Motion Picture Reviews (1933)

Four Motion Picture Reviews while man of an irresponsible playboy. In its elaboration for the screen, what might have been an interesting and dramatic problem has become tedious and halting, presented in so disconnected a fashion that it fails to hold interest. It is an unhappy story without depth enough to stir an audience’s sympathy. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Not recommended No •w BROADWAY TO HOLLYWOOD » » (March of Time) Alice Brady. Frank Morgan, Madge Evans, Russell Hardie, Jackie Cooper. Direction by Willard Mack. M-C-M. True to the traditions and spirit of the theatre, the dancing Hacketts follow their fortunes on the stage till footlights become kleig lights in the third generation. The earlier parts of the picture are especially well done: the vaudeville era when the elder Hacketts are in their prime, and later the triumph of their son as juvenile in a glamorous Weber and Fields show with the musical accompaniment of all the authentic tunes of the day . There is much more depth and sincerity than in most films portraying stage life, and if it seems somewhat prolonged it is because it chronicles the lives of so many people over a period of forty-odd years. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good Little interest ■w CHARLIE CHAN’S GREATEST CASE » » Warner Oland, Heather Angel. From the novel “The House Without a Key” by Earl Derr Biggers. Direction by Hamilton MacFadden. Fox. A complicated and involved murder mystery is again solved by the inimitable Charlie Chan dispensing wholesome philosophy as he works. Settings, cast and direction combine to create special interest for mystery fans. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good Too exciting adaptation entirely different in its philosophy and in the interpretation of the character of Dr. Bull. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good Probably uninteresting •w ELYSIA » » Bryon Foy Production. A pictorial exposition of the theories back of the nudist project and their practical application. The colony at Elsinore is shown and the daily active routine of its members. It is obviously propaganda for the colony. The actors are apparently amateurs and the dialogue is stilted and didactic. It has no entertainment value but is quite innocuous for adult audiences interested in such a subject. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 No No EVER IN MY HEART » » Otto Kruger, Barbara Stanwyck, Ralph Bellamy. Based on a novel by Bertram Milhauser and Buelah Marie Dix. Direction by Archie Mayo. Warner Bros. The story concerns the adjustment of a sensitive German intellectual to American citizenship, his idyllic marriage and the ensuing tragedy resulting from the bitterness engendered by the World War. It is an unusual theme and the artistry of production is unquestionable. Its denouement is unexpectedly startling and in our judgment not consistent with the sympathetic character created by the splendid performance of Mr. Kruger nor typical of the reactions of many German-Americans similarly situated at that time. We doubt the taste of arousing any possible racial antagonism for the sake of dramatizing a heroine. It is, however, an unusual picture and one which will stimulate both discussion and praise. It is exquisite in many details, and poignantly tragic. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Very mature Too mature DOCTOR BULL » » Will Rogers, Vera Allen, Marian Nixon, Louise Dresser. Based on the novel, “The Last Adam” by James Gould Cozzens. Direction by John Ford. Fox. In exquisitely characteristic New England settings, a modern saga of a country doctor is portrayed. It is homely, refreshing, entertaining with Mr. Rogers delightfully cast. Readers of “The Last Adam” will find this GOLDEN HARVEST » » Richard Arlen, Chester Morris, Cenevieve Tobin. From the novel by Nina Wilcox Putman. Direction by Ralph Murphy. Paramount. “Golden Harvest” follows the pattern of realistic novels of American life in the midwest farming district, giving a sympathetic account of the fortunes of a family which owns large wheat acreage. It is a play of likable people, and is humorous, if sometimes