The Mind Reader (Warner Bros.) (1933)

“CHANDRA TELLS A WIFE OF HER. HUSBANDS LOVE SECRETS —FROMY = INFORMATION 4 PSUPPLIED BY HIS : CHAUFFEUR -—CHANDRAS pow PARTNER / ALLEN JENKINS AS CHANDRAG /~ PARTNER IN CRIME — = S SSS — = === The Courier’s artist captures the “big moments” in “The Mind Reader,’ Warner Bros.’ being shown at the PLAYS THE PART OF , & THE MIND" IN CHANDRAC FAKE MINDREADING DEMONSTRATIONS Biases eerie GREAT CHANDRA’ FINDG HIMGELF CONSTANTLY IN TROUBLE ,DESPITE THE FACT, THAT HE TRIES TO'GO STRAIGHT “FOR THE FAITHFUL SYLVIA NOTE: If photographic layout is; preferred, see 4-col. cut on page 7. (Prepared Review) Star Convincingly Portrays Phony Fortune Teller in Highly Entertaining and Novel Picture OVERS of entertainment in general, and Warren ,William fans in particular, were given both a treat and a surprise when The ‘‘Mind Reader, ’ the latest production from the First National studios starring this versatile actor, opened at the Se eee eee Theatre last evening. In a role completely different from ,those he has portrayed for the last year or so, Warren William adds to his reputation for versatility in a boisterous, lusty picture of a shrewd, glib mountebank. His portrayal of Chandra The Great, carnival fortuneteller at first, later purveyor of “‘supernatural’’ secrets to millionaires’. wives, deserves to rank with the immortal Wallingford. If police statistics are anywhere near correct, the number of sharpers who get rich by playing upon human credulity through various types of fortune-telling “rackets,” runs into thousands, in the United States alone. “The Mind Reader,” though not primarily an expose of these frauds, nevertheless takes the spectator behind the scenes of the erystal-gazing game, and shows how a few telephone wires and a trained confederate can make a “psychic” of any quick-witted man or woman who has no objection to making money in that manner. Like most brilliant rascals, Chandra has a personality that appeals strongly to women. His persuasive eloquence converts the fair sex without a struggle. Finally he falls in love with one of his charming clients and, before she has a chance to discover the charlatan that he is, persuades her to marry him. Even after she realizes that his “profession” is only a racket, his fascinating sophistry is able to overcome her initial revulsion of feeling, and hold her. At last, however, after a tragedy has been laid at the door of his crystal-gazing parlors, Sylvia insists that Chandra “reform,” and the cynical mountebank finds that he loves his wife enough to turn his back on the old life. “The Mind Reader” doesn’t end there, however. And Leopard Chan dra doesn’t find it. as easy to change his spots as he had thought. Instead of telling you the rest of the story, we’ll promise you an evening of rare and novel entertainment in watching the adventures of Chandra the Great work themselves out to a logical, if startling conclusion. WARREN WILLIAM at the Strand. Out No. 1 Cut 15e Mat 5c William plays Chandra with a relish that communicates itself to his audience, and makes him a fascinating and lovable rogue. Constance Cummings gives a delightful performance as his young wife. Allen Jenkins, in the role of Chandra’s tough, world-wise confederate, is a riot of fun. Roy Del Ruth directed the picture with cunning and dramatic insight, and a genuine feeling for the underlying pathos and humor of every situation. SS Se = a Sa OO, Opening day story Warren William in “‘The Mind Reader’’ Opens at . . . Today eee eee Warren William, dynamic star of “The Dark Horse,” “Match King” and “Employee’s Entrance” comes $0. 16s a Ae Theatre today in a role said to be his greatest of all. In “Mind Reader,” William portrays a erystal-gazing fakir. The story throws an amusing ray of light on the hokum behind the medicine and caravan shows with their fortune tellers, crystal gazers, barkers and shills. The theme ‘is unique and treats of a most unusual characterization in the buoyant and bombastic Chandra the Great, fortune teller par excellence, faker through and through, but withall a lovable rascal with dominating personality, particularly with women who are strongly attracted by his roguish charm. The various roles are enacted by a cast of exceptional merit with William as Chandra and Constance Cummings as his wife. Others include Allen Jenkins, Donald Dillaway, Natalie Moorhead, Clara Blandick, Harry Beresford, Robert Greig and Earle Foxe. Wilson Mizner, who collaborated with Robert Lord in writing the screen play, knows his subject from actual experience, having in his adventurous career as newspaperman and soldier of fortune come in personal contact with such characters. A friend of Houdini he also learned many of the tricks of the trade from the great magician who spent the latter years of his life in exposing such frauds. The picture, however, is not intended as an expose. It is amusing entertainment, with added romance and dramatic situations. The story is based on the stage production of Vivian Cosby and directed by Roy Del Ruth. CHANDRAS SCUFFLE WITH AN INNOCENTLY ACCUSED FIUSBAND (EARL FOX) ENDS IN AN / ONFORTUNATE. KILLING / YLVIA-THE UNSOPHISTICATED TANCE. CUMMINGS) THINKS CHANDRA CHANDLER ON THE LEVEL AND MARRIES HIM | interesting expose of fake fortune tellers and mystics, which is ee re es Theatre this week. Out No.23 Out 60c Mat 20c “Mind Reader’ Based Upon Actual Cases of Exposed Frauds Wilson Mizner, co-author of “Mind Reader,” the First National Picture ROW Btn ect Theatre, is probably one of the foremost living American authorities on every phase of the fake fortune-telling and mind reading rackets. During his long career as newspaperman, traveler and playwright, Mizner has had occasion, both as a matter of professional duty and personal inclination, to investigate hundreds of these rackets and has, more than ence, participated in effective exposes of them. Houdini, who spent the latter years of his life in a systematic and merciless exposure of such frauds upon the credulity of humanity, was a close personal friend of Mizner’s. The latter was able to supplement his own considerable personal experience with the exhaustive investigations Houdini had undertaken into the byways of clairvoyance, spiritualism, mediumistic revelations and other mercenary exploitations of the supernatural. On more than one occasion, the two men would get together for an extensive comparison of notes and experiences. Many of the incidents detailed in “Mind Reader” are based upon actual cases with which Mizner came in contact, and to some of which he was an eye-witness. Warren William is starred and Constance Cumming is leading woman in the cast of “Mind Reader.” Other well-known players are Allen Jenkins, Clarence Muse, Donald Dillaway, Natalie Moorhead, Clara Blandick and Robert Greig. Roy del Ruth directed the picture, which is based on the stage play by Vivian Cosby and was adapted by Mizner and Robert Lord. Page Five