Motion Picture Reviews (1934)

Ten Motion Picture Reviews lives on the crest of life and is carried on towards inevitable tragedy. The cast as a whole is very satisfying. Constance Bennett’s acting is far above her usual performance; especially in the first half she is all one could ask for as the heroine of Arlen’s book. Later the action drags somewhat, and there are scenes in which the actress’ prettiness is emphasized rather than her character. It is, of course a sophisticated play, but the motivating circumstances have been skilfully altered to make the plot suitable for the screen without losing any of the strongly emotional quality; it remains the poignant story of a great love. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Absolutely unsuitable No v SERVANTS’ ENTRANCE » » Janet Caynor, Lew Ayres, Ned Sparks, Walter Connolly, Louise Dresser. Adapted from the novel by Sigrid Boo. Direction by Arthur Lang. Fox. When a young engaged couple, children of rich parents, suddenly find themselves faced with poverty, they decide to go to work. The girl obtains a position as maid in a household where there are numerous other servants and her experiences turn out to be both comic and romantic. The picture is improbable, frothy and sentimental, of the type usually assigned to Janet Gaynor, but it has moments of being really entertaining, particularly when a Walt Disney cartoon is introduced as a dream. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Probably entertaining Harmless THAT’S CRATITUDE » » Frank Craven, Arthur Byron, Helen Ware, Mary Carlisle, Sheila Manners, Charles Sabin. Story and direction by Frank Craven. Columbia. This somewhat cynical theme emphasizes the futility of expecting any definite return on kindnesses rendered: parents from their children, or any benefactor from those he may help. Arthur Byron gives the best performance as the down and out theatrical producer who outstays his welcome in a home where he is supposed to have saved a life. Frank Craven and Helen Ware are satisfactory in the roles of parents whose efforts to guide their children meet with ingratitude. It is a colorless story, too weakly motivated and too wordy to hold great interest. Liquor flows more easily and with less purpose than before censorship set to improve the moral standards of the screen. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 No No •w THERE’S ALWAYS TOMORROW * * Frank Morgan, Binnie Barnes, Lois Wilson. From the book by Ursula Parrott. Direction by Edward Sloman. Universal. Joseph fVhitc, devoted father of five children, has gradually become the “forgotten man” of the family. Taken for granted by his wife and ignored by his children, he finds harmless consolation in friendly calls upon his former secretary who is in love with him. When the children accidently find out where he spends his “lodge nights” the secretary returns him intact to the family with the admonition to treat him better in the future. Unfortunately the picture is devitalized by platitudinous monologues and too obvious sermonizing. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Passable No interest •w TWO HEADS ON A PILLOW » » Neal Hamilton, Miriam Jordan. Liberty Production. Life is just one long squabble between a young lawyer and his wife, and even separation doesn’t clear the atmosphere, for when they meet again as opposing lawyers in a divorce case, they continue to quarrel. This picture is too light in treatment to be really depressing, but neither is it especially diverting in its emphasis upon matrimonial unpleasantness. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 No No •w WAKE UP AND DREAM » * Russ Columbo, June Knight, Arthur Pryor. Direction by Kurt Neumann. Universal. Unimportant though agreeable musical entertainment featuring a vaudeville trio who are down and out until one of their members gets a lucky chance and helps the others. The plot in essence is hackneyed, but a movie with musical features combined with a story of loyalty and friendship seems to have perennial appeal. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Harmless Little interest