Motion Picture Review Digest (Jan-Dec 1936)

MOTION PICTURE REVIEW DIGEST 41 "[The] plot is more complicated than credible. There is a lot about treaties and rum-running in the Moslem countries and aphoristic Englishmen. You've seen it all before." Stage pl4 N '36 Trade Paper Reviews "Returning' to familiar ground, George Arliss gives us one of the Oriental characterizations at which he excels in a superthriller filled with color, drama and suspense. The brilliant actor's portrayal of a wily Oriental rajah is here matched by another from Romney Brent whose performance is also suavely effective. Family." Box Office p27 O 3 '36 "Playing his part with tongue-in-cheek, George Arliss seems to be getting a lot of fun out of this extravagant extravaganza of the East, for even in the most heart-breaking scenes, the smug smirk never leaves his oily countenance. Off-hand, we would say this production will prove great fun for the kiddies, but it is hardly to be taken seriously as enlightened fare for grown-ups. . . We enjoyed it as much as did George Arliss, who has a fine sense of humor. Anyone with a sense of humor will get a great kick out of it." Film Daily p3 S 19 '36 "Plot, though extremely slight, is handled with pace and a subtle sense of climax. Arliss holds again the role of prime mover in a game of diplomatic chess, a fresh slant being the clash of racial prejudices between blacks and whites. . . The story development strains rather unnecessarily on credulity at times, but redeems itself in a swiftly handled climax." H Hollywood Reporter p5 S 5 '36 "GB has spent many dollars on the show with melodramatic mob scenes. What the show will do, however, depends totally on the Arliss draw. Production, British in aspect, is generally of a fair level, but Arliss is the main selling angle. Estimate: depends on Arliss." Phila Exhibitor p35 O 1 '36 "George Arliss is all this one has to offer for the American market, and it's doubtful that even Arliss can accomplish much in its behalf. The star carries a role similar to his rajah in 'The Green Goddess,' but the resemblance ends with the costume department's contribution. Story is melodramatic in old time manner and shot through with deep political intrigue whose significance may be clear in England, but is lost over here. . . There are several mob scenes, and the picture is first rate in the production way. But that doesn't get it to first base." h Variety pl8 N 4 '36 EASY TO TAKE. Paramount 65min N 6 '36 Cast: Marsha Hunt. John Howard. Eugene Pallette. Richard Carle. Douglas Scott Director: Glenn Tryon "John Howard, a radio advisor to boys, is made guardian to the supposedly wealthy Douglas Scott, a spoiled brat of eleven. From the publicity that hits the papers, the boy's sister believes John is a fortune hunter and publicity hound. Instead of the girl and her family being so rich, they are actually broke and John is supporting them." Film Daily with junior artists is distasteful rather than amusing. Mature." Calif Fed of Business & Professional Women's Clubs "Family, but mature for children. Mediocre." DAR "The whole is fresh and stimulating and the broadcast hour is outstanding and above the average. Family." S Calif Council of Fed Church Women Fox W Coast Bui N 14 '36 "[It is] a lightly amusing comedy. . . Satisfactory acting and direction. Family." + Gen Fed of Women's Clubs (W Coast) N 2 '36 "Although the theme is unusual and the story novel, providing many a laugh and moments of genuine entertainment, this film sadly droops to its climax. . . The direction is jerky, with humor poorly spaced. Family." 1 Nat Council of Jewish Women N 3 '36 "General patronage." Nat Legion of Decency N 5 '36 "A, Y & C: poor." Parents' M p46 Ja '37 Sel Motion Pict p5 D 1 '36 Newspaper and Magazine Reviews "This satire on radio had a good idea — but the thing doesn't jell very well. . . The humor poked at radio has its amusing moments here and there, but mostly the comedy drags along to the end. The cast is merely passable, we regret to report." (1% stars) Beverly Hills Liberty p46 D 5 '36 Trade Paper Reviews "An amateurish film which bears the stamp of hurried production schedules and a careless script. Its story subject was handled disappointingly throughout, and what could have been an entertaining little satire turns out to be a hodge-podge of poorly developed situations. Family." — Box Office p27 O 24 '36 "This should make pleasing program fare. With a lot of juvenile stuff, its main appeal will be to the family trade. The most entertaining part of the picture is the [children's] radio show, in which Carl (Alfalfa) Switzer stands out with his suffering rendition of 'Love in Bloom' and little Billy Lee sings a western song and does a neat tap routine. The piece is a comedy drama, in which the plot, although formula, has been handled in an interesting manner." + Film Daily p8 O 20 '36 "Making all the customary allowances accorded the B product, this is still pretty sorry stuff, something that will make most fans regret they waited to see the second picture. . . With a pretty girl and a few comics m [the film] it looks [as if] the picture-makers should have gone to town, but in its development the idea falls flatter than a butterfly under glass." — Hollywood Reporter p4 O 17 '36 h Motion Pict Daily pll O 19 '36 Audience Suitability Ratings "Family." Am Legion Auxiliary "Intimate views of a broadcasting station in action, amusing situations and wholesome comedy make this good family entertainment. Family & junior matinee." Calif Cong of Par & Teachers "About the only entertainment value in this production is the facial impressions of Carl Switzer and his rendition of 'Love in Bloom.' . . A sequence of an amateur hour on the radio Trade Paper Reviews "Estimate: for neighborhoods, twin bills." -| Phila Exhibitor p33 N 1 '36 " 'Easy to Take' is obviously a program picture and although it has several good laughs, it will not rise above the level of mediocrity. It will find its best value as comedy relief on a dualer with a strong first line attraction. . . The story is a very obvious one that has been stretched a little too far." h Variety (Hollywood) p3 O 17 '36 + + Exceptionally Good; + Good; -\ Fair; [-Mediocre; —Poor; Exceptionally Poor