Motion Picture Reviews (1943)

MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS Nine force is only theoretical and defeat only temporary, that in the end, free men will win. The setting is identified in the film as Norway. Into the quiet, peaceful village of Selvik comes the Nazi horde, shooting down the pitifully inadequate group of soldiers, to claim the iron ore located there. The stunned, confused and terrified citizens gradually rally from the shock and then quietly ignore, annoy, and sabotage the invaders, proving that they cannot be intimidated but will keep their independence of thought and action. The Nazi garrison in turn become morally vulnerable to the contempt and hatred about them and admit that they are caught in a maze of “sticky flypaper.” The acting is remarkably fine. Henry Travers gives an exceptionally realistic performance as the humble and heroic Mayor who answers all the demands of the Commander by saying that he holds his office only by the will of the people and no order from him will sway them from acting according to their convictions. Sir Cedric Hardwick gives a finely etched characterization of the Nazi Commander. Whether or not you concede the premise that modern conquerors can feel normal reactions from hatred and contempt, the film is rewarding and inspiring. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 2 Over 1 5 Too tragic ❖ MY FRIEND FLICKA O O Roddy McDowall, Preston Foster, Rita Johnson, James Bell, Diana Hale, Jeff Corey, Arthur Loft. Screen play by Lillie Hayward adapted by Francis Edward Faragoh from the novel by Mary O'Hara. Photographed in Technicolor by Dewey Wrigley, A.S.C. Music by Alfred Newman. Direction by Harold Schuster. Produced by Ralph Dietrich. 20th Century-Fox. Those who have read the book from which this picture is adapted will find real satisfaction in its sensitive translation to the screen. Technicolor has caught the exquisite beauty of the Western locale and the wild, exhilarating freedom of the horses is filmed with thrilling verity. The story is a charming one about a lovable, gentle, adolescent boy who, through his devotion to a beautiful and spirited filly, is taught to be resourceful and dependable. Roddy McDowall embues the boy with many little human characteristics typical of the boy’s age and emotional immaturity, and Preston Foster and Rita Johnson recreate the diverging temperaments of the parents in the book. It is rewarding entertainment which the family will enjoy. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Excellent Excellent NEXT OF KIN O O Nova Philbeam; Ft. Lt. Mervyn John, RAF, VR; Mary Clare; L/C Stephen Murray, RASC; Ft. Lt. David Hutcheson, RAF, VR; Alexander Field; Brefni O'Rorke; Phillis Stanley; with officers and men of the Worchestershire Regiment and other units of the Royal Navy, the Army and the Royal Air Force. Epilogue by J. Edgar Hoover of the F.B.I. Directed by Thorold Dickinson. Produced at Ealing Studios, England. Universal Pictures. While we are well aware of the importance of silence on all military procedure, visual dramatization has a dynamic force which nothing else equals. Thus “Next of Kin” is an important contribution to the war effort. Its title, taken from the laconic announcement “that the next of kin have been notified” has a doubly tragic meaning in this case for because of careless words, plans for an English attack on a German base in France became knowm to the enemy and the loss of life was greater than it need have been. The picture was originally produced under orders of the British War Office for military and government officials only, to illustrate how a single unguarded word can cost the lives of fighting men. It was not intended for the civilian public, but later it was released to be shown to English and American audiences not only because of its entertainment qualities but also because of the vital warning it presents. The male members of the cast were drawn from celebrities of the British stage and screen now serving in the different branches of the armed forces. The action gives a documentary impression although the plot is based only on the methods employed by Nazi agents. It is well worth seeing for it is exciting and dramatic as well as important propaganda which Americans may well take to heart. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good Mature ❖ NO PLACE FOR A LADY C O Wm. Gargan, Margaret Lindsey, Phyllis Brooks, Dick Purcell, Jerome Cowan, Edward Norris, James Burke, Frank Thomas, Tom Dugan. Story and screen play by Eric Taylor. Produced by Ralph Chn. Direction by James Hogan. Columbia. In the beginning this murder-mystery film offers elements of good entertainment, but the material is poorly handled. The locale is the Roosevelt Highway in Southern California. A jealous girl stages a fake murder at the beach house of her fiance, a detective, and gangsters operating a black market in tires choose the same spot for a real murder. This situation starts a cops and robbers