The Decision of Christopher Blake (Warner Bros.) (1948)

“THE DECISION OF CHRISTOPHER BLAKE’’ Publicity ALEXIS SMITH and ROBERT DOUGLAS play the leading roles in Warner Bros.’ vivid drama, “The Decision of Christopher Blake,” adapted from Moss Hart’s celebrated stage hit. This attraction opens next Friday at the Strand. Still 687-566 Mat 687-2€ ALEXIS SMITH with TED DONALDSON, who play mother and son in Warner Bros.’ sereen version of Moss Hart’s sensational Broadway success, “The Decision of Christopher Blake,” which premieres next Friday at the Strand Theatre. Still 687-66x Mat 687-2B HAPPY FAMILY! Alexis Smith, Rebert Douglas with young Ted Donaldson, who comprise the leading trio of players in Warner Bros.’ penetrating drama, “The Decision of Christopher Blake,” scheduled for early showing at the Strand Theatre. Still 687-570 10 Mat 687-24 (Advance) ‘Decision of Christopher Blake’ With Alexis Smith Due At Strand “The Decision of Christopher Blake,” one of Warner Bros.’ most challenging productions, starring Alexis Smith and Robert Douglas, is announced as the Strand Theatre’s next attraction, starting on Friday. This is Moss Hart’s vivid portrait of a family faced with a break-up and its effect on the mind and happiness of an adolescent, played in the film by Ted Donaldson. During its Broadway run, “The Decision of Christopher Blake” was wide (Opening Day) STRAND PRESENTS NEW BILL TODAY A drama packed with emotional appeal, Warner Bros.” “The Decision of Christopher Blake,” starring Alexis Smith and Robert Douglas, opens today at the Strand Theatre. Adapted from Moss Hart’s well-known Broadway hit, which won widespread approval when it first hit the boards as a legitimate production, “The Decision of Christopher Blake” acquires deeper feeling and_ breadth through the magic of the cinema. The story unfolds against a family rift, with the shattering effect on the mind of a young son. His imagination runs riot as the drama is told, with ‘trick’ sequences portraying his innermost thoughts. These scenes are said to be among the most fascinating and unusual ever attempted in a motion picture. Alexis Smith’s role as_ the wife and mother demands a dignity and simplicity, which gives her a chance for a strong portrayal. Opposite her as the husband and father, is Robert Douglas, well known London stage star, who is now making his American bow under Warner’s banner. Ted Donaldson, Cecil Kellaway and‘Harry Davenport are featured in the attraction. SEVEN DIFFERENT ROLES FOR ACTOR Seven roles in one! That’s John Hoyt’s assignment in Warner Bros.’ challenging drama, “The Decision of Christopher Blake,” starring Alexis Smith and Robert Douglas, which opens tomorrow at the Strand Theatre. During the film, a drama of discord, the story alternates between realism and fantasy as the boy, Christopher, played on the screen by young Ted Donaldson, dreams. That’s where Hoyt’s varied characterizations enter. In the realistic episodes, he portrays a crisp-spoken divorce lawyer. For the trick sequences, Hoyt plays (1) a Swedish janitor, (2) an Irish policeman, (3) a school headmaster, (4) a sort of Dick Tracy character, (5) Tweedledee and (6) a political assassin, a fantastic John Wilkes Booth who tries to shoot the President at a meeting. Hoyt was a name draw in the smart nighteries before embarking on a Hollywood career. ly acclaimed by the press and public. Hart’s flights into the fantastic as the emotional dilemma of young Christopher transfers itself to his innermost thoughts, provides one of the most arresting films which Hollywood has ever screened. Robert Douglas, popular British actor, plays opposite Miss Smith in this drama. During the war he served in the Fleet Air Arm of the British Navy. Warners consider him one of their most promising newcom ers signed during the past year. Young Donaldson, who plays the son makes another important