Screenland (Jun-Oct 1932)

92 SCREENLAND Roses and Razzes — Continued from page 7 comedies realize how well "animal" antics go over. I have heard more comments on Mickey Mouse and other animal comedies than on the feature pictures. If we are to have short skits accompanying the main picture, couldn't there be more dogs or ducks as characters instead of slapstick comedies, which really look as if there had been only five minutes in which to get them finished and no one really cared what the plot was about ? I'm for giving dumb animals a break! Mrs. W. C. Anger, 701^ DeForest St., Bellingham, Wash. ONE BIG EMBRACE! Marie Dressier — what an actress she is ! Bless her heart, she is as young as the youngest. She may have been with us a long time, but she is young still. I've seen pictures of hers that I liked better than others, but I don't remember seeing any that I didn't like at all. But Marie Dressier in "Emma"! There just isn't any word that does her justice. She is marvelous — grand — that is little enough to say ! More people turn out for Marie, as well as for many of the other veterans, than for the younger stars. Nor do I mean to knock the youngsters, who deserve all praise. Here's to them all — long may they twinkle ! Clara Eastridge, 448 West First St., El Dorado, Ark. A FAN'S PHILOSOPHY When we see a directorial masterpiece like "The Sin of Madelon Claudet," or a superbly acted drama such as "Emma," or a clever little comedy, we rave over them, send out a plea for more, and feel like thanking the producers, directors, and cast personally for giving us such fine pictures. And then, when a mediocre picture comes along, there are always a great many complaints. Most of us have learned to take the bad with the good in other walks of life, so why not be philosophical about the movies ? I for one will agree to take them as they come, if they will give us an exceptionally good one once every month or so. U. L. Crump, 87 Belmont St., Rochester, N. Y. TUNE UP, RAMON! Recently I saw Ramon Novarro in "Mata Hari." He certainly gave his best performance since I saw him in "Son of India," and has proven that he is a capable actor. But it would make me, and also other fans, happy to hear Ramon sing in his future films. He really has a marvelous voice and a suitable accent ; and furthermore he possesses a splendid physique, although he hasn't any of those bulging muscles such as one sees on an overtrained athlete. Olga Lea, 893 Royal Road, Cleveland, Ohio. A RENALDO FAN I haven't seen Duncan Renaldo since "Trader Horn." His sensitive features, manly bearing, attractive voice, and agreeable accent make an intriguing personality which I had expected to see starred very soon. It would not be easy to find suitable vehicles for him, but I think he is unusual enough to make a real hit. Duncan would make a big drawing card, as big as Ramon Novarro, if given the chance. Please ask the directors to give him something good to do before he goes Mrs. C. R. Little, 18 S. Reed Ave., Mobile, Ala. A FENTON FAN I've been watching Leslie Fenton in all of his pictures, and, although he isn't a star, he deserves a big hand for being a finished actor. They say that the women in the audience don't admire the rascals on the screen. I must be different, because I get a thrill watching Mr. Fenton. His acting is so natural, his voice so wellmodulated, and his appearance so pleasing. It is strange he isn't a star, but, possibly, he doesn't aspire in that direction. But he's a good sport — doing his best with the parts assigned to him, and playing any character he's called upon to play. I hope the directors cast him in a dozen pictures this year, and I'll bet before the year is over he'll be stealing pictures away from the stars. See if I'm right! Ruth Barnett, 54419 S. Robertson St., New Orleans, La. ALWAYS LEAVE 'EM LAUGHING! The trend to comedy pictures is welcomed whole-heartedly by theatre-goers all over the country. In these times directors have found that with cheerfulness and humor scattered profusely through their productions people are responding by maximum attendance. A good picture always has a touch of warm comedy. Review the hits of the last two years and you will find that comedy rules. People know good, funny attractions and as long as they demand them they will get them. If real, clean comedy is featured, morals will be influenced for the better, which will add to the popular appeal of pictures. Let us have more comedy in pictures ! Chester Cannon, 289 Pleasant St., Worcester, Mass. Here are Kay Francis and director Kenneth MacKenna, her husband, in a pleasant domestic scene. They're inspecting the "ship room," one of the many unusual guest rooms in their home. A TWO FISTED FILM "Hell Divers" was truly a magnificent picture with a splendid cast. The entire picture was one thrill after another — genuine thrills. There was something in the love of the man played by Wallace Beery and the Panama dive-keeper played by Marjorie Rambeau that brought tears and heartaches. And the splendid acting of Clark Gable when Wallace Beery was "setting" his broken leg was the grandest bit of make-believe that I have ever seen on the screen. A shudder passed down my spine and I had to blink my eyes to keep the tears back. Then there was the end of Griffin's career, made so real by John Miljan, that caused a lump in my throat. Perhaps I did cry — what of it? I laughed, too! And I hope to see another picture of this sort very soon — for it was truly a man's picture. F. M. Pipes, Box 1044, Texarkana, Tex. THE OLD FAVORITES! I have often read that producers are always on the lookout for spectacular themes. Perhaps a suggestion of mine might help. There surely can be no doubt that such pictures as "Les Miserables," "Ten Commandments," "Dante's Inferno," "Scaramouche," "Noah's Ark," "King of Kings," and "Three Musketeers" were real spectacles of the years past. These and probably numerous others would make truly great revivals. With the addition of dialogue, music and Technicolor, these old time movies should strike an instantaneous approval with all movie lovers. Chas. D. Dancer, 4417 West 5th St., Mansfield, Ohio.