The New Movie Magazine (Jan-Sep 1935)

YOU TELL US On this page our readers tell us — and each other — what they think. It is our fan club. And all you need to get in the fun is a pencil and a three-cent stamp for Uncle Sam From London As spokeswoman for a London girls' club, I should like to say how much we love and admire that fine actress, Norma Shearer, over here in England. We admire her for the courage she had to break away from her frothy sophisticated roles and play the romantic heroine in "Smilin' Through," the unusual and intensely dramatic role in "Strange Interlude," and above all the invalid Elizabeth Barrett in "The Barretts of Wimpole Street." We love her because she gives her public what they want, brilliant performances, splendid pictures and variety in her roles. Because we do not see her name blazoned across newspapers in scandals and divorces, and because, when we do get glimpses of her in private life, she is always her gracious and charming self, never running from the camera or hiding her face, as many film stars do. Her fine acting, her charm and intelligence, and the sane way in which she conducts her private life, has made "Mae West is my favorite actress, but if she would only pick a heman for her new picture!" "Tomatoes and onions for Bing Crosby and Rudy Vallee." "Delighted to see Charlie Ray back." "Shades of my ancestors! 'The Gilded Lily, turned out to be Linie Glutz eat ing popcorn! 50 say the fas cinating letters from our readers. NEW MOVIE MAGAZINE pays one dollar for every interesting and constructive letter published. Address communications to A-Dollar-for-Your-Thoughts, NEW MOVIE MAGAZINE, 55 Fifth Avenue, New York, N. Y. her the most popular star in England, the idol of the ordinary working girl. She will always hold a sure place in the hearts of filmgoers because we can love Mrs. Thalberg just as much as we do Norma Shearer. (We are all sincerely hoping this letter will miss the wastepaper basket, as we know there are many fans on the other side of the Herring Pond who will heartily agree with us.) — "Just a Bunch of London Working Girls." London, England. Thank you, girls. It's pleasant to know you feel about Norma as do so many of us on this side of the "Herring Pond." More for Anne One of the most delightful and entertaining pictures enjoyed by young and old, was the everlasting "Anne of Green Gables." Anne Shirley's touching performance certainly proves what a wonderful actress she really is. Why not give us more pictures starring this charming personality? Mrs. Harry C. Gordon, Jr., 114 Bryan Place, Hagerstown, Md. Movies vs. Morals Lately, the movies have had to bear a great deal of criticism, especially as corrupters of our children's morals. As far as I know, movie outfits are lots more scrupulous than Broadway theatrical producers. However the question of our very young remains. There A NEW MOVIE MAGAZINE FAN WILL PRESENT THESE AWARDS The People's Academy of Motion Pictures (sponsored by THE NEW MOVIE MAGAZINE) will present twelve gold medals for what the readers of this magazine consider to be the twelve outstanding achievements of the year 1935 in the films. Letters from our readers, carefully tabulated, will be the sole guides to these awards. It is your vote that will 1. BEST ALL-AROUND FEATURE PICTURE 2. BEST PERFORMANCE (ACTRESS) count when we make the final decision! Address letters to The People's Academy or Dollar Thoughts department of this magazine, 55 Fifth Avenue, New York, N. Y. Write us what you think. Medals will be given for the following: 7. BEST ROMANCE 3. BEST PERFORMANCE (ACTOR) 4. BEST MUSICAL PICTURE 5. BEST HUMAN INTEREST PICTURE 6. BEST MYSTERY PICTURE 8. BEST COMEDY 9. BEST SHORT REEL PICTURE 10. BEST NEWSREEL PICTURE 11. BEST DIRECTION 12. BEST STORY When all these votes are counted at the end of the year, the to receive them, wherever production schedules permit. All winners will be named. Then the fan whose vote most expenses to and from Hollywood or New York and enterclosely tallies with the final compilation will be given a trip tainment, hotel accommodations, etc., will be borne by THE to New York or Hollywood to present the awards. The stars NEW MOVIE MAGAZINE. Be sure to cast your vote and producers who win the medals will be there in person carefully and YOU MAY WIN THIS THRILLING TRIP. Which story do you like best in this month's New Movie? (Title) Which story do you dislike in this month's New Movie? (Title) Name Address MAY is no doubt that too many children go to the movies too frequently. In wellrun movie theaters, they are not admitted unless accompanied by an adult. But, who can refuse a group of smiling youngsters who want to buy tickets? Even so, I should like to know how you parents would otherwise provide for your children's leisure. When once children have been, they want to go again. But, that's up to the interested parent — to select a discriminating movie diet for their youngsters. There are plenty of movies that are clean enjoyment for children. So why blame the movies? — Mrs. Ann Zimmerman, 228 E. Broadway, New York City. This seems to be the only sensible solution, Mrs. Zimmerman. It's up to the parents to keep the children away from the harmful pictures. Do You Do This, Too? I cannot afford to pay 35 cents to see the new pictures that come to town. But, by having a little patience and waiting a few weeks, the best pictures come back and I can see two at one theater for only IS cents. By listening to comments from other people and reading the New Movie Magazine, I can be sure of seeing only the worthwhile pictures, even if they are secondrun pictures. Have just seen "The Barretts of Wimpole Street" and "Peck's Bad Boy." They are both first rate pictures and they gave me a whole afternoon of pleasure for only 15 cents. Someone asks, "Have you seen the new picture that is on?" and I answer, "I will — later." — Elinor F. Nelson, 2128 Miner Avenue, Muskegon, Michigan. We admire your lack of snobbishness, Miss Nelson. A good picture is still good two weeks later — and the bad ones are forgotten. Strong Words If George Raft is to live up to his earlier promise of "another Valentino," such hackneyed and horse-cart affairs as "Limehouse Blues" must be discarded in favor of fresher and swifter vehicles. This conglomeration of celluloid would have stifled the genius of the illustrious Rudolph, himself. — Hope Wynn, P. 0. Box 2171, Jacksonville, Florida. Thank you, Hope Wynn, for words that go straight to the point. Mental Faculties New Movie has many fascinating features, but the piece de resistance is "A glimpse at the Editor's notebook." Right you are, Mr. Editor, that the moral crusade has not made the films Pollyanna-ish. I am still under the spell of the way several great themes have been handled in recent films, namely: "The Man Who Reclaimed His Head," a daring expose of the munitions "racket," is of untold value as anti-war propaganda. "Our Daily Bread" tackles the unemployment problem and proves that the "good earth" never denies any man an honest living. "Imitation of Life" handles a delicate subject dealing with the educated quadroon and her revolt against her race. The moral that "East is East, and West is West' 'is vividly and realistically portrayed. Who can say, in the face of these powerful themes, so excellently acted and directed, that the movies are turning to saccharine? They put one's mental faculties to work, and that, you must agree, is some accomplishment! — Mrs. D. W. McCravy, 554 Poplar Street, {Please turn to page 68) 38 The New Movie Magazine, May, 1985