Variety (Sep 1940)

18 FILM REVIEWS UBIETY Wednesday, September 4, 19*10 The Howards of Virginia | Dr. Kildare Goes Home Columbia relcano of Frank Ijloyd proiluo- tloii; (llret-tcd by Lloyd; Jack U. Sklrbull, tiHSiDOInlo producpr. Stura Oary (.irant ntnl Warlha SVolt; fonturos Sir Cedrlc llnnl- wlcko, Alftn MarHhal nnil KIcharil C';irl.«oM. i?<-re>enpliiy by Sidney niu-hman, fnini ibe novel "Tbo Tree of Llborty,' by HUzabcib I'iiKo; Hcoro, lllchanl Ilairenian; cMmcni, Hort 01','nnon; editor, I'aul AVeatherway; nsslstnnt tllrcotor, WUllam Tumniel. I'rc- vlcwert at tho Astor. N. T., Aub. '4(1. llunnInK tinio. 116 MINS. ^tiilt Howard Criry Grant Jane Peyton Howard Martha sjcoll Kloetwood Peyton.., .Sir Cedric HftrihvlcUe Hoffer Peyton Alan Marshal ThomoB JefCevson..., Richard (Tarlson <''aptaln Jabez Alien Paul Kelly Tom Norton Irvlnp Jlaron Aunt C.larlRsa Elizabeth Hisdon Mrs. Norton , ...Ann llevi^ve .Tame.s Howarfl ftt 10 Richard Alden l'»-yton Howard at 18 Phil Taylor Wary Howard at 17 Rlla Qtil^ley I>lrey I>ibhy 'i'nyldr ratrlck Henry Richard Caine."! George Washington. GeorRo Hou.^ton Prologue James Howard., Ralph Ryrd Matt Howard at J2 Dickie .Tones Tonr Jefferson at 11 Rustcr Phplp.<< Uncle Reuben.,,,', W'nde Uotflor Ru.s.T.n Howard JIary KIpIcI Colonel Jefferson R. Wella Oordon Wr, Douglas .Charles I'^rancls Hollywood, Aug. 28. Mi'tro-Oiildwyn-AIaycr production and re- lp«.>.-p. li'ealurea l.pw Ayrr.q an>l Lionel H.irrymore. Directed by Harold S. Buc- (iupt. Si-reenplay by Harry Jliiskfn and Willis (roldbP<'k. bii.sPd on orlfc-lnal Btory bv Max Urand and Wllll.i iJoldbock; inmei.-i, Harolil RosS'm; editor, Howard O'.N'elll. I'revlPWOd at "VVcstwood VIllaBC, Auk. 1!", '40, Running time: 7» MINS. Dr. .Tames ICIldare T.pw Ayres Dr. Leonard (jmB.-iple Lionel Marry more Mary Lamont Ijiralne Day Dr. .''lephen Kildare .Samuel .S. Illnd.i (tPorRfi Wlnslow iJpne Lockhart l>r, Davidson John .<«heUon Wa\'man....' Xiil lYndlPton Mr.x. Martha Kildare Knima Dunn Molly Mvnl Alma Kruper Dr. Wttltcr Curew Walter KInsstord .N'ur?e I'arker Nell Craig Dr. .Tordan ("oUin.s., .lolncr. t'onover Mr. Hnnvnlpp..- Mr.M. Brownlee,. i Ualp.o .Sally ■ ■ Atkln,«on ("liff DanlelKon ,.. Henry Wad.sworlb Tom t'lollln.s Georifp >r, Ilepil Donald HrlKtr.s Lenna MarU'le Arclilp TwItrhPlI Marlp make . .Charle.s Trowbridge 'Dr. Kildare Goes Home' will raise the popularity of the series a few notches with theatre patrons gener- . ally. It's good entertainment of ... * -u i- * « - * i upper-bracket program rating, and As his contribution to the group of , ^^^-^ ^^^^■^ ^ g^o^jly share of too- higher cost and potentially higher j dualer slots, especially in the family grossing films for the new fall .sea"* houses, .o„, Frank Uoyd has produced 'The 1llS,%s 'ElenlSS Howards of Virginia,' a Colonial' ^essful in the series' predecessors, period melodrama dealing with j There's the strong affection between events leading up to and through the ; ^he^ sincere y^J^^^.J^^'^'^^j.^'^^^^Z^^^' Revolutionary War, starring the re- liable Gary Grant and the newcomer, Martha Scott, It is an elaborate, ex- pensive plctur^, replete with the production niceties and human-inter- est touches which distingui.sh the Lloyd output. Its principal concern, however, is about British oppression of the early }ntGrneship"lo"bVcome an -ac and the irascible diagnostician, I Lionel Barrymore. Romance is con- I tinued between Ayres and nurse Laraine Day, while the yarn talces ! the principal.s to Ayres' home town j to present both a^ medical crisis and I mild propaganda for socialized medi-. , cine in a small community. Story prescription is lifjlxed well to provide ! palatable entertainment, i Ayres graduates from his hospital Miniature Reviews •The Howards of Vlrfflnla* (Col), Class Frank Lloyd pro- duction of Revolutionary "War period is an untimely theme against current events. 