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for October 1931
Best Picture
61
S
SCREENLAND'S
Critic Selects the Most Important Screenplays of the Month
Ten Best Portrayals of the Month:
Ina Claire in "Rebound" Jackie Searl in "Newly Rich" Bruce Line in "Newly Rich" Mitzi Green in "Newly Rich" Madge Evans in "Son of India" Ramon Novarro in "Son of India" Sylvia Sidney in "An American Tragedy" Constance Bennett in "The Common Law" Phillips Holmes in "An American Tragedy" Robert Montgomery in "The Man in Possession"
The Man in Possession III
Metr o-Gol dwyn Mayer
ROBERT MONTGOMERY not only has full possession of the picture, but of the audience, too. Bob is . the "black sheep" of a very proper English family, and papa — or hadn't we better say "the pater?" — wants to send him to Australia so that his sappy brother may wed Irene Purcell whom he believes to have money, because if she heard of Bob's escapades — well! But Bob refuses to go, and what's more, he marries his brother's fiancee. Irene Purcell, as a slightly shady lady, makes an interesting heroine. Charlotte Greenwood hands out the laughs and Montgomery is — gr — and! I defy you not to like him! Mr. Hays must have lost his scissors because some spicy dialogue and situations have crept in, much to everyone's enjoyment. You'll want to see this "Man in Possession."
An American Tragedy
Paramount
THIS picture has caused more talk than any in years. It will cause still more. You will like it or hate it — no half-way measures. It's powerful, heavy stuff. Whether it is Mr. Dreiser's "American Tragedy" or not is a little problem I'm glad to leave to Mr. Dreiser, Mr. von Sternberg, Mr. Lasky, Mr. Zukor, Mr. Hays, and Mickey Mouse. It doesn't really matter, matter, matter. You and I are concerned with one question — is it worth seeing? It is. Strong, stiff drama — not pleasant or pretty; some terrific scenes, not for weak stomachs. It's problematical what his role of Clyde Griffiths will do for Phil Holmes' future with the fans. He gives a great performance, though. Sylvia Sidney is splendid, too. And all the rest of the cast. A directorial triumph. See it.
Rebound
RKO-Pathe
SEE this and start a family battle. All the way home wives and husbands will argue, "Should Ina Claire have taken back Bob Ames after the way he behaved with Myrna Loy?" Vamp versus wife, 1931 version, is "Rebound," with the newest, smartest cast and decor. Donald Ogden Stewart's play, with its gay dialogue, has made a splendid picture, thanks to director E. H. Griffith and his players. Ina Claire really comes into her own as the wife — she's spirited, stunning. You'll like Ames, too —and Robert Williams. Of course Myrna Loy is decorative— and as one who has been screaming and stomping for her for three years, I'm glad to see I was right. Hedda Hopper is charming. Altogether, a conquest for Claire — satisfaction for the author — contented audiences!
Robert Montgomery is splendid as "The Man in Possession," with Irene Purcell and Reginald Owen.
'An American Tragedy" is a stark dramatic smash with Phillips Holmes and Sylvia Sidney.
Ina Claire scores as the wife in "Rebound." and Robert Ames as the husband, with Hedda Hopper. A smart, sophisticated show.