Variety (Apr 1939)

18 VAfflETY FILM REVIEWS Wedqesday, April 12, 1939 DODGE CITY (IN COLOR) ■Warner Broii. rcleaM ot Robert Lord pro- duction. Slara Brrol Plynn: featurea Ollvio d« Havllland, Ann Sberldao. IMrected liy Mlc«iael Curtis. Original and acreenplay, Robert Buckner: acore, Max Stelner; Tecb- nlcolor camera, Sol PolUo, Bay Rennahnn: dialog director, Jo Grabam; editor, Geonto Amy; atKiclBl elfecta. Dyron .Haakln. R« Wimpy; music. Louie , ^orbateln. At Strand. N. Y.. week April 7. 'SB. Kunnlne time: 100 MINB. TtTn'iA Hation Brrol Flyiiu Atble... " Olivia Do »ivUland Su-iv Ann Sberldan Jert 'si.^Mit ■ • B"" g'J?' Joe Clemens "'""'i ,*'^'Sf£ Rusty Hart Alan Hale Matt Cole John LItol Dr Irvlnir ' Henry Travers cJi. DodJe. Henry O'Nein Ynncey... Victor Jory il^ki'vins WlUlain Lnndl«an Bard^.... -BlK Bjy; WUUam. Hnrty Cole .Bobs Wutaon lira. Cole Gloria Bolden Hunger Douglaa Fowley Mrs. IrvlnR ^^SS^iSl?; Sutrett's Lnwyer Cbanea Bud Tnylor •^••••«Silf' Mr*. McCoy Cont WWtnerapoon Ortb BaaseU Btmsoon Barlon Honte Bine 'Dodge City' is a lusty western, packed with action, including -some of the dandiest melee stuff sci«ened. superbly lensed in Tedinlcolor, and with Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havil- land and Ann Sheridan topping a sturdy cast. Plot structure is not al' together original but production val- ues and general size and soqie ini' press this western for stroqg box' office. It will please right down the line. Falling in the cycle of piotaeering and American frontier days. Dodge City' (Kansas) is essentlany a lad man-and-honest-sherilt saga. HoW' ever, the production embellishments and Michael Curtiz's forceful direc- tion lilts this into the big league division. Flynn is a soldier of fortune, which explains his clipped EngUsh-Irish brogue as a Texas cattleman, trans- planted to this Kansas frontier. Olivia de Havilland is plausibly in' troduced for the romance interest, and Ann Sheridan as the dancehal. girl rounds out the top marquee names. However, the support is equally worthy is not sometimes eclipsmgtiie stars. Bruce Caliat and Victor Joty are a corlcing pair of menaces, the latter parttculeily leering. Alan Hale and Guinn ('Big Boy*) Williams are robust allies of our hero; Frank McHugh is fearless as ye ed of the local commimity pajier. He, too; meets assassination ^ reward, for crusading on the side of law and order. Henry Tiavers as the Mndly medico; Henry O'Neill as Col. Dodge whose name was lent, to the new railroad terminus, that was later to become so vivid a shipping center for livestocic from the southwest; and John Litel, William LAindlgan and Bol)s Watson; latter a cute young' ster, stand out Cabot's gambling saloon effective- ly typifies all the wldcedness of the lawlessness that was Dodge City, as the basic excuse for Flynn's ultimate taking over of the sherilTs post. The street fighting, free-for-all gunplay^ wide-open' licentiousness and the skullduggery having tp do with cat- tle trading typify the lusty atmos- phere that backgrounds this actioner. Besides the topnotch Technicolor lensing by Sol PoUtd and his staff, among the production niceties is a corking score by Max Steiner. l^b- ert Buckner's screen original moves vigorously and director Ctirtiz hasn't stinted anybody or anything. When he wants a brawl, it's a real knock' 'em-down-drag-'em-out The knav ery is rampant and the two-fisted ac tion wide open. He's captured all the atmosphere in great style. It's rough, tough melle'r, socko for b. o. results. Abet. 9roflt on a similar deal with Colum- bia several years back. Despite his financial interests, Crost^ gives support plenty of work and opportunity for some fat lines and situations. Result is a nicely molded piece of light entertainment, long on the comec^ and human in- terest sides, with Crosby the domi- nant factor throughout A lO-month-old baby, Lee HenvQle, who ia on the cast Mieet as Sandy, g^ves the picture its main motiva- tion and a walloping human interest Youngster is a cute -and