Screenland (Nov 1945-Oct 1946)

HONEYMOON CAN BE YOURS TONIGHT You — at your peak of charm. You in his arms I You with petal-soft skin — so excitingly fragrant — a vision of loveliness to win romance . . . and hold it. Never, never lose this magic! Tonight — every night — revel in a sea of billowing, fragrant foam that floats fatigue away as it caresses your skin. Step forth aglow — alive — with the freshness* of a dew-drenched flower. Five floral scents (25 luxurious baths) in every package. A Dainty Mothers ROB E R Beverly gift jot ' Day fouming^brth T H. CLARK COMPANY Hills • California THE BLUE DAHLIA— Paramount A role neatly tailored for Alan Ladd in this film is that of the returned veteran who finds his unfaithful wife playing around in fast company and embroiled romantically with the owner of the Blue Dahlia night club. And thus the stage is set for murder, involving characters mentioned plus two of Alan's side-kicks, Hugh Beaumont as a former lawyer, and William Bendix, who suffers mental blackouts. Then Veronica Lake, as the wife of the night club owner, steps in to help clear Alan of murder. While her help just leads to more confused clues, her appearance adds that romantic touch you were just beginning to miss. Doris Dowling makes a beautiful murder victim and plays her few scenes to the hilt. MADONNA OF SEVEN MOONS — Universal After the excellent films that have been coming to us from England, this Gainsborough production disappoints. It has an intriguing plot, but the script from Margery Lawrence's novel becomes slightly confusing. Phyllis Calvert plays the beautiful madonna, a schizophreniac who is the epitome of respectability in her life as the wife of a wealthy Italian, and the height of sordidness as the object of a Florence thief's affection. Patricia Roc, who is slated to make her next picture in Hollywood, plays with exhilarating gaiety the madonna's daughter who goes in search of her lost mother. Stewart Grainger, as the leader of the underworld activity, injects a dashing, daring quality to his romancing. IT HAPPENED AT THE INN — MGM Release Whether_ you understand French or not you'll enjoy this colorful picture of a provincial family — the Goupis — in this first post-war film produced in France. WelL written English titles will tell you the story of stolen loot, murder of the innkeeper's shrewish wife nicknamed Ten Drops, Pinchpenny's unwarranted imprisonment of his son, Monsieur, who comes from Paris, and interwoven through the entire plot, the mystery of the family treasure secretly hidden by Great Grandfather (The Emperor). Outstanding in the cast is Le Vigan who plays the volatile Tonkin, Blanchette Brunoy, the pretty Primrose, and Germaine Kerjean who is cast as Ten Drops. SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY— 20th Century-Fox Tops in emotionalism is this film based on Nelia Gardner White's story, with a tear in almost every reel.. And who doesn't enjoy a good cry now and then? The story is geared to allow the utmost sentiment, dealing with a beautiful stage star with a heart ailment, her producer-husband, and the orphan whom she adopts to help him over his loneliness after she dies. Maureen O'Hara more than adequately fills the bill in the feminine lead, but the script cuts her scenes short. John Payne, cast as her husband, does an impressive job, too, but it's little Connie Marshall as the adopted child who practically puts the picture in her pocket. William Bendix scores with laugh lines whenever the camera can take time for him. COLONEL EFFINGHAM'S RAID — 20th Century The quiet, peaceful and placid atmosphere of Georgia is captured in this film based on Berry Fleming's popular novel, with Charles Coburn as the leading light in the title role, and Joan Bennett and William Eythe backing him up in the romantic department. But for the most part the accent is on the characterization of the crusty, regimented old Army colonel, retired, and there is little action until his civic pride involves him in a fight' with politicians over tearing down the city hall. That is when William Eythe, as a newspaper reporter, takes over, settles the argument in an offhand fashion, woos Joan Bennett, his fellow-worker with the trim ankles, before he marches resolutely off to win the war. PARDON MY PAST — Columbia A fast-paced farce with a dual role for Fred MacMurray is a sure-cure for a lowdown spirit. Delightful confusion ensues when Fred, discharged from the Army, is picked up by a bookie for a debt his identical twin owes. Situations become more involved — ■ and funnier — when he sets out to clear up the mystery and appears at his twin's home — complete with a pretty cousin who keeps house (Marguerite Chapman), an unappreciated grandfather (Harry Davenport), an estranged wife (Rita Johnson), and a crooked uncle (Douglass Dumbrille) who is doing his best to put everyone in the poor house. William Demarest plays for laughs and Akim TamirofT interests as menace. SCREENLAND