Photoplay (Jul - Dec 1940)

Brief Reviews (Continued from page 6) • HIRED WIFE-Universal Secretary Rosalind Russell adores boss Brian Aherne, but he prefers blondes like Virginia Bruce. Roz maneuvers Brian into marriage for business reasons only and Robert Benchley and John Carroll contribute handsomely to the ensuing fun. (Nov.) HOLD THAT WOMAN— Producers' Releasing Corporation James Dunn, as a "skip-tracer," has his troubles tracking down people who renege on their instalment payments. Frances Gifford is the girl of his heart. Unpretentious and very light romance. (Oct.) ■k HOWARDS OF VIRGINIA, THE Frank Lloyd-Columbia The screen version of "Tree of Liberty"is truly great, covering the Revolutionary War magnificently, as well as the marital troubles of Colonial backwoodsmen Cary Grant and Virginia lady Martha Scott. A "must" in any filmgoer's history notebook, with a cast including Sir Cedric Hardwicke and Richard Carlson (as Thomas Jefferson). {Nov.) • I LOVE YOU AGAIN-M-G-M Welcome back to that beloved LoyPowell teaml Bill's hilarious as a small-town stuffed shirt who recovers from amnesia to discover he was once a crook — and wants to be again! Myrna is the wife he's been boring to death and Frank McHugh is his old partner in crime. It'll keep you in stitches. (Oct.) I MARRIED ADVENTURE-Osa Johnson-Columbia release Martin and Osa Johnson's remarkable travel films are woven into an exciting and also humorous real-life drama of their adventurous life together. (Nov.) I'M NOBODY'S SWEETHEART NOW-Universal The parents of Dennis O'Keefe and Helen Parrish want them to marry, but the youngsters themselves have other ideas — mainly about Constance Moore and Lewis Howard. Surprisingly good fun. (Oct.) • I WANT A DIVORCE-Paramount Dick Powell's and Joan Blondell's first co-starring drama presents them as a young couple who marry but don't live happily ever after. The breakup of sister Gloria Dickson's marriage casts a shadow over Joan's life and Dick's career as a society lawyer doesn't help any. Sincere presentation of divorce evils. (Sept.) if KIT CARSON-Small-United Artists Splendid pioneer melodrama in the "Stagecoach" tradition, this time about the perils of a wagon train being led through savage Shoshone Indian territory by Carson (Jon Hall) and John C. Fremont (Dana Andrews), who are both in love with Lynn Bari. (Nov.) LADIES MUST LIVE-Warners Unpretentious story about a millionaire farm boy (Wayne Morris) who plans to marry a nightclub singer (Rosemary Lane) until his buddy (Roscoe Karns) interferes. Some funny situations, though. (Nov.) • LADY IN QUESTION, THE-Columbia Brian Aherne, as a shop owner on jury duty, acquits Rita Hayworth of murder and brings her home under an assumed name. Complications ensue when son Glenn Ford falls in love with her and the mystery comes up again. A fine, sincere job all around. (Oct.) • LUCKY PARTNERS-RKO-Radio Ginger Rogers and Ronald Colnian go halves on a sweepstakes ticket and take a platonic honeymoon to Niagara Falls with their winnings — to the consternation of fiance Jack Carson. Ultrasophisticated, not too plausible, but good entertainment. (Nov.) • MAN I MARRIED, THE-20th Century-Fox Joan Bennett tries to keep an open mind when husband Francis Lederer goes to Germany — but gives up when he turns Nazi and tries to take her son away. Lloyd Nolan is the friend in need. Exciting indeed, and it even has moments of humor. (Oct.) MANWHOTALKEDTOOMUCHJHE-Warners Well-done but dated underworld melodrama presenting George Brent as an unscrupulous lawyer. Secretary Virginia Bruce and brother William Lundigan try to win him back to the straight and narrow. (Oct.) • MARYLAND-20th Century-Fox Technicolor drama based on Fay Bainter's lifelong attempt to keep her son, John Payne, from dangerous riding. But her real love of horses is in his blood and, aided and abetted by Brenda Joyce and her grandfather, Walter