chubby romper, cau^t by 'Hie cameras in ba^ poses and mannerisms that sparkle all the way. For a baby of that age, it's one of the ■Rnest spot- tings in many months. General naturalness of the kld-^with cute smile, Inquisitiveness v/bea xequired, and leaolans when needed—^hows fine patience in lUiection and a swell job cf cutting, and camera doseups. Naturally, Crosby is in the spoQight crooning Vie kid to sleep when re- quiied,Diit stunt Is not overdone.. Stoiy is rather light in general set- up, but long on -entertaining appeal and brightness. Crodiy, a singing messeager and later a taxi driver, has the baby dropped into his lap while the mottier goes on search for her husband. Roommates Crosby and Mlscha Auer take care of the youngster, but are in hot water when they discover the rich grandfather has the cops searching for it Joan Blondell, Crosby's fiancee, steps in to help the boys, with plenty of excite- ment generated until the parents finally show up to set everything rl^t Picture is smartly paced, hitting a nice tempo at the start and rolling merrily to the finish. Kalog is freA and bre^, Aoer being provided with many standout laugtiUnes. Script by William Conselman is tightly knit while David Butler's dl- rectifln xatches tte human interest values without straining. Four tunes by "Monaco and Burice are handled competently by Crosby, all good, and all with a chance fOr pop attrition. Three are in lullaby category, "East Side of Heaven,' 'Sing a Song of Sunbeams,' and That Sly Old Gentleman.' 'Hang Your Heart on a Hickory Limb' serves for a mod- erate production number that is ef- fective without being elaborate. e Reviews •Dodge City' (WB). Good western actioner, in Technicolor. Strong b.b. rigi)t down the line. <East Side of Heaven' (U). Bing Crosby's latest augurs healthy business for all spots. •Baek Da«r to Heaven' (Par). Artistic drama too heavy and slow tempoed for general b.o. The lady's Item Keataeky' (Par). MUdly Interesting pro- grammer of horseracing and breeding. •WHhln the Law* (M-G). Fourth film version of stage melodrama, wifii no names to help gripping yam; strong dualer. 'Mystery e( Mr. Wane' (Mono). Detective thriller that will get by satisfactorily. Boris Karloff tops cast 'Man of Conqaest' (Rep). Am- bitious western about the life of Sam Houston and the earty history of Texas. mam. are Ford's prison buddies, while Patricia EUis 4s okay for ro- mantic passages. In prolog, young Jimmy Lydon is the best "Three songs are presented, one in pop night spot by Bert Frohman, who sells it effectively. Other two are torch ttmes delivered by Miss TglllB East Side of Heaven (WITH SONGS) , Hollywood, April 5. Unlvonal production and releaae. Stars Blng Crosby and Joan Blondell. Directed by UavM Butler. Bcrecnplay by WUllnm Conselman. Original story by David But- ler and Herbert Polesle; camera. George Robinson; asst. dlRctor, -Josepb A.- Mc- Donough; songs, James V. ..Monaco and Johnny Burke. Previewed at Alexander, Glendale, April 4, '30. Running time. 88 BI1S.S. Denny Blng Crosby Mnry ' Joan Blondell Nicky Mlscha Aner Monn Irene Hervey Cyrus Harrett, .Sr C. Aubrey Smith Cyrus liorrett, Jr Robert Kent Cliuillus UeWolfe Jerome Cowan Bahy 'Sandy Mrs. Kelly Jane Jones Singing Cool.s (Rose Valyda I Helen Warner Cher Jack Powell W'altrc.sses The Muslo Molds Matty Malneck and His Orcbeitra 'East Side of Heaven* is a grand padcage of entertainment that will play a merry tune at the b. o. Car- ries plenty of audience appeal to col- lect favorable, word-of-mouth. Pic- --ture-will- attract good- biz- in' the keys, with chance for some holdovers, and due to. click for healthy takes in the nabes and smaller towns. Picture Is Bing Crosby's outside feature for 193S, allowed him under his Paraitiount contract Star is one of ths few (n the business willing .to toss his own coin into productions to get a shot at a cut of thie profits. In present instance, understood Crosby put up services and mon^ to equal Unlversal's ante, and spUt is even all through. Star