Motion Picture Reviews (1933)

Eight Motion Picture Reviews lem. Noel Coward, the author, and Mr. Stuart, directing the picture, have presented the unconventional situations without vulgarity. It is artificial, amusing, sophisticated. Adult enjoyment of this type of risque comedy must, in the last analysis, be a matter of taste. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Too sophisticated No THE UNWRITTEN LAW » » Greta Nissen, Mary Brian, Hedda Hopper, Louise Fazenda, Skeets Gallagher, Lew Cody. Direction by Christy Cabanne. Adapted from the story by John Kraftt. Majestic Pictures. This is very good entertainment for those who enjoy a well developed mystery story. While the theme is not new, there is interest in a novel handling of the plot, and a familiar and popular cast do full justice to the dramatic and humorous possibilities. The story centers round the murder of a roue whose death might reasonably be desired by at least five persons. The direction is marked by a fine restraint where melodrama might easily have gained the upper hand. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 No, unsuitable in action No WITH WILLIAMSON BENEATH THE SEA (Six reels.) Principal Distributing Corp. Mr. Williamson, an expert from the Field Museum, Chicago, goes to the Bahama Islands to study, photograph and bring back specimens of the under sea life to be found there. The film is of absorbing interest, showing the way in which the work is done, the beauties to be seen, and the dangers and adventure of the undertaking. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Excellent Good SHORT SUBJECTS AMAZON HEAD HUNTERS » » (Five and one-half reels.) Principal Distributing Corporation. In this travelogue there is a connecting story of a French Count who goes on a fouryear expedition in search of his friend, a missing explorer. There are many fine views of the Galapagos Islands, the Andes and various parts of South America. The latter part of the picture illustrates in great detail the customs of the head hunters, no doubt of real value for students of anthropology but too gruesome to be enjoyed by the average individual. A BRAHMIN’S DAUGHTER »» Esther Coombs, George Stinson. A Kendall De Vally Production. Educational Pictures, Inc. Direction by Howard Higgin. Suggested by the opera, “Lakme.” This tabloid opera offers fresh voices and pretty music, but it is stilted, poorly costumed and utterly lacking in glamour. GEORGE WASHINGTON » » (Two reels.) Beverly Hills Exchange, Inc. An historical sketch of the life of our first President. It is done in color, and is accompanied by an indifferent lecture. Family. GLAD RAGS TO RICHES » » “Baby Burlesque” series. (One reel.) Educational Pictures, Inc. For plot: a cabaret entertainer is saved from a life of iniquity by her country lover. In this sophisticated setting babies imitate the vulgarity of adults. It is in execrable taste. KID’S LAST FIGHT » » “Baby Burlesque” series. (One reel.) Educational Pictures, Inc. A burlesque on prize fighting with very young children contesting for the “diaperweight championship.” Enjoyment of this type of “comedy” is undoubtedly a matter of taste, but adult actions and expressions presented by babies seem a false note. Not recommended. ■v THE LOST SPECIAL » » Frank Albertson, Ernie Nevers, Cecelia Parker, Caryl Lincoln. From the story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Direction by Henry MacRae. Universal. “The Lost Special” tells the story of bandits who side-track and hide a train carrying gold from a mine. When the second shipment is sent a similar attempt is made, but