Variety (Jan 1940)

4U PICTUKES INVISIBLE STRIPES Hollywood, Dec. 27. ■WiirniT Uros. rcleneo o< riisi Niilltin:il- Louls V. Kilclmiin iiroiUn-iloii. Siars GiroiKO Hurt, J;mo Urjiili, Wlllliim llulilcn; feniuioa Humiiliioy l)"Kurt, Kl.na llolvsun. UlrooiPil liy I.luyd llKi'on. .Si-r('(-iiiil:i>' "y Wmivn Duff, fi'Din siiiry l)y Jouaih:m I-Inn; biisoil on liocik liy \Vnr.li'n r..'wls K. l.:i\vi'S'; ranipra. Krnpst lliillor; oilllm-. J;uiie>i lilli- bon; illroolor. Ulnior Dodiir; illnluK (Ihi-itiii-. livhiB U.iiMicr; Kiici'lul orfoiAs, llyni;i IliisUln. I'lvvlcwo.! at W H lliil'y wi'oil. W-c, MINS. (.Ml,; Taylor... ro> i:y ■ • Thn Taylor... (.'luK'k Miirlln. Mr.'<. Tnyliir... I'M Krupcr Molly I'.irolu Oftlrcr Tn-.iiiny The ^^•i^•^U■n.. Suo l."rty Jolnny Jiinni/. Shrank Olil IVllT '311. ItlinnloK Unlo: HI lloori,-!' llnfl Jano I'.ryan William llolilPii ..Ilunu'liny liocari ..l-'lor.i lli>tisnn I'aiil Kelly I.vi- I'nirlik Il< luy il Ni'lll rr.iiiklo Tl)i>nla.'< .Moroni lUsou . .M.irKOl S:ov'on?oJ> .\lnr.- I.awri'nr,* Josi'lili nownliis ... .1 j> 1 ilori cy William ll.iBilo Tully .Marsh»ll George Raft's second co-slarring feature for Warners indicates that the studio has the right story foimula for him, from which both should benefit during his new three-picture dcr.l for the coming year, 'invisible Stripes' is a fast-action melodrama, with pistol-popping and gangster trimmings, that .should hit salisfac tory biz in the regular iuns. R.'.ft is handed a dominating, albeit sympathetic, role as a released con- vict who determines to go straight, re.-^ardless of consequences. It's a familiar cinematic yarn, but strengthened by a zippy pace, excel- lent performances and deft dii-ection. Raft makes the most of a meaty role, plr.vin.'i with effective restraint. .Wil- linm Holden extends himself as the hot-tempered brother who is pre- vented from stepping outside the law by Raft's fists. Jane Bryan is okay for romantic interest with Holden, while Humphrey Bogart, Paul Kelly and Marc Lawrence are Grooved in typical gangster spots. Flora Rob son ably • portrays Raft's mother, although her makeup is. most obvi- ous. Script is slightly thin in spots, but these passages are overcome suffi' cienlly by the fast tempo and direc tion. Clipping of several minutes from the running time would tighten the picture into a compact package. Raft, after serving time for one misstep, returns home to igo straight His criminal record while on parole forces him out of several jobs. Learn- ing his lesson, he's kind to his mother, and a watchdog on his brother's threats to commit petty theft. Sacrificing his own freedom, Raft joins up with Bogart and his mob for a wild spree of bank rob- bery, in order to provide money to buy a garage for his brother's secur. ity. Ditching the mob prior to an. other big job. Raft later discovers the gaT:gsters implicated his brother in the holdup by using his garage for getaway station. Raft forces Holden Xo identify the mobsters, and then calmly walks out to take his medicine as a squealer. Production has been provided with an overall good script, with dialog crisp throughout. Camera work by Ernest Haller is exceptional, espe cially the photography and lightmg on Raft. Picture is neatly mounted, with chase scenes in rat-tat-tat gun battles cut sharply to accentuate dramatic suspense. The Earl of Chicago Hollywood, Dec. 26. Mctro.Goldwyn-Mnycr release nC Victor Savlllo production. Stars Robert MontRom- ery; features Blwnrd Arnold. Ucglnnid Owen, Edmund Gwenn. Directed by lllcli- ard Thorpe. .Screenplay by Iiesscr Samuels, .from story by Charles dc Grandeourt and Ono Fowler: adapted from book by I^rock Wllllnm!); camera, nay June: editor. Frank .Sullivan. Previewed nt AVeslwoo<l Vlllaso, Dec. HO. MO. Kunnlng time: 85 SIIX.S. ■Silky Kllniount Itobert Montgomery 't)ti\y Kamsey Kdward Arnold Ci-i-i'a."e Gonwell lleKlnald Owen MonKcy Kdmunil Owenn Hodwoovl i;. v.. I'live Gciald Kilmount Itonald Sinclair Maureen Kilmount Normti \'anlen T.oril ('hancellor Hulllwell Hohbes neadins Clerk : Ian Wult Judson Peior Godfrey Guide ; Hilly Uevnn gomery goes to England to collect his estate. Slow pioccduic of Bri- tish law, and final realization that he cannot sell his heritage, is a blow to the mobster. But while he i.