Motion Picture Herald (Jan-Feb 1935)

86 MOTION PICTURE HERALD January 19, 1935 localities, but I'll admit I can't imagine where. Will not please small town audiences, and would advise you to exchanj?e it for something else if you can do so. — E. F. Ingram, Ashland Theatre, Ashland, Ala. Small town patronage. GAY DIVORCEE, THE: Fred Astaire, Ginger Robers — Very good picture which should do business in anyone's theatre regardless of date or location. We did not do as much as we expected, however. Played it extended time, which was probably the reason. Played Dec. 2-3-4.— Walter Beymer, Lido Theatre, Providence, Ky. Small town patronage. GAY DIVORCEE, THE: Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire— Plenty of credit should be given to the producers for the very excellence of this picture. First of all it is pleasing from start to finish, and should do wonderful business wherever shown. It comes under the category of the best picture ever made. — W. H. Brenner, Cozy Theatre, Winchester, Ind. General patronage. GAY DIVORCEE, THE: Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Alice Brady, Edward Everett Horton, Betty Grable — Did good business on this one. Not as much as I expected but I had a profit left and that's something. A very good musical with some clever ensembles, both singing and dancing. Run it and advertise it. It'll do business.— Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kan. Small town patronage. GRIDIRON FLASH: Eddie Quillan, Betty Furness — Nice little program picture that pleased and drew a nice business. Running time, 63 minutes. Played Oct. 24-25.— Charles S. Edwards, Queen Theatre, Pilot Point, Texas. General patronage. GRIDIRON FLASH: Eddie Quillan, Betty Furness — Well, Eddie Quillan. you have caused me to report on a picture for the first time in over three years, but I liked this picture so much I am glad to say a good word for it. Our patrons were certainly pleased. Personally I consider Eddie one of the screen's best and would certainly like to see him get some big roles. His brand of comedy is outstanding. Good luck to you, Eddie. Played Dec. 31, 1934.— E. F. Ingram, Ashland Theatre, Ashland, Ala. Small town patronage, GRIDIRON FLASH: Eddie Quillan, Betty Furness — Fair football story that will get by on Family Night or double bill. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kan. Small town patronage. HIS GREATEST GAMBLE: Richard Dix, Dorothy Wilson — A strong emotional drama without much comedy relief. Did a slim Saturday business. — Roy W. Adams, Mason Theatre, Mason. Mich. Small town patronage. HIS GREATEST GAMBLE: Richard Dix, Dorothy Wilson — A very fine, entertaining picture. Richard Dix always makes good in any picture. This story very interesting and a good cast and clean. Satisfied all we got to see it. — Bert Silver, Silver Family Theatre, Greenville. Mich. Town and country patronage. KENTUCKY KERNELS: Bert Wheeler, Robert Woolsey, Mary Carlisle, "Spanky" McFarland, Noah Beery — My patrons enjoyed this comedy and it drew fair business on a weekend date. There is a lot of fun mixed in the unreeling of this feature, and will make a dandy show for your family night. Played Dec. 14-15. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kan. Small town patronage. KENTUCKY KERNELS: Wheeler and Woolsey— The cleanest kind of fun and what I mean is fun. Our crowd just enjoyed every minute of it and plenty of them said the best one yet from this team. Running time, 75 minutes. Played Dec. 30-31. — C. Rork, Majestic Theatre, Lexington, Neb. Family patronage. KENTUCKY KERNELS: Bert Wheeler, Robert Woolsey, Mary Carlisle, "Spanky" McFarland, Noah Beery — The best picture these stars have made for past year. Clean, and Spanky was the making of the picture. Did not do the business the picture deserved to do, as the pictures of this team in the past year have not given satisfaction and they have lost their drawing power. But this one satisfied all. Played Jan. 1-2. — Bert Silver, Silver Family Theatre, Greenville, Mich. Town and country patronage. RICHEST GIRL IN THE WORLD, THE: Miriam Hopkins, Joel McCrea — I warn you you will not have to dust oflf the S.R.O. sign with this one. However it is a most excellent picture, just one of those real well done things that fails to do any business. Box office just average four days. The first real assignment Joel McCrea ever had and he eats it up. 'TTiat boy walks through this one in a wonderful way. — W. H. Brenner, Cozy Theatre, Winchester, Ind. General patronage. RICHEST GIRL IN THE WORLD, THE: Miriam Hopkins — A very clever picture, good cast and seemed to please. Did a fair Saturday's business on it. Played Jan. 4-5.— Horn & Morgan. Inc., Star Theatre, Hay Springs, Neb. Small to-wn patronage. RICHEST GIRL IN THE WORLD, THE: Miriam Hopkins, Joel McCrea. Fay Wray, Reginald Denny — We can't get them to like Miriam Hopkins, but they do hke McCrea and Fay Wray, and they liked the picture. It was well done and we had no kick to offer. Took a profit, and business built up the second night. Played Oct. 19-20.