Variety (Sep 1941)

FILM REVIEWS Wednesday, September 24, 1941 You'll Never Get Rich (MUSICAL) Hollywood, Sept. 19. Columbia rele.ifo of .Suniiiel BI»clioft pro- duction. Slam i'l-ed Astiiire, Klla K«y- voilh; rcniures Holjc.l Hi'nchley, John HuUbnr.1. Ulrei-lcd by ."^lUney Uindflil. OrlglnnI wrocnpliiy by Mlrhnel Fosslcr snd Ernosl PuRono; mnsn by Colo Poiior. Com- «rii Phillip Tnnnurn: cilUor. Olto Moyer; ass't Olrcclor, Geno Anilorsoii; ^dnnrcs. Robert Alton: music director. II. W. ato- loff Prcvlowivl ,Tt .Moxnnili'r. Glenrtnle, Sciit l.S, '41. RunnInK lime. *' MIN.'i. .R,iiir>rl Curtis VnA Astnlro Shiilii WInthrop »lta Hnywortjl ■r..m Uiirton J'*" Hublinrd .Vurlln Corllnnd Holjfrt llenchloy Konya -O"" Mnsnon yi\f. CorllanS rrl,-d;i IniMrort Kowple UlRln Guinn WlUlnnis Top Sentennt DonulJ Macllrlde Swivel Tongue Cllrt .S'aznrro Aunt Louise Mnrjorlc n.ili-Hon Sir." Dnrton Ann Shoemaker Colonel Shlllcr Doyd Dnvla 'You'll Never Get Rich' is a lightly- texluret], compactly-packaged, song and dance comedy in tune with cur- rent audience requirements. Mar- quee voltage *f starring combo of Fred AsUire and Rita Hayworth plus . entertainment factors generated, make the picture a profitable A at- traction for all bookings. Picture provides Astaire with a new dancirig partner, Miss Hayworth clicking solidly in her several num- bers with Astaire. Columbia has the two stars tied up for another pitch on the 1941-42 program, which will be to the company's advantage. As- taire, providing six dancing appear- ance—three solo and, same number with Miss Hayworth—holds his posi- tion as the films' top dance star. Fur- thermore, his light and personable handling of the top role again dem- onstrates ability to depend entirely on dancing as his major accomplish- 'ment for films. Story has Astaire as stager of a musical show for producer Robert Benchley. Latter, in making a pitch for affections of Miss Hayworth, gets in a Jam with his wife, and has As- taire get him out of the predicament Girl, with a crush on Astaire, Is ^omewhat disillusioned by the pro- ceedings, and gives him the heave^ ho. When' Astaire is inducted into the selective service camp, Benchley makes a deal to conduct rehearsals And stage a show for the boys—in order to obtain services of Astaire In putting it on. There's plenty of serious and humorous by-play around the camp, with Astaire a permanent resident of the guardhouse, but it all works out when the show finally goes on and the couple'are married on the stage for the finale. Script by Michael Fessler and Ern- est Pagano is' studded with humorous lines and situations, .and despite a somewhat familiar ring it's all been sufficiently' refurbished by Sidney Lanfteld's direction to get over in good style. Lanfield keeps things moving consistently, and the song and dance routines are neatly spotted. Producer Samuel BischoS wisely held the production numbers down to sane background proportions, which, in the final result, show better on the' screen than super-elaborate set- tings. Astaire's solo numbers are performed in the camp guardhouse; while the final military wedding number of the show, with Astaire and Miss Hayworth backed by a large dance ensemble to finally emerge for a duo atop an army tank, is doubly effective, due to restraint in lavislmess. Songs by Cole Porter are adequate. Best of Porter's six are 'Since I Kissed My Baby Goodbye' and 'So Near and Yet So Far,' utilized for a song and dance duo by Astaire and Miss Hayworth. Miss Hayworth, of course, is no surprise to the trade as a dancer, but isn't known as such to the fans. As Rosita Cansino of the dancing Cansino family, she started as a terper, but as Rita Hayworth did little of that in films. Benchley's droll comedy and sparkling cracks add much to the en- tertainment factors. Cliff Nazarro catches attention with tiis double- talk, teamed with Guinn 'Williams as Astaire's buddies in camp. John Howard, Osa Massen, Donald