Motion Picture Reviews (1943)

Four MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS THE CROSS OF LORRAINE O O Jean Pierre Aumont, Gene Kelly, Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Richard Whorf, Joseph Calleia, Peter Lorre, Hume Cronyn, Billy Roy, Tonio Selwart, Jack Lambert, Donald Curtis, Richard Ryen, Frederick Giermann, Jack Edwards, Jr. Screen play by Michael Kanin and Ring Lardner, Jr.. Alexander Esway and Robert D. Andrews, based on novel, "A Thousand Shall Fall,'' by Hans Debe. Direction by Tay Garnett. M-G-M. In case we forget the trickery and bestiality of the Nazis, “The Cross of Lorraine’’ serves to bring it back in all its horror. This is an unrestrained picture of the weary, confused French soldiers to whom the Germans promised peace and a safe return home in exchange for throwing down their arms when France was invaded. Instead, they find themselves herded into a cattle train and railroaded to a filthy prison camp over the border where they endure unbelievable sadistic brutality. Some finally escape to join Free French Guerrillas. The all male cast is excellent, with clearly defined types reacting as we should expect them to under strain of disillusionment and brutality. It is a strong, realistic indictment of Nazism, not entertaining but very enlightening. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Not under 1 5 No ❖ CRY HAVOC O O Margaret Sullavan, Ann Sothern, Joan Blondell, Fay Bainter, Marsha Hunt, Ella Raines, Connie Gilchrist, Heather Angel, Diana Lewis, Dorothy Morris, Gloria Grafton, Frances Gifford, Fely Franquelli. Screen play by Paul Osborn, based on the play by Allan R. Kenward. Direction by Richard Thorpe. Musical score by Nathaniel Shilkret. Produced by Edwin Knopf. M-G-M. It is perhaps unfortunate that “Cry Havoc” should appear so soon after “So Proudly We Hail,” because many will feel that one picture has covered the subject. It is another tribute to the women on Bataan who proved that they could endure all that men could. Nine girls of widely differing dispositions and backgrounds are recruited to serve in a desperate little outpost hospital under the orders of two nurses, Lt. Smith and Capt. Marsh. As the enemy comes closer, personal antagonisms and encounters are superseded by the realization of the common danger. The tenseness of the situation is brought out by the contrast of thundering guns and absolute silence. The cast is responsible for some striking characterizations, and although the picture adheres to the limitations of stage technique, one gains the feeling of impending disaster and is aware of character growth of the different women under the strain. It is a moving drama. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Mature No THE DANCING MASTERS O O Laurel and Hardy, Trudy Marshall, Robert Bailey, Matt Briggs, Margaret Dumont, Allan Lane. Screen play by W. Scott Darling, suggested by a story by George Bricker. Direction by Mai St. Clair. 20th CenturyFox. Laurel and Hardy operate the “Arthur Hurry School of Dancing” at a constant loss, which inspires Hardy to take out bogus insurance from racketeers. They also try to assist a young girl and her fiance, a scientist, in putting over an outstanding invention. None of this is important except as an excuse for the antics of the team in their usual, unsophisticated slapstick comedy. Those who like Laurel and Hardy will find them in good form. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Yes, if they like the Funny type ❖ DOUGHBOYS IN IRELAND O O Kenny Baker, Jeff Donnell, Lynn Merrick, Guy Bonham, Red Latham, Wamp Carlson, Bob Mitchum. Original screen play by Howard J. Green. Direction by Lew Landers. Musical direction by M. W. Stoloff. Columbia. Here is a charming little story of an American soldier who swears his love for a girl at home will never die — until he meets a gay young Irish girl. The first one proves herself unworthy anyhow. Kenny Baker sings delightfully, and the Jesters Quartet with their vocal numbers and instrumental accompaniments are very pleasing. Various parts are well taken, and the simple country settings are full of the charm of Erin. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good Yes ❖ THE FALCON AND THE CO-ED O O Tom Conway, Jean Brooks, Rita Corday, Amelita Ward, Isabel Jewell, George Givot, Cliff Clark, Ed Gargan, Barbara Brown, Patti Brill, Juanita Alvarez, Ruth Alvarez, Nancy McCollum. Original screen play by Ardel Wray, based on character created by Michael Arlen. Direction by William Clemens. R.K.O. Again the Falcon comes to the rescue when a murder takes place. This time a professor dies suddenly in a fashionable girls’ school, and one of the students, not satisfied that the death is natural, calls in the family friend. Another pupil, who is obsessed by the fear that she has inherited her father’s insanity, has foretold the first murder and warns that there will be a second. When the investigation opens, her prophecy is realized, and she is suspected of being the murderess, but the Falcon soon solves the mystery and locates the guilty person. The charming settings of the school and the young girls, seemingly representative of perfectly sheltered youth, are a strange con