Motion Picture Reviews (1934)

Eight Motion Picture Reviews dards of one man who opposes her, she destroys herself and loses the one commanding love in her life. Anna Sten, whether gay or wistful, never seems conscious of guilt. She is simply a pawn moved by fate. The picture is open to criticism for some of the stilted dialogue and theatrical treatment of emotional scenes, but we must remember that these also were characteristic of some of the pre-mauve decade. It is interesting because of Anna Sten’s unusual beauty and the fact that she brings a new personality to the screen; and it derives charm from the quaint costumes, glamorous settings and lovely photography. While it is not a distinguished production, the theme is handled with excellent taste and it contains a number of interesting features. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 No No ■sr ONE IS GUILTY » » Ralph Bellamy, Shirley Crey. Direction by Lambert Hillyer. Columbia. For those who enjoy detective stories, this is a good one. It is unique in presentation, full of unexpected (but not horrible) action, light relieving comedy, and pleasant romance which is not forced into the story. The plot concerns the solution of the murder of “Kid Roberts,” champion prize fighter. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Not bad Unsuitable; too exciting SHE MADE HER BED » » Richard Arlen, Sally Eilers, Robert Armstrong. Adapted from “The Baby in the Ice Box" by James M. Cain. Direction by Ralph Murphy. Paramount. This is a highly colored melodrama of life in an auto camp. The title is derived from the situation that arises when a young wife finds that her husband is unworthy and decides to try to remain loyal to him. A melodramatic climax is reached in a battle with a tiger and a terrific fire. It is fairly well done but pictures such a sordid side of life that it probably lacks general appeal. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 No By no means THE SHOW-OFF * > Spencer Tracy, Madge Evans, Henry Wadsworth. From the stage play by George Kelly. Direction by Charles F. Riesner. M-C-M. Without essential alteration this once popular stage comedy has been transposed to the screen, and it still entertains. Spencer Tracy presents to perfection the character of the loud-mouthed bluffing “show off.” It is absurdly humorous. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Yes Yes SPEED WINGS » » Tim McCoy, Evalyn Knapp, William Bakewell, Vincent Sherman. Story by Horace McCoy. Direction by Otto Brower. Columbia. In the manner of a melodramatic serial, this film tells the story of rival groups of aviators striving to be the first to manufacture a plane which will capture the world speed record. Foul play is pitted against heroism, villain against hero, and love and honesty triumph in the end. Though very elementary mental fare for adults, it is unobjectionable and will no doubt entertain an air-minded younger generation. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Yes Exciting THIS MAN IS MINE » » Irene Dunne, Constance Cummings, Ralph Bellamy, Kay Johnson, Charles Starrett. From the play “Love Flies in the Window" by Anne Morrison Chapin. Adapted by Jane Murfin. Direction by John Cromwell. R-K-O. This is an unusually well presented story of a domestic entanglement. It has the advantage of really clever dialogue and interesting types, deftly portrayed. The unscrupulous and pretty husband-stealer, the socially accepted gigolo, the lovable and unwary husband, the intelligent wife driven to use unfamiliar tactics in order to save her marriage, and last but very important for the entertainment value, Kay Johnson as the wife’s confidante. The working out of the situation, though not new, is skilfully handled, the whole picture unusually diverting. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Doubtful — very mature No ■sr THREE ON A HONEYMOON » * Sally Eilers, Charles Starrett, Zasu Pitts. Direction by James Tingling. Fox. A society girl and a mid-western librarian find adventure and romance on a Mediterranean cruise. Much of the comedy is accredited to Zasu Pitts, whose hand-waving and wideeyed amazement considerably heightens the effect of contrast between the two romances.