Variety (Oct 1938)

14 VARIETY FILM REVIEWS \ Wednesday, October 5, 1938 THAT CERTAIN AGE Hollywood, Sept. 29. Vnlvereal release of Joe Pasternak pro- duction. Stars Deannn Durbln. Directed by Edward LudwiR. Screenplay by Bruce Mannlntr from story by P, HuKh Herbert; ■ongs, Jimmy McHush, Hamld Adnmson; camera, Joseph Valentine; editor, Bernaril V!. Burton. Hrevlpwed at P;int««?rs. Hol- lywood; Sept. 28, '38. Running time, 100 mlns. Alice Fullerton Dcnnna Duvbin Vincent Bulllt Melvyn DouiflaH Ken Jackie Comer Mrs. Fullerton Irene Rich Grace Brlslow Nancy Carroll Mr. Fullerton John Halllday Tony .Tack Rearl The Pest Juanlta Qulgley M.irv Lee PeKgy .Stewart Btevenn Charlp.s Coleman Jeweler Grant Mltdiell Universal bangs through with an- other Deanna Durbin hit. Under able" production guidance of Joe Pasternak, girl has come through with four in a row since her zoom to prominence two years ago in 'Three Smart Girls.' It's a record never before equalled by a new- comer in a two-year stretch. Ex- tended runs will be the rule up and down the line. "That Certain Age' i.<? a cinch to garner plenty of coin. It's brimful of subsiantial enter- tainment, carrying all of the charm and wholesomeness which has char- acterized Miss Durb'in's previous pic- tures, and with a group of song num- bers to display her vocal accomplish- ments. Deanna has grown a little since her last' appearance. Former pictures piresented her as a young- ster in the early teens. Universal •was confronted with problem of •getting the young star successfully over the adolescent-stagie hurdle, which in the past had proved a stone wall to many young screen stars. Providing a well-tailored and care- fully planned story, studio brilliantly bridges the adolescent period at one crack, and launches her into the broader fields of youthful romance and adventure where story material is more plentiful for future pictures. Pasternak pilote'd 'Certain Age' with the same skill and expert judg- ment that he displayed in the previ- ous Durbin productions. There's w<irmth and humanness in the story, with unfoldment of a series of bril- liant episodes and situations all tied together in a smooth bundle of en- joyment. Original story by F. Hugh Herbert provides sufficient foundatioij for Bruce banning to build a sparkling script and provide many effective dialog passages that do much .to en- ■hance the solid entertainment values of the production. Miss Durbin develops a romantic •crush' for Meilvyn Douglas, globe- trotting reporter, when her fiither, John Halliday, newspaper publisher, brings him to the country estate to prepare a series ' of articles. Girl tosses aside Jackie Cooper, her loyal puppy-love admirer, and by her at- tentions keeps Douglas amused and away from social affairs, for which he is grateful. The reporter is amazed when he discovers the youngster's infatuation, but finally manages to set things straight by introducing the newly- arrived Nancy Carroll as his wife. Deanna rejoins the kid troupers and Jackie Cooper to put on the annual show of their group. Miss Durbiri's performance is effec- tive and sincere. Her timing, de- livery of lines, and delicate shadings of various moods blend perfectly for an outstanding performance. Her infectious smile" is used to advantage frequently. Universal can set Miss Durbm in a picture without music, and her dramatic ability would easily carry it along in great style. She sings four new songs, besides 5, classic aria.; Tunes by Jimmy McHugh and Harold Adamsoh are *My Own,* 'That. Certain Age,' 'Be a Good Scout,* and 'You're As Pretty As a Picture.' Not much chance of any of the quartet getting very far in the hit class but, despite the ma* tenal. Miss Durbin 'presents each in her usual grand Style. . • - . Direction by Edward Ludwig Is tops. There is deftness in the \ight and wholesome manner in which he handles the various', characters, and particularly noteworthy is Ludwig's handling of scenes between Miss Dur- bm, Melvyn Douglas and Jackie Cooper. In less capable hands, they could easily have missed