Motion Picture News (Oct-Dec 1929)

1260 Motion Picture N c w s Opinions On Picture "The Kid Conies Through" (Universal-Pioneer — Two Reels) BACK in those bygone days of the silent picture this one would have been classed as an "average run-'o-mine" Western subject and that classification still goes to those houses that haven't any sound equipment and run these kind of pictures. Contrast between this and the sound picture will be particularly noticeable to those who have passed up silent films over a considerable period. There was something emphatically lacking ; players scurrying around at an unfamiliar pace, a rather ludicrous motion of lips with no sound coining forth and a wondering of what it was all about when the finish arrived. Anyway, it's the old familiar Western type action story of a crocked express agent engineering a series of stage coach robberies and attempting to fasten guilt upon the innocent driver. Little hero Bobbie Nelson, wise-child actor, breaks up the scheme and saves hero Jim Ridgway, driver. — E. G. Johnston. "Jingle Bells" (Biophone Screen Song — One Reel) iXE of the best novelties being utilized by o the screen today is the song cartoon, of which this is a fine example. This type of offering requires an agile brain in production as it is a combination of song slides, cartoon embellishment both still and animated, harmonizing. synchronized orchestral score and sound effects. The Biophone unit employ a method whereby all the sound work is done before the cartoon work is begun. Which means that painstaking care has to be taken to turn out a really creditable job. This "Jingle Bells" is very good. The refrain is decorated with animated snatches, such as a dog dancing and plebean marking time, then with the introduction of the bouncing ball which marks the tempo, the song gets under way. Movie crowds like to join in on the choruses. This "Jingle Bells" is an incentive, doing that trick capably. — Raymond Ganly. Charles Grapewin, former stage star and playwright, has been signed by Christie Film Co. to occupy post of adaptor and dialoguer of Christie short features being produced for Paramount release. Grapewin takes over the duties formerly held by Alfred A. Cohn, who resigned to join Warner Brothers and First National production staffs. Sally Starr, in a quiet corner of the set, goes over her lines for "College Life" Metro's new all-talking production of campus whoopee which Sam Wood directed with a cast that also included Eddie Nugent Sound And The Short Subject Producer SOUND is apparently a made-toorder situation for certain short subject producers. For instance, take Educational's offerings at last week's trade showing in the RCA studios. Three pictures were shown that deserve a prominent position on the bill of any de luxe theatre. They are: "The Golfers" (Sennett) "Fire Proof" (Lupino Lane) and "Peaceful Alley" (Lloyd Hamilton). Not only do these comedies strike a new and higher grade note in short subject production, but what dialogue has accomplished for certain players is also particularly noticeable. Lloyd Hamilton and Lupino Lane, always featured as silent players, take to the new process film as fish take to water, and are more attractive film personalities than ever before. — E. G. J. "Fire Proof" (Educational-Lane Talkie) A WHALE of talking comedy that will absolutely click with any audience, that's what this Lupino Lane two reeler is and in the opinion of this writer Lane, like a number of other silent picture comedians, shines brighter than ever with the new process pictures. The story not only gives this agile acrobat opportunity to do his stuff but the talkies seem to have transformed him into another and more versatile being. In addition to Lane, his brother Wallace Lupino, Betty Caldwell, Lorraine Rivero and other members of the cast all give an excellent account of themselves. Charles LaMont directed. The story is written around a volunteer fire department of which Lane and Wallace Lupine are members. Lane, of course plays the clown and rivalry for department honors is intense. Eventually Lane is "fired" from the crew and organizes an independent outfit with antique equipment. The little sister of the heroine tries to help him along with a fake fire alarm. Both companies respond in a mad race to the residence. After the fake is exposed a real fire breaks out and Lane emerges the hero. — E. G. Johnston. "Fancy That" (Pathe Talkie — Two Reels) THE first of Pathe's "Folly" comedies on the 1929-39 program. It is a plebean unrefined affair in spots and, on the whole, it does not impress you as containing any class, originality or capabilities in its direction and acting. The theme song is "Dearest One." It is a story that one hobo tells another in the park as to what he would do if he had one million dollars. He begins to relate the bip party he would throw and a fadein brings in a l< tig account of the doings at the hobo's mythical mansion, of how he meets the society queen and dazzles her with his hoboisms. It's crude and the hero eventually loses his pants before the ibled guests. Of course, \rulgarism is ril today in the movies and is often successful (witness Flagg an(l Quirt's movie escapades), but this has little to commend it. It'll get by in most but not in first run houses; it is decidedly oul of their pale. Produced and authored by Frank Davis. William Frawley and Earle Dewey are co-starred. Directed by Phillip Tannura. — Raymond Ganly. "Peaceful Alley" (Educational-Hamilton Talkie) LLOYD HAMILTON'S work in talking comedies is another instance of what the talkies can mean to some silent picture comedians. Here is a Hamilton which the public would have never had a chance to appreciate had it not been for the advent of sound. And what a corking little kid actor Hamilton has for support. Douglas Scoh is the kid's name and he either received a wonderful piece of directing from Alf Goulding or just naturally does his stuff in a big way. This is good stuff — don't miss it. The Kid plays the part of a wise little street youngster, wise in all tricks to pick up any existence either by fakery or downright thieving. He is particularly adept at crying alongside a street grating, telling his sympathizers that he has lost a nickel. Hamilton comes along and befriends him after the kid tells him he hasn't any parents. A long series of difficulties ensue for his benefactor — right up to the time it is discovered the kid has escaped from a home for incorrigible children. — E. G. Johnston. "Pathe Audio Review No. 22" (Pathe Photophone — One Reel) FOUR varied offerings are tied neatly together in this sound Review which can be commended as suitable for the exhibitor's program. First subject is "Winter," scenes of Yellowstone Park in the bleak period of the year. This subject makes a fair appeal. Second subject is "Hay! Hay!", a presentation of Eddie Worth and His County Fair Orchestra by Don Dickerman ; this contains singing and band harmonies. Also fairly good. Third subject (and the best of the lot) is "Pelican," sh< wing this strange bird in the wild on the Texan coast. Some of the shots procured by C. O. Lee are very fine. Educational stuff that is not tiring but of genuine interest to the fans. Last number is "Banzai," in which two Japanese indulge in a furious fencing match in the ancient costume of Japan. Contains a kick. — Raymond Ganly. Adrienne Dore, Phyllis Crane. James Clemmons, Wheeler Oak man and Norman Selby have been signed by Warners for parts in "Night Club Baby," musical Vitaphone Variety, directed by Larry Ceballos, starring Ann Pennington. Taylor Holmes, now appearing locally nn tlu stage in "The Sap," has been signed by the Christies, to play lead in "He Did I lis Best" short talker. Paul u hiteman registering "love* The rotund jazz maestro nit! be directed by Paul Fejos in "The King of Jazz," planned as a revue special by Universal