Screenland (May 1943-Oct 1944)

RECENT FILMS REVIEWED IN A FLASH! THE OUTLAW — Howard Hughes. Howard Hughes' long awaited, greatly publicized "$2,000,000 Western" in which luscious Jane Russell makes her screen bow. Every scene originally shot was in the picture when previewed in San Francisco, including the much discussed scene of the girl warming the boy and other scenes said to be too intimate. The film, based on sex and action, has plenty of both. It also introduces Jack Beutel. Plot concerns Billy the Kid's friendship with a gambler (Walter Huston) and his last meeting with Sheriff Garrett (Thomas Mitchell). THE MOON IS DOWN — 20th Century-Fox. John Steinbeck's book has been made into an impressive, powerful drama as it records the terror and violence endured by the brave people of an occupied Norwegian town, from the heroic Mayor Orden, who gives his life in the cause for freedom, to the widow who avenges her husband's murder by killing a Nazi officer. Vigorous writing and uncompromising direction bring out superb characterizations, far stronger than the original Steinbeck portraits. Sir Cedric Hardwicke's Col. Lanser and Henry Travers' Mayor are excellent. THE HUMAN COMEDY — M-G-M. A touching screen drama from the William Saroyan story which depicts life in a small town, as seen through the eyes of a Postal Telegraph boy. Mickey Rooney does a top-rate job as Homer, the young lad who goes to work as a messenger when his brother (Van Johnson) joins the Army. Jack Jenkins, a newcomer, almost steals the show as the baby brother. Don't miss this. HELLO, FRISCO, HELLO — 20th Century-Fox. Entertaining filmusical about theatrical business at the turn of the century, bringing Alice Faye back to the screen, lovelier and better than ever, as an entertainer in Cornell's (John Payne) Barbary Coast shows. She accepts a musical comedy offer when John passes her up for a society girl, but returns to help him when he goes broke and his marriage fails. Payne is fine as Johnny. Lynn Bari, Jack Oakie, June Havoc, in cast. Revives old catchy tunes. Costumes are a Technicolor treat. HANGMEN ALSO HIE— United Artists. An exciting melodrama of Prague's "Underground" on the march against Hitler's Gestapo. It pulls no punches in its vivid scenes of the Nazi reign of terror after "the Hangman's" execution, as the assassin escapes to become a symbol of freedom to the Czechs, who conceal his identity though it means the slaughter of hostages. Has real suspense. The capable cast has Brian Donlevy and Anna Lee. CHINA — Paramount. A stirring film drama about the adventures of two Americans in wartorn China — Alan Ladd, as the oil dealer who sells his product to the highest bidder — Jap or Chinese — and Loretta Young, as a school teacher who is helping evacuate Chinese children and who makes him change his non-intervention attitude by bringing him face to face with Jap atrocities. Ladd gives a forceful performance and Loretta is excellent. Has exciting, thrilling sequences. STAB SPANGLED RHYTHM — Paramount. Super musical crammed with comedy and celebrities. Victor Moore as the gateman of Paramount Studio masquerading as the head of the film company to show sailor son Eddie Bracken and pals the sights. The studio is turned upside down by Betty Hutton and a big show put on by the greatest stars. Bob Hope as the master of ceremonies ; stars include Crosby, Lamour, Goddard, Ladd, Lake, MacMurray. See it. RANDOM HARVEST — M-G-M. James Hilton's great love story becomes a memorable motion picture. Greer Garson and Ronald Colman give splendid performances as the gallant actress and the shell-shocked soldier whom she befriends. Susan Peters, brilliant newcomer, gives an outstanding performance. This film ranks with "Goodbye Mr. Chips," in interest and importance. FOREVER AND A DAY — RKO-Radio. Some of the fun of seeing this war charity film in which 78 prominent players contributed their services without pay will be derived from trying to pick out top stars in bit parts. It's an interesting tale, told in flashbacks, about an old house and its occupants for generations back by a modern Trimble (Ruth Warrick) to a Pomfret (Kent Smith) in its bombproof cellar during a raid. Anna Neagle, Ray Milland, Merle Oberon, Ida Lupino are in it. AIR FORCE — Warner Bros. Exciting entertainment. An excellent fictional account of American history in the making. This is the story of the Flying Fortress, nicknamed the "Mary Ann" by her courageous crew. The heroic adventures of the "Mary Ann" after thrilling brushes with the Japs are stirringly set forth by a splendid cast including John Garfield, Harry Carey, Gig