Variety (Nov 1941)

24 FILM REVIEWS Wednesday, NoTember 5, 1941 Shorts Quality on the Upbeat in Oct; Subs for 2d Features; Others NSG By MIKE WEAB ; ShorU continued, with a few eX' ceptions, on the qualit? upbeat duT' ing October. It became evident that there Is heightened development of stories, projection of them and all- round salability of ahort features product This leaves it largely a matter of the distribution department taking advantage of this betterment to cash in with e^ihibitors rather than continuing to sell for a dime a dozen. Evidencing a trend towards using shorts with No. 1 features, to sup- plant the usual secondary feature films, several exhibitors and circuits took advantage of this product im- provement Both Warner Bros, and Universal possibly are outstanding examples of this, former's 'Minstrel Days,' with Al Jolson and Eddie Can- tor, being teamed with 'Sgt York' over the BKO metropolitan .N. Y. circuit in place of a second feature. Sunning time Qf the feature, well over two hours, plus obvious appeal of the 2t)-minute minstrel musical, made this an ideal combo, llie short also was used similarly with 'York' Qt the N. Y. Strand and Brooklyn Paramount It also was spotted with TTarget for Tonight" at the Globe. Universal's two-reel band-cel6brity briefle, 'Skyline Serenade,' headlining Ted Flo Blto's band, was teamed with 'Appointment for Love' at the Byrd and State theatres, Richmond, ya. Ted Lewis' Is Everybody Happy?' another In this series, was the backer-upper on a solo feature bill at Keith's in Washington, D. C. 'Don Wlnslow of' the Navy,' XTs new serial, was plugged as the top feature (though only > the first chap- ter was shown_) at the Granby, Nor- folk, Va., by Manager Earl West- brook. He advertised 'Married Bach- elor' as the isupporting feature. COLOMBIA 'Will Encland Be Invadedr (Inter- national Forum No. 2; 11 mins.).— Unbiased, sensible analysis of ques- tion now In public limellflht. With Major George Finding Elliot, mili- tary expert; Wythe Williams and Linton Wells, also noted on foreign affairs, and Balph Ingersoll, N. Y. editor, summarizing situation, pa- trons get a rare short METRO Trlomph Wlthont Drams' (Carey Wilson Miniature; 11 mins.).—For- merly titled •Watchdog of Nation,' this is as well .'directed, written and acted as some features ' except in length. Compact tribute to Harvey Wiley, soldier-scientist who mide canned food safe to eat in.U.S. Shows how he traced source of poisoning in Spanish-American war, finally halt- ing unsafe practice with the Pure Food and Drug Act TUeker Memories' (Pete Smith Specialty;.8 mins.).—Wooden panto- mime, of early silent films era furnish rack on which Pete Smith hangs his bright chatter.. Silent picture foot- age has ibeen employed In like man- ner before, but hardly with as ludi- crous results. Surefire appeal height- ented by brevity. The Teil-lUe Heart' (New Minia- ture; 19 mins.)—Edgar Allan Poe's study of a killer's struggle with his conscience with. soundhlghlighted. Two reels center about a brutal master of Poe's era who's finally slain by his long brow-beaten apprentice. MulTlea bealinK of his victim's heart heard oMglnally just before death, roars up with different intonation in yAuth's ears until finally betraying nim to sheriff. Producers use this heart-beat sound to visualize the kill- er's conscience. Sound effects make this mfniature, and It's superi}. An- other unusual short from this pro- ducer. PABAHODNT 'How to Take a Vacation.' (Robert Benchley comedy; 10 mins.)—An- other of Benchley's humorous satires on modern-day foibles. This time it's separate vacations for the .husband afid wife, male going on a camping trip where he Is unable to sUep, loses to Indian ^ide at poker, de- tests the food and finds rain has washed out plans for fishing. A-1 comedy, and rare credit to Les Roush, eastern shorts producer and director. 