Motion Picture Reviews (1943)

Twelve MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS very entertaining. The backgrounds are good, action is well directed, and the cast give excellent performances. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Exciting Too mature and emotional YOU'RE A LUCKY FELLOW, MR. SMITH O Allan Jones, Evelyn Ankers, Patsy O'Connor, Billie Burke, David Bruce, Stanley Clements. Original screen story by Oscar Brodney. Direction by Felix E. Feist. Universal. This is a light, fanciful story of a young girl who must marry by the end of a certain day or forfeit a $90,000 inheritance. When she is delayed by the hectic, present-day traveling conditions, her only solution is to marry one of the numerous soldiers aboard the train, and this she does with better results than might be anticipated. It is an inconsequential picture on the whole, but it is enhanced by the fine singing of Allan Jones, attractive sets, and some good comedy situations. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Yes Not much interest British Documentaries British Ministry of Information ARMY BUREAU OF CURRENT AFFAIRS O Short feature. Both England and America now know that morale in an army depends, among other things, upon the army’s knowing why it fights and having an ideology equal in emotional strength to that of the Axis powers. Both countries are educating their fighting men and women on the causes of the war and its progress with explanations of the reasons behind each campaign. This short shows British soldiers in small groups led by trained officers who encourage questions and answers in free discussion. It is very interesting. Family. ♦% BEFORE THE RAID O O Short feature. Documentary treatment showing Nazi control of a small Norwegian colony; the gradual starvation of the people; the return of the fishing fleet after a good catch; the destruction of the fish when the fishermen realize that hungry women and children, behind barbed wire lining the docks, are to receive nothing from their work. The order is then given that the fleet will be accompanied by Nazi guards when it goes out again. The fleet is unarmed, the men searched for guns, but the sailors maneuver their ships to ram and sink the guard boat in a lonely fiord. It is very impressive and moving, an inspiring illustration of unconquered spirit. Family. ❖ CLOSE QUARTERS O O 75 minutes. Magnificent realism is reflected in this documentary of life aboard a submarine. This is achieved by restrained acting and by a lack of sentimental by-play so that while a full measure of suspense holds interest, no feeling of artificiality excites emotional distress. The spectator feels that he is on board with the crew in the grim, misty, deathdealing North Sea. Family. I WAS A FIREMAN O Short feature. This shows the work of civilian fire fighters during the London blitz. It outlines in detail the system of fire control, the coordinating branches of the services, the terrible dangers the volunteers encountered and the wonderful service they render. Bombs drop, buildings burn, one man is killed, but a ship loaded with munitions at the dock is unharmed. It is a realistic, informative picture of what war means on the home front. Family. ❖ LIFT YOUR HEAD, COMRADE O O 2 reels. 15 minutes. This is an informational short about refugees who have escaped to England and are rehabilitated to serve against the Fascist powers. Some insight is given into their past experiences and backgrounds and the film then turns to the training given them that they may be prepared to volunteer for special service. Mature — Family. V MACHINES AND MEN O O ) reel. 10 minutes. This is an inspiring look at British tenacity and patience. A blitzed machine, which would easily qualify for the scrap heap, is slowly but surely rebuilt for service. The men employed are interesting in speech and attitude. Family. ❖ THESE ARE THE MEN O O 1 reel. 12 minutes. This propaganda short is effective and is interestingly developed by showing the strutting leaders of the Nazi party with biographical summaries which provoke disgust and also astonishment that such men could win public support. Adults.