Motion Picture Reviews (1934)

Six Motion Picture Reviews CLAMOUR » » Constance Cummings, Paul Lukas, Phillip Reed. From the novel by Edna Ferber. Direction by William Wyler. Universal. By dint of self-confidence and perseverance an ambitious chorus girl becomes a stage success, but makes a failure of marriage and motherhood. When tragedy at last brings her conscience to life she tries to atone for her shortcomings. Edna Ferber’s story has become a picture which is well enough done to merit attention from readers of Ferber books. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Too mature No LAZY RIVER » » Jean Parker, Robert Young, Ted Healy, Nat Pendleton. From a play by Lea David Freeman, adapted by Lucien Hubbard. Direction by George B. Seitz. M-G-M. We are offered here the genial companionship of three ex-convicts who play “Robinhood” for the benefit of a family in distress. The novel and interesting setting of Louisiana shore life cannot balance the sordid action nor the unethical atmosphere. It is dull entertainment. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Poor Poor v LET’S BE RITZY » » Lew Ayres, Patricia Ellis, Isabel Jewel, Frank McHugh. Direction by Edward Ludwig. Universal. When newlyweds try to live within the limits of a small budget and at the same time keep up the pretense of a large income, difficulties present themselves. Hovering between farce and comedy, the actors had no clear idea of the amount of truth or exaggeration needed to portray their respective parts. The result is uneven, indecisive and often artificial. A lack of subtlety in the direction of the picture contributes toward a loss of force, and in consequence its little message becomes ineffectual. In spite of these limitations, it is fairly entertaining and wholesome withal. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 No interest No interest LOVE BIRDS » » Zasu Pitts, Slim Summerville, Mickey Rooney. Direction by William Seiter. Universal. Zasu Pitts’ charm and talent deserve a real comedy, but unfortunately we usually find her cast in something like this farce — silly, rather vulgar, and thoroughly unintelligent. It tells the story of a chicken fancier and a school teacher who are each sold the same ranch by a real estate sharper. Their difficulties are straightened out, strangely enough, through a gold inlay lost from a tooth. It is full of slap stick and horse play, innocuous perhaps but tiresome. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Not recommended ■s LOVE IN MOROCCO Rex Ingram, Rosita Garcia, Pierre Batclieff. Direction by Rex Ingram and Alice Terry. Gaumont-British Production. The African setting, exquisitely photographed, is the recommendation for this picture, otherwise it is undistinguished. A French soldier falls in love with a native girl and the consequences of this unethical procedure provide motif for the action. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 No No Children, 8 to 12 Not recommended MANDALAY » » Kay Francis, Ricardo Cortez, Lyle Talbot, Ruth Donnelly. Direction by Michael Curtiz. Warner Bros. The picture holds none of the allure that its title would indicate. It is the story of a prostitute, a woman of infamous character. Although the scenes are laid in and about Mandalay and Rangoon there is none of the charm of the Near East, none of the tang of Kipling, nothing in fact but the complete sordidness of dock scenes and “dives.” Even Miss Francis’ glamorous personality fails to lift this picture out of the class of mediocrity. It is not recommended for any audience. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 No No MASSACRE » » Richard Barthelmess, Ann Dvorak, Dudley Digges, Sidney Toler. Direction by Alan Crossland. Warner Bros. The hero of this tale is an educated American Indian, a young man who becomes fired with zeal to right the wrongs suffered by his people at the hands of government officials. The picture is propaganda but has enough story interest to avoid becoming ponderous. It is lavishly produced and the photography is beautiful. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Yes, interesting No