Motion Picture Reviews (1932)

Motion Picture Reviews Seven stunts and gags. The Brunos quarrel on their 25th anniversary and rushing off to Reno, each engages the firm of Wattles and Swift. Humor runs riot over divorce methods and court room scenes. The cast is uneven, the jokes broad, enjoyment of which is a matter of personal taste. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 3 to 12 Not recommended No G'KS PRIVATE LIVES » » Norma Shearer, Robert Montgomery, Reginald Denny, Una Merkel, Jean Hersholt. Direction by S. Franklin. M.G.M. Strictly out of order for the immature and those who have puritanical leanings, this is nevertheless a highly diverting comedy of the sophisticated type which has held a dominant place on the stage during recent years. It throws the proprieties to the winds. Amanda and Ellyot, a divorced couple, meet by a freak of chance in a French hotel, where each is embarking on a new matromonial venture, and swept away by the old infatuation, leave together for a chalet in Switzerland. There follows the conflict of two charming and temperamental people who love each other and vet are too individual to sacrifice anything for the sake of peace. It is all very human, and in spite of farcical exaggerations, gives an insight into most marriages and gaily ridicules divorce as a panacea. The dialogue is satiric, often scintillating, and both actors and directors have entered completely into the spirit of Noel Coward’s play concerning the complexity of modern marital relations. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Very unsuitable No c+J RACING YOUTH » » June Clyde, Frank Albertson, Louise Fazenda, Slim Summerville. Direction by Vin Moore. Universal Pictures Corp. A beautiful girl inherits an automobile factory and arrives to investigate it, accompanied by a formidable spinster secretary. The factory manager mistakes the secretary for the owner. This complication plus a villain, a terrific automobile race and a romance supply the points of interest in a stereotyped comedy. There are two major accidents thrown in to appeal to the gladiatorial taste of the mob. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Not harmful Not harmful THE RAINBOW TRAIL » » George O’Brien, Cecilia Parker, Minna Gombell, Roscoe Ates. From the novel by Zane Grey. Direction by Barry Conners and Philip Klein. Fox. An old fashioned “Western” with villains and heroes melodramatically characterized, the “Rainbow Trail” is a sequel to “Riders of the Purple Sage”. It is somewhat confused and improbable in plot but well enough acted and directed, and distinguished by glorious photography of the Grand Canyon. Possible for family audiences, it is marred by needlessly harrowing scenes. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Yes Questionable in de tail, but full of action. e-fO THIS RECKLESS AGE » » Richard Bennett, Frances Starr, Charles Rogers, Frances Dee, Peggy Shannon, Charles Ruggles. Direction by Frank Tuttle. “There’s still good in our young folk”, might well be the theme song of this pleasantly sentimental tale. The father and mother of two selfish irresponsible children find them essentially sound when a crisis presents itself. Richard Bennett and Frances Starr give convincing and natural performances as father and mother, Charles Rogers and the rest of the cast are adequate. It is agreeable though unstimulating entertainment for the whole family. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Yes Very little interest e-to SHERLOCK HOLMES' FATAL HOUR » » Arthur Wentner, Norman McKennell, Jane Welch, Minnie Rayner. English production released by Warner Bros. This English production excels in flawless sets, beautiful photographic effects, fine dialogue spoken by cultured trained voices, good acting and direction. It has an interesting story in which the famous detective ferrets out the mystery of a bank robbery. While it is tense and gripping it is never gruesome, and dry humor frequently relieves the situations. This type of detective story may be safely enjoyed by adolescents as well as grown-ups. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good Too mature