELL: Edmund Lowe and Victor McLaglen — Highly entertaining murder mystery uniquely presented with plenty of comedy and suspense. Played Oct. 27.— Charles Born, Elks Theatre, Prescott, Ariz. General patronage. GUILTY AS HELL: Edmund Lowe, Victor McLaglen — Here is a sweet little picture that pleased everyone and did above average business. I think it is suitable for any night in the week. Has comedy and suspense and a different story style. Played Sept. 4-5.— Tom Edwards, Ozark Theatre, Eldon, Mo. Children and adults. HERITAGE OF THE DESERT: Randolph Scott, Susan Fleming — Nothing in our town will draw or please better than a Zane Grey picture. This is just a cracker-jack Western and will please everyone where Westerns are in vogue. This picture drew and pleased better than Lloyd and Chevalier combined. Sound