Motion Picture Review Digest (Jan-Dec 1937)

MOTION PICTURE REVIEW DIGEST 97 "Even the audience which did not read Booth Tarkington's Penrod stories when they were the same age as the protagonists will catch some of the back-yard necromancy of their childhood in this latter-day version of a Penrod sequel. To the audience which is reading them now, the greatest picture ever made would come out second-best to 'Penrod and Sam' if coupled with it on a double bill. The plot contains more Warner Bros, than Tarkington, but the liberties do not affect the char or»t pro ' * + ' Time p53 Mr 8 '37 Trade Paper Revieivs "Retaining much of the charm that made the Booth Tarkington original one of childhood s literary classics, Warner Brothers' production of 'Penrod and Sam* is an ably constructed family trade vehicle. It will be a natural for anv exhibitor and can be counted on for landoffice business in every neighborhood spot. . . The screen play is adequate, but it is easy to see where Tarkington left off and the studio writers started. Family." -f Box Office p23 Ja 16 *37 "[It is] better than average program fare. . . Many of the familiar Tarkington characters feature the proceedings and the whole adds up to a very pleasant hour of entertainment due to hold its own anywhere. . . Billy Mauch as Penrod acquits himself with high honors. His performance doubtless marks the beginning of a new 'Penrod' series on the screen. A small colored lad named Philip Hurlic proves a consistent scene-stealer as Verman." -f Hollywood Reporter p3 Ja 7 '37 -J Motion Pict Daily p6 Ja 8 "37 "A Bryan Foy production that spells entertainment from fade in to fade out. . . This is okey screen fare for entire family." + Phila Exhibitor p60 Ja 15 '37 "The spirit of Booth Tarkington's boyhood tales is happily blended with the behavior and concerns of today's juveniles in this up-to-theminute version of 'Penrod and Sam' to make topnotch entertainment for youngsters and oldsters alike. It may be played across the board as a winner of the family trade and will tote its own load on any program." + Variety (Hollywood) p3 Ja 7 '37 LES PETITS. Franco-American 80min D 29 '36 Cast: Constant Remy. Emanuel Roncier. Jeanne Boitel. Colette Borelli Directors: Constant Remy. Alfred Machard French dialogue film with English sub-titles produced in France. "Child psychology plays an important part in story of romance between a little boy and girl in school, both of whom, despite the harmlessness of their association, are expelled. After dramatic episodes their neglectful and un-understanding fathers plan a future of happiness for them." (Film Daily) Audience Suitability Ratings "Adults." Nat Legion of Decency Ja 14 '37 Newspaper and Magazine Reviews "Slightly in the tradition of 'La Maternelle,' but lacking its gripping interest, 'Les Petits' is directed and acted so cleverly that the outcome is in doubt until the very last moment. . . The fine work of the child members of the cast is reinforced by good acting by the adults. There are many flashes of humor and sarcasm to relieve the serious side of the story." H T S ' +' N Y Times pl7 D 30 '36 Trade Paper Reviews "Reminiscent of the memorable standout French film, 'La Maternelle,' this feature has its locale in a fashionable school for children. . . While lacking much of the genius of 'La Maternelle,' this is interesting audience fare. Performances by the tiny lead players, Emanuel Roncier and Colette Borelli, are superb. Despite child angle, feature is adult entertainment and unsuited to younger generation of patrons." + Film Daily p7 Ja 2 '37 1 Motion Pict Daily p6 Ja 4 '37 PILOT X. See Death in the air THE PLAINSMAN. Paramount 115min Ja 1 '37 Cast: Gary Cooper. Jean Arthur. James Ellison. Charles Bickford. Helen Burgess Director: Cecil B. De Mille Music: George Antheil Music director: Boris Morros See issue of December 28, 1936 for other reviews of this film Audience Suitability Ratings "Since it was directed by Cecil B. De Mille, it is unfolded on a broad, changing canvas and is stirringly played. . . The picture can be recommended to young and old." T. J. Fitzmorris + America p312 Ja 2 '37 "A & Y: fine of kind: C: too strong." Christian Century p62 Ja 13 '37 "Family but mature for children. Excellent." DAR + + Fox W Coast Bui D 19 '36 "Interesting1 and entertaining* for the family." Am Legion Auxiliary "Gary Cooper's restrained acting has never shown to better advantage. Family. Tense for children." Calif Cong of Par & Teachers "[It is] a picture which will stimulate and satisfy all ages of audiences. Family." Calif Fed of Business & Professional Women's Clubs "The romantic embroidery of the story does not obscure the bitter truth of historic facts. Family." E Coast Preview Committee "Although too stimulating for young children, this film will afford educational entertainment for the family." S Calif Council of Fed Church Women "A first class picture not of talky-talk Americanism but of a momentous time in building our traditions. And hats off to Gary Cooper for some unforgettable acting. Family." Mrs T. G. Winter + Fox W Coast Bui Ja 23 '37 "This [is a] fascinating and intensely interesting screen masterpiece. Family-mature." + + Gen Fed of Women's Clubs (W Coast) Ja 12 '37 "Family-mature. Outstanding. Best of the' month." -f + Jt Estimates Ja 15 '37 Reviewed by H. M. Le Sourd Motion Pict & Family p3 Ja 15 '37 "A combination of fact and fiction, this super-Western is most convincingly and effectively done. . . Every young person, especially boys will get a thrill out of this picture. Very good. Family." -f + Motion Pict Guide F '37 + + Exceptionally Good; + Good; -( Fair; j Mediocre; —Poor; Exceptionally Poor