'Bedda Hopper's Hollywood.' (Fea- turing Kay Kyser and William S.' Hartf 10 mins.)—New series likely clickeroo if this Is any criterion. Aside from shrewd choice of ma- terial, Hedda Hopper's present CBS radio show will whet natrons' appe- tites. A personality by herself, she's youngish-looking vet of many films. Treatment of Bill Hart silent screen western hero; a typical Hollywood parly for mothers; Palm Springs circus week and Kyser's College of Musical Knowledge all okay. 'Beaqty and Beach.' (Headliners series, with Johnny Long, orch; 10 mins.)—Picturesque setting of-Jones Beach,' Long Island, N. Y., back- grounds music of Johnny Long and vocalists Bob Huston, Helen Young and Sunshine trio.. Fact that part of backgrounding takes in New York's lovelier models and swimming beau- ties is a lift for usual band routining. Exhibs won't go wrong on this, BKO 'Dog Obedience.' (Frederic Ullman Sports Short; 9 mins.)—Doc owners under tutelage of Bert 'Turnquist take pets to school and learn art of becoming master. Steps used in get- ting dogs to recognize their name, master's voice, commands and scent discrimination nicely depicted. Workman-like scripting by Phil Reisman, Jr., a big help. Okay be- cause of vast appeal to thousands of dog lovers. Xend a Paw.' (Walt Disney Mickey Mouse-Pluto; 8 mins.) — Original quirks plus heavy quota of belly- laughs sets this up' as swell enter- tainment Concerns Pluto's jealousy over a black kitten that usurps his Sositlon in ' Mickey's household, lever cartooning depicts smaller Plutos, first as his Good Self and then as Bad; first one advising in sanctimonious .tones and Satanic one in gangster Intonations. It's the first time Pluto speaks but the conflict be- tween the angelic copy of the dog and the satanlc one makes this jell. 'DoBoId'i Camera.' (Disney Donald Duck cartoon; 7 mins.)—Donald Duck, persuaded that he should not shoot the wild animals on his hunt- ing trip, takes a camera to 'shoot' the feathered creatures. He finally abandons the Idea when' they give him a rough nmaround and wreck his kodak. Action here overcomes sameness of story development WARNER BROS. At the Stroke of Twelve.' (Broad- way Brevity; 20 mins.)—This Damon Runyon story packs the wallop of a streamlined feature—a sure bet for any exhibitor trying to duck double features In. favor of a shorts pro- gram lineup. Crisply written, ably directed and enacted, this melodra- matic whodunit is short short story that'll fit any biU. Craig Stevens, EUisabeth Risdon, Knox Manning and Ben Welden are worthy of fea- ture billing. Story of youthful gang- ster who decides to go straight is snared by circumstantial evidence and goes free because of faith of a mother (dubbed the 'old Doll' in the story) carries more appeal than many programmers'. 'Robinson Crnsoe, Jr.' (Looney Tune Cartoon; 7 mins.)—Porky Pig, as effective as ever without color, grabbing laughs in episodical tropi- cal adventure fantasy. Crusoe story modernized, 'with quaint touches helping. ' The Bag Parade.' (Merrie Melodle Cartoon; 7 mins.)—Uproarious and Ingedious burlesque on scientific ai^lysls of wld^-knoWn insects. Itll keep average patrons rolling' when the different species of bugdom spld in typical Amerlcanese. Some- thing for the booker's winter book. UNIVEBSAL ■Don Wlnslow °ot the Navy.'. (First chapter, In 12-chapter serial, featur- ing Don Terry, Anne Nagel, Claire Dodd; based on newspaper cartoon strip; 29% mins.)