Motion Picture Review Digest (Jan-Dec 1936)

MOTION PICTURE REVIEW DIGEST 115 in a biographical drama should prove this a masterpiece of screen art. The story's episodic quality and tragic undertones make the film excellent fare for the discriminating and art lovers. Average audiences may find it dull unless it is sold with dignity. Adults." + Box Office p23 N 28 *36 "This London Films production is a Roman holiday for Charles Laughton as the greatest living actor at reading lines; further, it is an artistic triumph and a beautiful series of pastel studies done in terms of motion picture — but as film entertainment for the average audience it is lacking. . . "We contend this is not film material, and fails utterly as mass entertainment regardless of its undoubted artistic attainments. That also goes for the general story structure throughout, which moves leisurely, episodically and somewhat jerkily from one episode to another, and seldom hits a real dramatic note or anything resembling action. Here is fine material for a two-reeler, but certainly not intended for over an hour of entertainment for mixed audiences in America most of whom know little about Rembrandt and care less." h Film Daily p7 N 21 *36 "[It] is disappointing. The story ... is nebulous, rambling and episodic and the screenplay fails to develop any definite dramatic interest or suspense. The dialogue is unduly prolix and pretentious. Laughton, lacking due directorial control, struggles through the superfluity of speeches ponderously unconvincing and humorless. A highspot is provided, however, by his superlative rendering of numerous lengthy biblical passages." f Hollywood Reporter p3 N 5 '36 -4 — Motion Pict Daily p8 N 17 '36 "Another class picture from Korda. As such, it's swell. . . The old Dutch settings, indoor, outdoor, are rich, authentic, striking. In a word, everything is top-notch." + Phila Exhibitor p34 D 1 '36 "There is something radically original in this latest British importation — a feature film without a story plot, a not too successful effort to expand a characterization into full photoplay length. . . Of course, there is no good reason why the screen biography of Rembrandt shouldn't be done in this manner, if Alexander Korda wants to do it contrary to the generally accepted method, but neither Korda, who directed, nor Laughton, who acted, should be too disappointed if the reception of their joint effort is something less than enthusiatic. . . It's a rather disjointed, somewhat dull, undramatic and humorless portrait of a very ill-tempered, improvident and frustrated individual who has a complex for quoting scripture. It is never exciting, and only partly believable. To the credit of Korda ... it can be said to be a beautifully produced film, excellently photographed, well staged, with interesting settings of Amsterdam in the 1600s, but the fans will leave the theatre confused and somewhat disappointed. . . In his transition over a period of years Laughton presents a masterful job of makeup and facial and physical change. . . Lack of story interest and dramatic situations place the film in a niche below the best biographical pictures of the past." H Variety pl2 D 9 '36 REUNION. 20th century-Fox 80min N 20 '36 Cast: Jean Hersholt. Rochelle Hudson. Helen Vinson. George (Slim) Summerville. Robert Kent. John Qualen Director: Norman Taurog "It has for core — there is scarcely any plot— the reunion of several thousand men, women and children who have been ushered into the world by the kindly doctor. For comedy basis it stresses amusing paternal rivalry between the father of the quints, enacted by John Qualen, and Slim Summerville whose hopes of fathering the sextuplets and thus breaking the world record are dashed when only a single child arrives." Variety (Hollywood) Audience Suitability Ratings "This film serves to reintroduce the Dionne quintuplets at a later stage of their development. It doesn't accomplish much else. . . The comedy in the picture is in too many instances vulgar and clinical and wholly unsuitable for young audiences. As a matter of fact, there is little entertainment value to the production unless one is interested in vital statistics and the Dionne children." T. J. Fitzmorris — America p216 D 5 '36 "A: poor; T: not very good; C: hardly." Christian Century pl639 D 2 '36 "The famous babies are adorable and the comedy is aptly handled by Slim Summerville and John Qualen. Family." Am Legion Auxiliary "Adults & 14-18: good." Calif Cong of Par & Teachers "The adorable Quints are the principal reason for this picture and undoubtedly they will be its chief drawing card, but they are not an essential part of the story as in the 'Country Doctor.' . . Jean Hersholt is the center of a story that is more dramatic and sophisticated than the first one, though not so heart-warming and human in its appeal. Very good. Familymature." Calif Fed of Business & Professional Women's Clubs "Good. DAR "The noted babies are before the camera longer than in their previous film and are very entertaining. . . Dubious comedy between Slim Summerville and the father of the Quints tends to make this a poor vehicle in reintroducing these interesting children on the screen. Family." S Calif Council of Fed Church Women Fox W Coast Bui N 28 "36 "Production values are most satisfactory. Able work by a large capable cast; Jean Hersholt very fine; with the director adding many homely touches that enhance the quality of the picture. Family." + Gen Fed of Women's Clubs (W Coast) N 17 '36 "A disappointing story, poorly constructed, with obvious situations, lacking in suspense or subtlety. Concocted as an excuse to capitalize on the popularity of the Quintuplets, their brief appearance does not sufficiently compensate for this mealy drama. Mature." — Nat Council of Jewish Women N 16 '36 "Adults." Nat Legion of Decency N 26 '36 "This picture, the second featuring the Dionne Quintuplets, is worth seeing, if for no other reason than that it shows the growth and development of these remarkable babies. The story . . . seems a good idea, but the development leaves much to be desired. It lacks the spontaneity and humor of the former picture and the ethics are somewhat questionable. The cast is good and the picture is well produced. Mature." H Sel Motion Pict p4 D 1 '36 "A warm-hearted story and a good show, with a welcome sight of such old favorites as Tom Moore, Esther Ralston and Hank Mann. Family." + Wkly Guide N 21 '36 Newspaper and Magazine Reviews Reviewed by Laura Elston Canadian M p38 D '36 "The Dionne Quintuplets once more show themselves to be utterly charming and completely unself-conscious performers. . . The photoplay itself is not as sturdy as 'The Country Doctor,' but it is mildly pleasant entertainment, peopled by many of the engaging players -f+ Exceptionally Good; + Good; -| Fair; [-Mediocre; — Poor; Exceptionally Poor