Motion Picture Reviews (1932)

Motion Picture Reviews Five solution which we are led to believe provides a happier life for all concerned. Old man Minick is by no means the hilarious sort of role usually expected of Chic Sale. The character is genuinely lovable but pathetic, and Mr. Sale plays it splendidly and with fine understanding. It holds real interest for adults, but the theme and characters will probably have little meaning for youthful audiences. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Little interest Little interest c+~s> GAY CABALLERO » » George O’Brien, Victor McLaglen, Conchita Montenegro, Linda Watkins. From the novel by Tom Gill. Direction by Alfred Werker. Fox. In this vigorous, swift-moving story of the Mexican border an American impersonates a bandit in order to champion the cause of oppressed peons. Atmosphere is heightened by a fiesta and good desert effects. There is so much action and it is sometimes difficult to follow, but it is the kind of adventure picture that juniors enjoy as well as many grown-ups. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Yes Very exciting C'KS THE HATCHET MAN (Honorable Mr. Wong) Edward G. Robinson, Loretta Young. Direction by William Wellman. Warner Brothers-First National. This is a picture with such intensity of theme that it can hardly be classed as entertainment. Like other stories dealing with oriental traditions, it is grimly solemn and leads inevitably towards tragedy. The first scene is laid in San Francisco’s Chinatown as it was some twenty years ago. Mr. Wong, Honorable Hatchet Man, is called upon to avenge the murder of a member of his Tong. Then follows a terrific emotional conflict between loyalties, which is the keynote of the entire plot. Mr. Robinson achieves a notable triumph in the power and restraint of his acting. He seems to be truly oriental not only in appearance but in spirit. Fidelity to detail in costume and setting emphasizes all the more the inability of others of the cast to put themselves into character. It is this inadequacy together with a too sensational plot, that keeps the picture from being more worthy of Mr. Robinson’s capabilities. However it is out of the ordinary, and the story is coherent and well developed. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Unsuitable theme No HIGH PRESSURE » » William Powell, Evelyn Brent, Evalyn Knapp, Frank McHugh. Direction by Mervyn LeRoy. Warner Brothers. William Powell departs from his usual form and presents a different characterization in that of a breezy, adventurous, romantic promoter whose activities are hazardous at times. The story is amusing and full of action, with good dialogue and is well acted, providing pleasant relaxation. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Entertaining Probably of little interest C'f-O INTIMATE » » Fredric March, Kay Frances. From “The Storm Lamb” by William J. Locke. Direction by Loctar Mendes. ParamountPublix. Do not let the title scare you away because “Intimate” is actually a wholesome, amusing farce with which the family may pass a pleasant hour. The picture is entertaining chiefly because of the presence of Fredric March, Kay Francis, and Stuart Erwin, but the dialogue is also satisfactory and the humorous situations are skillfully handled. It is a story of mistaken identities, where one twin steps into his brother’s place to the satisfaction of all. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good Harmless C'KD THE LADY WITH A PAST » » Constance Bennett, David Manners, Ben Lyon. Direction by Griffith. R.K.O.Pathe. “The Lady With a Past,” actually a misnomer for the girl in question, proves to be a smart, amusing and sophisticated comedy, a take off on the younger set, their psychology, search for excitement, and decidedly unpuritanical reactions. A latchkey offered by a notorious woman to the heroine’s “light o’ love” is the causa causans which influences her to seek a past of her own. Ben Lyon is delightful as the gigolo who assists her to win a reputation, and Constance Bennett shows a real flair for comedy which has been overlooked in casting her in dramatic roles. It is light, clever, entertaining, but not presenting life truthfully or with any emphasis on the accepted moralities. It is recommended for “grown-ups” only. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 No No