Motion Picture Review Digest (Jan-Dec 1936)

MOTION PICTURE REVIEW DIGEST 131 "Columbia obviously was dreaming of a distaff edition of 'Mr. Deeds Goes to Town' when it produced 'Theodora Goes Wild.' . . We must puncture the toy balloon by proclaiming that Theodora is no match for Longfellow Deeds in sound, honest, homespun humor. Although she goes wild, she also goes silly; and farce does not set too well upon the lovely shoulders of Irene Dunne. The one thing we cannot abide is studied cuteness. . . By less exacting standards than those of 'Mr. Deeds,' the new film is a frolicsome piece with several moments of ingratiating comedy. Although there is a noticeable slackening of pace in its midcareer, it introduces a new theme and it explodes it with commendable freshness. . . A good bit of it is thoroughly silly, over-taxing even Miss Dunne's ability, but the honest New England comedy of it is astringent and wholesome. The Lynn Literary Society is magnificent." F. S. Nugent H NY Times p27 N 13 '36 "Miss Irene Dunne turns to comedy and in the frisky, hilarious and nifty film called 'Theodora Goes Wild,' turns in a gay and spirited performance that does much to make this one of the season's most distracting and tonic entertainments. Although it is an intensely artificial and lightweight affair, it is replete with sparkling wisecracks, literate light comedy writing and deft situations. . . If you fail to enjoy its intelligent frivolity you will have only yourself to blame." William Boehnel + NY World-Telegram p33 N 13 '36 "Don't . . . forget gentle little Irene Dunne. She's being rather bright and pleasant these days in 'Thedora Goes Wild.' This is a film for your easier moments. When I saw it, I thought first it might turn out to be just comedy about the publicity antics of lady authors, a dismal theme, but it's really about a small-town girl on a rampage. . . In spite of too many antique jokes, it's bright and fresh often enough." John Mosher + New Yorker plOl N 21 '36 "Miss Dunne had a lot of expert help. The assisting cast, led by Melvyn Douglas, entered into the spirit of this adventure, and Richard Boleslawski, whose screen work is even less associated with farce than his star's, directed with a light hand. Sidney Buchman's story refurbishes some old gags, but injects twice as many new ones into a plot that has no vain hope of making sense." + News-Wk p60 N 14 '36 . "[It is] a lively, I might say, hilarious female version of 'Mr. Deeds Goes to Town.' I don't know when I've seen a picture so full of amusing surprises, bright dialogue and ridiculous situations. . . Chalk up another knock-out for Harry Cohn of Columbia." Rob Wagner + + Script plO N 21 '36 "Somewhere in this idea is excellent farce. The situations are not believable enough. Miss Dunne is called upon to be too kittenish too long. What we mean is, Theodora goes too wild." h Stage pl8 D '36 "For cinema patrons who like rollicking farce, 'Theodora Goes Wild' amounts to a feast. It begins rollicking in Reel One, rollicks faster and more furiously from there on." + Time p26 N 23 '36 Trade Paper Reviews "Audiences should go wild over 'Theodora Goes Wild.' It reveals Irene Dunne as a comedienne of superlative charm and ability, and its delightfully rollicking comedy is remindful of 'It Happened One Night.' From every angle the picture is practically flawless. Family." + Box Office p51 N 14 '36 "This is one of the most amusing pictures of the year. . It is full of laughs and human touches. It presents a new Irene Dunne and she proves herself one of the screen's best comediennes. The picture is a triumph for its producer, director, writers, players, and all concerned in its making." + Film Daily p6 N 5 '36 "An uproarious romantic farce that will stand with the very best in a sensational comedy year. Its box office earnings also will come close to equaling top grossses for this popular type, for it has universal appeal and will evoke almost continuous laughter in any man's theater. . . The offering is something to talk about. It will be." + Hollywood Reporter p3 N 2 '36 + Motion Pict Daily p8 N 4 '36 "Columbia has again produced a comedy that should be in the top grosses when the returns are in. . . Everyone plays well, the result is swell." + Phila Exhibitor p49 N 15 '36 "A comedy of steady tempo and deepening laughter, 'Theodora Goes Wild' is certain to attract big trade and strong word-of-mouth ballyhoo. It will be a logical holdover for manv downtown spots. And it should strengthen the following of Irene Dunne. . . Film-goers will like the skittish results which achieve a certain helter-skelter lunacy while still not toestubbing the sense of illusion. It's synthetic stuff, made to seem real and plausible." + Variety pl2 N IS '36 "For sustained interest, rollicking comedy and a good love story, 'Theodora Goes Wild' is an outstanding picture and one that should certainly do big at the box office. Whatever a good picture needs, this has. A film masterpiece from every viewpoint, it reveals Director Richard Boleslawski as a master of comedy. . . Irene Dunne gives a top performance in a part that was most difficult, to say the least. Melvyn Douglas, as the romantic interest, does a superb job." + Variety (Hollywood) p3 N 2 '36 THEY MET IN A TAXI. Columbia 70min S 1 '36 Cast: Chester Morris. Fay Wray. Raymond Walburn. Lionel Stander Director: Alfred E. Green See issue of September 28, 1936 for other reviews of this film Audience Suitability Ratings "A and C: perhaps; Y: good." Christian Century pl303 S 30 '36 "The story is novelettish but not unduly sentimental or sensational; good direction, and competent acting and casting, make it pleasant entertainment. Suitability: family." + Mo Film Bui pl77 O '36 "Fair. Adults & young adults." -| Motion Pict Guide D '36 "It is well acted and well directed. The story moves along at a rapid pace and is pleasant light entertainment. Adolescents, 12-16: yes; children, 8-12: no interest." + Motion Pict R p9 O '36 "A and Y: entertaining comedy melodrama; C: doubtful." Parents' M p44 N '36 "[It is] hampered by a trite plot [but is] a fairly entertaining comedy. Adults & young people." H Sel Motion Pict plO O 1 '36 Newspaper and Magazine Reviews "Adults." Christian Science Monitor pl3 S 26 '36 " 'They Met in a Taxi,' featuring the far from distinguished efforts of Chester Morris, is a rather pure example of the quickie, good for a laugh or two if you are not too choosy." h New Theatre plS O '36 + + Exceptionally Good; +Good; -| Fair; [-Mediocre; Poor; Exceptionally Poor