— Charles S. Edwards, Queen Theatre, Pilot Point, Texas. General patronage. SILVER STREAK, THE: Sally Blanc, Charles Starrett, William Farnum — Not a big special, but an interesting picture that held the interest of our patrons, especially the finish. Hokum? Yes! But how they fell for it. My patrons had never seen the new Streamlined Train and that was a treat, besides they were taken for a ride on it. Play it and it will do plenty of business on your family nights. Played Dec. 31. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kan. Small town patronage. SUCCESS AT ANY PRICE: Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Colleen Moore, Genevieve Tobin — No comments either way on this; not much business. — Roy W. Adams, Mason Theatre, Mason, Mich. Small town patronage. THEIR BIG MOMENT: Slim Summerville, Zasu Pitts — Very fair show. Different from their former productions. Our business was hit by low temperatures and snow. Played Dec. 8. — C. W. Mills, Arcade Theatre, Sodus, N. Y. Family patronage. WEDNESDAY'S CHILD: Karen Morley, Edward Arnold, Shirley Grey — Was agreeably surprised at this one; it was a nice program picture. We couldn't get them in, but it was a good picture and if we could have sold them on the unknowns in the picture they would have liked it. Those that came liked it. Running time, 70 minutes. — Charles S. Edwards, Queen Theatre, Pilot Point, Texas. General patronage. WEST OF THE PECOS: Richard Dix, Martha Sleeper — A good picture from a Zane Grey story, and a relief to see one without Randolph Scott, who is used by Paramount in all their Zane Grey westerns. They told us they liked this one, which is unusual for a Zane Grey western in this town. Played Dec. 28-29.— E. F. Ingram, Ashland Theatre, Ashland, Ala. Small town patronage. WHERE SINNERS MEET: Diana Wynyard, Chve Brook, Billie Burke — I thought this was a clever comedy, but no one seemed to agree with me. The dialogue is quite too frightfully British for my people. It did a slim Sunday, and the poorest Monday I have ever had. — Roy W. Adams, Mason Theatre, Mason, Mich. Small town patronage. WOMAN IN THE DARK: Fay Wray, Ralph Bellamy— Nice little program picture, but I think I made a mistake in telling them it was by the author of the "Thin Man," for it is about as close kin as a blood and thunder western, from entertainment values. However, as a program picture, it is acceptable. Played Nov. 20. — Charles S. Edwards, Queen Theatre, Pilot Point, Texas. General patronage. United Artists BULLDOG DRUMMOND STRIKES BACK: Ronald Colnian. Loretta Young — Another wonderful show that will not gross film rental in the small towns. Good story, fine acting and great entertainment if you can get them in to see it. — E. F. Ingram, Ashland 'Theatre. Ashland. Ala. Small town patronage. COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO, THE: Robert Donat. Elissa Landi — Get out all your adjectives, add some new ones and step on this for all you're worth, for here is as superlative a production as has come out of Hollywood in many a moon. But how it flopped for us — too high class for the general run of our patrons. Those who came told us it was the finest picture they had ever seen, but very few came. Running time, 115 minutes. Played Dec. 16-18. — M. R. Harrington, Avalon Theatre, Clatskanie, Ore. Small town patronage. Universal EMBARRASSING MOMENTS: Chester Morris. Marian Ni.xon — This program picture is so silly and fantastic that it actually amuses. Our patronage enjoyed it on a double feature program, where it rightfully belonged, as it is too light to single. — J. W. Noah, New Liberty and Ideal Theatres, Ft. Worth, Texas. General patronage. GIFT OF GAB: Edmund Lowe, Gloria WhiteAudience decidedly divided as to merits of this allstar cast. Some thought it was absolutely worthless; others held a contrary opinion. Business poor. Played Jan. 1.— C. W. Mills, Arcade Theatre, Sodus, N. Y. Family patronage. GREAT EXPECTATIONS: Henry Hull. Phillips Holmes — Universal can take a bow for this one. Those who appreciate Dickens will find this to their liking. But it proved to be just what our patrons do not care for and while we did not have great expectations for the business that might be done, the results were very, very poor indeed. But I still insist, it is a great picture. Running time, 105 minutes. Played Dec. 19-20.