took a nice Back Door to Heaven (WITH SONGS) Hollywood. April 8. Faramonnt nleass o( Odessco jiroouotlon. Produced anH dlicoted by William K. How- ard. E>eatares Wallace Ford, Aline Mc- Mahon, Stuart Brwln. Patricia ElUs, Bert Ftobman, Jimmy I,ydon. Screenplay by John Bright and Robert. Taaker. from original by William K. Howard. Prodne- .tion manager and associate producer, John- nie Walker: camera. Hal Mobr; asst. direc- tor, Harold Godsoe: editor. Jack Murray. Previewed at Westwood village, April 7, ■39. Rnnning' time: Sl XIMS. MIsa Williams .....Aline McMahon Ftankle Jlnuny l^don Carol ......Anita Uagee Mr. Rogers William Barrlgon Mrs. Rogers .....Jane Seymour Rudolpb Herzlng Robert WUdhack Cbarlnr Smith.. Billy RedSeld Bob Bale..... Kenneth LeRoy John Shelley Raymond Roe Sheriff Knmer ..;A1 Webster Reform School Superintendent... .Joe Garry Frankle Wallace Ford Jnd Stoart Erwln The Mouse Bert Frohman John Shelley Kent Smith Charln Smith Uruce Bvans Bob Rale George Lewis WalUice Klahler Dong McMollen Mrs. Smith Helen Christian Geo rye Bpelvin Robert Vivian Penitentiary Warden Hugh Cameron Sngar.. Iris Adrian Mn. Hamilton Georgette Harvey 'Back Door to.Heaven' is a dra- matic preachment that will get mod- erate attention from the 'arty' and carriage trade, but general audi ences will find it to slow. B.o. pros pects decidedty limited. As strong drama, ifs more of an individual accomplishment for Wil' liam K Howard, credited as pro- jlucer, director and author of the original Howard also drops into the cast for a brief 'spell as prosecuting attorney in the courtroom sequence. Plctiire gets off to a slow pace, with prolo.ir nmning about 18 min- utes to set stage for main portion of the story. Reduced to half that foot age, prolog would allow picture to get away nicely. Story traces the brief but fuU life of WaUace Ford, born on the wrong side of the tracks and handicapped by surroundings of his childhood, ^nacing his path through reform school, county jail and a five-year stretch in the state pen. Ford determines to go strai^t on his release. Innocently involved in a holdup and murder, he escapes the death-house to return to his home town for reunion of his gram- mar school class. Boy is bumped off by pursuers shortly thereafter. ' Little lightness is injected for cou' trast to the tragic drama presented. Howard etches his characters and situations slowly and deliberately, which detracts from entertainmeni: factors. Story has several weak spots.. Boy is-railroaded-to the chair Without obvious defense which was established in previous sequences. Just how he could escape from thie death cell during prison break on the eve of his execution will also leave audiences wondering. Wallace Ford presents a fine and vigorous characterization of the boy who tried hard to go straight but continually encountered bad breaks. Aline McMahon is nicely spotted as the kindly and sympathetic school' marm. Stuart Erwin and Bert Froh The Lady's frcm Kentucky Paramount release ot Jeff Lazarus pro- duction. 3tara George Raft and Ellen Drew. Directed by Alcunder Hall. Screen- play by Malcolm Stuart Boylan. B.-<sed on story by Rowland Bitnra: camera, Xheodor Sparkuhl; asst. director, Joseph Lefert: edi- tor, Hotvey Johnston. Previewed at Para- mount, li. A., April S, '30. Running time, 7S HIN8. Marty Black ..George Raft Penelope 'Penny' Hollla Ellen Drew Mousey Johnson..... Hugh Herbert Dulcey Lee .ZaSu Pitts Aunt Tiny Ijoulse Beavers Sixty Lew Pnyton Nonny Watklns Forrester Harvey Carter Harry Tyler Spike Cronin Edward J. Pawley PInckney Rodell Gilbert Emery WInfleld Eugene Jaokaon Brewster ; Jimmy Brlstow Roman Son • Mickey O'Boyle Cantankerous ;MUie Arnold Pool Kentucky Lad; that means much for the exhibitor's marquee. But despite its age, 'Within the Law' has been made palatable fare with a slight mod- ernization of the venerable script Ifs certain of appeal at theatees where melodrama and cops-and- robbers click; stuidy help on a twin array, it smartly handled. Hie