Variety (Dec 1932)

K VARIETY FILM REVIEWS Tuesday, December 27, 1932 Talking Shorts CHARLEY CHASE 'Girt Grisf' Comedy 19 Mrns. Orphaum Roach-Metre Charley Chaae Is still playing himself In two-reelers. And the quality of material he's using Is aibout the same as It's been for years, If this release Is any criterion. Chase's blp trouble may be that he seems to want to do everything himself. His support always seems helpless, hopeless and useless. Okay where the account merely calls the exdiange asking for a two-reeler. In "Girl Grief,' with glasses as character, Chaae does a bashful lad who's to sab for his 111 mother at the head of a elnglng class In a swaidc girl's school. Much of the kln« of slapstick that's now stale, both In form and In treatment, Is In evidence. Mere than was achieved In a laugh way, It seems, could have been worked around the flock of cats piling Into Chase's room after one of the girl cutups had put catnip in his bed. And Is that Idea of a cat's voice, coming from offscreen, ter- rible! Char. THE FORGOTTEN ISLAND' Travel Novelty 9 Mine. Orphcum Educational An analytical audience may figure out that It was all staged, but the majority won't, latter getting a kick out of the buildup on sinister, mys- terious San Nicholas island and the two explorers who managed to land on it and got marooned. Moderately well photographed and effectively dlaloged, it's filler for the B houses, at least. Short at flrst pictures San'Nicho- las island and the many wrecked ships lying near its shores. When two intrepid gents manage a land- ing on a nice beach, no one seemed to have thought of before, action leans to the many human skulls &nd bones which tell some kind of a tale. Then the men realize their boat has disappeared, whereupon on signals to a passing ship the Coast Guard is brought Into play. And wh4t a buildup for the old Coast Guard. Photography of the U. S. boat going to the rescue tops most every- thing seen In newsreels. Char. SILLY SYMPHONY 'Santa's Workehop' Cartoon Comedy 7 Mins. Roxy, N. Y. United Artists Christmas subject In this series, done In an engaging comedy spirit. Gag of the idea is that Old St. Nick runs his toy factory like a Henry Ford ^lant, toys being made on an assembly line like LJzzles. Whole thing Is done In color. Kesourcefulness of comedy idea is typical of the Disney technique. Dolls come along the moving belt; a spider is dangled before their eyes and their hair stands on end. just in time for a gadget to descend and give them a permanent wave. Like comic detail goes Into the manufacture of hobby horses, the little factory gnomes working with the most elaborate power tools, and singing at their work for a musical accompaniment. A fast and amusing comedy ap- propriate to the holiday time. RASPUTIN Metro pro4uctlon and release co-atarrlnE the three Barrymoree, John, Ethel, and Uonel, Directed fay Richard Boleslavaky. Story by Gtaarlea MacArthur. Music, Her- bert Stottart: camera, William Daniels: film editor, Tom Held. Runnln? time 189 Ulna., <t Aetor. New JTork, twice dally; (2.20 top; commencing Deo^ 23. Prince Chesodleft; ..loam'Baxiymore The darlna,, Bthel Barrymore Raapntln.... Lionel Barrymore The Ckar Ralph Morgan Princess Natasha Diana Wynyard The CsBievttCh Tad Alexander Grand Dnko Igor C. Henry Gordon Doctor Remesov Edward Arnold 'BETHLEHEM TO JERUSALEM' Travelog " 9 Mins. Strand, N. Y. Vitaphone No. 1248 Capably handled black-and-white travel subject dealing with the Holy Land with special reference to New Testament scenes and thus made applicable to the Christmas season^ Off-screen voice delivers a lecture. Apparently library material revived for the special purpose. Interesting views of the highways from Bethle hem to Jerusalem with appropriate comment. Serves nicely for a Tule program filler. Rush. CLARK-anS McCXILLOUGH 'The Iceman's Ball' 20 Mins. Mayfair, N. Y. Radio More pies are thrown in this than In any short made since sound. And it doesn't possess one full laugh. The title Is just incidental. Clark and McCulIough simply borrow po- lice uniforms, appropriate a police car and invite the new commission- er to a noisy house party. After that come the pics and oth er bromides associated with such work such as distraught