Universal Weekly (1928-1930, 1933-1936)

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28 Universal Weekly July 6, 1929 UNIVERSAL’S ALL-STAR PRODUCTIONS PACKED WITH VARIED AUDIENCE APPEAL Wide Range of Love, Adventure, and Mystery Contained in 1929-30 All-Star Productions — “The Drake Case,” “The Climax,” “Girl Overboard” “Brawn of the Sea” and “She Belongs to Me” Kathryn Crawford and John Reinhardt in“The Climax" Reinhardt * is the son of the great composer, Heinrich Reinhardt “She Belongs to Me,” is a poignant drama with jealousy between son and father as its keynote. The first picture on the schedule has already been completed at Universal City under the direction of Edward Laemmle. “The Drake Case” is a murder mystery with a tremendous emotional appeal. The courtroom scene is a particularly vivid example of the power of talking pictures. Gladys Brockwell as the defendant accused of the murder of Mrs. Drake, portrayed by Doree Lloyd, gives a tense and vibrant characterization of a woman fighting for her life. Forrest Stanley as the prosecuting attorney draws every drop of suspense and excitement from the drama of studio life by Charles A. Logue. Robert Frazer plays the defense attorney and Barbara Leonard is attractive as the young step-daughter of the slain Mrs. Drake. Eddie Hearn and Tom Dugan contribute minor roles effectively. Many of the scenes are in the cell of the accused woman, where pathos and impending tragedy struggle with courage and innocence. “The Drake Case” is a timely showmanship picture which answers the present craze for mystery films. It challenges the intelligence of the audience and keeps it guessing until the final sequence. “The Climax” is based on the famous stage play by Edward Locke. It is a gripping: romance of a young girl with a glorious voice who almost UNIVERSAL has packed a boxoffice wallop into its schedule of five alls t a r productions for the coming season. The stars themselves assure casts that pull patrons into theatres. The variety of appeal included in the offerings makes the quintet unusually well balanced. Mystery mounting to a tense trial scene characterizes “The Drake Case.” In “The Climax” the heart interest is uppermost, while the theme of an ambitious opera singer’s struggle to win recognition gives scope for a musical score of unusual beauty. “Girl Overboard” is a story of the San Francisco waterfront replete with romance and local atmosphere. The lure of the sea, its fury, thrilling rescues and tempestuous fights forms a fine adventurous tale in “Brawn of the Sea.” The fifth all-star production, As the reluctant bride of the man she does not love, Kathryn Crawford looks particularly appealing in the all-star picture “ The Climax ” Jean Hersholt’s characterization as the Italian maestro who leads the heroine to fame is a powerful one.