'Dr. Kildare Goes Home' (M-G). Top program entertain- ment for general audiences, 'Areenllne Ni8:hts' (U), Ritz Bros, and Andrews Sisters head- line broad comedy with music. Good programmer. *I Want a Divorce' (Par). Joan Blondell and Dick Powell In marital comedy-drama. Will get nominal adult b.o. 'Ladies Must Live' (WB), Wayne Morris and Rosemary Lane in so-so dualer. 'Stranger on Uie Third Floor' (RKO). Murder myster which even Peter Lorre fails to save. Dualers only. 'Colorado' (Rep). Disappoint- ing Roy Rogers starrer. Dick.son, little Mickey Kuhn, Dorothy Burgess and Louise Beaveif knt] strength to the supporting cast, Sid- ney Blackmer is a slick divorce law- yer. Ralph Murphy does a good job of directing, providing excellent timin? of the comedy sequences, Frank Butler's script is snappily dialoged. Paramount acquired right? to the title from the radio program of the same name, but otherwise there's .no resemblance between the two. WdiL American colonies, and the conse- quent uprising against tyranny. Coming to the public at the moment ■when current world events are draw- ing England and America into an in- ternational embrace of friendship and brotherly love, based on closest M.D., and then is appointed assistant to Barrymore on the hospital staff. Move will serve two purposes of scripters for future releases of the I series. It retains the strong com- ; bination of Ayres and Barrymore, and will allow the pair* to expand their field on medical research and accomplishments beyond the walls mutual interests, it would be diff i-j of the hospital which has been the cult to find a theme more out of tune •with present emotions. A lobby display poster of Patrick Henry shouting for liberty or death in. protest against British foreign policy stupidities doesn't jibe With' page-one news of united military hemisphere protection against Hitler. Somewhere in the philosophic back- ground of the picture there may be a parallel for patriotic contemplation, but it is never visible. 'The How- ards of Virginia' is propjtganda in reverse English, a piece of baffling showmanship and an exhibitors' box- office problem.. As a film entertainment it is well above average in quality of produc- tion, acting and the mechanical ac- coutrements. Much of the action takes place in Virginia's early capi- tal, Williamsburg, and Lloyd made major location up to this picture. Ayres, Barrymore and Miss Day continue their excellent character- izations of the princinals. Gene Lockhart provides a strong portrayal as the rural merchant whose life Is saved by Ayres' diagnosis, and treat- ment. Familiar members of the Kil- dare supporting cast back again in- clude Samuel S, Hinds, Nat Pendle- ton, Emma Dunn, Alma Kruger, Walter Kingsford and Nell Craig. Direction by Harold S. Bucquet is smooth throughout, and neatly blends the dramatic and human fac- tors of the story with timely comedy I interludes. Walt. ARGENTINE NIGHTS (WITH SONGS) Hollywood, Aug. 30. T'niversal release of Ken Goldsmith pro- duction, ."^lars Rllz Bros, and Andrew.s ^..^j^ ,L^^^^ SIster.s. Features Constance Moore, George many of the scenes in the recon- R^^^^.^^^/Ky . i. J 1 11 -i •i.i. •!. • 4. re<'iea by Albert S. Rogell. .Screenplay by Structed Colonial city, with its inter- Arthur T. Horman, Ray Golden and Sid esting buildings, wallcs and common. Kuller; original by J. Robert Brcn and Important debates are pictured in r.nms Atwater; camera. Elwood Ilredell; 4.K« TTni<o/> ryp •a^-.'^nnr.^^^ fi« editor, Frank Gross; as.st, director. Joseph the House of Burgesses, and the fic- ] a. McDonough, Song-s, .sammy. cahn, tional characters move easily in the saui chapiin, sid Kuiier, Ray Golden, Hni company of the historically great, I Borne, Don Raye, Hughie Prince, Vic such as Thomas Jefferson and Patrick ! 1^^\"^"\,,l''^llr^L "'ti.S.. ^Ime m Tr Trn- i- i _ i. i- . 