Mac- Bride and Frieda Inescort are capa- ble support Novel presentation of opening title and Credits, comprising a series of roadside signs observed by Benchley, is one of the most original of its kind turned out in several years, and im- mediately arrests audience attention. Wolt ture is due for critical attention and strong women patronage in the key runs, to follow through for profit- able biz in the subsequent bookings with the adult trade. • Joan Fontaine equals her highly- rating performance in "Rebecca" as the pivotal factor in the tele, suc- cessfully transposing to the screen her innermost emotions and fears over the wastrel and apparently- murderous antics of her hus- band; Cary Grant, although gam- ing no sympathy in his role of the latter, turns in a sparkling charac- terization as the bounder who con- tinually discounts financial respon- sibilities and finally gets jammed over thefts from his employer. Ni- gel Bruce is outstanding in support, with Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Dame May Whitty, and Heather Angel capably handling respective cast as- signments. In switching tragic ending oi Francis lies' novel in favor of a happy finale, Hitchcock and his scripters devised a most inept and inconclusive windup that fails to measure up to""the dramatic inten- sity of preceding footage, and this doesn't reach the climax expected. In this respect, nicture structure is deficient and it is obvious that the writers endeavored to toss in the happy entling in a few hundred feet and let it go at that Unfolded in the leisurely pace that is characteristic of British cinematic story-telling technique, Hitchcock deftly displays the effect of occur- rences on the inner emotions of the wife. Protected girl of an English country manor. Miss Fontaine falls in love and elopes with Grant, an impecunious and happy-go-lucky in- dividual, who figured her family would amply provide for both of them. Deeply in love, she overlooks bis monetary irresponsibilities until discovery that he has stolen a large sum from an estate, and prosecu- tion and exposure looms. Burden of events finally develops mental at- titude that her husband would even commit murder to secure funds for repayment, and this suspicion is heightened when Grant's friend, Bruce, dies during visit to Paris— with the wife believing the husband responsible. Finally at the break- ing point of nervous tension, she be- lieves Grant would even stoop to poisoning her to secure insurance to repay his thefts. Finish, with sat- isfactorv explanations and happy re conciliation, replaces the tragic ending of the book. UncTer Hitchcock's guidance, piC' ture develops plenty of suspense and appeal to the women sector in dis- playing a wife's development of mental hysteria throueh burden of real or imagined criminal tendencies. Production is excellently mounted throuehout, with English settings and Harry Stradllng's photoeraphy of top grade. Watt. Riders of the Timberline (ONE SQNG) Paramount release of Harry Sherman production. Stars William Boyd; features Brad KIdk, Andy Clyde, J. Fairel Mo Donald, Eleanor Stewart, Anna Q. NlUson, Edward Keene, Hal Talllaferro and Victor Jory. Directed 'by Lesley Selander. Dnned on characters created by Clarence E. Mul- ford; story and adaptation, J. Denton Cheney; editor. Fred Feltshnns, Jr.; sone by Grace Hamilton and Jack Stem; pho- t'offmphy, Russell Harlan. Tradeshown in N. Y., Sept. le, "-tl. Running time: 68 3IIN8. Hopalong Casaldy William Boyd Johnny Nelson..... Brad King California Andy Clyde Kerrigan J. Parrel McDonnld Blaine Eleanor Stewart Donna Anna Q. Nllsson Tatos Edward Keene Petrle Hal Talllaferro .Slnde Tom Tyler Baptists Victor Jory Larry Ulckey Elssa Miniature Reviews SUSPICION Hollywood, Sept. 18. RKO production and release. Stars Cary Grant, Joan Fontaine; features Sir Cedric Hardwicke, Nigel Brace, Damo May Wlilt- «y. