They Won't Forget (Warner Bros.) (1937)

NY. vl THE NEW YORK TIMES By FRANK S. NUGENT “They Won’t Forget,’ which the Warners presented at the Strand yesterdsy and which wears the fictional cloak of Ward Greene’s noyel, “Death in the Deep South,” reopens the Leo M. Frank case, holds it up for review and, with courage, objectivity and simple eloquence, creates a brilliant sociological drama and a trenchant film editorial against intolerance and hatred. In many ways it is superior to “Pury” and “Black Legion,” which have been milled from the same dramatic mine. Not so spectacular, or melodramatic, or strident perhaps, yet it is stronger, more vibrant than they through the quiet iv-tensity of its narrative, the simplicity of Mervyn LeRoy’s direction, its integrity of purpose, the even perfection of its cast. From Claude Rains and Allyn Joslyn and Gloria Dickson right on down the list of players heading this review, you will not find one “hose performance does not deserve commendation. And, as one of the greatest factors in its favor, missed as a Hollywood exaggeration of a state of affairs which once might have existed but exists no longer. Between the Frank trial at Atlanta and the more recent ones at Scottsboro is a bond closer than chronology indicates. For its perfection, chief credit must go to Mr. LeRoy for his remarkably skillful direction— there are a few touches as fine as anything the screen has done; to Aben Kandel and Robert Rossen for their excellent script, and to all the cast, but notably to Mr. Rains, for his savage characterization of the ambitious prosecutor; to Gloria Dickson (a newcomer) for her moving portrayal of Hale’s wife; to Allyn Joslyn (late of “Broadway’s “Boy Me>ts Girl’) for his natural and sensible representation of a reporter. A round-robin of appreciation must include mention of Edward Norris as Hale, Otto Kruger as his attorney, Elisha Cook, Jr. as Joe Turner, Trevor Bardette as Shattuck Clay, Paul Everton and Ann Sho-uaker, as the Governor and his lady, and Clinton Rosemond as “They Won’t Forget’ cannot be dis the Negro, Redwine. EVENING JOURNAL By ROSE PELSWICK Dynamic in theme and powerfully presented, *‘They Won’t Forget’’ takes its place among the really great productions of the screen. And the picture that came yesterday to the Strand Theatre will be talked about and remembered much longer than most. It’s based on Ward Greene’s sensational novel, “Death in the Deep South,” and its dramatization in the hands of producer-director Mervyn LeRoy has been brilliantly contrived. A searing indictment of mob hysteria and prejudice, the story pulls no punches, makes no attempt to soften its grimly d umentary quality, and leaves its spectators emotionally limp. The picture builds to a terrific climax with one tense scene after another. The story levels no accusations, takes no crusading stand and offers no solution; it depicts simply, vividly and intelligently a not very pretty phase of human nature. Warner Brothers, who have to their credit other powerful narratives, among them “I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang,” have made this one with unswerving honesty and laudable courage. It Ne W.-Y OR K.-H follows no formula and makes no compromise. OUTSTANDING PICTURE The picture is outstanding also in the matter of cast. With the exception of Claude Rains, who gives a splendid performance as the district attorney, and Otto Kruger, who is excellent as the defense attorney in the film’s vivid courtroom scenes, the players are practically all newcomers. ‘The role of the unfortunate Robert Hale is skilfully enacted by Edward Norris; that of his wife by a talented actress named Gloria Dickson. Allyn Joslyn contributes an outstanding portrayal as the newspaper reporter, Brock, and fine bits are played by Clinton Rosemond, in the part of the janitor; by Elisha Cook, Jr., as the grocery clerk. “They Won’t Forget” is a picture you can’t afford to miss. RAD DT RE Bw NE By Howard Barnes CHALLENGING indictment of bigotry and mob violence has received superb motion-picture treatment in “They Won’t Forget.” It is based on Ward Greene’s novel of sectional prejudice, “Death in the Deep South,” which bore striking resemblance, in turn, to an actual cause celebre of perverted justice. The translation has been made fearlessly, dispassionately and with revealing artistry. Mervyn LeRoy’s direction is imaginative and assured. The production itself is dramatically compelling and is distinguished by splendid acting. Here is an honest, moving and provocative photoplay. It is to the abiding credit of Warner Brothers that the firm has made and continues to make such films as this one. It is not an offering that has rolled off a Hollywood assembly line. Like Mr. LeRoy’s “I Am a Fugitive From a Chain Gang” or Archie L. Mayo’s “Black Legion,” it considers some ugly aspects of our civilization unflinchingly. In form it is a melodramatic tragedy, filled with action, suspense and despair. In substance, it is an ominous disclosure of the ease with which mass pas sions can supersede democratic processes and human rights. It has been a daring but wise move to cast comparative unknowns in the principal roles. Under Mr. LeRoy’s shrewd guidance, their performances are close to perfect. Edward Norris, as the illfated teacher, contrives to make the character come under reasonable suspicion at the outset and yet appear definitely innocent before the climax, while Gloria Dickson, as his wife, is tragically impotent to save him. Allyn Joslyn’s reporter is splendid; Otto Kruger is excellent as the Northern defense lawyer; there are brilliant impersonations by Elisha Cook jr., Trevor Bardette and Clinton Rosemond, and the “bits” are handled with utter conviction by a large company. Chief acting honors must go to Claude Rains in the role of the District Attorney. It is the finest performance he has ever given. His tendency to overact never mars this portrait, and it is always credibly sinister and repellent. . “They Won’t Forget” is always subordinated to the large pattern of the theme. Mr. LeRoy and his assistants are to be congratulated for having made an unforgettable screen drama. THE NEW. YORK Sun By EILEEN CREELMAN ““They Wont’t Forget’’ is Warner Brothers at its violent best. The Strand’s new film, is one of those smashing, brutal, fascinating melodramas that seem to have been taken straight off the ‘One page. It may have been suggested by such a news story, or by a combination of several. Mervyn LeRoy, director and producer, has a stinging, unforgettable picture of Ward Greene’s novel of murder, “prejudice and mob hatred, ‘*Murder in the Deep South.’’ The picture’s close, with Claude Rains’s affable ironic comment, leaves an audience shaking and aroused. Here is a picture which, like its principal character, can stir up some violent emotions itself. In addition to murder mystery, still unsolved at the end of the story, “They Won’t Forget” offers the portrait of a small town turned hysterical by the mob appeal of an ambitious district attorney and a newspaper reporter ... Mr. LeRoy, who could easily rest upon the laurels won by “I Am a Fugitive,” “Public Enemy,’ “Anthony Adverse” and a score of rollicking comedies, has done one of his most brilliant directorial jobs with “They Won’t Forget.” He has woven character humor, wry and sometimes biting, into his film, without ruining the production by obvious efforts at comedy relief. He is at least partly responsible for some excellent characterizations, not only those of such experienced performers as Claude Rains, Allyn Joslyn and Otto Kruger, put of a long list of unknowns which include Gloria Dickson, Edward Norris, Lana Turner anid Linda Perry. Even the small parts, Clifford Soubier’s portrait of a worried barber, KE. Allyn Warren’s sinister Mr. Buxton, Clinton Rosemond’s terrified Negro janitor, are worth more than this word or two of praise. It is a startling piece, like so many outstanding Warner films. The brief scene in which the Governor sacrifices his political career for the sake of his integrity is a bit of heroism which lifts the film out of the shocker class. “They Won’t Forget” is a picture that no one who sees it is likely to forget. Sorry to crowd these splend press, Life Magazine comes off press with four (4) full pages on “They Won't Forget”. Buy, borrow, beg—or steal a copy. Display it where it will get the most attention— as if more than 1,000,000 Life readers are not enough! ny WAU = slat YUE DAILY NEWS, MONDAY By WANDA HALE The things you won’t forget about “They Won’t Forget? are its splendid characterizations, its superb performances, its able exciting direction and its resounding moral lesson. What you have probably already forgotten, but which will come back to your mind is the Leo Frank case. You will remember how this ill-fated Northerner was strung to a Southern tree and his body tossed on the doorstep of an unfortunate governor who had commuted the hapless victim’s death sentence. Rains in Star Role In defining the photoplay’s unforgettable assets, the performance of Claude Rains comes first to mind. As an ambitious, though unscrupulous district attorney, Rains gives what amounts to a candid camera record of a passion going to town. Mr. Rains’ passion in this instance is to put the fix on a suspect and so fix himself for political aggrandizement. The next round of applause goes to one who doesn’t appear in the film. He is Mervyn LeRoy, direetor whose dynamic influence is felt throughout. Next we come to Gloria Dickson. From a Federal Theatre Project in DAILY Los Angeles, for her first try before the camera, she can easily be called the cinematic “find of the year. As a tragic figure, the wife of a man indicted for murder, sentenced to death and lynched by a furious mob, Miss Dickson’s performance is nothing short of miraculous for a beginner. We feel safe in saying that no other girl on the Warner lot could have put the feeling, warmth and constraint she put in this difficult role. Joslyn Wins Praise Space must go to praise of Allyn Joslyn’s work. Another newcomer to the screen, by way of the New York stage. Joslyn, is the newspaper reporter who embroiders the facts of the case to arouse sectional hatred and gain popularity for the District Attorney, is all anybody could ask for. Other important parts are well done by Edward Norris, the victim, Paul Everton, Otto Kruger, Clinton Rosemond, Lana Turner and Trevor Bardette. “They Won’t Forget’ follows, more or less faithfully, Ward Greene’s “Death in the Deep South,” a blast at the injustice of conviction on circumstantial evidence, sectional bigotry, crooked politicians and lynchings, MIRROR By BLAND JOHANESON OTLY controversial, ‘‘They Won’t Forget’’ is an uncompromising adaptation of Ward Greene’s sensational ‘‘Death in the Deep South.’’ A brave and rousing film, it is one of the most unusual ever to have come from Hollywood. Box office names, the conventional happy ending, a safe theme, all were ignored by Mr. LeRoy, who boldly made a picture which must arouse regional resentment. His story is a tragedy of Southern justice, of prejudice, of a shameful lynching. No pretty picture, it shocks, leaves a powerful impression. Less win@khareall wligin 7 INbany ote TI A) forthright account of an actual butchery. GOOD CAST A splendid cast of new players performs the principal roles, their very newness contributing to the eredibility of the tragedy. Miss id reviews, but as we go to Gloria Dickson, a blonde with a vivid personality, gives a handsome performance as the wife of Prejudice’s wretched victim. Edward Norris plays this trying role with conviction and charm. A Miss Lana Turner and a Miss Linda Perry are most effective as schoolgirls. Claude Rains is the villain of the story, a politically ambitious district attorney. Clinton Rosemond gives a stunning show of panic and terror as the school janitor. It is handsomely made, exquisitely acted, honestly written. The controversial nature of its theme necessarily will limit its appeal. THIS LITTLE FELLA MADE SURE THAT THE FOLKS WOULD READ THESE SWELL REVIEWS! Page 5 ae ee ee ee ee Le, —