1>.A.. Aug. Ju, 40, Running time, 7* Henry. The photography through- mins, out is excellent, and Richard Hage .start out, and broke on arrival, the aggregation clicks to save the hotel of a couple swindled by a confidence operator. On this framework is con- structed a series of gags and musical numbers that dovetail fairly well, Peggy Moran and Anne Nagel, al- though getting featured billing, are briefly seen as members of the band. Al Rogell directs capably, despite obvious handicaps of combining all of the elements and talent provided at the takeoff. Script material as concocted by Arthur Norman, Ray Golden and Sid Kuller is decidedly hokey in many .spots, but it's of suf- ficient broadness to create laughs among the general audiences in more or less volume. Walt, I WANT A DIVORCE Hollywood, Aug. 31. Paramount release of George Arthur pro- duction.' .Slar.s .loan Blondell and Diok Powell; features Gloria Dickson. Frank Fay, .}e.«isle Ralph. ConraO Nagel. Directed by Ralph Murphy. Screenplay by Frank Butler, based on alory by .\dela Rogers St, John: camera. 'I'ed TelzlafT; editor, LeRoy .Stone: asst. director. George Templeton. Prevrowpd at I'aramount, A., Aug. 30, '40. Running time, «3 .^IINS, Geraldlne (.Terry) Brokaw Joan Blondell Alan MacNftlly Dick Powell Wanda Holland. (Jlorla Dickson Jeff Gllman Frank Fay Grandma Brokaw Jessie Ralph Grandpa Brokaw Harry Davenport David liolland, .Sr ("onrad Nagel David Holland. Jr MIrkoy Kuhn 'Peppy' Gllmnn Dorothy Burgess FJr.sklne Brandon Sidney Blackmer Selectine Louise Beavers LADIES MUST LIVE (WITH SONGS) Warner Bros, production and releusf. Features Wayne Morris. Itoscjnury Lane. Iloscoe Karns, Lee I'atrlok. Georicf Rreves. Directed by Noel Smith. Screenpliiy, lldlii-it B. Kent from play by George M. <\iluin; camera, Tod McCord; dialog. Harry .'^ej- iTKiur; editor, lOverelt I>odd. At Variety. Lincoln, Aug. 'Si, '40, dual. Running; time. 08 MINS. Lako Wayne Muril.« Pat RtiHomaiv l..aiip I'ete ,....R()Scoe Karns Alary..., Lee Pulrlck George (it-orge Jleevos Halllday l-Vrrls Tavlor Mrs. Halllday Lottie Williams Barton DeWolt Hopper Thunderblrd ClifT Sinnri Tommy.. , Hillv Dawson I.pttle .Mildred Gover Chorus.Girls Dana Dale. JllUlred (.'ole.i COLORADO (WITH SONGS) RcDUbllo release of Joseph Kane produp- ti<>i). Directed by Kane. Featuru.t liny Hogf^rs and Oeorgo 'Gabby' Utiyes. .Screen. |)lay, Loula Stevens and Harrison J:ic<i)in. ramora. Jack Maria; odltor, Kdwaril Mann* mutilcal director, Cy Feuer; aong, VHtr TIniurln. Rovlowed In Projection noi.m N. y., Aug, 80, •40. Running time. « ?M J N H, .lorry Burke , Roy Roctvii <'alrby Georg* 'Gabby' Huvc, I.Alah Santord Paulino ,\I«,„-k Captain Mason Mllburn sune ti"" Maude Kburn» .Mm Macklln / Arthur I>nft Wraver Ual fallaferre i^'im Vestor PpKir .Sheriff Hnrklns Fred Burns Sanford Lloyd ingrahHin A-rube-on-Biroadway business this, and not very well done, with all diie respects to ,the ability of George M. Cohan, who authored the original play from which 'Ladies Mu.st Live' was taken. Writing department seems to have had trouble making up it.s mind, and the story is so gnawed by the time it;gets around the hour mark it folds up in its own miseries. It's a remake. It starts off with Wayne Morri.« giving every evidence of being a country dope, and then throws him into a dress suit and night clubs, per- fectly at home, still a dope. Rose- mary Lane, a chirper of the les.ser White Way niteries, turns into very pliable rubber at the sight of a mil- lionaire's bankroll, and, after giving the gold-digger biz the works, she turns out very respectable, and won't accept a thing under a $40,000 neck- lace. George Reeves, her brother, a personality kid with big talk, gets hired by Morris, no question."; asked, for fifteen grand a year, and Miss Lane's father, Ferris Taylor, gives him 200 grand on a can opener he's patented. Then everybody turns out legit in the end—which is tent riep writing at its best and/or wor.'--t." Rosemary Lane sings two songs, and looks her best while doing them. They lare 'I Could Make You Care' and 'It Shows You What Love Can Do.' Art There's a possibility of understand- ing how two different film companie.s can turn out similar stories, but there's no explanation sufficiently I valid for Republic's coincidental re- lease, within a period of several weeks, of two yarns dealing with the same theme. 