-: suc- cumbing to the tradition.-; of hi.<:.po.'!i- tion as lord and ma.<tcr of his es- tates and tenant.'!, Montgomoiy di.<- covcrs that the liono.-:t iii!>n_".o trusted, Arnold, has scuttled his Chi- cago entcrpricc for porsonal rcvciiKC. Gone berserk, MontgDiiicry shoots Arnold, and is tiled and convicted for murder before hi.'! pcer.'i in tlie House of Lords. But he w.ilks cotir- ageously to the scaffold to uphold tradition Of his rank. Montgomery, in handlmg the t:tle role turns in a fine performance, although it seems in many spots he endeavors to carry over the moronic grimaces and expres.<;;ons from his characterization in 'Night Mu.st Fall. This is particularly true in the ear y Chicago sequences, where he should have been a definitely suave and dominating character. Montgomery also essays a frequent cackle which could have been eliminated. Edward Arnold, as the hone.st law- yer who stood a prison stretch on a frame during prohibition, provides a substantial supporting characteriza- tion, and adds much to the picture's strength. Edmund Gwenn is neatly jrooved as Montgomery's English sutler and counsellor. Balance of support is excellently set up. Picture has a neat mixture of com- edy and dramatic suspense in the first half, but gets into heavy trag- edy when the Earl, who finally catches audience sympathy through his interest and sympathy for his tenants and traditions of his family, commits murder and finally faces the death penally. It's an unusual twist in dramatic motivation, far off the beaten path of accepted formula. The trial in the House of Lords i.= dramatic in its presentation, and .still brief enough to prevent sagging of pace at an important .stage of the picture. Setting for the trial is im- pressive and true to tradition and procedure. Photography by Ray June is of exceptional merit, and .set ' Miniature Reviews 'Invisible Stripes' (WB). George Raft in top grade underworld melodrama. Good biz for gen- eral audiences. ■The Earl of Chicago' (M-G). Rdbort Montgomery offei.: in- triguing charac'er portrayal for class trade; limited general b.o. •Of Mice and Men' (Roach- UAV Excellent production ot Steinbeck's vivid drama. Cinch for critical praise aiid b.o. ■Amazing Mr. WIliiBms' (Col). Comedy cops and robbers, Mel- vyn Douglas and Joan Blondell starred, able to stand alone. ■NotUi Sea Pstrel' (Alii). British-made thriller about spies and His Majesty's navy. Bad entertainment ■SUrs trook Down' (GN of England). Filmed from A. J. ■ Cronin novel, looks like B. O. in Britain and America. ■Money to Burn' (Rep). Latest in the Higgins family series. Okay for duals. takes place on the San Joaquin v.illey barley ranch. George and Lennic catch on as hands. Former's strange wardship ot the half-wit poS' scMcd of Herculean strength is never quite cxvilained—in fact he wonders himself "just \Vhy. George keeps Lennie close to hiiri always—con- tinuallv fearful that the simpleton will kill someone with his brute _ power. The pair plan to buy a small . Arthur Todd is on ranch of their own, where Lennic can raifc rabbits, when disaster .strikes. Lennie crushes life out of the wife of the rancher's son, and rather, than turn his pal over to the law, George kills him before arrival of the posse. Despite the lack of boxoffice names '-in'''lhe cast setup, the players have their 1, - .• .• - I respective assignments. Burges.s w...k1 i iiiford castles carry_authentic mounting. . I |;f^?^Sith is capital as George, and ' Jr. dominates through Ed Brophy, handcufTcd to him and bound for a 40-ycar stretch, and they CO dancing. Brophy bllnd-dntes with Joan's roommate, Ruth Donnelly, who spears a number of the laughs with her dance floor conduct, It all lends to n near break, which wins for Douglas iin assignment to make ui) as a decoy (a woman)/ to set himself as bail for a., dejicnernte fcmmc .slugger who is terrorizing the city. Female impersonation makes liim the butt of plenty of ribbing. Last ca.se concerns John Wray, a parolee, who appears to have com- mitted murder and robbery, but who Douglas is conviireed is innocent. In helping him escape, the dick gets on the wrong side ot the law,, which gives the camera n chance to ring in some of Hollywood's favo back- ground, a hossniCc. wlici-e the Ulm winds up. Closer is a good gag, Mi.ss Blondell made a deputy the day of her marriage, and when about to fold up for the wcddih>^ m.