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Screen- play by Samson Raphaelson, Joai) Harrison and Alma Revllle, from novcli by Francis lies; camera, Harry Stmdllngi special er- fecta, Vernon L. Walker; editor, Wllllnro Hamilton; Ass't director, Dewey Starkey. Tradeshown In L. A. Sept. IT, 'il. Run sin gtlme, 102 MINS. Johnnie Cary Orant Llna Joan Fontaine Gen. McLaldlaw Sir Cedric Hardwicke Beaky... Mrs. McLaldlaw., Urs. Newsham... Ethel (maid) Isobel Sedbusk... Reggie Wetherby. .Nigel Bruce Dame May Whitty Isabel Jeans Heather Angel Aurlol Lee Reginald Shefneld Captain Uelbeck Leo O. Camll Alfred Hitchcock's trademarked cinematic development of suspense (ul drama, through mental emotions of the story principals, is vividly displayed In 'Suspicion,' a class pro- duction provided with excellence in direction, acting and moimting. Pic- Tou'U Never Get Bloh' (Col) (Musical). Fred Astaire and Rita Hayworth in solid musical for wide and profitable b.o. •Snsploion' (RK''). Excellent adult production to catch at- tention from critics and wpmen patronage. 'Kiders of tbe Timberline' (Par). This Hopalong Cassldy is In a timber country locale; good Bctioner. 'NUgara Falls' (Roach^UA). Second Hal Roach streamliner broad farce to catoh good share of dual support dating, 'Outlaws of the Desert' (Par). Hopalong Cassidy v/estern with an Arabian locale. Write your own tagline. 'Ellery Qneen and the Mur- der EIng' (Col). Another murder mystery unravelled to satisfy as dual supporter. ■The Lone Star Vigilantes' (Col) (Songs). Bill Elliott and Tex Ritter teamed In good ac- tioner for western audiences. 'Stick to Tour Guns' (Par). Hopalong Cassidy again exter- minates some rustlers. Okay for the juves. 'Secret of the Wastelands' (Par). Moderate blz-gettlng Hopalong Cassidy western. 'The Kid from Kapsas' (U) (Songs). Unexciting actloner for dual support in the secondaries. The Apache Kid' (Rep.) Poor western featuring Don 'Red' Barry. 'General Snvorov' (Artklno; Russian-made). Low-grade, talky propaganda film that even the arties won't relish. 'Wanderers West' (Mono). Boring Tom Keene western. Arabia. But It's the same old mesa mellerism. Duncan Renaldo is the sheik of tha desert, but take that bedsheet wrapper away and instead of a Bed- ouin you v« got one of the Three Mesquiteers, Republic's horse opera trio, of whom Renaldo was recently one. This time BIU Boyd (Hoppy^, still In the saddle, is deUiled to leave Hie U. S. to buy some Arabian steeds, backed by his two sidekicks, Andy Clyde and Brad King. Ac- companied by Forest Stanley, who has commissioned them for the job, they become involved in the Arabian desert with kidnapers. But justice always triumphs. Boyd performs in his standard, acceptable manner, aided by Clyde for the stereotyped comedy and King as the romantically' inclined aide, with Jean PhjUips the other half of the suggested romance. Lull Dcste, a Lamarrish siren-type, is. a looker and alone fits well into the Near East setting as one of the kid- nap plotters. Rest of the perform- ances run from fair to poor. Naka. Ellery Queen and The Murder Ring Hollywood, Sept 17. Columbia release of Larry Dnrmour pro- ducUon; associate producer, Rudolph Flo- ttiow. Features Ralph Bellamy, Margaret Lindsay. Directed by James Hogan. Screenplay by Brio Taylor and Gertrude Purccll; story by EUety Queen; camera, James S. Brown, Jr.; editor, Dwlght Cald- well; Asa"t director, Carl HIecke. Pre- viewed at La Relna, North Hollywood, Sept. in, "41. Running time. 70 .MINS. Ellery Queon > Ralph Bcllnmy NIkkl Porter Margaret Lindsay Inspector Queen Charley Grnpewin Miss Tracy Mono Darrle Page Paul Hurst Sergeant Velle James Burke Dr. Jsoney GeorKO Zucco Mrs. Stack.: Blanche Turka Thomas Tom Dugan John stack Leon Amen Alice stack Jean Femvick Dr. Williams Olln Howland Dr. Dunn Dennis Muore Miss Fox Charlotte Wynters Crothers Pierre WatUlns larly kind. Photography generally, however, is very good, and some of the montage shots excellent. A song for group