five. Douglas as the amused and later amazed man-of-the-world, who finds a youngster, infatuated with him. turns m a sterling performance. Jackie hooper, the puppy-love ad- mirer of Deanna, clicks resoundingly. He has a. difficult portrayal that easily could have gone mushy. Particularly effective is his scene with Douglas when the youngster congratulates the latter for his con- quest of the girl—and talking 'man- to-man.' It's a standout. Irene Rich as the mother, and John Halhday's father portrayals are of high standing. Jackie Searl is flue as the pal of Cooper, while Peggy Stewart, Grant Mitchell, Charles Coleman, and Nancy Carroll show briefly. Five year old Juanita Quigley turns in a dandy performance that augurs an intensive buildup by Uni- versal. Youngster displays unusual ability for her age, and troupes like a veteran. Particularly important is her handling of dialog and business in several sequences with the older youngsters, which she does in grand style. STABLEMATES Kletro releaso of Harry Bapf production. Dlreottd by ,Snm Wood. Stars Wixlhico Bcory, Mlcuey Rooney. Screenplay, Leon- ui-d PruBlvlns and Richard Malbaum, from story by William Thlele and Reginald Owen; camera, John Seltz; dim editor, W, Bonn .Hayes. Reviewed In Projection Room, N, T., Sept, 30, '38. Running time, 81) mlns, 'I'om Terry Wallace Beery Mickey..,- Mickey Rooney Mr. Gale Arthur Hohl Bculah Flanders Margaret Hamilton Barney Donovan Minor WatsOn Mrs. Shepherd Marjorle Gateson Pete Whalen....> Oscar O'Shea On the creit of the Mickey Rooney boxoffice vogue, and coupled with Wallace Beery as co-star, 'Stable- mates' is as strong for tjie marcjuee as is its basic content. It has enough of the ingredients of 'Sorrell and Son' and 'The Champ' for the heart- throb, and is interspersed with strong melodramatic appeal against a racetrack background. Sam Wood's direction paces the 89 minutes smartly for proper see- sawing of dramatic tension and sentiment, up until that finale, when Beery, reformed sot of a veterinary that he is, is finally caught up with by the law and is returned to the courts to pay his legal debts. Basic premise Is the great love of Mickey Rooney for horsefiesh, par- ticularly Lady-Q, the filly upon whonrt Beery performs a delicate operation in a stable stall, surrepti- fiously hiding from the law and pal- sied by rotgut alcohol. His reforma- tion, and the growing love between Mickey, the racetrack waif, and Beery, the former medico, now on the alky route, are punchily de- veloped, without any of the bal"io<: usually attendant to such themes. Story could have gone off the thoroughbred course on several oc- casions, but exiaert trouping and production keep it well on its way. Both Beery and Rooney turn In tiptOD performances, but,it is mostly the latter's script. The suDDort is excellent all the way. Margaret Hamilton turns in a fine chore as the hatchet-faced five-time loser, now ogling Beery as her sixth spouse. Minor Watson makes his racetrack dick intelligent, without being overly menacing. Marjoric Gateson also doesn't let a sympa- hetic role get out of hand. The heart-tugs are several, rang- ing from the emergency operation on the horse to the inevitably cli- mactic race for the $3,500 purse that's to bankroll Mickey's education, so that he. too, can become a vet-, erinary. There is also quite a bit of comedy to punctuate the dramatic tension. Production ...withal is expert, finished and svelte; without > going overboard.- - It's '-a -B-budgeter of A-quality. * Abel. Arkansas Traveler ; Hollywood, Oct. 2. Paramount release, of George M. Arthur production. Stars Bob Bums. Directed by Alfred Santell. . Screenplay by Viola Broth- ers, Shore and George Sessions Perry from story by Jack Cunnlnghnm. Cimcra, Leo Tover; asst. director, Roland Ashcr; musl- or.l direction, Boris Morros; editor, Paul Weatherwajc. Previewed iji Projection Room.' Oct. 1, '38, .Running time. 83 mlns. The Traveler » Bob Burns Martha Allen Fay Bainter Johnnie Daniels John Beal Judy Allen Jean Parker Matt Collins Lyle Talbot Constable Irvln S.