familiar story of Marv Tur- ner, the innocent store clerk rail- roaded to tliree years in jail, may prove fresh to the new group of fllmgoers. Scripters Charles Lederer and Editii Eltz^ald have quldcoied the story's pace without Lasically altering the original. The son of the store owner, who permits the employee to be sent up the river, Is made liead of an airplane d«x>art- ment In the establishment, and Mary Turner Is pictured studying law in prison, so that when she gets out her 'get-rlch-rapidly' schemes are executed just -within the law. Plot seems weakened as the film depicts the forces of law quickly squelchlne the girl's revenge against .the store «wner. Ruth Hussey. is capital as the wronged Miss Turner, tiiis . repre- senting her outstanding performance to date,, though it is a long time since Metro crabbed her from the lep^t 'Dead End' show. Tills film establishes her as a good picture bet Tom Neal, as the store O'wnet'e ton. is ilot quite as socko. His work is too juvenile and stilted to mean much. Rita Johnson looms ias a distinct potentiality for her interpretation at the 'wise-craclcing Aggie, and Jo Ann. Sayers, in a bit also looks likely. Producers tried out Gustay Machaty. Czech director, <m this pic- ture. Director of 'Ecstasy* and 'Ballerina' is a happy, addition to Hollywood judged by. his hnnHHng of femme players here. Paul Kelly, 'William Gargan, Paul Ca-vanagb, Sidney Blackm^, James Burke and Samuel S. Hinds add strong siippprt Weor. STAR REPORTER Monogram release ot. B. B. Derr pro- duction; Frank Melford, associate pro- ducer. Features Warren Hull. Marsha Hunt. Directed by Howard Brelherton. Stoiy and adaptaUon. John T. Neville: camera. Arthur MartlnelU; editor, RuneU Sehoepgartta. At Strand, B'klyn., N.T., dual, week April 7. '39. Running time, tt MWe, John Warren Hull Barbara Hanha Hunt Draper.... Monan Wallace Whtttaker Clay Clement Bnmette Woltls CUrk Mrs. JUndolph VlrgtnU Howell CUpver Paul FlK -Oordon Joft Crelian Bam'Grey Eddie Kane Nominal support for the keys, and moderate at&actlon for the nabes and action houses, The Latty's From Kentucky' starts wlQi promise, stum- bles in the middle se«ion and drags itcross the line for the finish. Story has horseracing background, displaying confiict between those who are rabid bettors and others more interested in the welfare of the thoroughbreds. Premise that brings boolde George Raft to the Kentucky breeding farm of Ellen Drew for reformation, is rather syn- thetic and unconvincing. Picture displays -weakness In both script ietup and ^otty direction. At- tempt to depict running of Kentucky Derby on shoddy track is a glaring : >roduction fault On the merit side s the sequence of birth of a foal at the breeding farm. It easily carries top audience appeal in the picture. Raft parleys last quarter of fee for blood transfusion into a bookie joint and after he is cleaned out in a betting coup, finds one remaining asset in half mterest in a two year old horse. Investigating, finds racer holds promise, and when it wins a juvenile stakes, Raft tries to con- vince partner Ellen Drew to keep racing the nag. Girl .packs horse back to her Ken tueky farm, with Raft following. He nabs the horse for a stake race in which he makes a killing in the books, but ruins the thoroughbred. From there on, it's the regeneration of Raft and romance -with the girt Raft is in his element earty as the long shot guy, -with Hu^ Herbert as sidekick to pro-vlde comedy notes, Miss Drew is handicapped by mate' rial provided, but does a creditable job. ZaSu Pitts is on briefly as a spinster who develops a pash for Herbert Lew Payton is good as the stable groom,' and Louise Beavers fine as the colored cook, ' Frontier Pony Express (WTTH SONGS) Republic release ot Joseph Kane produc- tion. Stars Roy Rogeni, Mary Hart. Di- rected by Kane. Screenplay, Norman Hall; camera, WlUlam Nobles: editor. Gene Mllford; musical dlrentor, Cy Fener. Reviewed In PrejecUon Room. N. T., April e, '39. Running time: IS HINB. Roy Rogers Roy