singing, TTie Fighting 40,' is a very listenable choral number, sung twice by a group of lumberjacks. Char. NIAGARA FALLS Hollywood, Sept 20. United Artists release of-Hal Roach pro- duction. Features Morjorle Woodworth Tom Brown, ZaSu Pitts, Slim BummervIIle, Directed by Gonlon Douglas. Orlglna screenplay by Paul Gerara Smith. Hal Yates, Eugene Conrad; camera, Robert Plt-tack; pbotogrnphic eltects, Roy Sea- Wright; editor, Bert Jordan; Aas't director, Eddie MontRgne. Previewed at Alexander, Glendale, SepL Id, '41. Running time, 43 .MINS. Matgy Blake Horjorls Woodworth Tom Wilson Tom Brown Emmy Sawyer ZaSa Pitts Ssm Sawyer Slim Summervllle Potter Chester Clute State Trooper Edgar Doerlng Chock ..Ed Gargan Trlile Gladys Blake Head Walter Leon Belasco . - ( Rand Brooks Honeymooners it Margaret Roach Clerk Jack Rice Compact, actionful outdoors unit in the standard Hopalong Cassidy series, i>roduced by Harry Sherman, will enjoy a substantial following. This one is up to the higher-than- average standard maintained by the series. As a switch, William Boyd Is sent into lumber country, where he and his buddies thwart the plans of east- ern timber "interests to delay fulfill- ment of a contract so that they may take title to valuable log-producing territory. It's a little relief to find Boyd in a different setting with a story that has good pace and plot but the cowboy character is one that 'suits him better than that of a lum- berjack. A sock in the. jaw here and there, some mass fistic encoimters and shooting dot the action. Included is a free-for-all in a village street that provides excitement, but some of the boys on the losing end are clearly not trying. In the shooting also the aim is strictly to miss, this being particularlv true when hoodlums employed by the crooked lumber in- terests are trying to stop Boyd and Brad King at a dam they are about to blow up. Romantic interest Is played down, but Eleanor Stewart is a promising type if anyone ever wants to make more use of her. She plays the daughter of the lumberman who triumphs against those trying to play dirty tricks on him, Andy Clyde, a regular Boyd asso- ciate, delivers a fair comedy punch, while lessers include J. Farrel Mc- Donald, Edward Keene, Hal Tallia- ferro, 'Victor Jory and Anna Q. Nllsson. The vet Miss . Nllsson, as a camp cook, shows her years a lot, as the camera has not been particu- 'Niagara Falls' is the second of Hal Roach's "Streamlined Features' with abbreviated running timp to catch second spottings in the dual book- ings. A fast-paced farce, - with in- clusion of broad slapstick and gagged routines, picture clocks suflicient laughs to make it good supporting fare in the duals. Complications in a honeymoon hotel overlooking Niagara Falls are displayed with usual marital mixups and trimmings, with several bed- room episodes enlivening the pro- ceedings. Slim Summervllle, on honeymoon with ZaSu Pitts, has a penchant for sticking his nose in other pciople's affairs—and result carries through to toss Tom Brown and Marjorie Woodworth together in a room for the night and marriage windup. With Brown, Summervllle and Miss-Pitts carrying sufficient poster values for dual bookings, picture will garner a good share of playing time in the spots for which it is intended. Wolt. Outlaws of the Desert (ONE SONG) Paramount release of Harry Sherman production. Directed by Howard Brether- ton. Screenplay, J. Benton Cheney and Bernard McConvllIe, based on characters created by Clarence E. Mulford; camera, Russell Harlan; music director, Irvin Tal' hot; music, John. Leipold. Tradeshown In N. Y., Sept. 22, '41. Running time: 66 MINS. Hopalong Cnssldy Bill Boyd Johnny Nelson Brad King California Andy Clyde Charles Grant Forest Stanley Susan Grant Jean Phillips Mrs. Jane Grant 'Nina Gullbert Marie Karltzh Lull Deste NIckle Karltza Albert Morin Major '. George Woolsley ■Yussut ...George Lewis Sheik Suleiman Duncan Renaldo Faran El