Variety (May 1942)

8 FlUi REVIEWS TTednesdaf, May 27, 1942 BAMBI REO nluw of WtSfVlMaty production. Suixrflglnff dinctor. Dtrti D. Hand; atory dlnctlon, Fare* Feare*. AdapUd by Larry Horty from atory by FMls •altcn; mnalo by Vtanx Cfionhlll, Edward Plumb, conducted AJaxasdar Stelnert. Havleivod tn pro- jection room. V. T., Hay 30, '42, Rnnnlns time. 70 MIN8. 'Bambl' constitutes Walt Disney's biggest achievement in the art of the animated film. It's gem-like In its reflection of the color and movement of sylvan plant and animal life. The transcription of nature in its mo- ments of turbulence and peace heighten the brilliance of the canvas. The story Is full of tenderness and the characters tickle the heart. "Bambi' flUs the eye with beauty but Its laugh and dramatic passages are limited, and little of either can be classed as sock stuff. A major Cell- ing job will have to be done on this film if it is to register better than average business. The selling problem suggests no easy solution. The character of Felix Salter's central figment, the princeling deer, is pleasant to contemplate but certainly not the sort to bring whoops of enthusiasm from either adolescents or adults. The score is delightful to- listen to but it doesn't offer a single sock commercial number. ' The item in 'Eiambi' that will undoubtedly serve as the springboard for the Subllc selling campaign Is Thtmiper, le rabbit. He's about the most lovable character in the whole Dis- ney gallery. Thumper steals the pic- t>ire. His human attributes are amaz- ing and the voice that is attached to him in the earlier sequences proves an admirable piece of casting. The Mds will rave about Thumper and regret that there wasn't much more of him In the picture. Another drawr ingboard character that's bound to Ingratiate Itself deeply is the owl. His is another choice sample of matching voice to human character- istics. The owl.gets his big inning in the 'Titterpated' bit Hie blend of humor and artistry in this bit makes It one of the outstanding sequences in the film. Kot a human figure appears throughout the narrauve. Itlan' in 'Bambi' is only the cuewo'rd for feaf, danger and flight 'Uan' in "Bambi' Is synonomous with destruction, death and sadness. It is from the in- trusion of man, the hunter, in the serenity of the virgin woodlands, that the drama of ''Bambi' rorings. In this story of Bambi, and his friends of the forest, the s{>an of the central character is from birth to the period In which he reaches bull buckhood. The episodes in between show him learning to adapt himself to his suir- roundlngs and to outwit 'Qie biped with the gun, falling in love, en«a- ing parenthood and finally taking his place beside his pioud iuul hoary father, prince of. the forest The dramatic highlights of Bambi's career stem from the death of his mother by gunshot (a scene of deep pathos), hlE fight to the death with another buck over the doe, Phylline, his de- tense of the latter from, an attack- ing pack of hunting dogs, and his flight through a forest fire. Tbit Interplay of color and move- ment makes theii; sharpest impress on the sensibilities during the se- quences depicting ' the advents, and passing of the various seasons. The ^ow and texture of the IMsney brush tcadi new heists; especially in the treatment o£ a summer thtrnderstdrm and a raging snowstorm. The forest fire Is also well done but it seems to lack the awesome flavor of the two storms. In the comedy department it is Thumper that dominates almost com- pletely. The scene that brings most of the chuckles is the one in which Thumper demonstrates to the strip- ling'Bambi how to slide on ice and in which the -imitating Bambi ties himself Into all kinds of knots. Thumper also scores in a major com- ical way while seeking to introduce the rubber-limbed stripling to the natural routine of walldng, running and hurdling. These two comedy episodes are beautifully compounded, but there's a long lag without humor preceding them and there isn't much to laugh about thereafter. nte score is comprised of "Love Is a Songr' Tief s Sing a Gay Little Spring Song,' littOe April Shower,' Twitterpated,' and 'The Thumper Song.' The most likely candidate for popularity In this group Is the first which serves as the'themer. Femme rhythm groups should take well to 'Little AprU Shower.' ' Odec. Her Cardboard Lover (ONE SONG) j. Metro-Qoldwyn.Mayer nleaae of J.''Wal- ler Ruben production. Stara Norma Shearer, Robert Taylor; featnrea Oeorsa Bandera. Frank UcHusb, £IUab«tb Fattereon, Clilll WIlUi. Directed by Oecrge Cukor. Based on play of aama name by- Jacques Deval. adapted for atace by Valerie Wynaate