Young, John Ridgely. Magnificent photography. THEY GOT ME COVERED — Samuel Goldivyn-RKO. A nitwit newshawk on the trail of Nazi saboteurs comically complicated by Bob Hope hilariously falling into a nest of spies and safely out again. Uproarious climax has the inimitable Hope rounding up the ring singlehanded, and you rolling in the aisles. Bob, Dorothy Lamour as his long-suffering girl friend. Otto Preminger, Marion Martin, cute Phyllis Ruth are on their toes every minute. SLIGHTLY DANGEROUS — M-G-M. A Cinderella tale which combines romance and comedy. It has Lana Turner as a small-town girl who rebels at her job of soda-jerker and disappears after her boss reprimands her. An accident makes it possible for her to pose as an amnesia victim — a lost heiress — until her ex-boss exposes her. He then realizes he loves her. The story is not worthy of Lana's beauty and good acting and Bob's excellent light comedy touch. THE AMAZING MRS. HOLLIDAY — Universal. For the first time in her brilliant career, Deanna Durbin has to cope with a poor story. She tries hard to overcome the obstacles of a hodge-podge script which presents her as a refugee from the war in China, a giddy masquerading matron, and finally as a lovelorn girl — but not even the Durbin voice and personality can make this anything but routine entertainment. Barry Fitzgerald and Edmond O'Brien appear in the cast. ONCE UPON A HONEYMOON — RKO-Radio. You won't want to miss this ! Ginger Rogers teamed for the first time with Cary Grant, and both give grand performances — Ginger as an American girl married to a Nazi baron, Cary as a newspaper man. Between them they expose the baron and further the cause of democracy, not . to mention cupid. Has witty, original dialogue. Good entertainment. CASABLANCA — Warners. With a front page title, an exciting spy plot, and excellent performances by a superlative cast — this is a "must." Humphrey Bogart plays a cafe proprietor in French Morocco who, under the guise of cold indifference, helps refugees to escape from the Nazis. It's fast, suspenseful stuff with Bogart at his best. Beautiful Ingrid Bergman is seen as the girl he loves. Claude Rains, Paul Henreid in cast. FLIGHT FOR FREEDOM — RKO-Radio. An inspiring tale of adventure and love in which Rosalind Russell plays Tonie, a girl flyer who deliberately vanishes in the Pacific so that searching parties may photograph Jap fortifications. The role was inspired by the life of Amelia Earhart. Fred MacMurray is fine as the dashing aviator who romances with Rosalind and Herbert Marshall is good as the "other man" in her life. HITLER'S CHILDREN — RKO-Radio. Sensational drama based on the best-selling book, "Education for Death," exposing Nazi methods of "educating" the German youth to the ruthless ideology of their Fuehrer. It relates the coldblooded conditioning of boys and girls and the brutal treatment of any who fight against the system. Bonita is poignant, persuasive as the heroine ; Tim Holt, convincing as the Gestapo boy. IN WHICH WE SERVE — United Artists. Magnificent war drama — produced, directed, written, starred in by Noel Coward — records the exploits of a British destroyer, Torrin, and her heroic crew in the historic battle off Crete. Tremendously moving, this is truly an inspired epic. Coward and fellow players are superb. SHADOW OF A DOUBT — Universal. Alfred Hitchcock's gripping mystery drama is packed with shivers and full of suspense. A daughter of a typical American family idolizes her "visiting" Uncle Charlie until his strange behavior makes her suspicious. She discovers that the uncle for whom she was named is a murderer. Teresa Wright, fine as the horror-stricken girl ; Joseph Cotten, splendid as the charming but terrifying Uncle. SALUDOS AMIGOS (Hello Friends)— Disney-RKO. A travelogue-cartoon, filmed as part of our "good neighbor" policy, based on the South American tour made by Disney and his artists. Actual movies of the party's trip, combined with their impressions of natives, their songs, dances and fiestas, and the Latin American countries' vivid scenic splendor, plus amusing animated comedy sequences, make this novel cartoon entertaining and instructive. THE SIEGE OF LENINGRAD — Artkino. An impressive documentary film, showing with stark realism the heroic stand of our Russian allies, both soldiers and civilians. It's a dramatic screen record of superhuman courage and endurance and a great job of candid camera reporting of history in the making. Its stirring scenes are unforgettable. COMMANDOS STRIKE AT DAWN — Columbia. Stirring screen drama based on C. S. Forester's "The Commandos," depicting