Showmen's Trade Review (Jul-Sep 1940)

August 10, mo SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW Page 19 chances for the "take." Just as he is ready to close a crooked deal, both he and IMyrna realize that they are madly in lo\-e with each other, so Powell, in order to dispose of his undesirable companions, feigns another lapse of memory. In this way he wins back his wife and his standing in the community. Comment: Here's a laugh riot that should go over with a bang with any audience looking for diversion ; something that will make them forget these troubled times. It's a picture with the kind of entertainment that made "The Thin Alan" so popular, and with the same starring duo, William Powell and Myrna Loy. It looks like a perfect boxoffice bet. It's strictly adult screenfare, of the broad comedy variety, with laughs coming thick and fast, some of them so loud they drown out the dialogue. Both Powell and Miss Loy give their usual fine performances, the kind that ha\ e made them big selling names and Frank AIcHugh's characterization is tops. Director W. S. Van Dyke should be credited with a very entertaining picture. Production, scripting and technical work are of fine quality, all aiding the value of the film. Cash in on the popularity of the two stars in all your advertising and exploitation. Contact travel bureaus for cooperative window displays and newspaper advertising. (ADULT) Catchline: "This year's screwiest comedy with the 'Thin Alan' stars." AUDIENCE SLANT: HILARIOUS COMEDY THAT IS A "MUST" FOR EVERYONE. BOX OFFICE SLANT: LOOKS LIKE A PERFECT BOXOFFICE BET. I'm Nobody's Sweetheart Now (Hollywood Preview) Universal Comedy with Music 62 mins. (Prod. No. Not Set, Nat'l Release, Not Set) Cast: Dennis O'Keefe, Constance Moore, Helen Parrish, Lewis Howard, Laura Hope Crews, Samuel S. Hindi. Berton Churchill. Margaret Hamilton, Marjorie Gateson, Walter Soderling, Walter Baldwin, Tim Ryan, Hattie Xoel, Gaylord Pendleton, Gene O'Donnell, James Craig. Credits: Directed by Arthur Lubin. Screenplay by Scott Darling, Erna Lazarus and Hal Block. Original story by Scott Darling and Erna Lazarus. l3irector of photography, Elwood Bredell. Film editor, Paul Landres. Art director. Jack Otterson. Associate producer, Joseph Sanford. Plot: Dennis O'Keefe and Lewis Howard, respective captains of two different college teams continue their rivalry off the football field, ending up in a cafe brawl. O'Keefe's parents, Berton Churchill and Laura Hope Crews, bring home Samuel S. Hinds, his wife, Alarjorie Gateson and their daughter, Helen Parrish because Hinds wields enough power to put Churchill in the go\-ernor's seat at the next election. O'Keefe is forced to take Helen out, but when they get together they agree to switch to their true loves ; O'Keefe's being Constance Moore, night club singer and Helen's being Lewis Howard. Things don't work out the way they planned and in the end O'Keefe and Helen really fall in love with each other and marr}— leaving Constance singing "I'm Nobody's Sw^eetheart Now." Comment: An amusing little musical that is filled with many gay moments and a few catchy tunes. It has an excellent cast, topflight direction and a thoroughly entertaining love story that is quite unusual for this type of film. Another in the cycle of song titles that Universal has woven into a picture, it oft'ers splendid diversion for the majority of theatregoers everywhere. Three of the top placers. Dennis O'Keefe, Helen Parrish and Lewis Howard prove their ability as comedians by skillfull}' handling their respective roles. But it is Constance Moore, a }-oung player whom Universal has been building up who gives a standout performance and her rendition of the three numbers tied in with the story is more than pleasing. The supporting players help greatly in carrying the story, among these being Laura Hope Crews, Samuel S. Hinds, Berton Churchill and Marjorie Gateson. Arthur Lubin's direction is responsible for a fast moving picture with hilarity and suspense well (Continued on page 21) Sure-Fire Box Office Successes 81 Riotous Minutes of Spectacular THRILLS and LAUGHS THE NEW STREAMLINED VERSION OF SKY DEVILS with SPENCER TRACY AND ANN DVORAK Now being played at first run CLASS A THEATRES EVERYWHERE Playing St. Louis, St. Louis, Mo., this week. Admissions 40*^, to phenominal business 18 Heavenly Minutes BOOK THESE 4 SHIRLEY TEMPLES — as — ADDED ATTRACTIONS 1. Pardon My Pups 2. Dora's Dunking Doughnuts 3. Managed Money 4. Merrily Yours (Each in 2 Reels) They will help put over any doubtful program. NOW READY FOR CLASS A THEATRES NEW ACCESSORIES EVERYWHERE NEW PRINTS Write, Wire or Phone ASTOR PICTURES CORP. (Exchanges Everywhere) 130 WEST 46th STREET, NEW YORK R. M. SAVINL Pres. BRyant 9-2457-8-9