Motion Picture Reviews (1944)

MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS Five ESCAPE TO DANGER O O Eric Portman, Ann Dvorak, Karel Stepanek, Ronald Ward, Felix Aylmer, David Peel, Ronald Adam, Marjorie Rhodes, Hay Petrie, Lilly Kann. Screen play by Jack Whittingham from story by Patrick Kinyarr Direction by Leonide Moguy. British-Gaumont film. RKO. This exceedingly interesting spy story is told with the restraint and understatement and factual quality characteristic of the British, but not always found in American pictures of this type. Added suspense is attained by having an English girl, a former teacher in Denmark who remained after the occupation and won the Nazis’ confidence, prove to be a member of the underground. But when she starts for England on a Nazi mission, presumably to forward information to them, she comes under suspicion of the English counter espionage. The action may confuse some spectators, but many will find it realistic and exciting entertainment. It is distinctly out of the ordinary in plot and treatment. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good of type Too complicated for most * THE FALCON OUT WEST O O Tom Conway, Carole Gallagher, Barbara Hale, Joan Barclay, Cliff Clark, Ed Gargan, Minor Watson, Lee Trent, Lyle Talbot. Original screen play by Billy Jones and Morton Grant. Music by Roy Webb. Direction by William Clemens. RKO-Radio. When a rich rancher suddenly dies in agony on the floor of the night club where he is giving a party for his fiance, The Falcon, by chance, is close at hand. Later, action shifts to the far West, and there he unravels the mystery in the best Western surroundings to the accompaniment of swfit riding and stage coach driving. Tom Conway’s voice duplicates George Sander’s suave tones. The cast is able, and the picture attains the usual entertaining quality of the series. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good of its type Rather mature FOLLOW THE BOYS O O George Raft. Vera Zorina, Grace McDonald, Charles Butterworth, Charley Grapewin, Ramsay Ames, Regis Toomey, Elizabeth Patterson, Theodore Von Eltz. Original screen play by Lou Breslow and Gertrude Purcell. Direction by Eddie Sutherland. Photography by David Abel. Musical direction by Leigh Harline. Universal. “Follow the Boys” is in the nature of a report to the public on the work of the motion picture Victory Committee in keeping up the morale of service men in various camps throughout the country and in foreign lands. Here again vaudeville has come into its own with dog acts, magic shows, piano recitals, bands, top-notch singing and danc ing. It is impressive to see the amount of detail involved in spotting and planning programs, working out schedules for the performers, arranging for transportation on a large scale. There is an irritating plot about a temperamental pair of actors, which fortunately is not important enough to spoil the picture. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good Yes, if interested FOUR JILLS IN A JEEP O O Kay Francis, Carole Landis, Martha Raye, Mitzi Mayfair, John Harvey, Phil Silvers, Dick Haymes, Alice Faye, Betty Grable, Carmen Miranda, George Jessel, Jimmy Dorsey and Orchestra. Screen play by Froma Sand and Fred Niblo, Jr. Direction by William A. Seiter. 20th Century-Fox. An opportunity to demonstrate what our overseas U.S.O. units really accomplish has been overshadowed by the personal stories of four motion picture stars whose trip has been much publicized. It has some interest, but one show they put on for civilians is not in the best taste, and the command performance pads a weak script. However, it is possible that the girls did not want credit for what they actually did. While the film is disappointing, it gives an impression of the hardships of war travel, as well as the fun they gave and the satisfaction they must have felt in a job well done. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Yes If interested ❖ GOING MY WAY O O Bing Crosby, Rise Stevens, Barry Fitzgerald, James Brown, Jean Heather, Eily Malyon, Frank McHugh, Stanley Clemens, Jean Lockhart, Adelaide De Walt Reynolds. Screen play by Frank Butler and Frank Cavett. Direction by Leo McCarey. Paramount. This is proof, if you need it, that movie guides are helpful, for otherwise you might conceivably miss " Going My IV ay” — that is unless you were especially attracted by the musical combination of Bing Crosby and Rise Stevens. They both sing beautifully, but the film is more than a musical. It is a drama which is so rich in the portrayal of human character that it should not be missed. It tells the tenderly moving story of a priest, a spiritual leader with wisdom, tolerance, and great understanding of human nature. And it is told with rich humor, for the young and modern priest is sent to a rundown parish to take over from an older man who distinctly does not approve the other’s methods, and distrusts his gaiety, his love of sports and music. The pleasant younger man subtly does not give away the authority vested in him, but finally wins over the other. Barry Fitzgerald’s portrayal of the stubborn, childish, bewildered priest is a mas