Motion Picture Review Digest (Jan-Dec 1937)

108 MOTION PICTURE REVIEW DIGEST THEY WON'T FORGET— Continued lin's paper arouses the hatred of the Southerners against Norris who is a Northerner. He is defended by a New York attorney, but is convicted. A mob pulls him off the train en route to the state prison and lynches him. Trade Paper Reviexos "Mervyn LeRoy's newest production is a scathing indictment of mob prejudice and is certain to cause much debate. It should do nicely at the box-office and deserves heavy exploitation. It has fine character studies and has been wisely cast." Film Daily pl2 Je 14 '37 Motion Pict Daily p6 Je 10 '37 "This is a grim, compelling tragi-drama of deliberately inflamed violence which will be one of the most discussed pictures of the year." + Variety (Hollywood) p3 Je 9 '37 THINK FAST, MR. MOTO. 20th century-Fox 65min Je 25 '37 Cast: Peter Lorre. Virginia Field. Thomas Beck. Siegfried Rumann Director: Norman Foster Based on the Saturday Evening Post serial novel of the same title by J. P. Marquand. "Mr. Moto, after masquerading in Frisco's Chinatown as a Persian rug peddler, next appears on board ship. Sailing at the same time is Thomas Beck, madcap young son of the steamship line's owner. He carries an important confidential message to the line's Shanghai manager." [Variety (Hollywood)] sketch of a dynamic Japanese whose versatile brilliance spot-lights the action is a 'must see' picture. And Peter Lorre supplies the 'must;' always commanding, Lorre is here at his arresting best." -f Hollywood Spec pl7 Ap 10 '37 "This first in the series of Mr. Moto films is quality entertainment. It sets a high mark for production excellence at which others in the series may aim. Family." + Box Office p27 Ap 17 '37 "New type of detective plus rapid action and well maintained suspense make this an entertaining mystery film. . . Regular audiences should find it very enjoyable fare and the mystery fans especially will find it something a little different." + Film Daily p8 Ap 6 '37 "J. P. Marquand' s Mr. Moto, who has been appearing in the Saturday Evening Post, comes to life realistically in Lorre's expert hands and the result is a suspenseful program picture that the dual devotees will find better-than-average fare." -f Hollywood Reporter p3 Ap 2 '37 + Motion Pict Daily p4 Ap 5 '37 "This should prove popular neighborhood fare." + Phila Exhibitor p26 Ap 15 '37 "The first picture in the series, packs plenty of punch and has what it needs in the way of suspense, action and romance to satisfy audiences from the de luxers right down the line. . . Peter Lorre, in the title role of the calm little Japanese detective, is entirely convincing." + Variety (Hollywood) p3 Ap 2 '37 Audience Suitability Ratings "The oriental settings are good and give tone to the picture. . . Too exciting for children. Mature." Am Legion Auxiliary "Adults." Calif Cong of Par & Teachers "To lovers of the mystery story, this will prove a little away from the usual trend with its Shanghai atmosphere, smuggling ring and lovely Russian lady. Adults." Calif Fed of Business & Professional Women's Clubs "Mature. Good." DAR "Good average mystery film. Mature." Nat Soc of New England Women "A mystery drama which holds the interest and suspense until the close. Mature." S Calif Council of Fed Church Women -f Fox W Coast Bui Ap 24 '37 "A fast-paced mystery drama, given interesting settings, capable direction and an able cast. . . Excessive drinking in the opening scenes. Adults & young people." + Gen Fed of Women's Clubs (W Coast) Ap 10 '37 "Adolescents, 12-16: not advised; children, 812: no." Motion Pict R plO My '37 "[It is] thrilling, exciting entertainment. Family." + Nat Council of Jewish Women Ap 14 '37 "General patronage." Nat Legion of Decency My 27 '37 "Adults." Sel Motion Pict p8 My 1 '37 Newspaper and Magazine Reviews "[It] has everything it takes to make boxoffices sit up and beg. Flashing from the sinister tempo of oriental life to the dignity and folly of occidental bluntness, this fast-paced THIRTEENTH CHAIR. MGM 62min My 14 '37 Cast: Dame May Whitty. Madge Evans. Lewis Stone. Elissa Landi Director: George B. Seitz Based on the play of the same title by Bayard Veiller. Filmed as a silent picture in 1919; a talkie in 1929. "The story concerns the solution of a murder that occurs under the eerie circumstances of a seance. The finding of the criminal is quite unique and comes as a complete surprise." [Variety (Hollywood)] Audience Suitability Ratings "There is some excitement in the film but it is not well sustained, and the relationship between certain characters is more obscure than the name of the murderer. On moral grounds, too, one or two of them are suspect. However, if you make a practise of seeing this sort of melodrama, it is suitable for adult audiences." T. J. Fitzmorris -| America pl68 My 22 '37 "A & Y: very good of kind; C: too strong." Christian Century p695 My 26 '37 "Dame May Whitty gives an especially fine performance as the medium. Adults." Am Legion Auxiliary "Interestingly adapted from the stage play, this murder mystery is well acted and ably directed, with sustained suspense throughout. Adults." Calif Cong of Par & Teachers "A murder mystery, carefully plotted, which is made tense by the acting of a good cast under good direction. Family." Nat Bd of R "An excellent entertainment, but gruesome for any but an adult audience." Nat Soc of New England Women "This picture will prove highly entertaining to all who like a really good thrill. Mature." S Calif Council of Fed Church Women Fox W Coast Bui My 15 '37 + + Exceptionally Good; + Good; -\ Fair; JMediocre; — Poor; Exceptionally Poor