husbands, etc. Waly. Mffliatare Reviews AESOP FABLE 'Silvery Moon' (Cartoon) 6 Mins. Mayfair, N. Y. Radio Up until the minute before they enter the moon this cartoon prom- ises to present something original. After that it's the regular routine of dancing by pen creatures be- tween wallow ings in ice cream and cJindy. Very, very young children, prefer- ably graduate Infants, will enjoy this short if for no other reason than its suggestion of a visit to the corner candy store right after the show. Waly. •JUST DOGS' Silly SympUeny Cartoon 6 Mins. State, N. United Artists Novel, as most all Silly Sym- phonys, but not as good as some Walt Disney has turned out for UA release this year. Still no worry on qualifying as filler In these days of a lot of bum shorts. Idea of this one revolves around a little pup's efforts to make a pal out of a big bruiser mutt, whose escape from 'a pound he first ef- fects. On digging up a bone, tho usual chaae business comes In, with the lightweight mutt finally win- ning the other as a pal by again ■avlng the day. Char, 'Rasputin and the Empress' is not a good picture. It will prob- ably shape up better when that overly long 133 minutes is cut, but It's still a long-winded affair, rather vague and aimless and at no times gripping. The Inclusion of the three Barrymorcs, John, Ethel, and Lionel, Is the best showmanship about it, but that's not particularly effective. Lionel makes a straight of his brother and a stooge of ISthel. The femme head of the Bai-ry- more histrionic dynasty means little or nothing to the picture bunch and shapes up ditto, while John Is al- ways at a disadvantage when Lionel Is Ih the same celluloid. Pointed here, as it is, toward Rasputin (Uonel), the gallant John as the honorable nobleman of the last czarlstic regime is totally eclipsed. Ethel is the czarina. Apart from the general Ineptitude of the story, the whole structure lacks conviction and sympathy. For one thing, the public mind, regard- less of any contemporary mass at- titude toward the Soviet regime, has a more or less definitely negative reaction to the Romanoff dynasty. Propaganda and the basic American conception of democratic principles have never favored the last royal family of Imperialistic Russia. JlBiicfi,.jRhen_BalpiL..MQigan—plays, the wishy-washy, but none the less definitely sympathetic Czar Nicho- las to the hilt in saccharine and sympathy, that in itself is a premise which doesn't click with the popu- lar mind. It maizes Rasputin's villainy only the more blackguardly colorful, for there's no doubts that Raspie was 'the black monk' incarnate, and Lionel, for the convincer, gives Rasp a little of the old Svengall Frankenstein treatment toward the end. He's a debaucher of women, a Bcarer of .children and a cabalis- tic ghoul who, through his hypnotic 'cure* of the czarevitch (sympathet ically and well played by young Tad Alexander), fast rises from peasantry to control of the royal household and a nation of 160,000,- 000 Russians. Charles MacArthur, the author, seemingly strove to cram the his tory of a dynasty into a screen limit and at the same time make it something of an historical document along with boxofflce appeal. That's been too difllcuU a task. There also figured, obviously, the spectre of censure and censorship in the event of partisanship. But Metro strove so hard for the authentic that the hapless inclusion of streaky newsreel clips set this ultra 1932 Hollywood product back five to 10 years In cinematography, whenever the mass shots were es- sayed. A couple would have fooled or sufficed, but when the streaky newBclip prints are sandwiched In with the present-day screen product, and sound-dubbed, it's by no means convincing. Makes this picture too heavy and, minus cost of production by Metro, not much beyond the many foreign 'Rasputins' show over here. 'Rasputin and the Empress' may be ..misleading in its titular import There's no s. a. angle there, the Em- press being one of the few hnme dlate contactees with the mesmer izing monk who doesn't give In to the glassy eye and hypnotic trance routine. He has made others sue 'Rasputin and the Empress' (Metro), Long, unwleldly and somewhat dull. Co-stars the three Barrymores. That's the pic's best b.o. bally. 