'Wagons Westward' is a western re- leased recently by Republic and per- taining to two brothers on opposite sides of the fence; this time it's 'Colo- rado,' featuring Roy Rogers and George 'Gabby* Hayes, and like 'Wagons,' when Chester Morris was detailed to capture his crooked twin brother, Rogers in 'Colorado' must bring in his frere, who had been treasonous to the Union cause dur- ing the secessionist conflict. The co- incidence is startling even as to the romance, where the righteous brother wins the gal from his less discrimi- nating f rater. Direction and acting have been handled none too steadily, with Rog- ers being notably in abisentia wherein his thesping is concerned. Joseph Kane's direction, despite the 57-min- ute running time of the picture, hasn't overcome a lagging tendency,; George 'Gabby' Hayes, Milburn Stone and Maude Eburne handle their roles as well as can be expect- ed under the unfavorable circum- stances, while Pauline Moore, a new- comer, as the romance, is much too fictitious in her mannerisms. Even Rogers' tenoring won't save this one. Schenck Airs In . Continued from pace 2. man's musical score shows careful; research and expert timing. | Plot is the fanuliar domestic con- flict between the youth of rugged backwoods upbringing and the dam- i sel of high city breeding who join to battle the frontier dangers and sub- ' due its opportunities. Story is bnsed i on 'The Tree of Liberty,' by Eliza-1 beth Page. I In the hero role. Grant give.s a .M, Hiirry, Jimmy The RIlz Brothers Maxene, Patty, La Verne The Andrews tSlster."! Bonnie Brooks ('onstance Moore Hduardo George Reeves Peggy Peggy Moran l.iinija Anne Nagel Carol Kathryn Adams .Mama VIejos Ferlke Boros I'apa Clejos Paul Porcasl Teaming the Ritz Bros, and An- drews Sisters in a mad melange of . . comedic situations that swing to robust, convincing performance and j broad slapstick and burlesque—with carries the action at a rapid and ab-1 a liberal sprinkling of eight song sorbmg pace through the first half of I numbers — Universal presents a the film. So long as the intercut is strong program attraction that will centered on him and Miss Scott diir- give a good account of itself at the ing their frontier experiences, the wickets. Film debut of Andrews film has freshness, charm and a cer- I Sisters will catch many of the trio's tain boisterous humor, both in situa- ] platter following, and provides tion and character. The dull .stretch-, chance for exploitation to add to the- es are the historical passage.s, the i atre gros.ses. re-hash of the Stamp Act riots, and I rr.^ Rif7P«! nrnvidp nlpntv of ^° '."^^^"'^ . horseplay and broad antics in their Sidney Biochman, the scenarist, n re-1 crazy romp through the piece, but ?*ih! w*=^«nH'i? ste^r clear^ in the main f?om their !ri ci^MW^^^^^^^^ t old and familiar routines to handle acters are smothered, under march-! 0^,^ g^g material provided by '^1J2?T'^' l^J':t^'^'\.''°^r'^^, \ the scripterlShe typical Ritz mug^- debates and privations of Valley Forge, This is Miss Scott's second major role in the past two months, and it's a striking contrast to the heroine in 'Our Town.' She has youth, look.s and a potent sense of comedy in her favor. She gives a good perform- ance in a role that has many artifi- cial handicaps. Others in the cast have rather static parts. Sir Cedric Hardwicke Is a deadpan villain, Alan .Marshal gives nothing to a ne'er-do-well, and Richard Carlson makes Thomas Jef- fer.son a supnorting player in events which he fashioned and directed. Lesser but satisfying bits are nlayed by Elizabeth Risdon, Paul Kelly and Irving Bacon. Exhibitors -who have this one on their list might do well to start their campaigns far in advance of play- dates. FLin. ging, popeyeing and gestures are here,.but greatly subdued compared to past film appearances. Added are several topnotch