Motion Picture Reviews (1943)

MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS Thirteen humor all her own. The usual stage success story is varied by the unintentional misappropriation of a play script and by the participation of two show girls who assume a Portuguese accent and make-up to insure publicity. Catchy songs and an elaborate dance number increase the entertainment quota. Adolescents/ 12 to 16 Children/ 8 to 12 Yes Little interest TWO TICKETS TO LONDON O O Michele Morgan, Alan Curtis, C. Aubrey Smith, Barry Fitzgerald, Tarquin Oliver, Mary Gordon, Robert Warwick, Matthew Boulton, Oscar O'Shea, Doris Lloyd, Holmes Herbert, Stanley Logan, Lester Matthews, Harold DeBecker, John Burton, Mary Forbes, Dooley Wilson. Screen play by Tom Reed, based on story by Roy William Neill. Direction by Edwin L. Marin. Universal Pictures. Although indirectly connected with war, this is primarily a mystery story with inno cent people trying to escape false punishment. It is set in England which adds interest, and it is rather exciting in action, although the ending is too abruptly shortened for a dramatic climax. A Merchant Marine officer is accused of signaling messages to a Nazi submarine, and for some reason, not clearly defined he insists that he must make his way alone to London to get evidence of his innocence. Thus he manages an escape. Since he is picked up before the trial, his long and dangerous trek seems only a method of arousing suspense and providing a romance. Michele Morgan is a lovely heroine, and Dooley Wilson does a fine bit. The film entertains but is not outstanding. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 If interested Little interest ★ ★ ★ SHORT SUBJECTS CONQUER BY THE CLOCK O O RKO Victory Special. 1 reel. Two dramatic incidents illustrate tragedies which might happen if time is misspent. In its use of symbolism and rhythm the film emphasizes the importance of time as an element in the war effort. — Good, family. ♦% EAGLES OF THE NAVY O O Technical Special. 2 reels. Warner Bros. Enlarged from a 16 mm. original, this fascinating color short explains the training of Navy fliers from pre-flight school through instruction in Link trainers, formation flying, instrument flying, etc., to the first assignment in combat. Much of it is taken at the Pensacola Station. — Excellent for all ages. ❖ HEAVENLY MUSIC O O Two reel special. M-G-M. This original little phantasy employs the amusing conception of a popular band leader who goes to Heaven and has to compose in ten minutes a piece of music which will be acceptable to the great musicians of the past. The great masters are skilfully made up to resemble the pictures with which we are familiar, and their behavior is typical of the men. Musical themes and variations are introduced in a very pleasing and interesting manner. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good Good INCA GOLD O O "Carey Wilson Miniature." 1 reel. Man’s greed for gold and the tragedy resulting is imaginatively set forth in a story spanning three centuries of search for the gold treasures hidden in Peru. — Good, family. ♦ ♦ MEDICINE ON GUARD O O RKO "This Is America" series. 1 reel. “Medicine on Guard” shows concretely how wartime needs create a shortage of medical personnel on the home front and what measures are being taken by the government and the medical profession to stretch the dwindling supply for civilian needs. It also shows indirectly but effectively the need for civilians to keep special guard on their own health. It is timely, educational, and dramatically presented. — Good, family. ❖ MERCHANT CONVOY O O Columbia "Panoramics" series. I reel. “Merchant Convoy” is based on the hazards of convoy duty from England to Murmansk. The life of Merchant Marines, their duties and their admirable self-control under fire in a scene of action against a submarine attack, is splendidly demonstrated. It is an excellent, authentic documentary. — Family.