'Silver Dollar'(FN). Muddled story of Colorado silver boom, with Edward Q. Robinson do- ing some of his ablest work. Historical subject admirably done as to Its variety but not BO strong on Us commercial side. Should open well and then must be made to stand up» besides iRobinson's rep. 'Mme. Butterfly' (Par). Old plot treated In the oldfashloned way, with little added to or changed from the original. Travels slow and makes tor^ only fair entertainment. Syl- via Sidney, featured, does well with the difficult lead part. 4.ittl« Orphan Annie' (RKO). Okay as a good-will offering on the bottom half of a double header. Looks specially "built for Christmas holiday book- ings. Fairly well done but voi*y little KsneraL b.o. appeal. 'Penguin Pool Murder' (Ra- dio). Entertaining, but too light to hold up for a week in the average A house. 'Big Town' (Invincible). Somewhat belated crime ex- pose story along beaten paths. Best doubled. 'Dynamite Ranch' (W. W.). More btory than usual for western, but it doesn't get in the way of the action. Par for Its type. 'The Great Divide' (Rule). State rights composite war records which did surprise biz at McVickers, Chicago. 'Unwritten Law' (Majestic). Familiar murder mystery nice- ly mounted and with an ex- ceptionally good cast handi- capped by a poor script. Bet- ter than average indie. •Fast Life' (Metro). William Haines In another smart- cracking assignment, on the make for the girl most of the footage. Fair entertainment.. and will draw where action pictures of any kind sell. 'Handle With Care' (Fox). Mild romance and comedy in- volving two kid actors, de- signed for the family trade where It will hold as fair av- erage, but out of place and blah for key town deluxers. cumb and gives out a little of the Frankie-Dracula stuff when ogling one of the adolescent princesses (in cldentally a corking new screen personality, unprogramed), but the matter of maturity kept him distant from the czarina. Only after an hour and 40 min- utes doe's the conflicting motivation begin to assert itself. For 100 mln tites-by the-^atch -it^ a-morc or-lcss- passive buildup of Raspie's machi nations. The payoff Is a fierce hand to-hand physical encounter between John and Lionel, the audience root ing for Rasp's assassination or mur der—and the end. The court stuff and elaborate mil Itary maneuvers are great cinematic flashes, but that's incidental, as are the elaborate ecclesiastic rituals The Romanoffs were seemingly a holy family, steeped in secular lore and committed almost fanatically, apparently, to ecclesiastic guidance from above. That, too, may be au- thentic history, but there's an over plus of it on the sheet. Cutting 133 minutes in half, or thereabouts. Isn't so prohibitive a task, judging from this footage That'll give an idea. It's not a $2 picture, although Metro will prob- ably give it the extended routine at the Astor, as has been a practice with some pictures in tho past. The holiday debut may be a help for a starter. Abel SILVER DOLLAR First National production and roleaao Starring Edward O. Robinson. Directed by Alfred E. Qreen. Bebe Daniels and AUne UacMahon featured. Based on the book by David Karsner, adaptation by Carl Erlckson and Harvey Thew. Cameraman, Jamea Van Trees. Film editor, George Marks, Art director, Robert Haas. ' Gowns by Orry-Kelly. At Strand, New York, Dec. 22, Running time. 63 mins. Tates Martin Edward O. Robinson Lily Owens Bebo Daniels Sarah Martin Aline MacMahon Poker Annie Jobyna Howland Mine Foreman DeWllt Jennings Col. Stanton Robert Warwick Hamlin Russell Simpson Adams Harry Holman Jenkins Charles Mldcllcton Gelsey John Marnton Mrs. Adams Mar]orle Gnteson Pres. Chester A. Arthur. .Emmett Corrlgan General Grant Walter RoKern William Jennings Bryan Nlirs Weloh This new chapter In the 'Covered Wagon'-'Clmarron' scries Ntnrtod at the Strand under remar]<a)jly favor able auspices. Getting under way day ahead of the Xmas field. It had a monopoly on screen premieres, but that wouldn't explain the heavy at- tendance alone. As a historical rec- ord the production is worthily done, but probably the presence of Ed- ward G. Robinson in his Broadway home stand and the heavy publicity campaign that preceded the open- ing, together with an arresting title, did more