comedy episodes that are basic laugh-getters includ- ing their masquerade of the Andrews Sisters singing a number, and busi- ness with a four-foot sandwich loaf aboard ship. The Andrews girls sing and swing three tunes, 'Oh, He Loves Me,' 'Rhumboogie,' and 'Hit the Road' in their typical rhythmelodic style. The frer^s Ritz handle two comedy tunes, 'Spirit of 77-B,' and 'Brooklynonga'; Constance Moore sings two, 'Once Upon a Dream,' and 'Hall of the Mountain Queen,' and newcomer George Reeves leads a gaucho chorus for 'Amigo, We Go Riding Tsonight.' Story is only an excuse -on which to hang the adventures of the Ritz Bros.' expedition with a girl band .to the Argentine. Broke when thiey 'I Want a Divorce' covers practi- cally all phases of the divorce prob- lem in a drama that carries preach- ment against the legal cutting of marital ties. Interwoven is some neatly concocted and easily recog- nized man-and-wife relations—start- ing with the 'budding romance and running through the early marriage years to a nearly fatal separation crisis. Picture is an above-average pro- 'grammer that will groove for nomi- nal biz as bill-topper where starring combo of Joan Blondell and Dick Powell can serve as marquee attrac- tors. Subject-matter will also catch goodly share of women trade for added grosses. Overall, it's satisfac- tory entertainment for the adult trade, despite bump tempo in pace, and the sudden swing from light marital comedy in the middle to a rather tragic dramatic conclusion. 1 Story gets away to a slow start in I depicting the uncontested divorce of Gloria Dickson from Conrad Nagel, and the problem of their young son. Things speed up con.siderably when Miss Blondell and Powell fall in love, and marry on his meagre salary as a budding attorney. Frank Fay pro- vides the excuse for him to launch into the divorce field against his wife's wishes, and as prosperity reigns, the couple drift apart until faced with the inevitable .separation. I Some timely advice from grandma I (Jessie Ralph), and the tragic suicide of Mi.ss Dick.son after failing to con- .sum.mate a reconciliation with her husband, brings both hu.sband and wife to their senses. Picture i.s at its best in unfolding the domestic adventures of Miss Blondell and Powell, Comedy, in both situations and lines, is sponta- neous and effervescing, providing plenty of good humor for the adult trade. There's sufficient material on the light .side to overcome the strained dramatics of the start and finish. This is Dick Powell's first assign- ment in a non-singing role. He handles the straight role in capable fashion, displaying ability to carry both dramatic and comedy situations required by the characterization. Miss Blondell's talents as a come- dienne are spotlighted in an excep- tional performance of uniform ex- cellence. Frank Fay backs in for a new start in pictures that will roll along prof- itably. Cast as a fighting enthusiast and friend of the couple, he romps through a fine delineation that will catch the eyes of casting directors henceforth. Jessie Ralph and Harry Davenport are effective as the old couple who retain respect for old- fashioned marriage, providing many light moments. Conrad Nagel, Gloria Stranger on the 3rcl Floor RKO release ot Lee Marcus prodncllon. Features Peter Lorre, John McGulre. Mar- garet Talllchet. Charles Waldron. Dlrenltd by Boris Ingster. Story and screenplay by Frank Partes; mu.olc, Roy Webb; edll<ii, Harry Marker; camera, .VIcholaa Mu.mi- raca; special effects, Vernon L. Walker, At Rtalto. N. Y,. week Aug. 31, '40. Run- ning time, 67 MINS. Th« Stranger PPter Ixirre Michael John McGulre Jan« Margaret Tulllchtl District Attorney (^h.irles Waldron Joe Brlggs Kllsha Cook, Jr. Meng Charles Hallon Mrs. Kane Ethel Grlffle.