Employees' Entrance (Warner Bros.) (1933)

“Swell Audience Picture.” Says Film Daily. “Ditto” Say Other Trade Publications NSO a EN Dec. 10, 1932 ‘EMPLOYEES’ ENTRANCE’ OKAY: Good Production, Splendid Direction “EMPLOYEES’ ENTRANCE” Warner-First Nat. Direetion=-==s35 5 Roy Del Ruth Origiial--by-.—....-s..se05 David Boehm SERECIT PIA. oes cesnc<daecses Robert Presnell Photography. ...:........-:.Barney McGill Cast: Warren William, Loretta Young, Wallace Ford, Allen Jenkins, Alice White, Hale Hamilton, Albert Gran, Marjorie Gateson, Berton Churchill, Ruth Donnelly, Frank Reicher, Charles Sellon, Zita Moulton, Helen Mann, Frank McGlynn, Sam Godfrey, Edward McWade, Henry Stockbridge, Rev. Neal Dodd. Warners have come through with another good original idea for a screen story. This time from the story, “‘The Machine,’’ by David Boehm, with the adaptation done by Robert Presnell for a picture titled ‘Employes’ Entrance.’’ It’s good entertainment and will stand back of smash showmanship exploitation, as there is plenty in it to attract the paying customer. is past a certain age, he should kill himself, as he is no help to himself or anyone else. He has never married, because a wife is always in the way: of work, what with her demands for a husband’s time, etc. With this tyrant sitting at the head of this big establishment, the big business moves up and down the ladder, and with it the lives of those working under him. The yarn is interesting because it is filled with facts as they exist today "in almost any big business; maybe not as ruthlessly as Mr. William guides his organization, but sufficient to cause some recognition by the majority of any audience that should go in to see it. The scenery-chewing of Warren William fits this character pretty well and he carries off the honors in the. top spot in the picture. Loretta Young has never looked better nor given such an excellent performance. Wallace Ford is swell. Alice White comes through with as nifty a characterization as we have seen for some time. Albert Gran and Hale Hamilton are well spotted in chaice spots. The rest of the large cast are more than capable. The direction of Roy Del Ruth was The entire yarn is built around Warren William and a big department store he manages. It’s ruthless manzegement, modern management. He hires and fires, he opens and closes the store with the hand of a czar, with the 2000 or more employees his slaves. His motto is that when a man MOTION PICTURE HERALD Employees Entrance (First National) Drama Injecting a colorful punch of human interest into what ordinarily might be considered the unappealing background of a great, modern, super-efficiently managed department _ store, “Employees’ Entrance” tells a story that is vividly dramatic. Primarily the story is an elaborate character study, graphically illustrating what happens to those who come in contact with the cold-blooded, ruthless, domineering Kurt Anderson, either in a business or social way. At the same time it permits full play of all the old interest inspiring standbys—drama, romance, a different idea in thrills and just a few incidental, but startling, hints at sex. Tragedy is brought in, and there is that gripping punch of accomplishment against all kinds of obstacles. Personified by Anderson, the story is a picture of straight-from-the-shoulder business efficiency. Because an old employee cannot keep the pace, he is fired and it matters not to Anderson that Higgins jumps from a window, nor that Anderson ruined a small manufacturer, nor that he brought a newspaper to the verge of bankruptcy when he yanked his advertising. Snarling, sneering, always cocksure, Anderson makes his business his god. Women he considers only for his moments of relaxation. Thus as the audience alone sees romance grow between Madeline (whom he is saving for one good, as usual. The photography of Barney McGili was okay. There’s plenty of showmanship in ‘Employees’ Entrance’ if you reach out for it. — aS ; f December 24, 1932 of those moments) and Martin, a young employee, whom he is training to follow in his footsteps, he impresses on the boy that women are only loadstones and. that marriage will wreck any career. Thus their marriage must be kept secret from Anderson. The boy and girl quarrel And the girl becomes Anderson’s overnight companion, an event that creates further tragedy, as Anderson lets Martin listen in on a phone conversation between himself and Madeline, which is followed by her taking poison and the boy taking a shot at his boss. Then the ‘story veers. In the depression, bankers see a chance to “get” Anderson. Just when it looks that he is: washed up, he starts all over, forgetting Martin and Madeline. Points to emphasize would appear to be the timeliness and general familiarity of its subject matter. Warren William’s character is quite similar to the one given him in “Skyscraper Souls,” yet all the others are essentially natural and human. The department store locale should make it easily possible to surround your showings with some unique showmanship. The title is more than usually alluring. It would not appear wise to seek any direct tie-ups with local stores. Yet there is ample room for contacts with store employees. In the cast are numbers of names in addition to the leads that are suitable for inclusion in advertising and on marquee. The name of Alice White should not be overlooked. , DAILY Saturday, Jan. 21, 1933 “EMPLOYEES’ ENTRANCE” with Warren William, Loretta Young, Alice White, Wallace Ford First National 75 mins. SWELL AUDIENCE PICTURE DEALING WITH DEPARTMENT STORE BUSINESS AND ROMANCE. WELL ACTED AND DIRECTED. .. This one puts the department stores on the spot. Warren William holds the center of the stage in the role of a dynamic, ruthless store manager who has no human feelings where efficiency is concerned. He does, however, tumble for a pretty jobless girl, Loretta Young, and takes advantage of her. Then she falls in love with Wally Ford, the masnger’s protege, and they are secretly married. When the boss finds it out, he tries. to break them up, declaring a wife will hinder the boy’s career. The situation comes to a showdown with the newlyweds walking out of the shop and the boss almost being ousted and embarking on,> ™ pleasure cruise ~"** ~ White, but cha. minute when | Coe efficiency. Snappy direction, good acting. Cast: Warren William, Loretta Young, Alice White, Wallace Ford, Allen Jenkins, Hale Hamilton, Albert Gran, Marjorie Gateson, Berton Churchill, Ruth Donnelly, Frank Reicher, Charles Sellon, Zita Moulton, Helen Mann, Frank McGlynn, Sam Godfrey, Edward McWade, Henry Stockbridge, Rev. Neal Dodd. Director, Roy De! Ruth; Author, David Boehm; Adaptor, Robert Presnell; Dialoguer, same; Cameraman, Barney McGill; Editor, James Gibbons. Direction, Fine. Photography, Fine. Note to Exhibitor:— We suggest that you send copies of this page to your local critics, a few days before the picture opens. The reviews, also would make excellent blow-ups for lobby display, after editing out the various sales suggestions in The Hollywood Reporter and the Motion Picture Herald.