Motion Picture Reviews (1934)

Eight Motion Picture Reviews Rome stubs his toe and wakes up in the ancient city populated with pseudo-historical royalties, centurions, and ravishing damsels. Between dodging lions and tasting poisoned nightingales meant for the emperor’s palate, he leads a most precarious existence until he escapes from the ancient days in a chariot race more thrilling and entertaining than any race ever before made in films. Appreciation of this musical extravanganza depends upon individual taste. There are those who dote upon pop-eyed Eddie Cantor and his racy comments, and again there are those who do not. Anyhow, it’s a great show for the bald-headed row. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Doubtful No SMOKY » » Victor Jory, Irene Bentley, Frank Campeau, Hank Mann, Leroy Mason, Leonid Snegoff, Will James. From the novel by Will James. Direction by Eugene Forde. Fox. Here is the charming biography of a horse, which has the appeal of “Black Beauty” in book form. “Smoky” is born on the range and his life as a happy rollicking colt, then as a cow pony, and on through the joys and misfortunes of his life is told in a brilliantly entertaining manner which will attract young and old. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Excellent Some scenes too exciting for sensitive children SHOULD LADIES BEHAVE » » Lionel Barrymore, Alice Brady, Conway Tearle. From the play, “Vinegar Tree,” by Paul Osborn. Direction by Harry Beaumont. M-C-M. Here is smart up-to-date comedy with sophisticated lines and situations, enhanced by fine settings and excellent stage technique. The plot is complicated by the fact that one man, a glamorous artist with a long record of philanderings, is the sentimental memory of one woman, the current lover of another, and the romantic ideal of a young girl. In the end one chuckles at the deflation of so great an egoist. Alice Brady is particularly amusing as a scatter-brained mother who is unable to cope with the serious problem of her own family. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Unsuitable theme No THE THUNDERING HERD » » Randolph Scott, Judith Allen, Buster Crabbe, Noah Beery, Raymond Hatton, Harry Carey, Monte Blue. From a story by Zane Grey. Direction by Henry Hathaway. Paramount. While the plot treatment is not strong enough to place it in the class of the “Covered Wagon,” this is nevertheless an unusually good Western. It is beautifully located, with its background of mountains towering against the sky, and the lighting effects throughout are exceptional in a picture of high action. Interest is added in the photography of the park herd of buffalo, remnant of the multitudes which once ranged the plains. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good Exciting