Motion Picture Review Digest (Jan-Dec 1937)

MOTION PICTURE REVIEW DIGEST 15 '"Farce melodrama that turns out to be practically a travesty on all [mystery stories], •Bulldog Drummond Escapes' is a light and entertaining programmer that should prove to be a satisfactory bolsterer on the duals. In the role of Bulldog Drummond, Ray Milland has a characterization well suited to his personality and style. . . While thin in story, theme is not important," as the characterizations and their handling, plus good dialog, give the picture its entertainment value." + Variety (Hollywood) p3 Ja 26 '37 CALL IT A DAY. Warner 89min Ap 17 '37 Cast: Olivia de Havilland. Ian Hunter. Anita Louise. Alice Brady. Roland Young Director: Archie L. Mayo Based on the play of the same title by Dodie Smith. "The plot deals with a single day in the lives of an English family — a day when spring arrives and all fancies turn. The staid accountant father nearly becomes involved with an actress; the reserve of the mother is threatened by the impassioned love-making of a fervid admirer from the Far East; the elder daughter has ideas about the dashing painter who is doing her portrait; the son forms an alliance with the girl next door; and even the youngest child entertains poetic flights." (Hollywood Reporter) Newspaper and Magazine Reviews "Excellent entertainment and an emphatic demonstration of the screen's vast superiority over the stage as a medium for presenting a stage play." + + Hollywood Spec p6 Mr 13 '37 Trade Paper Reviews " 'Call It a Day,' in its screen version, emerges as one £>1 the cleverest bits of entertainment this season." + Film Daily p3 Mr 6 '37 "Superlatively played, written and directed, [it] is delightful entertainment of the highest order. The dialog is witty and barbed, and laughter is almost continuous. If you fail to pack your house with such an attraction, something is wrong with your campaign. Word of mouth is certain to be terrific." + Hollywood Reporter p3 Mr 3 '37 Motion Pict Daily Mr 4 '37 "'Call It a Day' is top-flight comedy entertainment. It has every element needed to make it a success, and with a proper build-up for the opening should profit heavily through word-of-mouth advertising in neighborhoods and de luxers alike." + Variety (Hollywood) p3 Mr 3 '37 CAMILLE. MGM 115min Ja 1 '37 Cast: Greta Garbo. Robert Taylor. Lionel Barrymore. Elizabeth Allan. Jessie Ralph. Henry Daniell. Lenore Ulric Director: George Cukor Dance director: Val Raset Music: Herbert Stothart Based on the play and novel of the same title by Alexandre Dumas, flls. This is the third version produced. "The standard portrait of the remorseful lady of the boudoir remains unaltered. Miss Garbo plays her straight from the heart — her cynical sparring with Armand's impetuous devotion; the sense of fatal illness which is upon her from the first; reluctant acceptance of a love which finally overwhelms her; pathetic renunciation after interview with Armand's father; the heart-wrenching death scene which probably has accounted for more moist kerchiefs among feminine audiences than any other love story ever staged." [Variety (Hollywood)] Audience Suitability Ratings "The Swedish actress takes rank with an illustrious company of players by a brilliant performance. The star brings a charming warmth and brave pathos to Dumas' tale and, although the production is visually rich and the acting of the supporting roles uncommonly fine, whatever slight vitality there is in it comes, paradoxically, through the phthisic heroine. . , One significant addition is noticeable. Marguerite Gautier, after all these years, is still on the wrong side of society but she is finally a penitent. When all others have apparently deserted her, she calls for the ministrations of the Church. Although it would have outraged the new thought of Dumas fils, this Hollywood invention has more realism in it than the play proper. . . The picture is suitable for adults only." T. J. Fitzmorris + America p336 Ja 9 '37 "A: excellent; T: mature; C: no." Christian Century p62 Ja 13 '37 "Exceptionally well cast is this latest 'Camille,' with excellent interpretations of the various parts. Adults." Am Legion Auxiliary "To her portrayal of fragile Marguerite, Greta Garbo brings that spiritual quality which is the essence of great acting. . . Photography and art direction are deserving of highest praise. 14-18: mature; 8-14: no." Calif Cong of Par & Teachers "Greta Garbo surpasses herself in an interpretation that has elements of celestial beauty, and Robert Taylor, admirably fitted for the part in appearance and bearing, plays with fine understanding and restraint. Outstanding. Adults." Calif Fed of Business & Professional Women's Clubs "Mature. Excellent." DAR "[It] has never been more ably presented. Adults." Nat Soc of New England Women "Disarming all doubt as to the outcome of an attempt to picturize an old-time stage success, great acclaim is due George Cukor for an outstanding triumph in the direction of Greta Garbo. . . Although much is suggested which gives the picture mature audience suitability, these situations are handled with delicate and consummate skill. Mature." S Calif Council of Fed Church Women + Fox W Coast Bui Ja 2 '37 "The characterization of each member of this admirable cast merits high praise, with the portrayal of Miss Garbo indescribably fine, the pinnacle of artistic and dramatic achievement. . . A notable production. Adults." + + Gen Fed of Women's Clubs (W Coast) D 14 '36 "Outstanding." + + Jt Estimates D 15 '36 "While the theme of 'Camille' is rather mature for high school students, the classic nature of the story and the excellence of the performance make it likely that many students will see it. Miss Garbo dominates the picture throughout. . . [It] is noteworthy for its richness of mounting, for the beauty of photography, for carefully modulated sound and carefully sustained moods, all marks of excellence in direction." S. M. Mullen + + Motion Pict & Family p7 Ja 15 '37 "[It is] a conspicuous example of some of the best in the motion picture art. Very good. Adults and young adults." + + Motion Pict Guide F '37 + + Exceptionally Good; + Good; H Fair; [-Mediocre; —Poor; Exceptionally Poor