-With present in- ter^ In America's na'vy and ready- made audience create by c|all7 newspaper strip, this new serial pos- sesses superb exploitation possibili- ties. Producers have given it a first- rate cast and production values. First chapter concerning a submarine cap- tain who's ordered by the Scorpion to blast a boat carrying 'workers foi' a U. S. naval base hints more plaus- IblUty than usual In this serial. Opening shots of big battlewagons in battle maneuvers are authentic. Yarn quickly plunges into the Intelligence service activities of Don Wlnslow, with usual gunplay. Don Terry in title role Is okay, and not too heroic Claire Dodd and Anne Nagel are the femme Interest as nurses. Support includes John Lltel, Wade Boteler, Herbert Rawlinson, Lane Chandler and Robert Barron. 'Skyline Serenade.' (Personality- Name Band Musical, with Ted Fio- Rlto's orchestra and others; 16 mins.) T-Chockful of musical entertainment this is a sturdy entry for any prO' gram. Ted Flo Rito and his orcneS' tra are neatly paced, backgrounding and then offering several of their ace numbers, toppmg off with a slick interpretation of Tschaikowsiky's now w.k. 'Concerto.' Last used as a climax, packs a wallop with Flo Rlto's superb Ivory tickling. King's Men also cllcko In two songs while Candy Candido, Jupe .Haver and Allen Cole also vocal. Igor and Poggl, twirling baUroomologlsts, head torp artists. Inestla offers a fiery Spanish c^stinet conceit while Ruth Daye Is a tapstering whirlwind. 'What's Ceokln'7' (Walt Lantz color cartoon; .7 mins.)—Woody Woodpecker decides to .'stay north when the other birds go south. His battle with old man starvation is as actlonful as original. Coloring, sound and fantastic effects plus the wood' pecker's peculiar voice make It among series' best Month't Also-Rans Trial of Bnooaneers- (U). (Camera Trip series; 9 mins.)—Lukewarm. Nice photography and sound script- ing submerged by meandering story and sing-songy narration. IHan's Best Friend' (U). (Walt Lantz cartoon; 7 inins.)—Not much here with Snoozer, a' hunter's dog, doing little of Interest Thin. 'Plotore People^ "No. 2» (RKO)'. (Narrated by Helen Broderlck; 9 mins.)—Despite presence of . miiBy interesting Hollywood celebs, this is an insipid briefle; not helped by Miss Broderlck's superficial narra- tion. TU Fix It' (RKO). (Edgar Ken- nedy comedy; 17 mins.)—^Kennedy's familiar suffering fails to save film. Incredulous happenings recall two- reelers of distant past Punchlines are telegraphed. . Information Please' (RKO). (John Gunther, guest expert; 9 mins.). Tepid fare; least interesting In series for months. Many questions are over the heads of average auditor or too involved. Merely irritates audience mostly. Won't help series' status. ■ Inside Passage' (M-G). (Fltzpat- rlck Traveltalk; 9 mins.)—Alaska has been covered so often that this con' tains little novelty with camera work and narration below par. 'Helping Hands' (M-G). (Our Gang comedy; 11 mins.)—^Young- sters raise a kid army to help home defense.. Idea had possibilities but kids overact and whole thing is mighty absurd for adults. Snoker List' (M-G).- (Crime Does Not Pay series; 21 mins.)—^These melodramatic shorties appear drag- ging bottom on reasonable plot ma- terial. Unsavory angle of horse rac- ing, fake dope sheet machinations, done badly. Mlldlsh. ■World of Sound' (Col). (Cine- scope educational; 10 mins.)—Deal- ing with deafness and instruments used to remedy this ailment. Not entertainment and a subject that few patrons will appreciate.. Pretty bad. 'GaUnp PoU, No. 1' (Col). (Pano- ramic; 10 mins.)—As first' In what portends to be a series showing ac tivlties of Dr. George Gallup, this Is highly disappointing. Sound Is poorly dubbed, old newsreel clips mean little, and thin story wanders. Supposed TO plug GaUup methods, but it won't 'Perils of Jongle' CWB). (Broad- way Brevities; 20 mins.)—Attllio Gatti's Clongo jungle junket to cap- ture the fabulous Opaki. Too long and too much dubbing In of ne.wsreel and clips from other pictures. Nar- ration also weak. 'Water Sports' (WB). (Sports Parade; 10 mins.)