for the getaway than did the Intrinsic lure of the subject. On the surface the picture is lack- ing in those attributes of .universal popularity that mark the money release. Theatrically speaking. It isn't a play at all. lacklhg'ns It does dramatic progression to a climaxj it is devoid of what are recognized as situations, has small romantic in- terest, and is almost without sus- pense. What It has, however, is the stamp of historical verity and fasci- nating performances by Robinson, Aline MacMahon and a long list of lesser players and a thoroughly In- teresting, even if discursive, story. Whether these points of excel- lence will make a strong appeal to the generality of picture-goers (as compared to the commercial quali- ties of dramatic force and romantic appeal) remains to be seen. As good guess as any, based on the early showing of the picture on Broad- way, is that it will make a great start and then taper off. Under the circumstances it ought to be a hold- over at'the Strand, that being Rob- inson's stronghold. It Is possible that the worthy pur- pose of the producer was to crys- tallize the Colorado silver boom and Its political consequences, with a fidelity that scorned theatrical de- vice—to picture an American epoch faithfully at the expense of theatre technique. That much they have succeeded in doing, but it is doubt- ful If that method Is saleable In the highest degree. Artistically, the thing has been splendidly worked out. The saga of this shiftless adventurer and his wife from Kansas is utterly con- vincing as a pure excerpt from the record. Tlie whole footafee per- suades you that it is true. Those atmospheric passages in 'The Cov- ered 'W'agon' were no more vivid In eality th.an the highlights of 'Silver Dollar.' These people really live. What they do is less compelling than the way they do it. The result Is another biographical play, mostly Interesting but seldom dramatically gripping. Story has excellent touches of humor and oc- casional Introduction of historical personages, among them Gen. Grant and President Arthur, skillfully played by Walter Rogers and Niles Welch, respectively, not to speak of William Jennings Bryan as a yoting man (date is about '84). Story has to do with the discovery of silver near Leadville and the hap- hazard enrichment of the genial but impractical Yates Martin. His level- headed wife (Miss MacMahon) ad- vises against each of his wild specu- lations, but by dumb luck he rises to prodigal wealth, becomes mayor of Denver, Lieut.-Governor of Colo- rado, and then U. S. senator. Throw- ing money about with both hands, he builds a preposterously magnifi- cent—opera- liouse In Denver'~ana there Is host to the grumpy Gen. Grant at its gala opening. With vast wealth he falls victim to a siren, casts off his wife and goes to Washington by a political trick, there to wed the new charmer in the august presence of the be- whlspered President Arthur. He is stin going wide and free amid mag- nificence possible only by a parvenu, when Cleveland demo.nitizes silver. Over night he is broke, collapsing as an old man as he wanders about the scenes of his ancient greatness. Events of the story are from the literary conventions. The blonde siren who lures him from his faith- ful wife remains true to him in ad- versity, Instead of departing with his wealth. The things that happen around and to him aro epic, btit this hero Is far from heroic proportions. Rather he is a loud-mouthed, bla- tant nonentity as the central figure of momentous happenings, a puz- zling confusion of values that is typical of the whole work, which must have been clearer in the print- ed page than it is on the screen. Rush. MME. BUTTERFLY B. P. Schulborg production and Paramount release. Sylvia Sidney featured. Directed by Marlon Gerlng. Adapted by Josephine L«vett and Joseph Moncure March from the story by John Luther Ix>ng and play bx David Belasco. Muslo from the FuccInT opera. Additional music by W. Pranke Hsrllng. David Abel, photog. At Para- mount, New York, week Dec. 20. Running time, 85 minutes. Cho-Cho-San Sylvia Sidney Tuleut. B. F. Plnltcrton Cary Grant Lieut. Barton Charlie RuKglea Goro Sandor Kallay Tomadorl Irving Plchel Cho-Cho'a mother (Helen Jerome Eddy Oho-Cho's grandfather