-fht, she ditches her husband to follow a po- lice siren. Brophy makes good work of his short term under the lens, and bites out a giggle with nearly every line. Donald MacBride goes into the dumb cop routine and explores ii for every possibility, and Clarence K;ilb, the bo.ss of the homicide squad, is nifty. MLss Blondell is longer on S4t. than she has been in any of her recent films. Gowning, low cii:s and volup- tuous accenlers give her plenty of charm, and she turns on the evo and lip aplenty when there's call for warmth. Alexander Hall's direction is okay, and the pace of the film i:i. main- tained throughout with a minimum of dead space. Ciimcra work of the b'itor side, The Stars Look Down (BRITISH-MADE) London, Dec. 15. arnml NnllonnI piodui-tlon and relouss Slars .Michael Uinlitrnvo, Morcaret Lockl wood, lOnilyn Wllllums, DIroi'ted by Carol Heed. SiTOiMiplay by J. U. Williams- Miliiptcd fr«n\ novel by A. J. Crnnin- I'liiumi. »lul7. fireoiilm<im. At Pnmbridk'e lulon. ItiinnlMK time: lOt .MINN. too. Screcnplav is brfirht. at h.-nds of Sy Bartletl. Dwi.nhf T.-ylor and Richard Maibaum. Ban. NORTH SEA PATROL (BRITISH-MADE) June is 01 exceptional mcrn.ana .set- ; «v<-ellentlv selected for tings of English cpuntryslde^and been ^exccllen^^^^^^^^ .Milan.' ' tores ■trn- Richard Thorpe's direction is workmanlike from every angle, keeping the picture moving at a steady pace, despite several sidelight detours of brief footage that might have detracted attention from the main line if they had been more ex- tended. "The Earl of Chicago* is the first productional effort in Hollywood for Metro, by Victor Saville. who pro- duced "The Citadel' and 'Goodbye, Mr. Chips' in London. This is Sa- viUe's second trip to Hollywood— first occured 10 years ago when he made one feature for Tiffany. OF MICE AND MEN Hollywood, Dec. 23. UDlted Artists release of T.iewis Milestone production for Hnl Hoach:' nstwciale pro- ducer, FYank Ross. Features llurgess Meredith, Betty Field. I.nn Chaney. Jr. Directed by Lewis Mlle.iione, .■!er<-»rnplay by Eugene Solow; adapted from ptnite piny produced by Sam H. >larrls: siuKed by OeoTso S. Eaufraan; play and novel by John Steinbeck: camera. N'orl»ert RroiUne: ■paclal effects, Roy SeawriRht: ediioi\ Hert Jordan. At Four SUr, Dec. '3'J. Itun- nlns Ume: IM MINS. George Burgess Meredith Mae Brtly Fii'ld Lennie.. I.on I'haney. Jr. Slim.. Charles Blvkford CaitdT Itoninn Unhnen Curley,. • Uob Steele Wblt..... Noah Beery. Jr. Jackson tisrar O'shea t^laon CranviUe llutes Crooka -I.eirh Whippcr Susie Helen Lynd Lon Chaney, out with a fine portrayal of the childlike giant. Betty Field is the sexy wife who encourages approaches from the ranch workers; Bob Steele is her jealous and hard hitting husband; Charles Bickford is the mulcskinner. Slim; Roman Bohnen is Candy, and Noah Beery, Jr. is Whit. Leigh Whipper, from the original Broad- way cast, handles his stage role of Crooks, the Negro helper forced to live in the barn. Film script has Lennie continually hankering for rabbits—rather than mice. Given a puppy by; Slim, the half-wit's mania for stroking soft fur is successfully established. His inno- cent crushing of life from the pup is indicated through shot over a stall board in which his reaction is only shown. This handling of what was a powerful punch in the play, achieves its purpose for picture audiences without being too graphic for general consumption. Milestone has exercised skill in re- taining the poignant and dramatic motivations of Steinbeck's work. His deft direction provides one of the best production achievements of the season, despite the simplicity of background and settings. Despite the slow pace, and large amount of dialog, picture, maintains constant interest. Production has background of medium-sized barley ranch of the mid-California valley, and although moderately set up with both interiors "and exteriors, it carries the authentic ring. Milestone judiciously refrained from attempting to inject sweeping panoramas of harvesting in the fields, and maintains the intimacy of char- acters and drama of the stage play. lui-llon :iti<l reloaso. Ken Totini*. .l".'