—So much of this has been employed, innumerable times before even though this has color. Looks like kodachrome blown up from 16-millimeter. Surfboard stunts are okay but diving is familiar even though some In slpw motion Patter doesn't Impress. Film Reviews ; ConHnoed from page 8^ AGNOULA something else. I chase back to the' front of the house and I ask the manager is 'Agnoula' beginning or finishing and he says flnishing. U it's flnishing, when am I going to see it, And he comes back 'Soon it's be- ginning.' So I go back into the thea- tre and wait In due course the word 'Agnoula' flashes on the screen and I think I'm in. But my troubles are only beginning. 'Agnoula' Is a 100% dialog picture—Gr^ek dialog without superimposed English sub- titles. All I can make out is that 'Agnoula,' that's the heroine. Is suffering. From the flrst minute I spot that kisser I know the girl is gonna have trouble. She looks like somebody, had just stabbed her In the rumble-seat with a long hatpin. Her face Is all screwed up and her lips almost purple with anguish. Boy how she must have suffered. She'd just been arrested, after a brawl in a cabaret and the story Is being told to the police sergeant with flashbacks. It all started with a Mardl Gras festival in .Athens, when Agnoula was young and gay and innocent On the night of the carni- val two wolves call on Agnoula and her girl friends. They go on a party, Agnoula absorbs too much 'sham-pa- nya' and ostensibly spends the night with one of the wolves. The next day. Agnoula's father, mustache and "all, welcomes the errant daughter with Greek dialog and elaborate gestures which can mean only one thing In any language, to wit: 'Leave my house and never darken this door again.' At this stage I am suffering as much if not more than 'Agnoula.' Mostly I'm wondering where I'm going to get a list of credits. So I chase up front again and I say" to the manager, 'Would you mind telling me fhe names of the players and who di- rected the picture.' He says it's all on the program. I look at him for a minute, then I say, very politely and persuasively, 'But those words and letters are all in Greek.' With that ha becomes uppity and says. This is a Greek picture for Greek people.' At the same time he edges away from me cautiously in case I have a time-bomb in my pocket chase after him and tackle him again on the two-yard line. 'Can't you tell me where this picture was made?' And he says, 'Maybe Athens, maybe Alexandria.' ^ 'Where'd you get this picture? 'Who sold it to you?' I insist And he says, 'A coupla Greek boys.' So go look for a couple of Greek boys. I see I am getting no- where fast so I go back to see how 'Agnoula' has been getting on and sure enough she's now in a worse mass than ever before. She's married to a playboy, has a two-year-old son is being propositioned by her pa-in- law, and is on the point of being abandoned by her weakling husband. Under those circumstances I don't blame her a bit for climbing to the top of the highest mountain over- looking Athens with the commend- able purpose of jumping down and bringing the picture to a quick close. But no, she changes her mind and by the tiiiie the husband'begs for a reconciliation the picture has been running 135 minutes. On the way out I see the manager standing in the doorway and in a last hopeless attempt I say, 'You are sure you haveirt got the names of the players In English alphabet.' 