Universal Weekly (1927-1930)

Vol. 26, No. 4 Universal Weekly 35 “Oswald, the Lucky Rabbit” Chester J. Smith in the Motion Picture News. “ Les Miserables” Mordaunt Hall in the New York Times IT is refreshing to view the French picturization of Victor Hugo’s classic, “Les Miserables,” after sitting through some of the feeble attempts at shadow stories that come and go in the Broadway cinemas. This production was launched last night at the Central Theatre. It is the same film that was presented in longer form for a single night, in July, 1926, at Carnegie Hall. It was then in fifteen reels and now is in about eleven. The original version, intended for two or more showings, was in more than twenty reels. In bringing this picture down to a length that makes it more of a commercial proposition in this country, a number of chapters of the French writer’s masterpiece have been sacrificed. Paul Gulick and others of Universal Picture Corporation’s staff who had charge of re-editing the imposing piece of work have, however, retained all that was possible without flashing too quickly over important incidents. To them it seemed better to exclude a whole chapter rather than give an incoherent idea of an episode. They have thus tightened up the story, and very cleverly employed a flashback to tell of Jean Valjean’s initial prison sentence. Other sequences have been handled most carefully. This pictorial conception of “Les Miserables,” * * * one that has been produced with remarkable sincerity. It is safe to say that this prodigious task could only have been accomplished with such fidelity to the original document by Frenchmen in their native land. And therefore, although there are bits of theatrical acting, the story itself exudes an atmosphere that is more penetrating to the mind than most of the ordinary film studies. It gives you an idea of the poverty of the olden days and also of the wicked injustice. It reveals the harshness and cruelty of some and then the sympathy, kindliness and charity of Mgr. Myriel. It gives you an excellent impression of that ill wind that bodes nobody good — J avert, the haunting legal automaton-like creature, who steps in so often to bring bitterness where there was cheer. Gabriel Gabrio, a broad-shouldered, determined-looking actor, is efficient as Valjean. Henry Fescourt, the producer of this offering, has occasionally insisted upon rather slow movements, especially where Valjean is contemplating killing Mgr. Myriel. But from the time M. Gabrio appears as young Valjean to his last scene as a grayhaired, life-weary man, the character is well portrayed. Little Andree Rolane is exceptionally clever as Cosette, the child. Her movements have been brilliantly directed by M. Fescourt. Jean Toulout makes Javert a sar “Trolley Troubles” IF the first of these new cartoon comedies for Universal release is an indication of what is to come, then this series is destined to win much popular favor. They are cleverly drawn, well executed, brimful of action and fairly abounding in humorous situations. Oswald the Lucky Rabbit, is all of that. Some of his experiences are hilarious and breath taking. He is the conductor of the suburban trolley in this one and it is a trick car that provides plenty of humor. Oswald and the car encounter all sorts of obstacles. They flatten out to run under a cow and they hurdle others, much to the consternation of the bewildered passengers. The laughs are spontaneous and there are plenty of them. * * * “Great Guns” THIS is another of the Oswald Lucky Rabbit cartoons executed by Winkler and chock full of humor. The artist has a way of putting real animation into his subjects and of injecting just enough comedy twists to keep the laughs almost continuous. A bit of the world war atmosphere is injected into this one when Oswald kisses his sweetheart good-bye and enlists. He is next seen in the trenches dodging cannon balls and then in a bare-hand encounter with Big Bertha. Eventually he is blown to bits by a shell, but is gathered up and reconstructed by a Red Cross nurse, who proves to be his sweetheart. * * * “The Mechanical Cow” OSWALD the Lucky Rabbitt is the milkman in this Winkler cartoon, which is just as good as those of the series that have gone before. He has the advantage of a mechanical cow in covering his route and the cow is conveniently equipped with skates to speed up the action. An affair with a milkmaid enlivens proceedings, particularly when the maid is kidnapped in a taxi by an ogre. Oswald pursues the taxi on the donic, persistent and observant character. Paul Jorge acts the part of Mgr. Myriel with charm and sympathy. There are thirteen principal players in this picture and, according to the program, more than 5,000 persons take part in some of the crowd and fighting scenes. back of the cow and the fun waxes fast and furious. It all sounds silly in the recounting, but the maneuvers of Oswald and the antics of the cow are surely humorous enough to bring laughter from the most critical audience. This series is hound to be popular in all types of houses if the present standard is maintained. “Oswald” Cartoons C. S. Sewell in the Moving Picture World UNIVERSAL is now in the cartoon comedy field with a series drawn by Walt Disney for Winkler Productions in which Oswald the Rabbit is the central character, each release dealing with one of Oswald’s adventures. The first three which are now ready, cure corkers. In addition to striking a new note in cartoon characters by featuring a rabbit, these Disney creations are bright, speedy and genuinely amusing. The gags are funny and the artist has succeeded in imparting a world of pep and humor into his drawings. The animation is good and the clever way in which Disney makes his creations simulate the gestures and expressions of human beings adds to the enjoyment. They should prove worth-while attractions in any type of house. Of the first three it is hard to pick out the best, for they are all good for a lot of smiles and real laughs. “Trolley Troubles” presents Oswald as the skipper of a dinky little trolley on a wild ride over mountains. “Great Guns” shows the hero in action in the trenches and includes a situation where two planes fight each other like pugilists. “The Mechanical Cow” offers the rabbit as an inventor and he has a wild and amusing time with his ingenious milk-producer. “Trolley Troubles” From The Film Daily INTRODUCING Oswald, a rival to the other animal cartoon stars. And Oswald looks like a real contender. Walt Disney is doing this new series. Funny how the cartoon artists never hit on a rabbit before. Oswald with his long ears has a chance for a lot of new comedy gags, and makes the most of them. Universal has been looking for a good animated subject for the past year. They’ve found it. As conductor on a “Toonerville” trolley, Oswald is a riot. This and the two following in the series you can book on pure faith, and our solemn word that they have the goods.