= Martin Gllft Clark The Judge Oscar O'Rhea Defense Attorney Alec Cialg Police Surgeon Olto Hcffman They haven't done right by Peter Lorre in this picture. He's so sub- ordinated in the story that his char- acter amounts to a bit. Vehicle pro- vides a fair screen test for John Mc- Guire, unknown from N. Y., and Margaret Tallichet, but for the box- office it is extremely mild dual fare. It's a film too.arty for average audi- ences, and too humdrum for others. 'Stranger on the Third Floor,' which doubtlessly cost more than necessary for fancy camera effects, lighting and trick dubbing, still re- mains a desultory 'B.' Many of the street sets scream their artificiality. Coupled with these backgrounds are some equally phoney situatibn.s and stilted acting of the little theatre type. Yarn concerns a .stern new.spaper reporter whose testimony proves the circumstantial evidence that convicts an innocent man. The familiar arti- fice of placing the scribe in parallel plight, with the newspaperman ar- rested for two slayings and only clearing himself because of his sweetheart's persistent search for the real slayer, is used. Peter Lorre, cast as the maniacal murder, is not seen for nearly two reels. It is only in the final footage that he has much of anything to do. By that time, the picture has lost its momentum. Absence of action and humor is a further handicap, Lorre is superb in his characteriza- tion, but is so submerged that he will disappoint. McGuire, as the newspaperman, needs considerably more grooming with the RKO stock company while Miss Tallichet is only passable. Charles Waldron makes an acceptable d.a. while Elisha Cook, Jr., is satisfying in the role of the innocent man railroaded to jail, Ethel Grifftes and Charles Hal- ton provide excellent character parts. Boris Ingster's direction is too studied and, when original, lacks the flare to hold attention. Vernon Walker's special effects highlight several scenes. Wear. would be satisfied if they were kited a.«: high as the 'Boomtown' b.o. fig- ures. 'Raising prices is about the onl.y wa.v we can break even these days on the high-priced pictures,' he ssid. Sonrwriter The 20th-Fox head was acconv panied on the above-the-clouds flight by Irving Berlhi, who told the press he would remain in New York for the fall, and hinted a musical chow was on the way. Berlin spent only- four days on the West Coast before rushing back. He refused to drop a word about the show that he has In mind. Director Without trace of slung mud, Al- fred Hitchcock ambled off a stralo- liner at noon and at 2 p.m. went ; a creaking gangplank to a Canadian Colonial Airways liner last Wednes- day, He was in from California and out to Ottawa by way of Montreal for the Canadian premier of 'For- eign Correspondent'. He told re- porters he thought he had sufficient- ly answered the guy in London who nasly-cracked a few days ago about a certain roly-poly British director j now in Hollywood instead of being at home backing up the war effort. Reversing his props and wing.«, Hitchcock is back in Hollywood now and may already have begun the Carole Lombard reelage on 'Mr, snd Mr.s, Smith*. 'DuBarry' to Miami No longer 'DuBarry,' but quite un- mistakably still a lady judging from the stares of the male contingent at the airport, Ethel Merman botight ^ herself a ticket for Miami and .sailed j out on Eastern Air Lines early in j the week, leaving her starring role in the Bert Lahr show to her under- study. Among the hundreds of eager re.*:- ervationists at Lisbon, hopefuls awaiting passage to America on the Clipper ships, are Otto Strasser, German writer and arch-enemy of Hitler, and his brother, Bernard, a Benedictine monk. Helen Jepson, injured in an auto- mobile accident in California shortly after landing. there in an American Airliner Mercury came close to missing her plane at this end. She was knocking over a small cup of coffee in the first-floor restaurant of the Administration building at de- parture time, and not until she was paged over the loudspeakets did she realize how late it was. June Preisser and her former partner-sister, Cherry (now . Mry. David Hopkins, d.-i.-l. of Harry Hop- kins) were visiting firemen at the airport Friday.