Universal Weekly (1933-1935)

Jan. 13, 1934 UNIVERSAL WEEKLY 13 iURGE OF PRODUCTION ACTIVITY ind Roger Pryor in All : of Monte Cristo," the lito Production On Last '34 Universal Schedule Laemmle, who had a test made of her and sent her to the coast several months ago. In order, and as rapidly as possible, the following pictures go into production: Lew Ayres in "If I Were Rich" by William Anthony McGuire, directed by Edward Ludwig; Gloria * Stuart in Edna Ferber's "Glamour," a B. F. Zeidman production, to be directed by Director William Wyler; "United Press" or "American Scotland Yard," by Courtney Terrett, starring Edmund Lowe; "The Human Side" by Christine Ames; "Little Man, What Naw?" by Hans Fallada starring Margaret Sullavan and Douglas Montgomery, a Frank Borzage production; " Elizabeth and Mary" which Lowell Sherman will direct and in which he will star; "Today We Live" by Edward Sloman, which Sloman himself will direct; and Chester Morris in "The Practical Joker" by William Anthony McGuire. * + "COUNSELLOR AT LAW” In the Examiner ELMER RICE wrote his own screen adaptation of his stage success, “Counsellor at Law.” Which accounts for the fact that the story has been kept intact, and that the celluloid presentation follows that of the original. Even the camera fails to stray outside of the busy law offices of George Simon. The differences in detail are revealed in direction and in the leading character of George Simon, as impersonated by John Barrymore. This Rice play should pack the Golden Gate throughout the week. It is excellent entertainment. Director Wyler of Universal has set it at a brisk tempo. It is well cast and excellently acted. San Eranciscans had the opportunity to see both Otto Kruger and Noel Madison interpret the Simon role when “Counsellor at Law” packed the Alcazar during its first and return engagements. So it was especially interesting to see what John Barrymore does with it. He gives a magnificent performance which surpasses in technic the acting of Kruger and Madison. His nervous temperament is suggested in movement, gesture and gait, in his emotional outbursts. His lack of background is revealed in his speech, in his occasional crude manner and brusqueness. His kind-heartedness and loyalty in the quick warmth of his response to old friends in need. But not until his heart is chilled with the shock of his wife's infidelity, does he become superbly eloquent in a silence that breeds by Ada Hanifin thoughts of suicide. It is when he is at the switchboard after his employes have gone for the night. Bebe Daniels as the secretary, silently in love with the lawyer, gives an impressive restrained performance. Passive as is the role, she conveys emotion and understanding, and wins the sympathy of the audience. Beautiful Gloria Stuart, co-starring with Roger Pryor in “I Like It That Way,” has just completed the fifteenth leading role in a screen life of less than two years. It is an astounding record and a marvelous tribute to her talent, beauty and endurance. Gloria Stuart will be starred next in Edna Ferber's “Glamour,” ivhich will be made at Universal City as a B. F. Zeidman production. * * * Silver Screen Says Excellent Rating : Amusing, Dramatic JOHN BARRYMORE'S most vivid ^and brilliant performance — and you mustn t miss it. Indeed, John must have liked this role of a clever lawyer, for he puts his whole heart and soul into it. The entire action of the picture takes place in the Empire Sta+e' Building. All the characters are everyday people you'd find in a law office if you went into one today. John, a successful and brilliant lawyer, who has worked his way from the sidewalks of the Bronx to the top of his profession, is beset by every kind of amusing, thrilling and tragic situation as he sits there behind his desk. But, so adept at solving the problems of others, he fails completely when it comes to solving his own , Tragic— and Excellent, Too and attempts suicide when he learns that his social register wife has left for Europe with a wealthy clubman. But Bebe Daniels, his long-suffering and patient secretary, saves him just in time — the phone rings — and John is once more the clever Counsellor at Low, ruling the destinies of people. There is a swell cast of "type" people, with most of the honors going to Isabel Jewell as the fast-talking telephone girl, and Clara Langsner as John's broken-English "Bronx" mother. Doris Kenyon plays the cold, brittle, society wife and Melvyn Douglas plays her lover. A magnificent picture which will not fail to hold you thrilled and interested to the final fade-out. (Universal)