Motion Picture Reviews (1934)

Six Motion Picture Reviews and the natural talent for comedy shown by various members of the cast. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Better not No HIS CREATEST CAMBLE * » Richard Dix, Dorothy Wilson, Bruce Cabot. Direction by John Robertson. RKO. A variation on the theme of self-sacrificing mother love (in and out of prison), is self-sacrificing father love (in and out of prison). This film pictures a debonair gentleman who undertakes to bring up his little girl after kidnapping her from her mother. Having taken her to Monte Carlo he loses his last penny, accidentally causes the death of his ex-mistress, and is sent to prison whence he returns in time to play dcus ex machina for his daughter’s ultimate happiness. Strange to say the acting and direction are sufficiently restrained to make the picture interesting. The charming little girl is very appealing, and Richard Dix as the father is able to make one feel that his child was fortunate to have shared his precarious kind of existence. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Not recommended No HE WAS HER MAN » » James Cagney, Joan Blondell, Victor Jory. Direction by Lloyd Bacon. Warner Bros. An heroic but double crossing gangster has a brief love affair in a California fishing village with a girl with a shady past. He then returns to the gang’s vengeance; she to her unsuspecting fiance, a prosperous and decent fisherman. Picturesque scenery and an excellent cast are merely a new disguise for the same old poison. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 No No HELL CAT » » Ann Sothern, Robert Armstrong, Henry Kolker. Story and screen play by Adele Buffington and Fred Niblo, Jr. Direction by Al Rogell. Columbia. This is apparently just a “pot boiler” and as such will actually harm the movies. It is the romance of a conceited reporter and a spoiled society girl who needs lessons in deportment. Probably intended as a modern version of “Taming of the Shrew,” it lacks originality and depth, is undesirable ethically and bores. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Poor No I GIVE MY LOVE » » Paul Lukas, Wynne Gibson, Eric Linden, John Darrow. Original screen play by Vicki Baum. Direction by Karl Freund. Universal. Proving that an overworked theme may still be woven into an absorbingly interesting picture, this film is so well directed and acted that it merits attention. It is the story of a mother who sacrifices herself for the sake of a son who has idealized her thinking her dead when in reality she was in prison. Upon her return she realizes that her presence might shatter his ideal and she vanishes to reappear years later when all is explained and understood. It is heavy drama but satisfying in its sincerity. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 No, too mature No 'w KISS AND MAKE UP » » Cary Grant, Helen Mack, Genevieve Tobin, Edward E. Horton. From a play by Stephen Bekeffi. Direction by Harlan Thompson. Paramount. When a handsome young doctor discovers the dubious value of his work in beauty culture, he turns to scientific research. The picture is a ludricous, fast moving farce which exposes the absurdity of artificial beauty and extols the sincerity of naturalness. A number of experienced players coordinate in the interpretation of witty lines, among them Edward E. Horton, who is at his best. The direction is at once imaginative and ingenious. On the whole it is amusing, sophisticated film fare. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Mature Unsuitable XV LET’S TRY AGAIN » » Diana Wynyard, Clive Brook, Arthur Hoyt, Helen Vinson, Theodore Newton. Adapted from the play by Vincent Lawrence. Direction by Worthington Miner. RKO. “Let's Try Again” is a charming picture enacted by a fine cast and with a worthwhile postulate underlying the theme. It is done with distinction, pleasing restraint and a nicety of taste. It is the story of how two people make up their minds to try to have their marriage from shipwreck, and it is told remarkably well. Direction has made something interesting from material which might not have seemed to possess great dramatic possibilities. Those who enjoy social drama with pleasing dialogue and diction and harmonious surroundings will like it very much, although it will scarcely appeal to youthful audiences who may not appreciate the plausibility of the situation. Acting honors go to Diana Wynyard and