Motion Picture Reviews (1933)

Motion Picture Reviews Seven subtle. Among the more obvious virtues is the fact that “he marries the girl.” Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Unsuited No by the presence of Miss Hays and Mr. Novarro supported by a distinguished but very American cast in Chinese costumes. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Interesting Too sombre NO OTHER WOMAN » » Irene Dunne, Charles Bickford, Cwili Andre, Eric Linden. Direction by J. Walter Ruben. From the story by Eugene Walter. R.K.O. Every day in the newspapers some little paragraph appears which might have back of it just such a story as this ; the everyday problems of a young iron-worker and his wife, their changing fortunes and the tragic domestic unhappiness consequent upon their sudden rise to affluence and equally sudden financial ruin. It is a homely, sordid theme, rather well handled, and interesting because of its apparent truth. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Depressing No v ROBBERS’ ROOST » » George O'Brien, William Pawley, Reginald Owen, Maureen O’Sullivan. From the story by Zane Grey. Direction by Louis King. Fox. Another Western with the usual cattle rustling, a romance, beautiful scenery and heroic rescues, a typical cast and typical comedy relief. For the juniors and children who demand thrillers this should suffice, and while it is not so good as some of the Zane Grey tales, it is entirely moral, and the casualty list is moderate. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Yes Exciting •W THE SON-DAUGHTER » » Helen Hays, Ramon Novarro. Adapted from play by David Belasco and George Scarborough. Direction by Clarence Brown. M.G.M. Helen Hays and Ramon Novarro move through this picture like the exquisite pastels of a Rackham illustration, and “Son-Daughter” has about the reality of a Grimms’ tragedy, in which the charming sets and stilted, formal dialogue complete the illusion. It is a fragile and lovely idyll; the story of a beautiful Chinese girl in San Francisco whose lover is a prince incognito. She is forced to sacrifice herself for the young Chinese Republic, but the bloodshed, suicide and murder resulting do not touch us more deeply than a sombre fairy tale. It is a beautiful picture made poignantly unforgettable SECOND-HAND WIFE » » Sally Eilers, Ralph Bellamy, Helen Vinson, Carol Kay. Direction by Hamilton MacFadden. From a story by Kathleen Norris. Fox. The secretary who becomes the second wife has the sympathy of the audience in her efforts to secure custody of the child by the first marriage, a musical prodigy who is being selfishly exploited by her own mother. This is an interesting picture, but it would have more force if the continuity were not interrupted by such a large amount of film footage allotted to contrivances of our machine age; speed boats, steamers, trains and aeroplanes. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Not recommended No V THEY CALL IT SIN » » Loretta Young, George Brent, David Manners, Una Merkel, Luis Calhern. Direction by Thorton Freeland. Warner Bros. Instead of the well-known triangle we have a pentagon composed of the city girl, her fiance, the country girl, the fiance’s best friend and a helpful doctor who keeps them out of trouble. The whole will appeal to audiences who like a sophisticated New York society picture with well furnished drawing rooms and well dressed men and women. It is made presentable by an experienced cast and a clever director, but the ice is rather thin nevertheless. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 No No TONIGHT IS OURS » » Claudette Colbert, Frederic March, Paul Cavanagh. From “The Queen Was in the Parlor” by Noel Coward. Direction by Stuart Walker. Paramount-Publix. A light, frothy conceit presented with the pomp, ceremony and unreality of the mythical kingdom in which the story is laid. A princess, escaping from her responsibilities, falls in love with a commoner. But she is recalled to her kingdom to reign as queen and a royal marriage is planned for her. The lovers feel the penalty too great, and the title suggests their solution to the prob