Universal Weekly (1928-1930, 1933-1936)

Vol. 30, No. 19 Universal Weekly 11 Comrades in "All Quiet on Western Front" SLIM SUMMERVILLE 'T'HIS well-known comedian A has been selected to portray the role of Tjaden in “All Quiet on the Western Front.” “Slim” is a perfect type for the part of the skinny locksmith who was the best eater in the company made famous by Remarque's graphic pen. Summerville has long been a popular star in two-reel comedies. Later (he took to directing, and now divides his time between the two occupations. His latest Universal pictures are “The Shannons of Broadway,” “One Histerical Night.” He appeared in “The Cat and the Canary” and the “Last Warning" in comedy roles. BEN ALEXANDER DEN ALEXANDER was a H high school youngster of eighteen, preparing for the University of California when Universal signed him for the role of Kimmeridh in “All Quiet.” It was not, however, young Alexander’s debut in pictures as he won fame in “Hearts of the World” at the tender age of live. He became the best known boy in pictures, playing in “Penrod and Sam,” “Boy of Mine” and a number of serials. He left pictures to complete high school, but the screen lured him back again. Kemmerich was the lad who died early in the book, leaving his fine boots to his comrade Muller. OWEN DAVIS, JR. OWEN DAVIS, JR., son of the famous autlhor, will enact the role of Peter, the mere boy who struggled valiantly and triumphantly against death in the Cologne hospital. Although only twenty-one, young Davis has had considerable stage and screen experience. He appeared on the stage in “The Barker,” “Carry On,” which his fatiher wrote for him ; “Babes in the Woods,” “The Cradle Snatchers” and “Tonight at Twelve,” also written by Owen Davis and produced as an all-talking piceure by Universal. In pictures his principal role has been the juvenile role in “They Had to See Paris.” WALTER BROWN ROGERS FOR the appealing role of Behn, the lad who didn’t want to enlist and who was the first of the comrades to fall. Universal has chosen Walter Browne Rogers. Rogers is only twenty-three but has an enviable reputation as an actor, playwright and stage director. He was known as the youngest producer in America when he produced “Loose Angles” and “The Devil’s Den” on the stage. He played in stock, and won a nation-wide contest as one of ten college boys best suited for motion picture playing. His first feature part in pictures was in “Seven Faces.” He is the author of two plays. Chicago Critics Rave Over CHICAGO EVENING AMERICAN By Bob Reel “Shanghai Lady” Is Grand Melle With Punch THE Castle, having earned a reputation for picking unusual pictures by booking “The Mysterious Island,” now furthers its title by proffering “The Shanghai Lady.” Not since Chaney’s “Mr. Wu” has there been a film of the Orient that entertained as much as this one. Done by John Robertson, the director of “Tess of the Storm Country,” “Sentimental Tommy,” “Classmates,” “The Enchanted Cottage,” “The Bright Shawl,” “Captain Salvadore” and other screen hits, “The Shanghai Lady” moves in shipshape fashion as a dialogue film drama should move — not as a photographed stage play. It introduces Mary Nolan in her first (so far as we know) cinema speaking part — also James Murray, who disappeared shortly after Vidor’s “The Crowd,” which marked his screen debut. He is a sincere actor and does well in this talkie, so here’s hoping we see and hear more of him. As for Nolan, she is not only stunning from any angle that the camera man chooses to employ, but mighty clever vocally also. She plays this role to a fare you well! Another in the cast who is excellent is Wheeler Oakman in the role of a half-caste. Then there’s Lydia Yeamans Titus, Anders Randolph, Yola D’Awril, and Mona Rico — all gt>od. It is, in fact, a platinum array of performers ! “Shanghai Lady” CHICAGO DAILY TRIBUNE By Mae Tinee MARY NOLAN, with no help at all from the director, establishes herself as a real actress in this picture. She will make you think of Jeanne Eagels in “Sadie Thompson,” for Cassie of the former is reminiscent of the storm swept lady of the latter and Miss Nolan portrays her character with a sympathy and discrimination that spell artistry. * * * “Shanghai Lady” boasts some exciting sequences and excellent supporting cast and good photography “Shanghai Lady,” boasts some exciting sequences and excellent supporting cast and gobd photography and synchronization. Miss Nolan’s performance makes the picture important, and it’s pleasant to see her score. . . .