- Cobb Benny Allen Dickie Moore Mayor Daniels Porter Hall Miniature Reviews 'That Certain Are* <U). Best Deanpa Durbin starrer, and certain, for top grosses and ex- tended runs. •Stablemates' (M-G). Wallace Beery-Mickey Rooney starred in above average racetrack film. 'Arkansar Traveler* (Par). Successfully launches Bob Burns as solo star. Solid enter- tainment. 'The Sisters' (WB). Errol Flynn-Bette Davis romance good for nice b. o. returns. 'King of AlcatraE* (Par). Good gangster actioner, mar- quee-less, but will please those liking crime; cinematics; 'A Man to Remember' (RKO). No sock for the marquee but a fine, well-made little picture, 'Road to Reno' (U). Hope Hampton returns, to screen in quasi-western Story is against her. '"acatlon from Love* (M-G). Passable offering of marital dif- ficulties, with several amus- ing sequences. 'Mr. Doodle Kicks Off' (RKO). Joe Penner name and football season will be needed to hypo this doubtful pigskin burlesque. 'Sons of the k egion* (Par). Sop to the Legionnaire and kid- die trade, but , won't get either. 'The Nl^rht Hawk* (Rep). Miracle man reporter stuff with some suspense. A dual item. 'Slander House' (Prog). In- die-made that will get by on duals. 'Crasbin' Thru Danger' (Exc). Stereotyped stuff for the bar- gain grinds about trouble-shoot- ers. Cobb injects humor and vividness in his portrayal of the town constable, while little Dickie Moore gives sparkle to several sequences. Paramount has given production suitable sniall-town background, and Director Al Santell effectively points up the rural atmosphere through ca- pable direction. Tempo is geared right for mood he sought to convey in story's unfoldment. Rather far-fetched is sequence where Burns assembles his hobo pals to assist in getting radio station built in one night, but this sequence will be easily overlooked. Bob Burns gets off to a fine start as a Paramount star in 'Arkansas Traveler,' It will get over nicely in the .key spots,, but its>iggest b.q. will be in the nabes and smaller com- munities. Bums is surrounded by an excel- lent supporting cast that supplies a ring of sincerity and humanness to the various chiaracterizations to greaitly enhance entertainment iquali- ties of the picture. Story is a rather simple small-town tale of an itinerant printer who ar- rives m a rural community in time to save the widow and daughter of an^old friend from losing their news- paper to a scheming politician. Burns becomes a general Mr. Fix-It in upsetting the political machine, saving the newspaper, .and promot- ing a romance. Script has a few incredulous situ- ations that might ordinarily toSs a monkey-wrench into things, but deft direction and vividness of .charac- terizations carry through to success- fully surmount story deficiencies. . There's no bazooka or smart cracks tacked onto Burns in this one. He handles a straight dramatic charac- terization with depth and feeling. He reminds of the late Will Rogers in many respects. Burns gets over sev- eral passages of homely philosophy that are gems; his performance is top rank, with fine judgement in shading and tempo of lines for greatest ef-' feet. Fay Bainter's portrayal of the wid- ow who struggles to keep the news- paper going is sincere and . sympa- thetic, and on a par with her pre- vious capable film appearances. John Beal and Jean Parker team for the romantic angles very effectively, both giving fine accounts of them- selves in their performances. Lyle Talbot is okay as the crooked poli- tician who runs the town. Ifvin S. THE SISTERS Warner Bros, release of Anatole Iiltvak production.. Stars Errol Flynn and Bette D&vls: , features Anita Louise, Boulab Bondl, Alan "Hale,' l3onald Crisp, DI<Sk Foran. Directed by Anatole Lltvak. Screen- play by Milton Krlm3 from novel by Myron Brlnig; music. Max Stelner; editor. Warren Low;- musical director, Lee Forb- steln; camera, Tony Gaudio, Reviewed In Projection Room, N. Y., t)ct, 3, '88, Run- ning time, 95 mlns, Frank Medlln Errol Flynn Louise' Elliott Bette Davis Helen Elliott ; Anita Louise William