Brennan, John eventually rides in a steeplechase. The whole cast is engaging and more than competent and the result is an exciting, heart-warming picture. (Sept.) MEN AGAINST THE SKY-RKO-Radio Richard Dix stars as a grounded aviator who can't give up his passion for either flying or liquor. Sister Wendy Barrie helps him put over a plane invention. Edmund Lowe and Kent Taylor round nut an unusually good cast for an unassuming film. I Vov.) MILLIONAIRES IN PRISON-RKO-Radio At last, a prison picture without a single jail break or frame-up. There's considerable comedy in the spectacle of five pompous wealthy men adapting themselves to penitentiary discipline. Lee Tracy is a big shot who helps Truman Bradley carry out important medical experiments. Virginia Vale and Linda Hayes provide the romantic interest. Novel entertainment. (Sept.) MONEY AND THE WOMAN-Warners Nothing unusual, only excellent performances by Roger Pryor as a bank cashier, Brenda Marshall as his wife who learns that he's been embezzling, and Jeffrey Lynn as the man she really loves who tries to cover up the crime. Not very exciting. (Oct.) -k MORTAL STORM, THE-M-G-M The screen version of Phyllis Bottome's novel loses none of its bitter impact. Frank Morgan is splendid as the German university professor who becomes a Nazi victim. But so are Margaret Sullavan, as his daughter, and Jimmy Stewart as the young idealist she loves. You won't like this powerful tragedy, but you can't afford to miss it if you want to know what's going on in the cinema. (Sept.) • MY LOVE CAME BACK-Warners Olivia de Havilland, as a poor young violinist, innocently accepts the attentions and help of wealthy Charles Winninger and the latter's office manager (Jeffrey Lynn) is among the many who misunderstand the philanthropy behind it all. All three prove themselves delightful comedians — as, indeed, does everyone in the cast. Romantic comedy at its best and most refreshing. (Sept.) if NEW MOON-M-G-M But no new plot. However, that won't bother anybody, with Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy at their very best both musically and pictorially, handsome pre-French Revolutionary settings in New Orleans (remember "Naughty Marietta"?), good comedy and — well, anything you can think of in the way of glamour and excitement! (Sept.) NO TIME FOR COMEDY-Warners James Stewart does well, concocting sophisticated comedies for actress-wife Rosalind Russell t" star in, until Genevieve Tobin persuades him he to write serious plays with a message. An excellent cast throughout, without much to work with. (Nov.) OUT WEST WITH THE PEPPERS-Columbia Edith Fellows and her mother, Dorothy Peterson, have their hands full with the younger members of their family in this latest addition to their series, which has them all trying to reform their drunken uncle, Victor Kilian. Mainly for children. {Sept.) it PASTOR HALL— James Roosevelt-United Artists Most powerful indictment of Nazism yet is this British pnxtuction based on Pastor Niemoller's case. Wilfrid Lawstn is superb as the crusading minister thrust into a German concentration camp of unspeakable brutality. (Oct.) PIER 13— 20th Century-Fox Lynn Bari is extra-good as a cocky waterfront cafe owner, Lloyd Nolan is honestly amusing as a hard-working policeman and the result is betterthan-average "cops and robbers" fare. (Nov.) POP ALWAYS PAYS-RKO-Radio Leon Errol is the papa who objects to Dennis O'Keefe's marrying his daughter. Adele Pearce. But lie promises his consent and $1000 if Dennis can raise a like sum. Dennis does — and Pop's attempts to pay off make up the picture, to the tune of much hearty laughter. (Sept.) PRAIRIE LAW— RKO-Radio You'll like this picture, if you have a weakness for Westerns. Starring George O'Brien, supported by Virginia Vale and Slim Whitaker, it is an extra good one with plenty of action, romance sincere enough to pluck at your heartstrings and some