Rogers Ann Mary .Hart Horseshoe Raymond Batton Ija»»lter Edward JCeane Contrell Noble Johnson £5?Jol«ee Monte Blue Brett.. i Donald Dlllasray WUllam Rmle Mrs. Murphy Ethel W»\m WITHIN THE LAW _Metro production and release. Features Ruth Hussey. Paul KeUy. Tom Neal, Wil- liam Gamon. Rita Johnson. Directed by Gostav Machaty. Screenplay by Charles Lederer and Edith Fltsgenid from play by Bayard Velller: score. Dr. William Axt; editor, George Boemler: camera, Cbarira I.awton, At Criterion, N. T.. week April .1. -39. Running time: 38 HINB. Maiy Turner.. Ruth Hussey Richard Glider Tom Neal Joe Oarson p«ul Kelly Cassldy. William Gargan 'English Eddie' Paul Cavanagh Agnes Rita Johnson Mr.-Glider Samuel S. Hinds June...,. .'.Lynne Carver .George Demareat Sidney Bleckmer Helen Morris.*.,.■,*•••«»«,.Jo Ann Bayers 'Bed' James Burke Salekwoman .-i.......-.Ann Morriss About every six or eight years Holtywood decides to make a picture version of Bayard VelUer's stage suc- cess which first was produced in New York in 1812. Initial screen production was turned out in 1917 and another silent version In 1923, The first talking picture version came in 1931—Joan Crawford's 'Paid.' Present production seems used as proving' ground for several neW' comers because - there is no name Republic has come up with a bet- ter than usual western in 'Frontier Pony Express,' and coupled with the pleasant Roy Rogers and Mary Hart as the romantic inter^ should do reasonably well on the duals. Direc- tion, camera and acting pass muster. Story, too, exceeds the usual horse opry for interest dealing with a new angle associated with an old. The pony express, the civil war and their effects on earty California settlers have been given good treatment Rogers, who also takes time out on occasion to tenor pleasantly (using standards of the Civil War period), plays an express rider be- tween California and the frontier. Complications develop when Yankee and Rebel forces seek the allegiance of California. Miss Hart and Donald DUIaway, who plays her brother, and who Js, unknown to her, a Con- federate spy, become involved with Edward Keane, a southern politi- cian, ostensibly in the emoloy of the Confederacy, but actualty a traitor who seeks the new territory for his own purposes. But with the aid of the boys in blue and Rogers, Keahe's plan is frustrated. Mystery of Mr. Wong §Mon«nam release of WllUam Lackey roductlon. SUrs Boris Karloff: fmlnn N'Sh- Based on magazine serin >>;, .Hugh W ley: adaptation, ScottDaritag; editor. Russell Schoncgarth: cameraTBanT »%3.-Rrf..V« isk?^ |}£S"lireet.:V.V.V.V.V.V.G^?^i5; Dri'a •• ......DoioUiy Tree Brandon Bdwird»v.:v:v.;::Mi^wauS^ g!™"?:i,- Craig Bayaolds aE2"R«"' ylvan LAedeff the the sing. Lee Tong Foo Chester Gan Fairly engrossing murder mystery in spite of laborious deduction in quest of solution, dreary questlon- ing^of suspects and the inescapable attitude of nearly everyone to look like the cat that swallowed the mouse. On occasion the lack (tf ac- tion makes the continuity tirunme. For the Karloff followers and the detective fiction addicts, 'Afystery of Mr. Wong' is a safe dish to pUce be- fore them. In the proper play dates it should do all right if"^'^'^^ Karloff is considerabty out of char- acter but very effective as the Ori- ental sleuth, alumnus of Oxford, who suavely solves a perplexing murder. For years he has been built up as a horror character with gymnastics and a voice to suit Here, as Wong, Karlofl is more the drawing room type, carefuUy choosing' his words and employing as flnedlction as he has at tus command. However, he is a compelling detective type. Kot so much can be said for the (Continued on page 25) This actioner is a fast moving and ingeniousty wrougbt story of news.T paper cnisad^ against public officials iinircH ts Criminal dement Should prove aco^table as a program filler. Marquee names are lacking and no help can be e3q>ected from produc- tion or story values which do not stand out sufllcienUy to matter. Unprofessional handling