.v Kolly, John Kvans. I'h-rh'il by Nor- "iiliiav. clli.'iii.i ':»»-y: rvom |i!a\-. •l.Mtk i.r llw N:iV-.v.' l.v .'li:'. i li ."or.1 .Mills: ."iimia. \V:ill.r llirvi-y: lilli'r Walter .>!tokvis: liir.l.ir c.r iirmli'ili"i\ Walter ('. .Myn.iri. A:' ('■iili-.il. X. V. Dec 2S '3^. <hlal. l:onohiv time: SB MINS. Commnnder ('live Stanton ['yiillila Mnyl'rldjie l.lcuteniMit ri'f'l ! Suli.-l.lvul. WiaB i:.lin... I S'liali.s j Toiuklns (\ nimandi-r I'l-ii-in .\dmlral .Mayl.il.l:;. .Ill- David Konwlek..,. Jenny Sunley .too Oowlan '.. .Martha Konwlrk... Itobert Fenwii-k Uiebard narnui.. . .Stanley MIllinKton.. Laura MIllinKton... Harry Nucent. M.I*, IoKK«r* Gnwlan... Wept Mi's. Sunley IhiEhle Kenvilfk Arthur ItarrMH Mldmol Redgrave .Margaret Lockwood Kmlyn Wllllima Noncy Prlee Edward Itlitby Allan JeaycB Cecil Parker Linden Travira Milton Rosmer llenrge Carney Ivor Hornard .Olgn LIndo Desmond Tester. David Mtu-kliam Mrs. MnyhrL'ti- )nm MayhriilKe. 'ol. Suvaroff. ... Anna SuvnroPf... Mrs. Kance nrlKgs Francois .Nlilllc Cook. Crump.' ' "The Earl of Chicago' was. origi- nally planned by Metro as a British 'production last summer but outbreak . of the war chased Robert Mont- fornery and others of the contingent aek to Hollywood for the making. Story, which reports state Mont- gomery persuaded the studio to pur- chase after he made 'Night Must Fall,' is decidedly unusual in texture —a comedy drama up to a point, and then a sudden swing into ironic tragedy. As was the case with 'Night Must Fall,' it carries a psychopathic tone which is present, but not too ap- par^, until the latter portion of the tale.l At the boxoffice, 'Earl of Chi- cago' will enjoy a spotty reception. For audiences looking for the un- usual in screen far€, picture will be thoroughly enjoyable. Critics will also point to it with confidence that the producers can turn out the type of pictures they have been request- ing, but for general appeal, patrons will generate mixed reactions. The plot, in introducing Mont- gomery as a former Chicago boot- legger gone straight in the le^it liquor biz, has numerous surprise twists. Montgomery, allergic to guns, tax raps and double-crossing aS' sociates, is sought out as the missing heir to 'the Earldom of Gorley. Taking . along Edward Arnold, sup- posedly' an honest lawyer, Mont' Amazing Mr. Williams Columbia production and releane. Stars .Melvyn Dougloa. Joan Blondell. Directed hy Ale!;:inder Hail. Story, Sy nnrtlett prr*icniii:iy. Dwight Taylor, Sy Bnrtlott, llii-haril Mnibanm; camera. .Arthur Todd :rroy Tonne .Jody Kelly lilfor.l VXnns J. tin Wood ... .Mlicrt nurdon \lf Oodd.trd Konry t]ycar . . . 'rdlnunil ITiS'itn l>.0"ls Hare ..|i:i|iline i:ai:1:in Kenneth K"nt .. ;irKnnrHe .Mien n|i;a I.lod.o .... I.e.^ll.' PiM'rin'.s I'r:ink l-'itx . IM:ii)a lli'ntinionl Joan l-'ii >l l':nmey .ijiurcn<>e Kllrhin "The Stars Look Down' is a visual education on local mining. A pic- tiirization of a subject long an un- comfortable wedge in the English so- cial-political scheme, 'Stars' would merit laurels alon^ for a faithful and gripping treatment. But film goes for more; it is a splendid dramatic portrait of those who burrow for the black diamond in England's north- land. It is a tragedy of the best. Di- rection is of class standing and pic- ture is mounted with exactness of detail and technique. Criticism from outside England may be from the. standpoint ot its treatment, but it must be remem- bered the problem and the people (jcalt with are intrinsically English, and consequently the production is based correspondingly. Picture's chances as b.o. are aces here, but it might be militated against by war and the present laughter trend. But in United States its excellent stand- ard should reach adequate apprecia- tion, and the 'Citadel' prestige of its author will help considerably. Adopted from A. J. Cronin's novel of the minihg town from where two sons seek different roads to succe.ss, one returning to foster misery, the other to fight on for its alleviation, film unrolls at steady pace a wealth of dramatic incident. There are some gaps where treat- ment is not on par with dramatic .