Motion Picture Reviews (1941)

Four MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS nomic changes through which the world is passing stimulate production of pictures which show objectively and subjectively the trends of the present day. Schools have reference catalogues which list educational films, and an interesting monthly publication called Film News — “world wide news of documentary and educational motion pictures,” because of its timeliness, should be of great interest to teachers and to community leaders in social work. A recent number tells of Canadian government releases which “place a new emphasis on the relationship between Canada and Western nations;” of New Zealand releases on occupational subjects; of American nature films; sport films; agriculture films; health films; documentaries released by various government departments; and experimental subjects re-edited from Hollywood feature films which deal with human relations and are selected and distributed by a commission of experts. We mention only a few sources listed in Film News. For those interested in keeping up to date on available material, both 16mm and 35mm, the address is: Film News, (John McDonald, editor), published by American Film Center, Inc., 45 Rockefeller Plaza, New York City, New York. In the 16mm field there is also a new series on religious subjects which is another example of the trend in visual education. These films are produced by Rev. James K. Friedrick at Cathedral Films Studio, Hollywood. Mr. Friedrick produced the feature film “The Great Commandent" now released by 20th-Century Fox. Three 16mm — two reel subjects are now ready for release. They are “A Certain Nobleman,” “The Child of Bethlehem” and “The Prodigal Son.” They expound no doctrine and are simple, clear picturizations of Bible stories. With each goes a study guide for Sunday school discussion. The pictures are interesting, very well told for children, nicely photographed and ably acted. Care has been taken to give a faithful impression of the social background of the period. A number of churches are taking the service which in time should have a complete program. FEATURE FILMS THE ALDRICH FAMILY IN LIFE WITH HENRY O O Jackie Cooper, Leila Ernst, Eddie Bracken, Fred Niblo, Hedda Hopper, Kay Stewart, Moroni Olson, Rod Cameron. Story and screen play by Clifford Goldsmith and Don Hartman. Direction by Jay Theodore Reed. Paramount. Henry, a favorite radio character, comes to life in the person of Jackie Cooper. His propensity for getting into trouble is established when he tries to qualify for a trip to Alaska by earning a hundred dollars in a home-made soap project. His business seriously conflicts with a mushroom-canning scheme of his father, and for a while he is in disfavor with his parents as well as with a majority of the townsfolk. At times the comedy situations are overdrawn to the point of farce. Resembling the “Jones Family” chronicles more than those of the “Hardy” clan, here is another of the group pictures which please many audiences by treatment of everyday episodes. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good Yes ARKANSAS JUDGE O O Leon Weaver, Frank Weaver, June Weaver, Roy Rogers, Spring Byington, Pauline Moore, Frank M. Thomas, Veda Ann Borg, Eily Malyon, Loretta Weaver. Based on novel "False Witness" by Irving Stone. Adaptation by Ian Hunter, Ring Lardner, Jr., and Gertrude Purcell. Direction by Frank McDonald. Republic Pictures. Peaceful Valley is an ideal, friendly, kindly community until a vyidow’s mite is stolen and suspicion centers on the woman who has done everyone’s odd jobs. Happiness disappears; friends turn against each other. Finally the mob spirit runs rampant until the culprit confesses and peace again returns to the valley. The tale is told simply with kindly humor interspersed. There are several excellent bits of acting. Abner (Leon Weaver) is very good. Spring Byington gives a sympathetic characterization as the charwoman who is unjustly suspected of theft. Eily Malyon, as IVidow Smithers, is a vicious old woman. The film has a lesson of tolerance and trust and is an entertaining melodrama. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Yes No, because of one emotional scene