Benison Ian Hunter Tim Hazlcton Donald Crisp Rose Elliott '.Beulah Bondi Grace Eillolt Jane Bryan Ram .Tchnson Alan Hale Tom Knivel Dick Foran Ned Llllott Henry Travers Norman French fatrlc Knowles P ora' Gibbon Lee Patrick Flora a Mother Laura Hope Crewa Stella Johnson Janet .Shaw Doc Moore Harry Davenport Laura Bennett Ruth Garland Anthony BIttick John Warburton Caleb Ammon Paul Harvey Blonde... Mayo Methot Robert Forbes IrvlnR Bacon Tom Scllg Arthur Hoyt Adapted from Myron Brioig's best seller, this film has the sweep of a virtual cavalcade of early 20th Cen- tury American history. Just how much this superbly made production does will depend largely on the cam- paign given it by. individual exhibi- tors. There are many saleable angles to the picture but they must.be care- fully sold..- The title may hurt, but biz should-be generally good; or above par, with Errol Flynn and Bette Davis on the marquee. 'The Sisters' will bring additional laurels to Miss Davis as a dramatic actress, and probably will surprise Errol Flynn's followers because of the sharolv different role he is called on to play. He is cast as a blase fight reporter on a Frisco daily of 1904 who finds married life stiffling but eventually realizes that his early romance surmounts everything else. Plot starts out with three sisters, daughters of a small Montana town druggist, getting ready for a dance, staged to hear returns on the national election that swept Roosevelt into a second term as president. It closes four years later as the same family orepares again for another election ball, this time to hail Taft as new president, with the three sisters again haopy, although marriages of all three have come dangerously near the rocks. Totally different marriages of the three girls are clearly set out, with highlights m their wedded lives tak- ing .the happy sisters often close to the brink of matrimonial smashup but always managing to surmount trying difficulties. Most of the interest centers on Louise (Bette Davis) who elopes with Frank Medlin (Errol Plynh), the sports scribe. This case of love- at-flrst sight works out satisfactorily until the newspaperman, hampered by domestic ties and unwillingness to buckle dt'Wn as an author, takes to heavy imbibing. When the earth- quake hits San Francisco, she has just been abandoned by her husband, seeking sola(ie in a. world cruise. Her narrow escape from death and from her flashy friend's questionable ''home,' paves the way for easy re- union with her mate. Earthquake sequence starts from an interior scene but is effectively built up with outdoor episodes, dyna- miting of buildings, miniature views, etc. it's an angle that can be ex- ploited simply to indicate film has action, even if not new to screen. Besides the early domestic scenes in the Montana home, the large elec- tion-returns ball, the prize fight in San Francisco, the spotlighting of camara on the first auto in a small town, the episode in a pretentious London home, and the fleeting treat- ment of episodes in a Barbaiy coast 'home' for ladies of the evening, iall are skillfully treated. But throueh the maze of detail and transitory scenes, the vivid ro- mance of the newspaper reporter and the eldest daughter is kept in bas-relief. And simultaneously, di rector Anatole Litvak has held inter est in the affairs of the other two sisters. Miss Davis as the eldest sister turns in one of her most scintillating performances. Flynn's happy-go lucky reporter is a vivid portraya although his slight English accent seems slightly incongruous. Anita Louise makes a delightful flirty daughter who finally weds the elderly wealthy man in her com muhity while Jane Bryan Is adequate as the more conservative sister who decides that safety In. matrimony is reoresented by the dull town bank er's son. Beulah Bondi, as mother of the three girls, is a sincere portrayal Henry Travers makes something of the father role. Donald Crisp, as another sports writer; Ian Hunter as the Frisco store owner; Alan Hale as the. rich spender of the small town; Dick Foran, as the banker'; son, and Lee Patrick, as the flashy girl in San Francisco, head the big sunxjort with faithful performances, Cameraing, dialog and scripting up to high standard of film. Wear. KING OF ALCATRAZ Hollywood, Sept. 28. Paramount release of William C. Thomas production. Features Gail Patrick, Lloyd Nolan, J. Carroll Nalsh, Harry Carey, Directed by Robert Florey.' Original and screenplay by Irving Rels; camera, Harry Flshbeck; assst. director, Mel Epstein: tllm editor, Eda Warren. Previewed at Para- mount, L, A., Sept, 2t, loss. Running time,. 