Showmen's Trade Review (Oct-Dec 1949)

SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW, December 24, 1949 23 by Alfred Lewis Levitt and DeWitt Bodeen. Based on the novel by Benedict and Nancy Freedman. Photography, Joseph Biroc. Special effects, Lee Zavitz, Art direction, Arthur Lonergan. Musical supervisor. Max Steiner. Plot: A North West Mounted policeman takes a Boston girl into the arctic north as his wife. Her adjustment to the demands of her new life is a difficult struggle, but she meets the challenge and through the tragedy of an epidemic and the loss of her baby becomes a mature sympathetic woman. Comment: The power and simplicity of Benedict and Nancy Freedman's novel, "Mrs. Mike," have been brought to the screen in a heart-warming, sensitively handled film that will be inspiring entertainment to all who see it. The picture is even better than the book, for it has a stronger appeal to the emotions. It goes right to the heart and stays there. Dick Powell as Sergeant Mike of the Mounted, who serves unselfishly and with a deep sense of responsibility the people in his territory, achieves true depth and feeling in undoubtedly his finest performance to date. And equally as good, in a portrayal that stamps her as one of the screen's finest actresses, is Evelyn Keyes as his wife, the city girl who rises to the demands of a new and harsh life. Angela Clarke as the understanding and indomitable Sarah, Nan Boardman, Will Wright, Frances Morris, Joel Nestler and the entire cast are all excellent. The musical score under the supervision of Max Steiner admirably sustains the mood of the picture, and the direction of Louis Kingderives maximum value from both story and cast. From every standpoint, "Mrs. Mike" has been beautifully done. It's a picture to thrill and warm the hearts of all who see it, and based on entertainment value alone, it 'The Amazing Mr. Beecham' One of the most amusing of the little English comedies, this is also, it must be noted, one of the most British. It guys impartially the conservative traditions and the recent political trends in its country. That did not stop the play upon which it is based, "Yes, M'Lord," from playing Broadway. Like the play, the film stars A. E. Matthews. It has additionally the familiar Cecil Parker. Where English pictures are appreciated, and especially in art houses, this one should be very good. Jock MacGregor reviewed it from London when it was titled "Chiltern Hundreds" (STR, Aug. 27, 1949). should have a wide and enthusiastic audience. The book upon which it is based was also very popular, which should account for a large public eager to see the screen version. The highest credit goes to Executive Producer Samuel Bischoff, Producer Edward Gross, Director King, Scripters Alfred Lewis Levitt and Dewitt Bodeen, and all who had a hand in the film's making, for their splendid accomplishment. Ex'hibitors will be glad they're in the movie business when they play "Mrs. Mike." of the Rai Narration) 90 mina. (French Dialog — English Titles, Mayer-Burstyn Documentary AUDIENCE SLANT: (Adult) Very superior, powerful account of the resistance the Nazi invaders encountered from the French railroad workers. BOX-OFFICE SLANT: Advance critical recognition and the exciting nature of the material should help more general houses using the proper co-feature, as well as art houses, to benefit from this. Cast: Charles Boycr (ijitroduction and narration), Claricux, iJaurand, Desagneaux, Tony Laurent, Leray, Lozach, I'auleon, Rauzena, Redoii, Salina. WoU, and the railroad workers of France. Credits: Directed and produced by Rene Clement for the French National Railroads. Written by Colette Audry. Photography, Henri Alekan. Music, Yves Baudricr. English titles. Vera Cerutti. Comment: A documentary on the resistance of the French railroad workers to the Nazi occupation forces, especially their constant sabo/tage of the Germans' frantic efforts to hasten reinforcements to the Normandy sector, this film won a Grand Prize at the Cannes Film Festival several years ago and has been shown (without sub-titles) at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. I'he consequent publicity has made foreign film fans long aware of it and they doubtless form a ready audience. The exciting nature of the material should attract other patrons both to art houses and to more general theatres which use the proper cofeature. Such audiences will find this picture very superior; though it's a documentary of long feature length, the director has so alternated suspense and impact that interest can never flag, and the technical and pictorial excellence of the photography keep constant the key of realism. Side Street MGM Drama 84 mins. AUDIENCE SLANT: (Adult) Packed with enough excitement and thrilling action (Continued on Page 28) Pi ERHAPS NO GREATER SERIAL AUDIENCE SIS THAN THE ONE THAT AWAITS COLUMBIA'S ADVENTURES OF ion«e demo"*'' y des.gned to «pp\ouse ot ^^^^^ showman . • • v and child! BOLDEST J(NI6HT of the ROUND TABLE Jmmortalized in legend the world over . . . well-known to countless millions of schoolkids and adults alike ... SIR GALAHAD is another COLUMBIA SERIAL HERO with a truly tremendous following!