Motion Picture Reviews (1935)

Motion Picture Reviews Seven completely that one sees the world through his eyes ; one suffers with him as he fights gallantly against hardships almost too great for a small boy to bear, and one meets all the strange and interesting people of his life. Frank Lawton takes up the part with equal sincerity to portray the David grown to manhood. There are dear old Peggoty, grand, lovable Mr. Peggoty, Micawber himself — surely W. C. Fields has never done so fine a characterization before. There is Uriah Heep portrayed to the essence of his villainous, humble soul by Roland Young; there is eccentric Miss Trotwood, and all the others. And it is the England of Dickens’ time. If it seems a little long one must remember that it is a long book, and there is not a person or a scene one would wish to have deleted. Those to whom the story is new will find a score of new acquaintances, and those who loved the book will be delighted to spend an evening once again with old friends. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Excellent Good, but rather heart rending at times •w FATHER BROWN, DETECTIVE * » Walter Connolly, Paul Lukas, Gertrude Michael. Original story by Gilbert K. Chesterton. Direction by Edward Sedgwick. Paramount. Aside from the fact that it introduces a new kind of detective to the screen, this is an unimportant picture. “Father Brown,” a character created by Gilbert K. Chesterton in his short stories and ably acted in this film by Walter Connolly, is a genial, astute priest who exerts his influence to reform a thief whom he catches. Because there is not enough interest in the plot for a good detective story the whole responsibility for making the picture entertaining descends upon Walter Connolly. He succeeds fairly well but one wishes he had had a better vehicle. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Fair No interest ■w GRAND OLD CIRL » » May Robson, Alan Hale. Story by Wanda Tuchock; adapted by Milton Krims and John Twist. Direction by John Robertson. R-K-O. This sentimental social drama revolves so completely around May Robson’s characterization that it is her picture throughout, and she again portrays her role with great ability. Because of her it is interesting. It is a story of pathos and disappointment in which an aging school teacher fights to protect her pupils from unwholesome after-school activities. She fails to get the support of her community and school board, and yet in a measure, is rewarded for her inspiring vision of courageous service. The charm of the story lies in incidental contacts which are part of the teacher’s daily problems and in her character and delicious sense of humor. It is family fare of the Will Rogers type. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Yes Probably too mature to interest many ' w GENTLEMEN ARE BORN » » Jean Muir, Franchot Tone, Margaret Lindsay, Ann Dvorak. Based on the story “Just Out of College” by Robert Lee Johnson. First National. Here is a clever, vital story of contemporary life. Depicting the tragedies and disappointments of four college graduates for the first time confronted with the real problems of life, it is rather sombre in tone, but it also offers a hopeful and satisfying picture of the loyalty and courageous perseverance of these young men against disheartening odds. It is sincerely presented and has refreshingly little of the sophistication usually deemed inevitable wherever modern young people are shown on the screen. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Mature No interest •v HELLDORADO » » Richard Arlen, Madge Evans, Ralph Bellamy, Henry B. Walthall, Stepin Fetchit. From the story by Frank Mitchell Dazey. Direction by James Cruze. Fox. A light and amusing tale of a motly group of tourists driving to Los Angeles, who become stranded after a cloud burst in an old gold mining ghost town. Due to unusual and exciting circumstances they find the even tenor of their way considerably altered after the experience. The storm scene is especially well done and the ending entirely in accord with accepted melodrama. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good Yes — over 10 •w HOME ON THE RANGE * » Randolph Scott, Jackie Coogan, Evelyn Brent. From a novel by Zane Grey. Direction by Arthur Jacobson. Paramount. Here is a regulation western but even the wide open spaces are not enough to redeem the plot. There are too many racketeers, too many murders and unsavory ethics to attract any but quite uncritical audiences. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Not recommended No ■v I AM A THIEF » » Mary Astor, Ricardo Cortez, Dudley Digges. Direction by Robert Florey. Warner Bros. In this “Philo Vance” story an insurance company seeks to discover the identities of a ring of gem thieves who are operating in