Motion Picture Reviews (1938)

MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS Three MOTION * PICTURE * REVIEWS Published monthly by THE WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY CLUB IX)S ANGELES BRANCH AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN Mrs. Palmer Cook, General Co-Chairman Mrs. John Vruwink, General Co-Chairman Mrs. Chester A. Ommanney, Preview Chairman Mrs. Thomas B. Williamson, Assistant Preview Chairman >Mrs. Raymond Young, Subscription Chairman * Cooperating Branch Chairmen ong Beach: Mrs. H. A. Barr Whittier: Miss Jeanette Perdew Glendale: Mrs. R. T. Thayer Santa Monica: Mrs. Sheldon N. Hayden EDITORS Mrs. Palmer Cook Mrs. J. Allen Davis Mrs. George Ryall Mrs. Walter Van Dyke Mrs. John Vruwink Address all communications to , The Women’s University Club, 943 South Hoover Street, Los Angeles, California I Oc Per Copy $ 1 .00 Per Year Vol. XII JUNE, 1938 No. G Copyright 1938 by Women's University Club of Los Angeles FEATURE FILMS ALEXANDER'S RAG TIME BAND O O Tyrone Power, Don Ameche, Alice Faye, Ethel Merman, Jack Haley, John Carradine, Paul Hurst. Screen play by Kathryn Scola and Lamar Trotti. Music and lyrics by Irving Berlin. Musical direction by Alfred Newman. Direction by Henry King. Twentieth Century-Fox. ~ Let us consider first, adverse criticisms of “Alexander’s Rag Time Band” before our enthusiasm clouds discernment, for there are flaws when the production is considered objectively. In the first place, judicious cutting would improve it, for it is overlong. To us it would seem advisable to shorten the latter swing songs, although these may be the high light for modern youth. To another generation they seem more emphasized and less interesting than the older music. Again, while the production offers a panorama of Irving Berlin’s song hits from about 1912 to the present day, yet the cast shows no ravages of time (and years do take their toll even among the most glamorous ! ) . It is also almost entirely a cabaret show which tires at long last, and there are some anachronisms in dialogue and costumes. On the other hand, it is a typically American production, glorifying the man who contributed so much to our national jazz history, and the music will bring back a slight nostalgia for youthful care free days. Don Ameche, Tyrone Power and Alice Faye give performances which have a number of high lights. Power plays a musician who believes in the newer type of rhythm, then called jazz, and who gives up the concert stage to organize a band. His opportunity comes in a cheap Barbary Coast dive, and circumstances force him to open with “Alexander’s Rag Time Band,” a “new” song which becomes associated with his success until the name clings to the group. From then on he climbs to the height of prominence in his chosen field, progress only temporarily interrupted by the Great War. The scene where the soldiers’ New York show is stopped by orders to embark for France is an emotional thrill which will be felt by many in the audience. To our minds the writers might have found another way to reunite the lovers rather than through divorce. It seems unnecessary and out of place but it provides a scene which deserves commendation because of its restraint and taste. There are a number of bits of good theatre and excellent acting, notably the performance of John Carradine as a taxi driver, and Paul Hurst in the role of “Bill,” a bartender who becomes owner of a speakeasy. On the whole, the picture will possibly have more appeal for adults