Motion Picture Review Digest (Jan-Dec 1936)

MOTION PICTURE REVIEW DIGEST 91 "The vain struggle of a woman-hater to prevent himself from falling in love is ever an amusing sight for movie audiences. . . With the exception of a mildly boring pair of supposedly intoxicated comedians, this is a pleasantly diverting film. Adolescents, 12-16: possibly entertaining; children, 8-12: no interest.' + Motion Pict R p7 N '36 "A light, amusing comedy with clever repartee and fast-moving direction. Excessive drinking. Adults." mm ^ <J Nat Council of Jewish Women O 14 '36 "Adults." na ,„„ Nat Legion of Decency O 22 '36 "A & Y: mildly amusing; C: little interest." Parents' M p46 Ja '37 "[It is] a light, somewhat entertaining •comedy. . . The plot is implausible, depending too much upon dialogue for its motivation, and the overmuch imbibing used as comedy relief is not amusing. Fairly well cast and directed. Adults." + — Sel Motion Pict p4 N 1 '36 "[It is] an amusing story. Family." + Wkly Guide O 10 '36 Newspaper and Magazine Reviews " 'The Man I Marry' is an exceedingly poor picture. . . [It] is not convincing. The dialogue is directed with regard only for the words composing it, not for the mood of scenes. Lines are presented as a series of orations instead of as intimate conversations which lend the scenes conviction." Hollywood Spec pS O 24 '36 "Presenting a new screen personality — Doris Nolan. This is her first film, a mad little comedy that doesn't quite get off the springboard. . . All this is in the mood of gay whimsey that just misses all the way. It would be unfair to judge Miss Nolan by this just passable comedy." (1 star) Beverly Hills Liberty p47 D 5 '36 "Like all screen novitiates, Miss Nolan is carefully restrained from demonstrating her histrionic abilities in the new film. . . [It] has been so designed that it presents her almost solely as a personality, and as such she is highly acceptable. [It] is a minor pleasantry." T. M. P. h N Y Times p24 O 31 '36 "Doris Nolan ... is being introduced to cinema audiences ... in circumstances none too felicitous. For 'The Man I Marry,' in which she makes ner screen debut, is an awkward and ingenuous film, maladroitly written -and clumsily directed. . . Even though the story and the direction aren't satisfactory, Miss Nolan's beauty and sparkle are refreshing. Good work, too, is done by the grand actor, Nigel Bruce, and the members of the supporting cast." William Boehnel f N Y World-Telegram pl3 N 3 '36 "The sexes do mock battle again in a slight though often amusing comedy. It gives Doris Nolan just enough of an opportunity to show what she could do with a better one." News-Wk p25 O 31 '36 "The country needs jobs. People have to make an honest living. So I suppose there was a reason for 'The Man I Marry,' besides double features. Only, the people who pay to see it may grumble. Well, I can't blame them. The story is obviously derivative, jumbled, slowmoving. . . After her advance build up, Doris Nolan has a poor chance to exhibit what she has, but in spite of so-so photography, the newcomer has learned a bit about screen deportment, pleasantly suggests Gladys George, and has a manner and verve quite her own." R. S. Ames — Script pll N 7 '36 Trade Paper Reviews "Doris Nolan is given an auspicious send-off by Universal in this scintillating comedy success. She evidences great capabilities for a light role, and with the support of a smart sophisticated screen play, the entire fare is one that should be welcomed by any audience. Family." + Box Office p63 O 17 '36 "[It is a] pleasant enough little comedy that will get a moderate amount of laughs." H Film Daily p8 O 12 '36 "This is a factory-built comedy, laboriously fabricated from stock parts and upholstered with old gags worn smooth from use. There are, however, a lot of these familiar friends and on the juvenile level they will evoke a fair salvo of laughs. Mark the picture as good light fodder for the lesser duals." -j Hollywood Reporter p2 O 8 '36 -\ Motion Pict Daily O 9 '36 "Presenting Doris Nolan as a comedienne who will bear watching, Universal has produced an engaging comedy in 'The Man I Marry.' The picture ought to help the new name. An able cast gives her plenty of comedy support. . . With some familiar situations, played with an eye to laughs, this shapes up as fair comedy program." -| Phila Exhibitor p36 N 1 '36 "Foundation stone that Universal has selected in introducing Doris Nolan to starring roles is a rowdy comedy, plugged with stereotype, but destined to garner a sheaf of belly laughs where the patrons don't analyze their humor too much. It's got the law of averages in its favor. Gags and wacky situations arrive in such blasts that the opus merits the subtitle of goofus. Net results put the picture in the average class for neighborhood houses. For bigger spots it hasn't the marquee power, nor the solidity of theme, to go out on its own." -| Variety pl9 N 4 '36 "Universal has done a very neat job of presenting Doris Nolan in her debut as a screen comedienne. 'The Man I Marry' is definitely the kind of comedy that wins audience appreciation and although delightfully sophisticated it is still well suited for the whole family." + Variety (Hollywood) p3 O 8 '36 MAN WHO CHANGED HIS MIND. See Man who lived again MAN WHO COULD WORK MIRACLES. London films-United artists 82min Cast: Roland Young. Joan Gardner. Ralph Richardson Director: Lothar Mendes Based on a short story of the same title by H. G. Wells. Filmed in England. "[It is the story of] a little draper's assistant who suddenly finds he has the power to work miracles. At first these miracles are hardly above the level of conjuring tricks, but as he grows to understand his power better he tries to organise it. Various people urge him to follow their advice; but at last, after encountering furious opposition from a retired Indian Colonel with reactionary ideas, he determines to reshape the whole world and make it a place fit to live in. Exasperated by the stupidity and opposition of the rulers of the world whom he summons before him, by a single remark he unintentionally throws the world into physical chaos, and is so frightened by the results of his gift that he wishes everything as it was before: he also wishes away his own power." (Mo Film Bui) Audience Suitability Ratings "In its original form this was an amusing little tale, subtly but lightly treated. The large propagandist element, which has been + + Exceptionally Good; + Good; -j Fair; [-Mediocre; — Poor; Exceptionally Poor