■situation. The Emlyn Williams pari, the focal point of the tragedy, is un- der-developed, but Director Carol Reed has guided well a cast that exacts the utmost generally. ■ Michael Redgrave, as son of the strike-leader; Williams, a ne-er-do- well. and Margaret Lockwood. as a slut, share the starring honor. Jolo. John Steinbeck's 'Of Mice and Men' reaches the screen after note- worthy success in both novel and play form. It should repeat its b.o. as a picture. Under skillful tlirec- torial guidance of Lewis Milestone, the picture retains all of the force- ful and poignant drama of the author's original, in presenting the strange palship and eventual tragedy of the two California ranch itiner- ants. In transferring the story to the screen, scripter Eugene Solow elimi- nated the strong language and forth- right profanity of- the book and play. Despite this requirement for • the Hays whitewash squad. Solow and I editm-. vioi:i L:>wrenc«; music, m. v Milestone retain all of the virility of , n|;'l;'um;^'Rn'MiNS the piece in its original form. | Kenny wiiiiam's..'...' Melvyn DoukIos The picture is a close adaptation of | .Ma.\ine (.'arrnii. .Tam nioniii-ii the Steinbeck play, with wider lati-, ^"":'''V.;' '^','!'' tude allowed by film technique ac-;■■^• ■V.-'- rKd iC^^^^^ centuating the dramatic factoM and , uixier'.' ■...'....Donaili Maenriiie increasing somewhat the pace of the ' urwer. Don Bediine story. Critics and class audience will ^.'•'O'?'" Jonaiimn iiaic give it top rate attention; while the '^'»"'«»'""■"^ strange quality of appeal wrapped up in the dramatic tragedy through excellent presentation of characters and situations—combined with wide discussion of Lennie's mou!;e-crush- ing episode in the play—will catch profitable audiences to turn in a good account of itself at the boxoffice. Milestone, in producing and direct- ing the film version of Steinbeck's work,. declined to tinker with the leisurely-paced, stirringly dramatic details ot the original. Result is a close translation of the author's piece in film form, and a most sincere job of expert screen craftsmanship. . Picture's opening is novel, quickly introducing George and Lennie eluding a sheriff's posse and hopping a freight. Then the credits come on, with a box car side for back|>round. In one brief sequence. Milestone establishes his premise—George and Lennie get into trouble frequently, and George looks after his pal. As,in the play, all of the action 'Amazing Mr. Williams' won't do big biz, but it's a picture to make no enemies for film entertainment. It's cops-and-robbers, with a comedy ro- mance stealing the interest, making nice enough fare to stand alone in many cases. Melvyn Douglas and Joan Blondell provide catchy cellu- loid billing. Douglas is one of those slick cops who uses his noodle instead of his knuckles. Result is that he's a clever mystery untangler, but • very poor in his girl friend's, .eyes as a romancer. He'll unwind from a breath-taking clinch at the sounii of a siren, and the screenplay sees to it that the siren pipes up often. All very exasperating to Miss Blondell, who tries to catch. him between cases and get him legally and matri- monially hog-tied, but it's no good. Comedy sessions are liberally sprinkled in the film. To keep a date with her, Douglas takes along If 'North Sea Patrol' is a sample of the kind of pictures the war is going to bring, the non-combatant nations, as well as the belligerents, are going to-suffer. Opus was pro- duced in England, but it must all have been a dirty plot by German spies, for it certainly doesn't reflect much credit on Britannia. Similarly tilled picture was pro- duced in England in 1927, likewise adapted from Mrs. Clifford Mills' play, .'Luck of the Navy.' According to 'Varict^'s flies, it drew just about the .sourest review that ever gave a producer apoplexy. Well, the yarn has been altered considerably for this remake, but the opinion still stands. According to the dope, the picture was made shortly before the out- break of war. It was obviously aimed to cash in on the growing ten- sion of t)iat period and, with current headlines playing up the w.irf.nre at .sea. is likely to stir .some marquee intere.st now. Picture itself will beat 'em into insensibility, however, and the pre.ss and word-of-mouth will be brutal. Although it contains a few striking shots of battleships at sea, the film is almost entirely a melodrama about espionage and a villainous plot to land an invading army on the shores of England. 