Motion Picture Reviews (1938)

MOTION PICTURE REVIEWS Three MOTION • PICTURE • REVIEWS Published monthly by THE WOMEN'S UNIVERSITY CLUB I.OS 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. Francis Poyas, Subscription Chairman Cooperating Branches Long Beach Glendale Santa Monica Whittier EDITORS Mrs. Palmer Cook Mrs. J. Allen Davis Mrs. George Ryall Mrs. John Vruwink Address all communications to The Women’s University Club, 943 South Hoover Street, Los Angeles, California 10c Per Copy $ 1 .00 Per Year Vol. XII OCTOBER, 1938 No. 10 Copyright 19B8 by Women's University Club of Los Angeles FEATURE FILMS BOY'S TOWN O O Spencer Tracy, Mickey Rooney, Henry Hull, Gene Reynolds, Bobs Watson, Donald Barry, Frankie Thomas, Sidney Miller. From an original story by Dore Schary and Eleanor Griffin. Screen play by John Meehan and Dore Schary. Direction by Norman Taurog. M.-G.-M. Here is an exciting and heart-warming social drama, a story of the regeneration of homeless, derelict boys who are on their way to reformatories or worse. Unlike “Dead End” it does not limit its field of enquiry to the causes of delinquency, leaving the spectator depressed by an apparently hopeless outlook, but rather suggests positive steps toward crime prevention. The picture is based on the work of Father Flanagan, a Catholic priest who twenty-five years ago dreamed a vision and brought it to reality. “Boy’s Town” is an incorporated city near Omaha, Nebraska, where about three hundred boys from broken homes and city streets learn to live together and perfect themselves in trades. They have their own laws and government, and proof of the value of the project lies in the fact that four thousand boys have found adjustment and happiness and are recognized as worthy citizens in their own communities after leaving the Town. The picture has taken a fictional boy whose criminal brother begs that he be given a chance under Father Flanagan’s influence. The boy almost persuades the priest that he is incorrigible, but Father Flanagan’s faith in him and association with the other boys effect a transformation in JVhitey. It is an emotional story, excellently played, especially by Mickey Rooney who gives a stellar performance. In cutting to average film length many scenes of the work done at the farm have been omitted, a loss to those interested in the constructive influences which have so much to do with strengthening character. The source of public support is only suggested, but the film is convincing and is a real contribution to American ideals of service to humanity. Norman Taurog’s direction deserves special mention. Spencer Tracy is as usual dependable and fine. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Fine Emotional but constructive