Motion Picture Reviews (1943)

Ten MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS oppressor of Czechoslovakia, form the subject of this film. It reveals the unconquerable spirit of a deeply patriotic, freedom loving people, latent in the “Underground” which was responsible for the death of the tyrant, and tells the betrayal of this group by a member who aided the Nazis in the terrible reprisals. The emphasis is placed on the theme, not on individuals, so that personal tragedies seem of less importance than the ideals for which they sacrifice themselves. The direction is masterly. The picture is dramatic, tense and inspiring, and it leaves one with the feeling that the resistance of the Czechs will go down in history as a major contribution to ultimate victory. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Excellent because of Probably too subject matter harrowing YOUNG AND WILLING O O William Holden, Eddie Bracken, Robert Benchley, Susan Hayward, Martha O'Driscoll, Barbara Britton, Mabel Paige, Florence MacMichael. Screen play by Virginia Van Upp from the play "Out of the Frying Pan" by Francis Swann. Directed and produced by Edward H. Griffith. Musical direction by Victor Young. United Artists. Although this picture has moments of hilarity, it is not clever enough to be successful as sophisticated comedy, and some of the lines are in questionable taste. An efficient if mainly youthful cast does its best with a slightly hackneyed story of six boys and girls who live in a Greenwich village apartment while attempting to find an opportunity to appear in stage productions. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Not recommended No ★ ★ ★ SHORT SUBJECTS ARMY CHAPLAIN O O "This Is America" Series. Two reels. (RKO Radio.) Outstanding because of its simplicity and sincerity, this short picture describes the training of chaplains of various denominations, Protestant, Catholic, Jewish, and their work among the wounded and dying, their supreme courage under fire. This is a splendid film for all. ❖ BRIEF INTERVAL O O (M-G-M "Miniature") This is a rather incredible but engrossing tale which should appeal to those who believe the supernatural is just around the corner. A young surgeon performs an intricate operation on his brother’s hand, presumably under the guidance of his father who has just died. It is well acted and well presented but requires adult evaluation. THE FILM THAT WAS LOST O O (M-G-M "Passing Parade" Series) This is an unusually interesting short, describing the film library of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, where innumerable rolls of celluloid containing records of great historical events and of famous personages are kept and rephotographed every twenty years (the lifetime of a piece of film). The examples shown are exceedingly interesting and well selected. Good for all ages. FIRST AID O O (M-G-M "Pete Smith" Specialty) As a review of the beginner’s classes for First Aid this shows some of the salient features of the course. A certain amount of comedy is added to explain mistakes in the treatment of injuries, while the procedure used in various accidents is clearly explained. Instructive and interesting for all. MARINES IN THE MAKING O «> M-G-M. A good educational film shows the exercises, drills and tactics taught the Marines to enable them to defend themselves against treacherous enemies. Well photographed against fine backgrounds of skyscrapers and natural scenery. For all ages. PEOPLE OF RUSSIA O -0 (M-G-M "Miniature) Contrasting the days of 1932 with those of the past year, this film shows the progress made under Communism. While it contains a leaven of propaganda, it is not edited for American consumption, as are most pictures on the subject, and some of the sequences will seem bizarre and even humorous to Americans which would evoke applause in Russia. In a way that very fact makes it seem more authentic and interesting. All ages. MR. SMUG O O (Columbia Pictures) Two reels. This is a clever and effective short about an oily Mr. Smug in the employment of Hitler who goes around trying to persuade average Americans that it really isn’t worth the trouble to collect salvage, save fats and buy bonds. While it is done in fairy-tale vein, it will strike home in many instances. Good for everyone. WOMEN AT ARMS O O RKO. This shows interesting and inspiring glimpses of the services women are contributing to the war effort in various Allied countries, with suggestions of new activities for those who are not active. Young children would not be interested, but it is good for older groups.