Photoplay (Jul-Dec 1945)

Th ^Sta^e A reliable guide to recent pictures. One check means good; two cheeks, very good; three checks, A Bell For Adano A BIG salaam to all concerned for the sincerity and tender quality of this film that made the reading of John Hersey’s book an unforgettable experience. The one and only fault is the lack of emphasis placed on the General’s violence in contrast to the kindly patience and understanding for the people of Adano by the Major. For in this contrast hinged the balance and plot value of the story. But this is a minor fault, for in almost every other detail the story has been faultlessly reproduced, especially the childlike quality of the . people so comprehensible to their “Mr. Major.” As Major Joppolo, John Hodiak registers forcefully, giving an upstanding, vigorous (if anything, too vigorous) and vastly appealing performance. If this doesn’t advance his stature as an actor nothing will. (20tli Century-Fox) for Hodiak really proves his genuine worth in this movie. Not so definite in her delineation was Gene Tierney as the Italian Tina. Yet one catches the sympathetic bond between Tina and Major Joppolo in each instance. William Bendix as the Sarge is expertly cast and comes through with a fine performance. Equally good is Nicolo as played by Richard Conte, and Glenn Langan (watch for this lad to click) as Navy Lieut. Livingstone. Henry Morgan as Captain Purvis who unwittingly is the cause of the Major’s dismissal is a natural, easy actor. In fact, every member is expertly cast and adds so wonderfully to the story of the city of Adano and its bell. Your Reviewer Says; The most touching film of the month. Forceful war drama: John Hodiak and Gene Tierney in ‘“A Bell For Adano” Thrill Of A Romance (M-G-M) Boy, the kids will love it. With the beauteous figure of Esther Williams to — er — I intrigue, and the popularity of Van to enhance, how can it miss? As musicals go it is actually no great I shakes, but again we say who cares? Van f is romantic, in love like mad with Esther, Iwho is a young bride deserted by a toobusy husband on her honeymoon, which doesn’t seem likely — or does it? Anyway, the settings of a swanky California resort hotel are a perfect background for the swimming, romance, dancing and — well, what does one do at resort hotels? The U.C.L.A. college kids, in Westwood I where the picture was previewed, tore down the house over that swimming duet i of Van’s and Esther’s. And when Van opened his mouth to serenade Esther and Lauritz Melchior’s golden voice rolled out — well, great land of Goshen! Melchior, a handsome man with an even handsomer voice, wends his way all through the story. Frances Gifford is beautiful as the jealous rival, Henry Travers and Spring Byington are Esther’s uncle and aunt, and Carleton S. Young too severe as her disappearing bridegroom. Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra get in some hot licks and several tunes, among them “I Should Care.” But it’s the appeal of Van and Esther that makes the picture a treat the fans will love. You watch to see. Your Reviewer Says: Romance is right. Beautiful splash: Van Johnson, Esther Williams in “Thrill Of A RomaiiKce” The Way Ahead j THIS is one of those British pictures [; • which begins as simply and unevent i fully as the lives of the people in the story who leave their jobs in shops, garages, boiler-rooms and offices for military training. Not for one minute, however, is this a dull picture. And, as the men adjust or fail to adjust to their new lives as ! soldiers in a regiment with great tradiI tions, go home on furloughs and finally see action, it becomes a heart-gripping story. It would be futile to outline the plot. It is comprised of bits from the lives of (20th Century -Fox) the various men in the regiment and their women and children at home. It would be futile to list the cast for, with the exception of David Niven, the names are unfamiliar to the American public. However, there’s not a man or a woman among them who isn’t as exasperating and as touching, in turn, as your friends and neighbors. And David Niven, too long absent from our screen, returns to a public that has never forgotten him with a fine sincere performance. Your Reviewer Says: A beautiful human document. Don’t miss it! Moment to treasure: David Niven and Penelope Ward in “The Way Ahead” p IVI IVl {Continued on page 112) For Best Pictures of the Month and Best Performances See Page 112 For Complete Casts of Current Pictures See Page 120 For Brief Reviews of Current Pictures See Page 20 So/wz 19