Motion Picture Reviews (1933)

Six Motion Picture Reviews bachelor’s photograph. The scenario details her ensuing strategies to annex him as a husband. It is fairly amusing. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Not recommended No “M” » » Peter Lorre. A German production released( by Paramount. How to describe “M” without giving the impression that it is altogether too horrible is a difficult task for any reviewer. It is a psychological study of a maniac, a murderer of small girls who is driven to kill by an irresistible force within himself. His mental conflict, his fear, his final capture and complete breaking down are masterfully enacted by Peter Lorre. But the film is not unduly terrible. To anyone who can appreciate the perfection of details, the amazingly natural photography (so apparently unstudied but so effective), the production is a rare example of artistry. The ironical treatment of the theme and the emphasis upon the excitement and science of the man-hunt save it from stark horror. When the whole town is in a furor, with everyone suspecting his neighbor, when police and private citizens in a frenzy of anxiety are employing every detective device known to science, from the most unexpected source comes the necessary clew. Most ironical of all is the ending. While the audience is experiencing the satisfaction of seeing the murderer brought to justice comes the question, “But if he is killed will that bring back our children?” In this, as in most good foreign pictures, the cast is chosen with such attention to their fitness that they appear not to be acting but actually living their parts, and the whole has the unadorned authenticity of a news reel. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 No; unsuitable No MAMA LOVES PAPA » » Mary Boland, Charles Ruggles, Lilyan Tashman. From a story by Keene Thompson and Douglas MacLean. Direction by Norman McLeod. Paramount. Charlie Ruggles and Mary Boland are an ideal pair in this extremely clever comedy of domesticity in a commuter’s home. A contented clerk whose only vice is an irrepressible desire to make harmless puns, is married to a humorless but loving “Pollyanna” whose zeal to be an inspiration to her spouse gets him into all sorts of trouble. Almost every detail of acting and direction is so well done, and the characters seem so true to life, that in spite of the farcical spirit of some of the scenes, one has a compassionate understanding of these really lovable people. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Entertaining Little interest v MAN OF THE FOREST » » Randolph Scott, Verna Hillie, Harry Carey, Noah Beery. From a story by Zane Crey. Paramount. This is a stereotyped Western film, in which the struggle for possession of timber land forms the basis for the inevitable conflict. It resembles a serial in treatment, and the most entertaining performers are the mountain lions rather than the human actors, but it is a good wholesome melodrama of the out-of-doors. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Yes Interesting, but exciting •v THE MAN WHO DARED » » Preston Foster, Zita Johann, Joan Marsh. Direction by Hamilton MacFadden. Fox. The late Mayor Cermak of Chicago is now becoming the inspiration for the legends and stories which gather round a popular and outstanding public character. The hero, Jon Novak (supposedly Mayor Cermak), rises from obscure poverty to the position of mayor of Chicago. His brave fight against civic corruption and graft is dramatic and convincing and should serve as an inspiration to all good Americans. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Constructive Yes v MAYOR OF HELL » » James Cagney, Frankie Darrow, Madge Evans. Direction by Archie Mayo. Warner Bros. Another tragic presentation of how society deals with its young delinquents, laying exaggerated emphasis on the brutal and degrading side of institutional life. With a typical Hollywoodian touch, it takes a “square-shooting” crook and a beautiful nurse to straighten out all the difficulties and cruelties of a State Reform School! Frankie Darrow gives an excellent characterization of the boy leader. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 No No XT MELODY CRUISE » » Charles Ruggles, Phil Harris, Greta Nissen, Helen Mack. Direction by Mark Sandrich. RKO. A light, flippant story of a Don Juan and