55 minutes. Dale Borden Gall Patrick Raymond Grayson Lloyd Nolan Steve Murkll ■ J, Carrol Nalsh Captain Glennan Harry Carey Robnert MaCArthur, .T....... .'Robert Preston Lou Godney.. Anthony Qulhn 'Flrsi Mate Rogers Richard Stanley Bonnie Larkln Virginia Dabney Nora Kane.,.', , Nora Cecil Olaf ....Emory Parnell Dixie Dorothy Howe First Radio Operator .Tohn Hart Second Radio Operator I'hilllp Warren Mathew Talbot Porter Hall Ha.-ry Val .''Richard Denning Ous Baoshek ' Ton) Tyler Murok Konslantln Shayne Pletr Mozdtt Harry Worth Dave Carter lOdward Marr Fred Kateny cluy Clement A MAN TO REMEMBER Hollywood, Sept, 27 RICO-Radlo releaBB of Robert aisk i>ro- duation. Featurea Anne Bhlrloy, KUw'urd Elllp, Lee Bowman, William Henry, di- rected by Garson Kanin, Screenplay bv Dalton Tnimbo from Btory by Kutherlne Havllititd-Taylor; enmeru, J, Roy'Hunt- special effeots, Douglas Travers; music' Roy Webb: editor. Jack Hlvely, Reviewed In Projection Room, Hollywood, seui. •>a •38, Running tira©, Vo mlns, ' Joan,........, Anne .Shirley Doctor Abbott ,..4 TOdwiird EIIIh Dick...., , Lee Bowman Howard Sykea WlUlam Henry Johnaon John vvrav George SyUea Granville Bute's A new twist to the escaped big shot gangster idea, and a cinch in those spots that like entertainment melodramatic and timed at a light- ■^ing pace. Grooved for the pro grammers, as was intended with a nominal production budget, picture will satisfy, but is particularly geared for the kids and spots where they go for fast melodrama with ac tion aplenty. Yarn has a Sgt. Quirt-Capt.-Flagg angle, with two ship radio operators busting up cafes in several ports iti their contests for various girls, to provide comedy sequences as a pre- lude to the main yarn. Latter con- cerns itself with,the adventures of an escaped convict -who, with his gang, take control of a ship bound down the Pacific coast to Panama. J. Carroll Naish. escaping from Al- catraz, picks up remnants of his gang to board a liner bound to Panama. Lloyd Nolan and Robert Preston are aboard as radio crew, with Gail Pat- rick the ship's nurse. A few days out from Panama, Naish and his gang take possession of the ship. Nolan is shot in melee with one of the gang, and Miss Patrick perfbrmis an operation to save his life, with in- strudtipns coming Via radio from the doctor on a nearby ship. Naish and his gang are shortly wiped out by stokers and crew members- to get things' shipshape again. Despite the melodramatic treat- ment necessary to the story, picture is entirely plausible and easy to take. Nicely mounted for its moderate negative outlay, and directed most effectively by Robert Florey to maln- t5 sinooth—although speedy pace. Nolan and Preston team nicely as the two radio operators, and tiirn in convincing performances.' Harry Carey, who has successfully removed himself from westerns during the past several years, is fine as the ship s captain. Naish gives a- vivid though natural portrayal as the es- caped gangster, and rest of cast is nicely balanced. • As in pictures of this type, Gail Patrick as the girl las a rather minor role, of which she tries to make-the most with moderate success. Homor Ramsey ; Harlan Brlggs JodQ HarknesB Frank M. Thomas Dick (8-12 years) DIcUlo .lonea Joan (4 yoaro).,, Carol Leete Dr. Robinson tlbovL Kmoiy Jorgensen Jospph de Slefanl It took plenty of courage to pass this one through to the shooting stages, but the finished product sus- tains the studio's enterprise. It's an intense and moving yarn of a coun- try doctor who Is