the plight of an invaded nation, with Paul Muni as the patriot who leads his people in revolt against the Nazis and, after escaping, returns to guide the British Commandos in a victorious raid which costs his life. Raids with actual trainees have authentic ring. Forceful war document. Skillful performance by Muni. Capable support by Anna Lee and Lillian Gish. Don't miss it. CABIN IN THE SKY — M-G-M. An entertaining all-negro musical fantasy, based on the Broadway play. It has the many varieties of song, dance and comedy for which colored performers are well known and all players featured in it are at their best. The action takes place in "Rochester" Anderson's dream. While in a coma, he dreams of the struggles of the forces of good and evil for possession of his soul. Ethel Waters is flawless as wife Petunia, who wins Joe back from sultry Georgia Brown (Lena Home). JOURNEY FOR MARGARET — M-G-M. W. L. White's best-selling book about two young British blitz victims, has been fashioned into a fine, if weepy film. Robert Young gives his best performance as the sympathetic correspondent whose valiant efforts to bring the children, Margaret and Peter (Billy Severn), back to America with him provide scenes of powerful appeal, particularly little Margaret O'Brien's outbursts. HAFFY GO LUCKY — Paramount. Gay spontaneous movie fun ! It's one long, hearty laugh from the time Mary Martin and Betty Hutton arrive on a Caribbean isle and meet Dick Powell and Eddie Bracken. Mary's fortune hunt for Rudy Vallee and Betty's frank pursuit of reluctant Eddie lead to hilarious situations, accompanied by smart new songs, delightfully sung. The Hutton-Braeken team is sure-fire for explosive comedy. See this. SOMEWHERE IN FRANCE — United Artists. A thrilling, exciting war picture which tells about the experiences of a British engineer (Clifford Evans) who goes on a dangerous mission to France before the Nazi invasion. Film shows encounters with fifth columnists, bombings and pitiful scenes of French refugees trying to escape the enemy. Constance Cummings plays an American girl and Tommy Trinder furnishes comedy as a British soldier. THE IMMORTAL SERGEANT — 20th Century-Fox. Realistic war drama about the exploits of heroic soldiers lost in the Libyan desert. Henry Fonda is at his best as the Corporal who takes over command when the Sergeant (Thomas Mitchell) dies. The Sergeant's memory helps Fonda in making important decisions and in encounters with the enemy. A man's picture, with a love story for the ladies told in flashbacks, showing Fonda reminiscing back to happier romantic days with Maureen O'Hara. THE BLACK SWAN — 20th Century-Fox. If you want sheer escapist film fare, here's your picture. Raphael Sabatini's swashbuckling yarn of piratical practices in the Spanish Main make a riproaring adventure movie with Tyrone Power in the lusty role of the daredevil captain. Maureen O'Hara is the gorgeous heroine. THE POWERS GIRL — United Artists. Romantic musical glorifying long-stemmed American beauties of the John Powers model agency featuring Carole Landis, George Murphy, Anne Shirley, and Dennis Day, also a collection of Powers pretties. Miss Landis scores as the ambitious model; Day's. melodious voice heard in his song numbers ; but George Murphy over-acts a3 the photographer. Amusing Alan Mowbray plays the Powers part. HIT PARADE OF 1943— Republic. A musical in which the tuneful songs fit the story. It's about a dishonest publisher-vocalist who steals a young girl composer's first song. She goes to work for him to get information to help expose him, but hate turns to love. John Carroll, good as the unscrupulous gent; Susan Hayward, as the girl, has her best role to date ; Gail Patrick, good as her rival. Cheerful and gay. SILVER SKATES — Monogram. A musical on ice with entertainment for young and old. The financial problems of an ice show and the romances of its members, introducing spectacular skating sequences and solos by wizards of the blades: Belita, sensational star; her partner, Eugene Turner, champion figure skater ; Frick and Frack, riotous comedians ; and a graceful skating chorus. Kenny Baker, fine as band leader ; Patricia Morison, good as show's producer and girl Kenny loves. Good tonic for tired nerves. I MARRIED A WITCH — Cinema GuUd-U.A. Triumph for Veronica Lake, this picturization of Thome Smith's last novel is a rare treat for those who enjoy film fantasy. Veronica, as a lovely ghost, returns to haunt the 1942 incarnation of the man (Fredric March), who caused her to be burned at the stake in 1870. It's all fine, imaginative fun. See it by all means. 62