'The .scurrilous spies invade an admiral's household in the guise of servants, but the Rover Boy young naval commander and the ad- miral's daughter .save His Majesty's navy and the Empire in just about the most incredible .sequence of events ever conceived by a propa- ganda ministry. They might cut the picture down to just the shots of the .ships, carefully eliminating the pain- fully phoney battle at the end and particularly retaining the views of anti-aircraft defense. That would provide about 10 minutes of vividly interesting film. But the rest is ob- vious, extraneous and dull. Direc- tion and acting are worthy of a 1905 stock company. Hobe. Money To Burn Ueiiulillc relenso of fius Melna product Ian; direi'ictl by .Meiii.s, l-'eaiui'ea tlio Qleooona. .Screenplay. Joi'k Townley, from hie and Taylor Oavi>n*s oi'Ifriniil; editor, William Morgan; camera. Krnesl Miller; juUBical director, Cy Fcucr. rrvviewed In Projec- tion Room, N. v., Der. :.'S, MP. Running lime: £» MINS. JoA' Higgins James Glenson Lll Higgins Lucllo Gleason Sidney Higgins Kussell Oloadon Grandpa Harry Davunporl Itetty HIcRlna Lola nopxlff Tommy HIgglne Tommy Ryan Mr. Ellis .Thurcton Hall Mrs. Davie Winifred Horrls 11111 Douglai Melna Irving.. Liu'ien Llttleneld Mr. Dover Herbert Rawllnson Thorne Jack Itlce Drown Andrew Tombes Mlsa ntta Gladys Blake ..Jean Fenwlck Miss Murphy.., This latest in the Higgins family series is mildly amusing dual fare that'll click especially in the nabes. Some of its humor is questionable, and so's the story, but with the Gleasons—Jimmy, Lucile and Rus- sell, their son—heading the cast, the fllm has a good selling point for the family time, for which this series is aimed. Yarn has a familiar ring, concern- ing the trials and tribulations of the Higginses as they particularly affecl the head of the household, played by' Jimmy Gleason. The guy's always getting it in the neck in the series, so this pic creates no surprise on that score. This time mom has the con- test bug. Pop works for an adver- tising agency handling a $50,000 dog biscuit contest, and therein hinges the story, the meddling little lady learning, after buying out the town's bi.scuit supply in order to get the lucky coupon, that she's ineligible because of her husband's affiliation with the account. Of course, no uJe could be more siniple. but then agiln no one is more simple than Lil Hig- gins. Gleason, of course, carries most of the pic, with Mrs. Gleason, as Lll, doing well enough. Russell Gleason, Lois Ranson and Tommy Ryan, as the young Higginses, and Harry Davenport, as grandpa, particularly the latter, do well in support. Hicks, Zukor Sailing John W. Hicks, Jr., head of Par- amount's foreign department sails on an extended tour of Latin-American countries, Jan. 12. Adolph Zukor, chairman of Par's board of directors, and his wife, will accompany him on the trip. First stop will be Panama. Contemplated tour by Paramount executives probably will last 10 .weeks or po.ssibly until the last of April. Le Chasseur de Chez Maxim's ('Chec Maxim's Doorman') (FRENCH-MADE) . Paris, Dec. 18. Gray Films rclea.ie of Stella Troduetlon. Stars Dnch; features Uoger Trevllle, Gene- vieve Calllx, Mnrccl Cnrpontltr. nirecied by Maurice Wolf; atory and dialog by Yvea Miranda and Guatave tjulnson. At Max Linder and Cncsnr, I'arls. Itumiing time. W MINH: The adventures of Julien, doorman at Chez Maxim's, famed Paris land- mark, is an old favorite with French pic and legit audiences. The present rerhake is the best in the series and should enjoy a long, successful run in the capital's neighborhood show- 'o(Continued on page 42)