of 'newspaper business surrounds. production. Consequeiitiy, diverse .plot with its multiple criss-crossings which helps sustain audience ipter- jest tmtil final- climax, suffers from incredulity. Picture is typical of these pmductlons, which betray in- diffferent or careless attention to rer search, detail and story preparation, and keep them from going places. Warren Hull and Marsha Hunt are the leading boy and girL Hull's part Is the more important That he is not entirety , convincing Is beyond his control for he gives the role every- tiiing'lt requires. It'is the result of story d^clencies. ■ Marsha Htmt has looks and ability but she gains no furtiier stature from the pairt as- signed her in this film as her op- portunities to shine are.also limited by. story requirements, which mini- mize her iniportance to the pro- ceedings. Clay Clement bs the triclcy crimi- nal lawyer; Morgan Wallace, heav7 'Who squeals on the gang, and Paul Fix; stool pigeon, give tu-editable and convincing performances. Their work is what makes this production ac- ceptable to some extent ' Wallis Clark is not entirety the professional conception of a district attorney nor is Joe CrAan any too bdlevable as a mannging editor, here again not so much Us fault as the lack of pro- duction backeround and setting. Son of a newspaper publisher In- herits sheet after Us dad Is bumped off by criminal elements. Son 'vows tp track murderers down, and.pushes camiiaign in his paper to elect an honest d.a. Atteinste to rid town of evil is complicated by the fact that one of the gang who is Indicted for attempted murder, turns out to be the crusader's real. tether and first husband of his mother. Other fac- tors are a signed confession impli- cating the gang which constantty ' keeps changing hands and a nicely handled final sequence, when the newspaperman's father is brought to bay but turns the tables when cor- nered, righting all wrongs.when he discovers identity of his son. Pirates of the Skies TTnlvenal release ot Barney Sarecky pro- duetlon. Features Sent "Taylor and Ro- chelle Hudson. Directed by Joe McDon- otigh. Screenplay by Ben O. Kohn: camera. Jerry Aah. At Tlvoll, N. T.. duaL April 6, 'Se. Running time: 30 MIN& Nick Conlan^.' Kent Taylor Barbara ....Bochelle Hudson Dr. PettlngUl Luclen UtUeReld Hal Weston Ray Walker Major Smith Stanley Andre«va Kitty...,..., .Marlon Martin Bill Lambert Regis Toomey Capt. Hlgglns Guy Usher Jerry Petri Frank Puglla ^ke Henry Brandon Waltreas , Dorothy Arnold Commissioner Samuel ."4. Hinds ArUe Horace McMalion Unimportant and unpretentious action film with slight novelty angle to differentiate it from hundreds of similar productions. Such a con- summate gang of thieves was never seen. No ordinary bank robbers, these. Modem and up-to-date, they hold up jewel carriers, banl^ mas- sengers, use planes for getaway, spot their quarry by mechanical disc re- cording and also make use of pigeon carriers. So-so iiroducUon for the bottom half of duals. Kent Taylor and Rochelle Hudson strive hard to lift story out of medi- ocrity. Taylor is especially effective and delivers a good performance as an ~ ex-commercial record-holder aviator, joining state police air serv- ice in order to be near his wife, who has left hiia, Rochelle Hudson has a minor role and doesn't shine any too well tn it Her work is unin- spired. Plot is preposterous, but in a mild sort of way tells of the rivalry lie- tween state motor police and the state . alr_ police. Superiority of tiie swifter air machines over slower mobile forces in criminal appriehen- slon is made contlnuaUy apparent until final sequence, when the motor- car lads come into tiielr own and both outfits, cooperating effectively, bring the bad boys to book. Exteriors are mostiy air field and air scenes against mountain back- grounds. Interiors are few and simpty decorated. Luclen LIttlefield comes nearest to walking off 'with the film, as leader of the gang of crooks, but Regis Toomey, Ray Walker and Stanley Andrews lend