Screenland (Nov 1934-Apr 1935)

«p Scree nland t J Screenlands Critic Really Sees the Pictures! David Copperfield M-G-M support Miracle out of Hollywood! "David Copperfield" is Hollywood's most dramatic answer to its critics. Here is a masterpiece. How will the world receive it? If you and I are sincere in our demands for finer pictures, we will "David Copperfield" and encourage other such splendid and courageous films. I can't "review" this for you — it would be an impertinence. "Copperfield" can only be seen, appreciated, and seen again, and again. The first "chapter," the story of the boy David, is the most poignant drama I have ever seen, or read; the second story, of David grown-up, is almost as perfect. This picture is over two hours long; it is often episodic; it demands quiet attention and understanding. But it is well worth the effort. I should like to see the first half, without cuts, as a complete picture for permanent exhibition not only in theatres but in schools and churches. It is breathlessly moving and heartbreaking in its incredibly real record of the boy David's fight for freedom — a plea more potent for tolerance than most sermons. The Honor Page credits the flawless cast. I only wish I had more space in which to praise "David Copperfield" as it so richly deserves. It's great! The Scarlet Pimpernel United Artists Excuse me a minute while I change my Victorian costume to one more suited to the French Revolution. There! Now I'm in the mood for "The Scarlet Pimpernel." These period pieces are all very charming, but I wish they wouldn't happen all at once. It's just a little confusing, meeting Clive in India one day and The Duke of Wellington at Mr. Micawber's the next. Well, let's make the best of it — and among the best is "The Scarlet Pimpernel." For sheer suspense and convincing characterization Leslie Howard's latest is very nearly tops. That is, if it weren't for Mr. Colman's, and Mr. Arliss', and Mr. Lawton's. Anyway, if you can resist Leslie in the delightful and daring and incredible role of Sir Percy Blakeney who ducks in and out of France rescuing aristos from the guillotine — what? of course you can't, any more than I can. He's utterly elegant. As for Merle Oberon, her sultry beauty in Romney hats and gowns is a sight to see; and her high intelligence, her sure and subtle ability, match her beauty. The direction, the sets, the costume, the casting — all superlative. Positively not to be missed! Family note : here's absolutely clean entertainment — exciting, too I REVIEWS of the Best Pictures SEAL OF) Lives of a Bengal Lancer Paramount Every small boy's dream of what a movie should be! Any parent who keeps his child away from this one is guilty of extreme cruelty, and should be subjected to just a little of the torture inflicted upon those brave Bengal Lancers Gary Cooper, Franchot Tone, and Dick Cromwell by the big bad natives. Here's the super-one-piece-screen-serial of all time, fast, furious, and more Kiplingesque than Rudyard himself. Don't expect to see on the screen very much, if anything, of the original book by Yeats-Brown. Instead, you'll plunge right in to the daily adventures of the Lancers in India, Hollywood version, with pigsticking in the morning, spying in the afternoon, and a little quiet torture for tea, followed by an evening finishing off a couple of thousand natives, with attendant flag-waving, heroism, and hurrah for our side. This is indeed Hollywood's bow-to-Britain month in the movie theatres. Gary Cooper has the role of a lifetime as the lanky Lancer who glorifies his job. Franchot Tone reminds me of his early promise in the most congenial part he has had in months. Sir Guy Standing and C. Aubrey Smith with the grand voice are also excellent. It's all great fun. And Cooper's best work by far. You Can Count on these Criticisms