appealing cowboy music. • PRIDE AND PREJUDICE-M-G-M Full justice has been done the beloved Jane A u -ten novel, with Greer Garson ideal as the heroine with a mind of her own and Laurence Olivier just right as her arrogant suitor. It has plenty of Old World charm — not to mention such shining characters as Maureen O'Sullivan, Edmund Gwenn, Edna May Oliver, Mary Boland and many others — but is long and slow for the average movie-goer. (Sept.) PRIVATE AFFA I RS-Universal When hardheaded Grandpa Montagu Love won't let her marry Robert Cummings, Nancy Kelly flees the social purlieus of Boston to seek help from Papa Roland Young, the family outcast. Papa comes to the rescue with taxi-driver Hugh Herbert and the resultant antics provide fair entertainment. (Sept.) if RANGERS OF FORTUNE-Paramount Fred MacMurray (ex-West Pointer), Albert Dekker (ex-pugilist) and Gilbert Roland (Mexican bad man) are a swashbuckling sagebrush trio who come to the rescue of pretty Patricia Morison and little Betty Brewer. Exciting and amusing. (Nov.) if RHYTHM ON THE RIVER-Paramount A comedy with music that has everything, plus a swell story that presents Bing Crosby and Mary Martin as a pair of song-writers who "ghost" for Basil Rathbone until they strike out on their own to find success. Top-notch songs and Oscar Levant's own special brand of comedy. {Nov.) RIVER'S END-Warners Mistaken-identity stuff with Dennis Morgan playing both an alleged murderer and the Canadian "mountie" who tracks him down. A good cast, with Elizabeth Earl as the girl, and some rousing action. (Nov.) if QUEEN OF DESTINY-RKO-Radio Another magnificent portrayal of Queen Victoria by Anna Neagle, and another perfect performance by Anton Walbrook as Prince Albert. Herbert Wilcox's fine direction and the gorgeous Technicolor help make this a great, t hough episodic, picture. (Oct.) QUEEN OF THE MOB-Paramount Another melodramatic sock from J. Edgar Hoover's true stories in "Perspns in Hiding." This time it follows the criminal career of Ma Webster (superbly played by Blanche Yurka) and her devil's brood. Ralph Bellamy is excellent as the G-man and Jimmy Cagney's sister Jean makes a brief but auspicious appearance. (Sept.) it RAMPARTS WE WATCH, THE-March of Time— RKO-Radio There's a modern message in this impartial documentary feature showing what happened to typical American families before and during the first World War. A sincere and generally engrossing job. enacted in real-life settings by mainly nonprofessional players. (Oct.) if RETURN OF FRANK JAMES, THE20th Century-Fox Once again Henry Fonda plays the famed desperado, avenging Jesse's death and determined to finance the enterprise at the expense of the railroad he blames for all their troubles. Girl reporter Gene Tierney is heart interest and Jackie Cooper adds to the excitement. He-man drama in Technicolor. (Oct.) SAILOR'S LADY-20th Century-Fox One-year-old Bruce Hampton steals what little plot there is, as a baby Nancy Kelly wants to adopt, to the consternation of her sailor fiance, Jon Hall. The whole navy gets mixed up. (Oct.) Photoplay does something quick, as per two letters on page 4: Brodericlc Crawford in the role of Bob Dalton from "When The Daltons Rode" SCATTERBRAIN— Republic Make no mistake — Judy Canova is a star to be reckoned with in this broad but rollicking and melodious travesty on Hollywood. She's a yodeling farm girl signed up by director Alan Mowbray, who tries to get out of the contract — with comic results. (Oct.) if SEA HAWK, THE-Warners Swashbuckling drama of Elizabethan days in the best Errol Flynn-Rafael Sabatini tradition. Flynn is a pirate bold whose exploits endear him to the Queen (Flora Robson) until he falls in love with Brenda Marshall and runs afoul of the Spanish Armada. (Sept.) SING, DANCE, PLENTY HOT-Republio Johnny Downs and Ruth Terry use all their quite considerable talents to pull a charity show out of the