'Names,' he says, 'names—sure I got names. Not -the^ director, the..camera man, the producer, but a few names of players I can always give you.' So here's a few names—Fofo Georgopoulou, Peter Calogeropoulos, Costas Mous- sourls, Manos Phlllppides, Marlka Raftopoulou, Nitsa Vltsiorl, N. Nico- lopoulos, and AUki, who plays the title role. Don't ask me more^—it's still all Greek to me. Mori. En Sjoman Till Hast ('A Sailor on Horsebaok') SWEDISH-MADE (With Songs) Bcandla Films nloaw of Europa-Fllm producUon. Stars Edwon) Poisaon; fca- tares ICorl-Arne Holmsten, Ella Chrlfltlanfi- son, Blvin OttosQii, Directed by Emil A. Pebrsson. Original and screenplay by Ed- ward Feraaon, Ted Berthels, Henry Blch- ter; songs, Alvar Kraft, Soeron Anpelln. At 48 Street. N. T., week Oct. 2S. '-11. Run- ning time. lOS MINS. Laaa's -Borg Edward Persson Karl O. Bmmberv.. • .Karl-Amo Holmsten Von Berger. Elvin Ottosen Urs. von 'BerKer. '. Olga Andersaon Paula von Berger Ella Christlaneson Bengt von Kronsvard 'Pelle BJorkman The tAwyer Ivar Kage Ulna Bullan Woljden The Farmworlcer'B Wife MIm Persson The Footman Ernst Malmqulst (In Swedish; toith English Titles) Produced in Sweden about four montiis ago, 'A Sailor on Horsfback' shapes up as possibly the strongest comedy to reach these shores from the Stockholm studios. Despite its unusual length, film is a natural for Swedlsh-lajuuage cinemas and could be trimmed sufficiently to fit in numerous arty sure-seaters. Present running time of one hour and 45 minutes is overboard for such spots. Edward Persson, rated as funniest screen comedian by Swedish audi- ences, makesT this production tick. Basically ifa.'a creaky vehicle con- cerning the long-mlsslng heir who turns up i)t time to prevent a con- niving claimant from unjustly taking possession of a big estate. Taking this basic plot the roly-poly Persson manages to sustain one laugh episode after another and foment an ex- citing cllmaxi. Story shows Persson as Lasse Borg, sailor and cook, saving him- self and Karl, the Unsuspecting heir to the estate, from a shipwreck. They accidentally wander onto the estate in question where the contriv- ing claimant, hoping that the real heir never appears, is living. He hires the two stranded sailors to im- personate the missing heir and his secretary. Then, it actually develops that Karl is the Karl Bramberg, rightful owner of the vast property. There's a deer hunt which is an exciting bit heightened by Persson's ludicrous manhandling of a massive white steed. Traveling camera views of Swedish landscape and points of Interest comprise nice travelog ma- teriel, but they're out of place for a feature. Also the early shipwreck sequence is strung but too long. Persson, who reminds one of the late John Bunny, makes nearly every scene in which ne figures a delight. He helped in film's scripting, there- by making the story flt his own par- ticular comedy.maneuvers. Persson also sings three unbilled songs— typical Swedish tunes—and clicks nicely with a passably good voice. Karl-Ame Holmsten, as Karl, the missing count, goes over nicely in the-romantic lead opposite EUa Chrlstlansson, who makes an at- tractive love Interest. Elvln Otto- sen is the conniving nobleman who hopes to gain possession of vthe estate. Remaining cast la standard and good. Wear. Schwaber's Newie Annapolis, Md., Nov. 4. Milton Schwaber, owner of the Lindeii, deluxe nabe in Baltimore, will erect 700;seat subsequent run house here. Gentleman From Dixie (WITH BONOS) Ilonognm rsleasa <X Edward Flnnsy pro- duotlon. etan Jaak La Ru» and Harlan -Harsh; features Mary Rutli, Robert Ket- lard, Clarence Huie Bingers. Directed br Al Heiman. Original story and screenpbu', Fred Uyton; camera, Uarcel Le Plcard! editor, Pred Balo. At New York, N. T., dual, week Oct. 38, '41. Running time, ei «iNB. Thad Terrlll Jack La Rue Margaret Uarlnn Mntsh Jupe , Clarence Mues Betty J6an Mary Ruth Lance Robert Kellard Brawley John Holland Warden Herbert Rawlinson Announcer Joe HomiWKlex Aunt Epple...; Lillian Randolph KIrklnnd \. Stanford Jolley Secietaiy.