Motion Picture Reviews (1934)

Motion Picture Reviews Seven Clive Brook and to Arthur Hoyt, who makes his role of butler outstanding. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 No; requires older viewpoint No; uninteresting LITTLE MAN WHAT NOW? » » Douglass Montgomery, Margaret Sullavan, Alan Hale. Adapted by William Anthony McGuire from novel by Hans Fallada. Direction by Frank Borzage. Universal. In our opinion this picture is a particularly felicitous adaptation of a depressing novel. It is not a happy story at any time because it deals with the insecurity of modern economic life and, while the setting is Germany, the widespread international interest in the book proves its relevancy to any post-war locale. Critics may cavil at the changed ending, but we believe that it is more fitted to this medium. If we are thoughtful, we may wonder whether permanent security can ever be realized by the little family, but at least the hope is offered here. The philosophy of the picture is that life should not crush the individual. It is beautifully cast and directed. Douglass Montgomery gives an excellent performance as the loving, sensitive and weak husband, and Margaret Sullavan is equally skilful in making his charming girl-wife believable in her influence for developing the best in him. Alan Hale is perfect in the role of the likable rogue Jackmann, and the others in the cast are especially well chosen. Spontaneous humor prevents the picture from being sentimental. It is withal well worth seeing and will provoke thought and interest. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Hardly. Very mature No v THE LOVE CAPTIVE » » Nils Asther, Gloria Stuart, Paul Kelly. Written and directed by Max Marcin. Universal. This rather unconvincing story of hypnosis has a few elements of entertainment because it has the characteristics of a mystery story. A quack doctor is brought before a medical board because of unethical procedures. The denouement at the trial is dramatic and exciting. However the fact that several of the characters are under the spell of the hypnotist, whose general purposes are never clearly defined, makes the plot ambiguous as well as grim and rather unwholesome. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 No No LET’S TALK IT OVER » » Chester Morris, Mae Clarke. Direction by Kurt Neumann. Universal. A flippant society girl makes a bet that she can civilize a very rough “gob” and in turn is “tamed” by him. The picture is characterized by the unwholesome atmosphere of a bored younger generation searching for thrills via the alcohol route. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 No No ■w MOST PRECIOUS THING IN LIFE » » Jean Arthur, Richard Cromwell, Donald Cook. Story by Travis Ingham. Direction by Lambert Hillyer. Columbia. Although probably this story could never really happen in real life, as it unfolds on the screen, its improbabilities are not apparent because it presents familiar situations, family crises, college problems and personal reactions so sincerely and constructively. It is a new slant on romance between a poor girl and a rich boy, and it is appealingly told and well acted. Its setting in a college town makes it especially interesting for the family. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Yes Harmless THE MERRY FRINKS » » Aline MacMahon, Guy Kibbee, Allen Jenkins, Hugh Herbert. Direction by Alfred E. Green. Warner Bros. The “merry” Frinks are anything but merry. They quarrel continuously and are about the most unpleasant family group yet present on the screen. Aline MacMahon plays the part of the patient loyal mother who holds them all together and tries in vain to make something worthwhile of her hopeless family. When escape is finally offered her, her willingness to stay with them seems hard to understand. Except as a character study of types which we should like to believe are exaggerated, the picture offers little entertainment. It is slapstick comedy, but its bitter essence makes it less amusing than it is intended to be. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Not recommended No •v MURDER IN THE PRIVATE CAR » » Charlie Ruggles, Una Merkel, Mary Carlisle. Adapted by Harvey Thew from the play "The Rear Car” by Edward E. Rose. Direction by Harry Beaumont. M-C-M. Strange as it may seem “Murder in the Private Car” is not a gruesome story, but a light and amusing farce with an exceedingly