Man Wanted (Warner Bros.) (1932)

ENT PUBLICITY Openings Day Story Kay Francis Stars in First Warner Film At Theatre Today Kay Francis arrives at the ....... Theatre today in “Man Wanted,” her first Warner Bros. starring picture. Miss Francis is supported by a large cast including David Manners, Andy Devine, Una Merkel, Kenneth Thomson, Claire Dodd, Charlotte Merriam, Edward Van Sloan and Elizabeth Patterson. “Man Wanted,” directed by William Dieterle, who also directed the successful “‘The Last Flight,’’ concerns a beautiful and wealthy society woman who prefers business to the pastimes of the idle rich. Her husband, however, prefers a playboy life to that of commercial enterprise. As a result, the couple is estranged. Miss Fran “tis, as the wife, seeks solace in the willing arms of her handsome secretary, portrayed by David Manners. Kenneth Thomson, the husband, re sumes his relationship with the siren of his latest infidelities. Comedy support in ‘‘Man Wanted” is furnished by Andy Devine, young film player who became popular as a result of his work in ‘The Spirit of Notre Dame.’’ Una Merkel, famous for her versatility, adds another characterization to her repertoire, in the role of the demanding young flapper, fiancee of David Manners, with whom _he later breaks. The story has been treated in a highly original manner and has been set against a background of luxurious surroundings. Robert Lord, who adapted and dialogued the special story for Miss Francis, has turned out what has been characterized by New York _ critics as one of the smartest film plots in months. Review Kay Francis Reaches Peak Of Entertainment In “Man Wanted,” First Warner Bros. Picture Kay Francis charmed the men and delighted the women in last night’s opening performance of ‘‘Man Wanted” at the Theatre! Beautifu'l Kay’s first Starring — film for Warner Bros. reflects care and discrimination and the peak of technique. The star surpasses her previous performances_ as _ an actress and DAVID MANNERS _ Cut No. 19 *15¢ Mat 5c ~ancing than ever, dis playing a galaxy of beautiful clothes which brought ‘‘Ohs’’ and ‘‘Ahs’’ from the feminine contingent at the Miss Francis is cast in the role of a rich society woman in “‘Man Wanted,” the story of which appears to have been tailor-made for her. She likes business better than idle pleasure and publishes a smart magazine in order to occupy her time. While she works, her playboy husband occupies debutantes and polo games, Eventually both realize that their life together is a mockery and agree to separate. In the meantime Kay has fallen in love with her secretary, played by handsome David Manners, and her husband, portrayed by Kenneth Thomson, leaves for Paris with his latest light-o’-love. The story works out to the complete happiness of all concerned, with the complications ironed out satisfactorily and amusingly. Andy Devine, who is remembered for his work in “The Spirit of Notre Dame,’ turns in an excellent performance as the comedy relief of ‘‘Man Wanted.’ This huge youngster handles his assignment with all the ease of a veteran. Miss Francis’ flare for drama is given full play against a background of luxury which is rarely seen on stage or screen. She reveals an ability which causes us to rank her among the first five of the screen’s great feminine stars. ‘“‘Man Wanted” will undoubtedly be placed on your list of 1932’s memorable films, its tangible and intangible qualities being of the nature which draw praise to everyone connected with the production. The cast is large and efficient. The direction by William Dieterle is unusual, interesting and clever, presenting many innovations which you may expect to see in succeeding films. The story is novel and effective. The settings are luxurious and beautifully carried out, which includes the Francis costumes. So, as far as this reviewer can see, ‘‘Man Wanted’? would appear to be as perfect as entertainment can be. It’s recommended very heartily to you and you and you. Supporting Miss Francis in important parts are Una Merkel, Claire Dodd, Charlotte Merriam, Edward Van Sloan, Elizabeth Patterson, Robert Greig and Betty Farrington. Remember that ‘‘Man Wanted”’ is as good entertainment as you will see in months, and act accordingly. I. day of run SORE TSO SESE SR CREE Kay Francis Discusses Fashion Trends As Seen In ““Man Wanted’’ Kay Francis, fashion leader of Hollywood, recently discussed the new fashion trends as evidenced in ‘‘Man Wanted,” her first starring picture for Warner Bros. now at the ....... Theatre. Most of Miss Francis’ consideration was given to the relative _merits of even ng gowns and wraps, as being the most important costume items from a fashion viewpoint. Miss Francis says, ‘‘If one desires a long wrap, it must be chosen first and the dresses grouped around it.” This unusual statement was accompanied by an explanation. ‘‘For myself,’ Miss Francis continued, ‘‘ | feel better in the long evening wrap. It doesn’t take so much wrapping about and holding in place as the short jacket. Because | wear the long wrap most frequently | have to wear special dresses, graceful gowns with long fitted lines and without rufflés.’’ Miss Francis explained how to emphasize the shoulders when wearing the long evening wrap. She says puffed or leg-of-mutton sleeves, or so much fur around the collar as to make it seem almost top-heavy, are the best methods of achieving shoulder emphasis. In ‘‘Man Wanted” Miss Francis retains her supremacy as Hollywood’s guiding fashion light with an array of gowns which dazzled Broadway’s blase fashion and movie critics, several of her individual touches being copied by New York modistes. Miss Francis is supported by David Manners, Andy Devine, Una Merkel, Kenneth Thomson and Claire Dodd. William Dieterle directed, Dad day of run Kay Francis Trained For Films In Stock Company Roles Kay Francis, beautiful star whose first Warner Bros. picture, ‘‘Man Wanted,”’ is now at the Theatre, was thoroughly trained for the screen in the arduous school of stock companies. Miss Francis was a member of the famous Stuart Walker players for a few years and in that brief time acquired the varied experience which has since proved valuable on _ the screen. During her association in stock she played a different role every few weeks, sometimes weekly. While playing one part she was memorizing lines and studying the character of the next portrayal, thus affording an intense dramatic training possible only in such organizations. The early stage training of Miss Francis showed its benefits from the time of her first roles on the screen. She has mastered film technique in addition to legitimate technique and is said to reach the zenith of her powers as a beautiful dramatic star in ‘Man Wanted,” the story of a wealthy society woman who seeks diversion in business —and business associates. Appearing with Miss Francis in the large cast of ‘‘Man Wanted’’ are David Manners, Andy Devine, Una Merkel, Kenneth Thomson, Claire Dodd, Charlotte Merriam, Edward Van Sloan and Elizabeth Patterson. William Dieterle directed. e eDrd day of run New Love Word Acquiring Popularity Because Of Wide Screen Use ““Sweet,’’ a word once used only by poets, has come into wider and wider popular use as a result of the impetus given it by Hollywood. Dialogue writers have written it into lines for stars to speak in order to get away from more conventional terms. In ‘Man Wanted,’”’ Kay Francis’ first starring vehicle for Warner Bros., now at the Theatre, “sweet” is used frequently, and is spoken at various times by the star, David Manners, Kenneth Thomson and others in the large cast. Hardly one conventional ‘‘dear’’ is permitted to escape the players’ lips. Popular use of “‘sweet’’ further corroborates the strong influence exerted by the movies, an influence extending beyond manners, clothes and actions even to the more personal habits of speech, the talkies having initiated a number of catchwords and phrases which became a part of the nation’s conversational stock in trade. The ‘‘Man Wanted’”’ cast includes, in addition to Miss Francis, Manners and Thomson, several of the screen’s more prominent players, Andy Devine of “Spirit of Notre Dame’”’ fame, Una Merkel, Virginia Sale, Claire Dodd and Elizabeth Patterson among them. William Dieterle directed ‘‘Man Wanted.”’ Aw day of run LOL I LN PEED Kay Francis Assists In Direction Of ‘‘Man Wanted”’ Kay Francis, appearing at the .... Se ee ee Theatre in ‘‘Man Wanted,” her first starring picture for Warner Bros., was one of Director William Dieterle’s most capable assistants in the direction of the picture. Miss Francis conferred with Dieterle on all scenes in which she appeared until a perfect understanding was reached. This co-direction of ‘‘Man Wanted’ scenes created a _ perfect technical picture. The cast works as smoothly as well-oiled machinery because of the elaborate care and pains taken to produce just that effect. Miss Francis’ direction was not limited to participation in the scenes. She also had a capable hand in the designing of the many special .costumes created for her use in. ‘‘Man Wanted.” Further than that, she conferred with Art Director Anton Grot as to choice of furniture and settings for the luxurious settings of the picture, which include an elaborate penthouse set, an ultra-modern business office and an extensive estate. Miss Francis is supported by David Manners, Andy Devine, Kenneth Thomson, Una Merkel, Claire Dodd and Elizabeth Patterson in ‘‘Man Wanted.”