„,.,. Phyllis D-irrr Fashioned mainly for subsequent runs, this unexciting meller will land only on lower rung of dual setups. Story attempts to maka Jack La Rue a hero after years of villainous roles, with ~ unhappy re- suits, it fings in too much singing by Clarence Muse and his colored warblers. But above all, 'Gentle- man from Dixie' creaks with its stuffy story unfoldment Plot theme takes the familiar re- generated prison inmate angle and depicts his successful return to so- ciety through the' medium of han- dling racehorses. Idea of having the ex-prisoner win the affection of his brother's little daughter, whila working a reconciliation between the tot and her mother as he metes out justice to the man who railroaded him to the big house, is good. But the way it is carried out is ex- tremely dolefuL La Rue wrestles manfully with the hero part but he appears out of place. Dialog handed him doesn't help. Marian Marsh, as his brother's wife, has an unsympathetic role and doesn't help it by her stilted man- nerisnis. Robert Kellard, th* brother. Is awkward and over-en- thusiastic. Mary Ruth, as the tot is satisfac- tory. Clarence Muse sings well and offers snatches of comedy relief. Entire action, which is meagre enough, is slowed down continu^ly by his group of warblers. Wear. La Hora de Las Sorpresa* CSnrprlse Hour') (ABOENTINE-MADE) (With Songs) N Buenos Aires, Oct. 26. Balroa production and relenae. Stnt« Roslta Moreno. Esteban Sermdor; feature* Pedro Quartuccl. Marcos Caplan, Juanlta 9uJo, Hector Calcagno, Consuelo Abad, Heotor Hendez, SInal & Carlos Castro, Leucona Cuban BAys; stoiy, Erwln Qelsey and HarT7 Clark, adapted by Antonio Botta. Directed by Daniel TInayre. Al Breadwny, Buenos Aires.. Running timet SO allNS. May be. a bit premature to judge, but 'Hora de las Sorpresas' ('Sur- prise Hours'), second pic to coma from the newly-opened Balres stu- dio, doesn't help- prove that inter- American talent cooperation In mak- ing Latin releases Is likely to spawn anything out of the ordinary. Pos- sibly the advance expectations gave this one two strikes before tha ijreem. This and the na'oiral A'rgen- Ine tendency to snipe at highly- touted Imports may account for soma of the scalllons. Nevertheless, 'Hora* Is an abQve-average ArgenUne-mada and backed by the publicity organi- zation of Crltlca, leading B. A. after- noon dally owned by the Botano family, backer of Balres, it should ba a b.o. click. Hands across the border angle comes from the fact that the story Is by two U. S. writers, Erwln Gel- sey pd Harry Clark, and the star Is Roslta Moreno, who rates here as a U. S. screen figure, although Mexl- can-bom. Director Daniel Tinayre Is^ French; further complicating the international roundup is the U. S. §holographic director, Paul Perry, tory, adapted by Antonio Botta, drew a blast of criticism from some local typewriters, while others felt it was the best part of the pic. Miss Moreno drew bouquets from all sides, however, for a natural, ani- mated performance plus excellent terplng, unusual on the local screen. Esteban Scrrador, who plays the male lead, also handling some of tha songs, comes off far lower than sec- ond best. Part of this is due to the bad sound recording, which fre- quently made the opening-night au- dience wince. Poor sound also hin- ders the Lecuona Boys, crack conga- rhumba outfit Marcos Caplan and Juantta Suio In supoorttng roles grab off posies. Story is about a rich gal who mqkes a bet with her fiance that she can get on a radio program. She's thrown for a loss when she shows up in fine furs and feathers; thereupon she decides to pose as a poor gal with a crippled father and ailing mother who was once a vaude star. Radio conductor falls for the gag, gives her a part in the program, but she repents at last moment and the deception Is revealed ,by her fiance. Film has four revue numbers with severdl regional songs by Francisco Balaguer, pounded out by the Lecuo- nas. Some of these seem carelessly worked in, but others, especially an old-time carnival incident, stand out Settings are above average and show unusual effort by Lopez Na- gulL Photography generally good.