Motion Picture Review Digest (Jan-Dec 1937)

MOTION PICTURE REVIEW DIGEST ACCUSED— Continued Trade Paper Reviews "While this production follows the usual detailed technique of the British studios, Criterion Films has nevertheless delivered an absorbing theme with a s.trong plot that builds to grand suspense, and a superb cast of sterling; players even in the minor roles. . . The trial scenes are impressive though long drawn out." H Film Daily p4 D 17 *36 "Exhibitors will have to count this one an almost total loss, for even if the two American names will draw in patrons the proceedings are likely to drive them out, as it did many at last night's showing." — Hollywood Reporter p3 F 10 '37 "This is a pretty absorbing though hackneyed plot. Del Rio is beautiful, Fairbanks handsome, cast competent, though no names will draw. Dialogue is wordy, strictly class at times; there is an excellent court room scene which takes much footage. In spots where British class product has gone before, this is a superior product which should do well." H Phila Exhibitor p42 Ja 1 '37 " 'Accused' is the second Fairbanks, Jr.Marcel Hellman production . . . and is a definite improvement on their first effort, "The Amateur Gentleman.' . . [It] holds entertainment most of the way, and should get by at the box office with perhaps more than ordinary need for exploitation. Least it will do is hold the patrons once they're inside. Production of the film is commendable, especially in the musical and courtroom scenes. . . Performances rate [applause] all down the line." + Variety pll D 30 '36 blend of mad urbanity which made their first adventures continuously amusing. Both the matter and the manner of this comedy mark it for the sophisticated adult." T. J. Fitzmorris + America p336 Ja 9 '37 A: good of kind; Y & C: amusing but doubt ful." ACES WILD. Commodore 60min Cast: Harry Carey. Gertrude Messinger. Phil Dunham. Ed Cassidy Director: Harry Fraser A wrestern melodrama. Trade Paper Reviews "A sizzling outdoors yarn, with Harry Carey again demonstrating that he is one of the most satisfactory of all the western stars, and can give pointers to most of the younger lads who have followed in his footsteps. Carey is a finished actor, and carries an air of conviction that so many of the young stars do not possess." -f Film Daily pl2 Ja 19 '37 — Motion Pict Daily pl3 Ja 19 '37 "This is an unusually dull Western bearing every mark of quickie production, hurried preparation and more hasty direction and acting. Carey deserves plenty of praise for being able to survive the over-abundance of absurd situations, primary dialog and terrifying thespian efforts by his supporting cast. Film may be able to struggle along in some dual spots; that's all." — Variety p24 Ja 27 '37 AFTER THE THIN MAN. MGM llOmin D 25 '36 Cast: William Powell. Myrna Loy. James Stewart. Elissa Landi. Joseph Calleia. Jessie Ralph. Alan Marshall Director: W. S. Van Dyke See issue of December 28, 1936 for other reviews of this film Audience Suitability Ratings "William Powell and Myrna Loy reenact their familiar roles and achieve the same expert Christian Century p62 Ja 13 '37 "The comedy relief is furnished by some dog sequences that nearly steal the show. Mature." Am Legion Auxiliary "The stars have lost nothing of their suavity and charm. The lines are highly amusing, the story adequate and the production qualities excellent. Quite a bit of drinking but delightful, light entertainment. Mature-family." Calif Cong of Par & Teachers "The. sequel to that delightful murder mystery, 'The Thin Man,' is even better than its forerunner, in that it has a more interesting story and a more unexpected denouement. . . Excellent for type. Adults." Calif Fed of Business & Professional Women's Clubs "Certain to prove 'box office,' [it] is an inartistically constructed murder mystery, notable only because of handsome sets, a few clever lines and the fine acting of the fascinating stars, Myrna Loy and William Powrell. Mature." DAR "A rather complicated but adroitly handled mystery drama which will please mature audiences from many angles." Nat Soc of New England Women "Excellent and suspenseful direction of a highly suitable cast has brought to the screen the second installment of a 'Thin Man' detective mystery, which will again please the public who are not too rigid in the ethical standards of a picture. Prominence of drinking scenes emphasizes conditions under wThich crime is committed and protected. Strictly mature." 5 Calif Council of Fed Church Women Fox W Coast Bui Ja 9 '37 "Mr. Van Dyke has skilfully handled the direction showing a rare understanding of all the elements necessary to high entertainment in a picture. As in 'The Thin Man' liquor flows too freely. Adults & young people." + Gen Fed of Women's Clubs (W Coast) D 28 '36 "The charming scenes of domesticity between Nick and Nora and the adventures of Asta are intriguingly incongruous against the hard-boiled police background, the drinking and the rowdy humor. Expert handling makes the picture at once thrilling and highly amusing. Adolescents, 12-16: very sophisticated; children, 8-12: no." + Motion Pict R p3 Ja '37 "A worthy successor to 'The Thin Man,' this picture is delightful entertainment. Adults." + Nat Council of Jewish Women D 29 '36 "Adults." Nat Legion of Decency D 31 '36 "Murder under more pleasant circumstances cannot be imagined. . . Not a match for its distinguished predecessor, 'The Thin Man,' this sequel is nevertheless a sparkling mystery." + Scholastic p25 Ja 16 '37 "[It] is wholly entertaining. . . The revelations of greed, cruelty and blackmail are effectively set in contrast to the comedy, but the excessive drinking is to be criticized. Adults 6 young people." + Sel Motion Pict p9 Ja 1 '37 "Amusing and sophisticated story, excellently acted and with clever dialogue. Equal in entertainment, if not surpassing 'The Thin Man.' Outstanding. Mature." + + Wkly Guide D 26 '36 Newspaper and Magazine Reviews "It is skilfully directed. . . It sparkles writh smart dialogue that sometimes approaches brilliancy. It has all the qualities that made + -J Exceptionally Good; + Good; -| Fair; j Mediocre; — Poor; Exceptionally Poor