Kaker Joan Del V«l Sallm Mickey BIssa All Jamlel Hasson Maybe it was western Arabia the scripters were thiiiking about For Faramount's 'Outlaws of the Desert/ another In the Hopalong Cassidy series, has switched its locale from California's location spots to what one presumes to be tne deserts of obvious tumbles. Support includes Virginia (Carpenter, Luana Walters, Budd Buster, Forrest Taylor and Gavin Gordon. Walt. STICK TO YOUR GUNS (WITH SONGS) Paramount release of Harry Sherman production. Features William Boyd Brad King, Andy Clyde. Directed by Lesley Selander. Screenplay by J. Benton Cheney, based on characters created by Clarence E Mulford; camera, Russell Harlan; flini editor, Car^ll Lewis. Tradeftionn In N. v., SepL le, '41. Running time: ai MINS. ' Hopalong Casaldy William Boyd Johnny Nelson... Brad King California Andy Clyde June Jacqueline Holt Winters Henry Hall Buck Joe NYhltehnid Pronchy Bob Card Pete Jimmy Wnkely Skinny Johnny Pond Bow Wow Dick ninetinrt Tex Jack Smith Hw) Jack Trent Lanky ; Homer Holcomb Waffles ,Tom London Ed Mickey Elua And Jim Walfely Trio A moderately-budgeted whodunit,' with comedy trimmings, latest adven- ture of sleuth Ellery Queen will pro- vide good support for the secondary and family bookings. Latest adventure of Queen re- volves around a hospital and strange murders that are committed after the suave sleuth arrives to investi- gate most strange happenings. Of the three murders, the second two have been previously set up as sus- pects for the first killing. Ralph Bellamy wades through the cine- matic maze of typical whodunit for- mula,to finally narrow things down to the perpetrator. The adventure, with its sideline comedy byplay, is generally acceptable diverting fare. Paul Hurst and Tom Dugan are teamed as a couple of gangsters de- toiled to bump off hospital-endower, Blanche Yurka; and stick around the corridors and wards of the institu- tion for several rounds of broad comedy. Bellamy is okay as the sleuth; Margaret Lindsay satisfies as his girl friend and assistant; Charley Gfapewin is the police inspector; and. George ZUcco is the medical head of the hospital. Despite the whodunit meller as- pects necessary, scripters Eric Tay- lor and Gertrude Purcell have in- jected lightness in the comedy trim- mings. Direction by James P. Ho- gan clicks more with the comedy than with the mysterious elements, which further gets the tale off the regular groove. Walt The Lone Star Vigilantes (WITH SONGS) Hollywood, Sept 18. Columbia release of Leon Barshn pro- duction, stars Blir Ulllott, Tex Ritter. Di- rected by Wallace W. Fox. Original ecreen- play by LucI Ward; cameru, Benjamin Kline; editor, Mel Thorson; Ass't director, Milton Catttt, Previewed In studio pro- lectlon room Sept. IT, '41. Running time, SB MIM& Wild Bill HIckok Bill Elliott Tex Martin Tex Ritter Cannonball Frank Mitchell Shary Monroe Virginia Carpenter Morcla Banning Luana Walters Colonel Monroe Budd Buster Dr. Banning ■r... Forrest Taylor. Major Clark Covin Gordon Peabody Lowell Drew Ctuirllo (^bb Edmund Cobb Benson Ethan Laldlaw LIge Miller Rick Anderson 'Lone Star Vigilantes' is the best of the first three Bill Elliott-Tex Rit- ter western series. Full of action, aimed to satisfy western addicts, and with plenty of gim-pumping and heroics, picture Is a good entry in the western field for dating. Good western-type script accentu- ating action and excitement, com- bined with fast-paced direction by Wallace Fox, provides Elliott and Ritter with suflicient material to catch attention. Story is laid in post-Civil War Texas, with Elliott, Ritter and stooge Frank Mitehell re- turning from the Confederate army to find the populace under the rule of an outlaw gang headed by a phoney state police captain. Trio proceeds to expose the plot to ter- rorize the district—with plenty of gunplay and excitement engendered in the unfolding. ' Elliott Is most prominent for hero- ics in dealing with