Motion Picture Reviews (1933)

Motion Picture Reviews Seven SONG OF SONGS » » Marlene Dietrich, Brian Aherne, Lionel Atwill, Alison Skipworth. From a novel by Herman Suderman and play by Edward Sheldon. Direction by Rouben Mamoulian. Paramount. This picture can be described only in contradictions. It contains much poetic beauty of spirit and the photography is beyond reproach, but the plot has been used so many times that it lags behind the imagination of the audience. The quotation from the “Song of Solomon” with which the story opens is a gem of beauty but one feels the conscious effort of the author to shape his story to fit his theme song. Its emotional appeal is sure, sensuality contrasted with spirituality, yet the very delicacy with which certain scenes are handled makes the audience too conscious of the restraints of censorship. In spite of defects it will be enjoyed for its pictorial beauty and the universal appeal inherent in the sorrows of a lovely woman. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Unsuitable No THREE-CORNERED MOON » » Claudette Colbert, Mary Boland, Richard Arlen. From the story by Gertrude Tonkonogy. Direction by Elliott Nugent. Paramount. Here is a “depression” theme treated in a new way. This delightfully refreshing little comedy details the ways and means whereby a happy-go-lucky American family overcome their financial difficulties when they are faced with actual necessity. Downright reality and naturalness characterize the picture. It is acted by an unusually competent and well chosen cast and ranks high among the really pleasing cinema productions of the year. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Excellent Mature •v TUGBOAT ANNIE » » Marie Dressier, Wallace Beery, Robert Young, Maureen O’Sullivan. From stories by Norman Reilly Raine. Direction by Mervyn LeRoy. M-G-M. This dramatic story of family life in a water-front setting, full of humor, pathos and thrills will appeal to the many admirers of Wallace Beery and Marie Dressier as being second only to “Min and Bill.” Marie Dressier, as the mistress of the tugboat, is an admirable character. Her loyalty to her ne’er do well husband never fails and is re warded at the last by his unexpected act of heroism in a terrific storm at sea. It is her courage and ambition for her son which win for him the coveted position of sea captain. Beery gives a satisfactory performance as the weak but lovable Terry, but readers of Raine’s “Tugboat Annie” series will feel that his part is too prominent and that the picture loses something thereby. The waterfront life is well portrayed, the dialogue is good and there is a wholesome salt sea tang to the tale that mitigates somewhat the rough language and the too frequent scenes of drunkenness. The picture abounds in emotional scenes which are sometimes too tense for enjoyable entertainment. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good Possibly too emotional •w TARZAN THE FEARLESS » » (First four episodes of a serial.) Buster Crabbe, Jacqueline Wells, E. Alyn Warren. From the story by Edgar Rice Burroughs. Direction by Robert Hill. Sol Lesser production. Greatly to the delight of all children and many adults, another “Tarzan” adventure story has come to the screen. Tarzan, played by Buster Crabbe, is given many opportunities to swing through countless trees to come to the rescue of a white girl and her father in an African jungle. He fights lions, crocodiles and natives. Wild animals figure largely in the interest of the picture which in other respects is below the standard of its “Tarzan” predecessor. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Excellent Entertaining but exciting •V THE WRECKER » » Jack Holt, Genevieve Tobin, George E. Stone. Direction by Albert Rogell. Columbia. The familiar triangle of a man, his wife and a false friend is presented in an interesting and acceptable manner. But the usual marital troubles play second fiddle to the grand climax of the picture which is the disastrous Southern California earthquake of 1933. This is followed by unusual scenes of relief work and the remarkable spectacle of the wrecking of huge buildings. Particularly to be noted is George E. Stone’s sensitive and finely conceived portrayal of Shapiro the Jew. He might almost be called the hero of the story and certainly adds largely to the human interest. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Yes Exciting