Screenland (Nov 1931-Mar 1932)

for March 1932 57 Best Pictures ^SEALOFj ^m0j SCREENLAND'S Critic Selects the Most Important Screenplays of the Month "Taxi," James Cagney' s new picture, is NOT a gang film.. But Cagney provides excitement. With Loretta Young. Taxi W arners NOT a gang picture! Jim Cagney has reformed, a'l right — that is, he is not hurling any grape-fruit in his new film; but he is still a lovable, hot-headed, fighting fool who just can't make his fists behave. Cagney is at his best — and that's as good as the screen has to offer if you query me — in this human, hearty comedy drama about a taxi driver who can't keep out of trouble. He flies headlong into action to avenge his kid brother, and there is never a dull moment. The love interest is of the strenuous type, with Loretta Young playing Jimmy's bewildered girl friend, now closing the door on his outbursts of temper, then forgiving him and taking him back. But the picture is all Cagney's. The boy makes you believe in him. You'll like this one. Loretta, you'll find, is not only prettier in every new picture, but she is about the most human ingenue on the screen today. Ten Best Portrayals of the Month: James Cagney in "Taxi" Jackie Cooper in "Sooky" Helen Hayes in "Arrowsmith" Ralph Bellamy in "Surrender" Boris Karloff in "Frankenstein" Wallace Beery in "Hell Divers" Ronald Colman in "Arrowsmith" Richard Bennett in "Arrowsmith" Gloria Swanson in "Tonight or Never" Melvyn Douglas in "Tonight or Never" Sinclair Lewis' "Arrowsmith" makes a worth-while film. Ronald Colman and Helen Hayes are splendid. At rowsmitn United Artists Even Sinclair Lewis likes it! He wrote the book; he says it is a fine picture, and he should know. Fortunately, we're in complete accord with Mr. Lewis. "Arrowsmith" is a fine picture. It is honest, human, dignified, and sincere. It's one of those "worth-while" motion pictures we are always crying for. Now that we have one, let's make the most of it. Whether you did or did not read Sinclair Lewis' novel, I'm sure you will like Ronald Colman and Helen Hayes in the screen transcription. As the young medical scientist whose work always comes first, even before his devoted wife, Colman has a big chance, and he makes the most of it. There are grim scenes in this picture, sad scenes, poignant scenes. But the power and pathos of it will touch you. Helen Hayes is tremendously appealing. Richard Bennett is great! Connie should be proud of her dad! 'Hell Divers" is a real man's picture. Clark Gable and Wallace Beery share the acting honors. Hell Divers Metro -Go Id wy n -May er Here's one of the big thrills of the month — no, not Clark Gable this time. Wait a minute, he's thrilling, too, but in this case I'm talking about the air maneuvers that make this such an exceptional motion picture. We see 'planes stunting; 'planes cracking up; 'planes landing precariously on battleships. More than a hundred vessels of the U. S. Fleet participated in the Panama Canal zone scenes. It's a film with Uncle Sam's stamp of cooperation. Acting honors belong to Wallace Beery, playing a rough-tough tar with a big heart — and we don't mean Marjorie Rambeau, although she is very much present. Beery and Clark Gable are friendly rivals — each thinks he's the best mechanic in the Navy. Lots of laughs before the sad ending. It's a man picture, but there's Gable for the girls. Dorothy Jordan has little to do — but does it as charmingly as possible.