stride in a career which so far, embraces. stage, screen, radio and television. Importantly cast in the picture are: Cecil Kellaway, Harry Davenport, John Hoyt, Mary Wickes, Lois Maxwell, Harry Davenport, Art Baker, Renee Godfrey and Douglas Kennedy. Peter Godfrey directed this film. Max Steiner is responsible for the distinguished musical frame. (Advance ) Warner Bros. Transfer Stage Hit to Screen “The Decision of Christopher Blake,” Moss Hart’s penetrating portrait of discord, and its bewildering effect on the tangible happiness of a sensitive child, emerges as_ the latest New York stage hit to be transferred to the screen by Warner Bros., the studio that filmed Clarence Day’s “Life With Father” and “The Voice of the Turtle,” “Johnny Belinda” and the forthcoming stage triumphs, “John Loves Mary” and “The Hasty Heart.” The cast of “The Decision of Christopher Blake” is headed by Alexis Smith, who plays the role of wife and mother, and Robert Douglas, portraying the husband and father. Young Ted Donaldson is the adolescent whose innermost thoughts are transferred to the screen via a series of fascinating ‘trick’ sequences, Cecil Kellaway, Mary Wickes, Harry Davenport and John Hoyt are others who stand out in the impressive cast. With its excursions into the dreams of the introspective adolescent, “The Decision of Christopher Blake,” which opens Friday at the Strand Theatre, is considered a skillful blend of fantasy and realism done in Moss Hart’s best creative vein. Peter Godfrey directed this production. Actress Bothered About Being Typed Mary Wickes, the comedienne appearing in Warner Bros.’ “The Decision of Christopher Blake” with Alexis Smith and Robert Douglas, is getting sick of her celebrity. Wherever she goes, Miss Wickes is recognized from the role she created on the Broadway stage and screen of the nurse constantly insulted by Monty Woolley in “The Man Who Came To Dinner.” Mary agrees that it’s a compliment up to a point, being remembered for a part she played six years ago. But what gets her is that the public hails her by her character name in the production. “And it’s tough on a girl’s ego,” moans Mary. “My admirers all greet me loudly with ‘Hi, Miss Bed Pan.’ It just ain’t romantic.” Mary hopes her luck will change with “The Decision of Christopher Blake.” “But I don’t know,” she declares morosely. “In that I’m a cook constantly talking and complaining while standing over a hot stove or the kitchen sink.” PRODUCTION STAFF Rising Newcomer Wins Prize Role Ted Donaldson, who plays an important role in Warner Bros.’ searching drama of discord, “The Decision of Christopher Blake,” starring Alexis Smith and Robert Douglas, scheduled to open shortly at the Strand Theatre, made his Broadway stage debut when only seven years old. He played the youngest of the now celebrated Day boys in ‘Life With Father.’ Ballet Slippers Are Her Hobby! Alexis Smith, starring with Robert Douglas in Warner Bros.’ “The Decision of Chistopher Blake,’ is starting a unique collection. Being a_ ballet fan, the actress has begun assembling souvenirs of the dance, including toe shoes of such _ ballerinas Alex as Alicia Markova, andra Danilova, Nora Kaye, Irina Baronova and Rosella Hightower. Produced and Written for the Screen by Ranald MacDougall. Directed by Peter Godfrey. Based on the Play by Moss Hart, as produced on the Stage by Joseph M. Hyman and Bernard Hart. Director of Photography, Karl Freund, A.S.C. Art Director, John Beckman. Film Editor, Frederick Richards. Sound by C. A. Riggs. Dialogue Director, Howard Lynn. Set Decorations by Jack McConaghy. Special Effects by Harry Barndollar, Director; Edwin DuPar, A.S.C, Wardrobe by Milo Anderson. Makeup Artist, Pere Westmore. Music by Mav Steiner. Orchestral Arrangements by Murray Cutter. Musical Director, Leo F. Forbstein. Assistant Director, Claude Archer. Unit Manager, Al Alleborn.