more concerned with the health and well-being of the community than in the worldly goods he might acquire. Without any b. 0. power to carry it along, pic- ture is nevertheless a strong pro- grammer that will go oarticularly well in those spots where audiences appreciate a study of human nature with all the dramatic strength in- volved in such unfoldment. Picture is first directorial effort of Garson Kanin, brought from the stage. Ably guided by producer Robert Sisk, Kanin developed a powerful and moving drama in ex- cellent style, hewing to a straight line in presentation, without devia- tion for inclusion of extraneous se- quences. Story is., a simple tale of the life of the doctor, Edward Ellis, from the time he arrives in Westoort. until he becomes the hero of the countryside 20 years later by preventing an in- fantile paralysis epidemic. But he nasses away from a heart attack in the glory he knew he had earned throu.gh the years. Detailing of the story is achieved through a series of cutbacks and montages. Picture opens with funeral proces- sion of the beloved doctor. Then swings into office of his lawyer where the nickel-snatching merchants are assembled to get their money from the estate. From that point, yarn is unfolded ingeniously, through papers in the deceased's private box. Dalton Trumbo's screen olay Is particularly effective, weaving se- quences into a fine combination. Photogranhy by J. Roy Hunt is ex- cellent, ditto the montages by Doug- las Travers. Edward Ellis gives an outstanding Individual performance. It's his story and picture, and he gives light and shading to his role that provide* a sincere and realistic characteriza- tion.' Anne Shirley, although top- ning the' oast, Is second in Imoor- tance to Ellis, but her's a fine effort. Lee Bowman, William Henry and the others are well .cast. THE ROAD TO RENO (WITH SONGS) Universal releaso of Edmund Grainger production. Stars Hope Hampton and Ran- dolph Scott; featuraa Glenda Farrell. Helen BroderIck( Alan Marshal,-David Oliver. Di- rected by g. Sylvan Simon. Based on novel of some name by I. A. R. Wyiie;' adap- tation, Roy Chanslor. Adole Coniandlnl. Brian Marlowe; editors, Maurice Wright ond Paul Londresj songs. Jimmy McHugh and Harold AdamsOn; photographv, George Robinson, At Globe, N, Y„ week Oct. 1, •a». Running time, Ofr mina. ^teve.Fortness Randolph Scott o . ■ tialllday Hope Hampton Sylvia Shane Glenda Farrell Aunt .Minerva Helen Broderlck Walter Crawford... ,.Alan Marshal T I Mr*.* ••; ' .. Dn v!d 011 ver Linda's Attorney Ted Osliorn Sylvias Attorney Samuel S. Hinds „ Hope Hampton, star-of the silent films and operettas, stages a return to pictures in the I. A. R. Wylie story. The Road to Reno' under circum- stances that are only fairly auspi- cious. Miss Hampton pictures very attractively and retains her highly appealing voice, but the story, as adante/^ and.the unlnsoired direction of S. Sylvan Simon, leave much to je desired. The business ootential- ties of 'Road to Reno* are hardly hotter than average. The majority of the playdates wiU be on double bills. Edmund Grainger produced in the face of obvious handicaos, not ex- cluding? that the story calls for back- grounding in the atmosohere of a western. Majority of the action akes place on the ranch of Randolph Scott, who won't give his wife (Miss tiamoton) the divorce she thinks she wants but learns she doesn't. Scenes on the range, of horse stampedes, of wide open vistas and the like clut- ter UD the footage but. as against the usual western, scenically the picture s a bit different. New locations must have been sought out by Grainger and his staff. Miss Hamnton opens sinding a familiar number in a sidewalk ■ cafe scene as part of an opera perform- ance, succeeding shots nlacing her on a train bound for Reno and a divorce. She meets up with Glenda Farrell, apparently a istran.i*er but sharing her comoartment on the rain (that's odd In Itself), and the wo are hooked up for the balance of the footage, at one stage in such a manner that Miss Hamnton gets (Continued on page 21)