the imposters, while Ritter has his guitar handy to sing a couple of prairie ditties. Mit' chell catches a few laughs by his The Bar 20 boys ride again in this Hopalong Cassidy chapter; they' get the rustlers and all the kiddies who like shooting and excitement in cow- boy costume will be satisfied with this Harry Sherman production. This time one of the old Bar 20 boys, now an indie rancher, is hav- ing trouble with a big gang of rustlers. He sends wires to all his former pals enlisting their aid and all respond. Boyd and Andy Clyde come in from the rear, joining the rustlers by a ruse, while Brad King leads the rest of the posse in a ' frontal attack. Meanwhile blonde Jacqueline Holt, because her grand- pappy is an Inveterate rustler hunter, gets mixed into the posse and affords a romantic vis-a-vis for King. With the rustlers thus surrounded, it's no wonder they're all either well shot up or captured and, of course, Hopalong is again the hero of the cow pastures. Interspersed with all' the shooting, the Wakely Trio, plus King, harmonize some chants of the saddle as soothers in between the shellfire. No sense in completely shell-shocking the kiddies. Per usual, the acting is uniform for the series; ditto all the produc- tion assignments. Scho. Secret of the Wastelands Paramount relea.ie of Hnrry Sherman pro- 'ductlon. Directed by Derwin Abrahams. Screenplay, Gerald Geragbty; story. Bliss Lomnx; hosed on characters created by Clarence E. Mulford; camern, Russell Har- lan; music. Irvln Tslbot; score, John Leo- pold. Tradeshown In N. Y., Sept. 22, '4L Running time, 66 MINS. Hopalong Cassidy Bill Boyd Johnny Nelson Brad King California Andy Clyde Jennifer Kondall Barbara Britten .^alters Douglas Fowley Clay Elliott Keith Richards May Soong Soo Young Prof. BIrdsall Gordon Hart Prof. Stubbs Hal Price Day Ke« Leo Tung Foe Clanton Earl Gunn Holllstcr Ian McDonald Williams John Rowlings f^uan Richard Loo Yeng Roland Got SherllT Jack Rockwell . This Is a somewhat far-fetched Hopalong Cassidy western, - since there are apparently more Chinese in the pic than horse opera charac- ters. However, the somewhat orig- inal idea of Hoppy (Bill Boyd) sid- ing with an Orlentol group in the latter's fight against California land- grabbers should generally find pop- ular appeal. A somewhat questionable name for the leading Chinese character is May Soong (played by Soo Young). Soonc might be recalled as the fam- ily name of the famous Soong sis- ters, one of whom is Mme. Chiang Kai-Shek. At that however, its as- sociation with the film's character isn't too far amiss as far as the in- tent was concerned; she is apparently the saviour of a people seeking to rehabilitate themselves in the Cali- fornia valley. And, with Hoppy s aid, they're able to lay claim to the farming land. Tied up with the yarn is an archaeological expedition for which Hoppy is commissioned ai the leader. . Cassidy, Clyde and Brad King do well enough on performance, while Douglas Fowley is sufficiently vil- lainous. Miss Young looks enough like the wife of the Chinese general- issimo to command interest though her performance is outstanding in Itself in a role that demands, and gets, extreme simplicity. Nafta, The Kid From Kansas (WITH SONGS) HoUywood, Sept If. ITnlversal release of Ben Plvar produc- tion. Features Dick Foran, Andy Dovlne, Leo Carrlllo, Directed by William Nigh. Screenplay by Griffin Jay and David Sll- versteln; .original by Jay; camera, John W. Boyle; editor, Arthur Hilton. Pre- viewed In studio Projection Room, sept- IB, "41. Running time: 61 MINB. Kansas Dick Foran Pancho Leo Carrlllo Andy Andy Dcvlne Smitty Ann Dora" Cesar Francis McDonoM Walker James Seoy Linda Marcia Ralston Jamaica Nestor Palva Chlef>ot Police. Antonio Moreno York Loyland Hodgson Russell .• Wsde Boteler Maloney Guy U"*" The Kid from Kansas' is an action meller of lightweight proportions that will suffice as supporter in tne (Continued on page 18)