Motion Picture Reviews (1933)

Motion Picture Reviews T en mincemeat, romantic adventure touches the lives of the two young people of the family and leaves them changed but wiser and perhaps happier. It is a delightful picture about very real and human persons, and, excepting one scene, it is directed with taste and intelligence, while exquisite photography in several scenes leaves unforgettable impressions of beauty. Will Rogers’ own particular medium of expression is subservient to a straight part, and he gives us a memorable picture of the farmer who achieves the peak of his ambition when the blue ribbon is awarded his entry. Blue Boy, in reality the world’s largest hog, deserves special praise, too, for his dramatic interpretation of a difficult role. The plot follows the book fairly closely and is not without sophistication of a type which may be open to misinterpretation by immature audiences. Its problems are best understood by adults, although the humor, setting and gay carnival atmosphere will appeal to all. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Questionable Mature ■v THEY JUST HAD TO GET MARRIED » » Zasu Pitts, Slim Summerville. Direction by Edwin Ludwig. Universal. A droll comedy concerning the blunders of a very rich couple trying to get along in “society” where they are decidedly out of their element. There is not a great deal of freshness or variety to the humor which is rather broad at times, but it is a mildly entertaining pastime Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good fun Very little interest •w THE THIRTEENTH CUEST » » Cinger Rogers, Lyle Talbot. Direction by Albert Roy. Monogram Pictures. If entertainment connotes thrilling suspense and terror, then this picture possesses it to a much greater degree than most so-called horror pictures. It is entirely too well done for peace of mind. The plot is novel. Thirteen years after a fatal dinner party for thirteen guests where the host dropped dead, it becomes apparent that the murderer intends to kill all those who were there that night. For legal reasons they must meet at the deserted house and at the deserted table. When these half-mad plots are put convincingly on the screen they seem much more terrifying than any printed page, and this can be recommended only to adult lovers of mystery dramas whose nerves are made of steel. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Too exciting Absolutely not -w TOPAZ » » John Barrymore, Myrna Loy. Adapted from the stage play. Direction by D’Abbadie D’Arrast. RKO. (Seen at a theatre preview and subject to change.) An exceedingly erudite professor who expounds a wholesome philosophy suddenly finds himself thrust into the world by the loss of his position. He finds it a topsy-turvy place but adapts himself to the unethical conditions and because of his newly acquired experience is responsible for one stroke of justice which in a measure compensates him for the loss of his idealism. The play is a fantasy and is worked out with a whimsical, sophisticated charm of treatment which will appeal to discriminating audiences. The settings are beautiful and the photography and lighting, particularly effective. Mr. Barrymore is delightful as Professor Topaz who is like a character from Dickens. Here is something different — following no sterotyped pattern. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Passable Too mature 'W WHAT! NO BEER » » Buster Keaton, Jimmy Durante. Direction by Edward Sedgwick. M-C-M. One of the poorest of Buster Keaton’s pictures, this comedy of beer making (and drinking) is a waste of time if not a bore for most audiences. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Poor No interest •w WHISTLING IN THE DARK » » Ernest Truex, Edward Arnold, Una Merkel, Joe Cawthorn. Direction by Elliott Nugent. M-C-M. The ingenuity of a young author noted for his mystery stories, is taxed to the uttermost in an attempt to save his fiancee and himself from the clutches of a gang. How he succeeds gives a decidedly original twist to the usual gangster theme and provides a combination of mystery, excitement and hilarity. It is good entertainment and clever, though its sophistication puts it definitely in the class for adult appreciation. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Not recommended No