Kdmund Rreese Mme. Goro Judulth Vosaellt Suzuki t,oulsc Carter Pen?h Blossom ....Dorothy LIbnire Mrs. Plnlcerton Shiela Terry Slow moving and . tedious talker- ization of the noted operatic and legit plot that must depend entirely on the title to draw its business. As a picture it is hardly more than fair, and as a grosser it should rate about fUr also. i Although the pattern has been used for screen purposes In various forms countless times, the 'Butter* fly' theme and title have been dor- mant in this amusement branch since a silent version years ago. Al- though it's cleaned up a bit, with the seduction of Mme. Butterfly slightly purified by a native mar- riage ceremony, and the dialog con- tains some current slang that wasn't in the original, nothing radically new was Inserted by the talker pro- ducers. The most pleasant change is the tragic heroine, Sylvia Sidney, as lovely a Mme, Butterfly aa ever curled her eyebrows upward. Miss Sidney was up against a tough asslEmment and sometimes she doesn't finish on top. The role aa constructed and the lines as writ- ten very often become too much of a struggle for her, as they would for probably any actress. As the wistful geisha girl who meets her one and only in her first night at the Japanese Rose Bailey's and then crams an entire married life Into a Yankee sailor's six weeks' shore leave, she Is most convincing most of the time. 6ut the old-fashioned build-up and the pigeon English that goes with it make for an un- favorable start. By the time Miss Sidney sur- mounts the handicaps by the simple artistry of her acting, the plot has slowed down to a turtle's g.allopl It's too late then. There are numerous Japanese characters in for every purpose from paternal severity to comedy relief. They do everything but risley. More comedy comes from Charlie Ruggles in one of those stock Ruggles roles. Cary Grant is okay on the looks but a rather cold Lieut. Pinkerton who falls to look, sound or act as im- pulsive .as the authors Intended him to be. A cute Japanese kid about three years old is the cast's most interesting member outside of Miss Sidney. Puccini's opera score runs througb the sound track as a musical back- ground but never Is permitted to be heard above the dialog nor gain distinction in the pantomimic mo- ments. Grant sings one song and It Isn't so hot. Photography first rate. Bige. HLittle OrpHan Annie RKO production and release. Based upon comic strip of Harold Gray and At liowen- thai. Featuring MItzl Green and May Robson. Directed by John Robertson. Screen play by Wanda Tuchock and Tom MoNnmara. Camera, Jack McKenzle. At the Mayfair, N. Y., matinee half of holiday week, bcRlnnlng Friday, Dec. ?3. Running time. 00 minutes. Annie MlizI Green Mickey llumer I'helpo Mrs. Rtcwart May Robson Mrs. Burrrln Kate Lawson Dr. GrlOUh Mat* Moore Daddy Warbucks Edgar Kennedy nutirr Sidney Bracey Fits only as a good-will offering on the bottom half of doubleheaders. Its immediate b. o. value is negli- gible, and with its Xmas setting at the finish the picture, based oh the comic strip of the same title, ranks chiefly as a holiday booking special. Otherwise it's a pretty fair begin- ner for RKO if the latter plans to indulge in some schoolroom film stuff. The picture should dfellght the Hays office and the cehsors, however, because it hasn't a single objectionable moral angle. It's (Continued on page IB) The Woman Angle 'Silver Dollar' (FN). E. G. Robinson makes the matrons like him as one of the nation's blustering, good-hearted lucity boys even though he walks out on his wife—because he's punished for it. His love life, sec- ondary to the historical story, is too naive and Babbitty to pack flap appeal. 'Handle With Care' (Fox). Kindly little incidents strung together for the trusting home-folks. Lightweight for trained lady picture shoppers. 'Fast Life' (MGM. Manufactured formula tied to a motorboat race, with William Haines as a petulant smarty again. Romance negative and femme attendance likewise. 'Madam* Butterfly' (Par). Takes too long to tell what everybody knows Is going to happen. Appealing Sylvia Sidney's blighted love .imldHt handRomo production not quite enough to keep the restless younger generation entertained. Matrons have more patience. j