red. Fairly entertaining. (Oct.) SLIGHTLY TEMPTED-Universal Hugh Herbert "woo-woo's" his way through this as a gay kleptomaniac whose lack of conscience agonizes daughter Peggy Moran, engaged to Johnny Downs. (Oct.) • SOUTH OF PAGO-PAGO-Edward SmallUnited Artists Haunting beauty distinguishes a familiar story of white man's greed vs. South Seas generosity. Victor McLaglen plays the ruthless trader. He's abetted by bad girl Frances Farmer, who breaks up the romance between natives Jon Hall and Olympe Bradna before finding salvation. (Oct.) SPORTING BLOOD— M-G-M Horse-racing drama with a strong dash of romance. Robert Young, outcast horse owner, is in love with Lynne Carver but compromises on her sister, Maureen O'Sullivan. Together they set out to rehabilitate his reputation among fellow Virginians. (Oct.) STRANGER ON THE THIRD FL00RRKO-Radio Picture Peter Lorre as a homicidal maniac, John McGuire as a reporter who accuses the wrong man of murder and then finds himself in the same spot and Margaret Tallichet as the fiancee who discovers the real criminal I Suspense galore. (Nov.) STREET OF MEMORIES-20th Century-Fox Sincerity of direction and acting (by newcomers John McGuire and Lynne Roberts) and a grand tramp portrayal by Guy Kibbee give a new twist to the old amnesia formula, in which a rich man's son falls in love with a poor girl before he remembers who he is. (Sept.) if TEXAS RANGERS RIDE AGAIN-Paramount In up-to-the-minute radio cars, they (meaning John Howard and Broderick Crawford) come to the rescue of ranch-owner May Robson, menaced by cattle thieves and upset by daughter Ellen Drew. Fast and funny. (Oct.) it THEY DRIVE BY NIGHT-Warners Ann Sheridan, George Raft and Humphrey Bogart are all excellent in this stirring, down-toearth tale of truck drivers and their wives, but it's Ida Lupino — as a murder-minded dame — who gives the standout performance. You see, Ida's in love with George, but George loves Ann — all of which spells dynamite. (Sept.) • TOM BROWN'S SCHOOL DAYS RKO-Radio The English classic emerges as a masterly blend of tears and laughter, with Jimmy Lydon outstanding in the title role. Story's about Jimmy's attempts to adjust himself to school life, under the kindly eye of headmaster Cedric Hardwicke and against the plots of bully Billy Halop and foppish Freddie Bartholomew. Not for sophisticates, but just right for everyone else. (Sept.) VILLAIN STILL PURSUED HER, THE-RXORadio He is Alan Mowbray. She is Anita Louise, faithful till death-do-us-part to her drunken husband, Richard Cromwell. Mortgages, mustachios 'n' everything! Here's your chance to hiss the villain and cheer the heroine. (Oct.) WAGONS WESTWARD-Republic More ambitious than most Westerns, this offers Chester Morris as twin brothers — a peace officer and a blackguard. Ona Munson and Anita Louise, dance-hall girls, are the two requisite sweethearts. (Oct.) WE WHO ARE YOUNG-M-G-M Another unassuming saga of young-marrieds, broke and despairing over the coming of a baby — notable, however, for the work of Lana Turner and John Shelton. (Oct.) it WHEN THE DALTONS RODE-Universal Rip-snorting outlaw stuff, with Broderick Crawford magnificent as head bandit. Brian Donlevy, Stuart Erwin and Frank Albertson are the other brothers, with honest Randolph Scott and Kay Francis carrying the romance. Suspense, humor, thrills. (Oct.) WILDCAT BUS-RKO-Radio Fay Wray and her father, Oscar O'Shea, operate a cross-country bus line under difficulties. Implausible story, implausibly acted — though Paul Guilfoyle is fine and Charles Lang shows promise as the hero. (Nov.) if YOUNG PEOPLE— 20th Century-Fox Shirley Temple proves herself a wonderful trouper, as do Jack Oakie and Charlotte Greenwood, as a trio of vaudevillians who aren't accepted in the small town where they settle down. George Montgomery and Arleen Whelan provide love and support. Hokum, but pretty good. (Oct.) 94 PHOTOPLAY