— M. R. Harrington, Avalon Theatre, Clatskanie, Ore. Small town patronage. GREAT EXPECTATIONS: Henry Hull, Phillips Holmes — Went after the class of trade we felt this truly great drama would appeal to and we were rewarded with exceptionally good results, having just a whole lot of folks out who very, very seldom come. We clocked our crowds so we know the type of patron that came and we likewise received lots and lots of very complimentary comments on this type of drama. We call it a successful engagement in all ways, ex traordinary acting, good suspense, well told story, good sound, fine photography, just a damn good picture for the exhibitor who knows how to use it and put it over to those who will thank him for showing it; so take it and build up your business. You can do it. Running time, 100 minutes. Played Jan. 1-2. — C. Rorwk, Majestic Theatre, Lexington, Neb. Family patronage. I'LL TELL THE WORLD: Lee Tracy, Gloria Stuart— Is bringing in the matinee crowd. Good story and a most entertaining picture. Gets lots of laughs, too. Flayed Jan. 2. — Garnett Stancil, Opera House, Ft. Payne, Ala. Small town patronage. MILLION DOLLAR RANSOM: Phillips Holmes, Mary Carlisle, Edward Arnold — This got by acceptably on Saturday. — Roy W. Adams, Mason Theatre, Mason, Mich. Small town patronage. ONE EXCITING ADVENTURE: Binnie Barnes, Neil Hamilton — I call this swell entertainment, but everyone had gone to Lansing to see the Kerns Hotel fire, so it didn't do any business. Binnie Barnes is a beautiful woman and a swell actress, and has a remarkably fine singing voice. — Roy W. Adams, Mason Theatre, Mason, Mich. Small town patronage. ONE EXCITING ADVENTURE: Binnie Barnes, Neil Hamilton — A good program picture that should please. Underworld theme of a clever lady jewel thief. It's dressed up and Binnie looks like a million. Playd Dec. 18-19.— J. Glenn Caldwell, Princess Theatre, Aurora, Mo. Small town patronage. ONE EXCITING ADVENTURE: Binnie Barnes, Neil Hamilton — Good story and will hold their interest. It is just a matter of being able to sell a new star to the patrons, which is hard to do in a small town. Played Dec. 26. — Garnett Stancil, Opera House, Ft. Wayne, Ala. Small town patronage. ROCKY RHODES: Buck Jones— A little better than average western that pleased. However, it played second fiddle to a stage attraction, so cannot report as to its .drawing power. Running time, 60 minutes. Played Dec. 23.— M. R. Harrington, Avalon Theatre, Clatskanie, Ore. Small town patronage. ROMANCE IN THE RAIN: Heather Angel, Roger Pryor, June Knight, Victor Moore — A nice little picture, with a very charming little leading lady. The picture was sold as a special, but it doesn't measure up to that. — Roy W. Adams, Mason Theatre, Mason, Mich. Small town patronage. STRANGE WIVES: June Clay worth, Roger Pryor — This is a very pleasing comedy drama; it didn't break any records, as my people don't go so strong for Pryor. June Clayworth is a swell little trouper and very easy on the optic nerve. — Roy W. Adams, Mason Theatre, Mason, Mich. Small town patronage. STRANGE WIVES: Royer Pryor, June Clayworth — A rather amusing picture of a sworn bachelor who marries his wife and her 40 relatives. A weak picture for Pryor, who has been seen in some good roles lately. Running time, 73 minutes. Played Jan. 2-3. — Martin S. Lane, Logan Theatre, Noblesville, Ind. Small town and rural patronage. WAKE UP AND DREAM: Russ Columbo, June Knight, Roger Pryor — Seemed to please a fair sized audience just previous to Christmas. Played Dec. 22. — C. W. Mills, Arcade Theatre, Sodus, N. Y. Family patronage. Warners BIG-HEARTED HERBERT: Guy Kibbee, Aline MacMahon, Patricia Ellis, Phillip Reed — A surprise picture if ever there was one. Laughs galore. And how they ate it up. Drew well.— Jack Greene, Geneseo Theatre, Geneseo, 111. Small town patronage. BIG-HEARTED HERBERT: Guy Kibbee, Aline MacMahon, Patricia Ellis, Phillip Reed — Here is one of the best comedy dramas that you will get a chance to show in a long, long time. Don't be afraid to boost this picture. Promise them anything to get them in and then take the bows. Every patron will be a walking advertisement and your business will pick up on the next run. — Mayme P. Musselman, Princess Theatre, Lincoln, Kan. Small town patronage. BIG-HEARTED HERBERT: Guy Kibbee, Aline MacMahon, Patricia Ellis, Phillip Reed— One of the best comedy pictures we have ever played. Gave splendid satisfaction. Played Dec. 23-24.— Bert Silver, Silver Family Theatre, Greenville, Mich. Town and country patronage. DESIRABLE: Jean Muir, George Brent, Verree Teasdale, Cliarles Starrett— A delightful pirture in every sense. Holiday patrons liked this one and didn't fail to tell us so. Jean Muir is very lovely. Flayed with Merrie Melody and one of the Melody Master series, which made up a perfect holiday program. Played Dec. 27.— E. F. Ingram, Ashland Theatre, Ashland, Ala. Small town patronage. FRIENDS OF MR. SWEENEY: Charles Ruggles, Ann Dvorak — A rowdy farce comedy that pleased a very small crowd on the very tough midweek spot before Christmas.— Roy W. Adams, Mason Theatre, Mason, Mich. Small town patronage. FROM HEADQUARTERS: George Brent, Margaret Lindsay — This is a formula mystery which is entertaining but will not send your patrons out talking.