and P. O. Wodehouse; adaptation. Jacques De- ral, John Collier, Anthony Velller and Wlr- llam H. Wrisht; nmg. Barton Lane and Ralph Freed; editor, Robert J. Kem; cam- era. Harry BtradlInK and Robert Flanok. Tradeabown In N. T., Hay ai, '42. Run- Blns time, M IIINS. Consuelo Croyden., Norma Bheater Terry Trindale Robert Taylor Tony Barllsr George Sanders Chappie Champagne Frank KcHugh Era Bllzabeth Pattereon Judge Cblll Wills - Norma Shearer and Robert Taylor, stars of this somewhat dated farce comedy by Jacques Deval, will hav£ to carry it Played almost entirely in one set. It proves cumbersome^ tir- ing' film material. -> 'Her Qurdboar^tiover' jw^ .adapt- ed to the American stage by Valerie Wyngate and P..G. Wodehouse. It opened in New York In 1927 with the late Jeanne Eagels and Leslie How- ard as the stars, ha'vlng a rather suc- cessful run. Among other things that Induce ennui are the long stretches of talk, Including that telephone call that Miss Shearer has. No less bother- some is the fact that the action hangs around Miss Shearer's apartment for so long it gets nowhere In particular. The story, localed in Florida, never makes clear exactly what type .of character Miss Shearer is playing except that the ordinary layman might assimie she's mostlv nuts be- cause of her changeable desires and attitudes with respect to George San- ders, a lover,, and Taylor who's batty about her. Taylor is made her con- fidential secretary,'one of his duties being to see that she doesn't fell any more for Sanders. The comic relief is very much oh the negligible side. Frank McHugh, in the cast as the sonewriting part- ner ol Taylor's, la virtually 'wasted, while various dtuations and direc- torial phases of the picture fall al- most entirely flat so far as produc- tion of laughs is concerned. The fight between Taylor and San- ders in the hotel basement provides some action as the two men toss china and other, things around, even going into battle with mops, but there's nothing very exciting nor comical about it. And why were so many cops rushing to the scene to arrest a couple of jealousy-crazed scrappers? ^at's one of the unin- tentional chuckles. A couple excellent bits are contrib- uted by Chill Wills as a smalltime southern judge with a Dixie accent In fact more of Wills could have been used to bolster the film on com- edy. _ 'I Dare You,' son? written by Bur- ton Lane and Ralph Freed, is used partially on two different occasions.. Additionally, Taylor does a piano solo. . , On settings and pjiotography 'Card-, board Lovfer" is tops. ■ Char. MISS ANNIE ROONEY United ArUets i«leaae of EMward Small production. Stars Shirley Temple; fea- tures William Garvan, Guy KIbbee, Dickie Moore. Directed by Ednin L. Marin. Orig- inal i screenplay by George Bruce; camera, Lester 'White; editor, Fred FeltAans, Jr. Previewed In projection room. N. T., Hay SS. •■a. Running time, 84 MINB. Annie Hooney Sblrtoy Temple Tim Rooney William Oargan Graitdpop. Gny Klbbce Harty Dickie Moore Uyrtle Peggy Ryan jooy ; Roland DuPree Mrs. White • Gloria Holden Mr. White Jonathan Hale Mrs. MeU Mary Field Bums George Ltoyd Madam Sylvia Jan Buckingham Mrs. Tromas Selmer Jackaon Stella Balnbildge ....Jims Irf>cEbart Sidney 'iCtaarles Coleman Policeman Kdgar Dearing HyrUe'a Mother Vlislnia Sale Audrey HollU Shirley Mills Shirley Temple is once again dogged by the lack of a vehicle which marked her finis at 20th-Fox a couple years ago and her efforts at a 'comeback'- via Metro last fall. The moppet, far from an actress but retaining much of her early charm, will never have a chance to resume her fbrmer place in the b.o. sun un- til those who guide her career Insist on Eomething^besher and better than 'The Yoimg People,' her closer at 20th: TCatMeen,' with which Metro endowed her, Mhd "Miss Annie Rooney,' ttie present Edward Small attenipt to revive the (Shirley legend. •Rooney' Is a tired and tiresome re- telling of a screen cliche. ' Its b.o. prospects are dubious. Original screenplay by Edwin L. Marin is one of those familiar tales that any kid can blueprii^t ahead after the first reel. Poor little Miss Rooney (Shirley) meets and falls In love with rich yotmg Dickie Moore. His family, disapproves, but he in- vites her to his birthday party any- how. Her father, in a desperate ef- fort to sell an idea for ^nthetic rub- ber to the lad's pater, breaks in on the party and gives a demoiistratlon of his formtda. He makes a fool of himself and his daughter, but, of course, .the rubber next day is dis- covered to be the mccoy and puppy love prevails. Bromldic yam Is told against a backgroimd of adolescent romance jitterbugging. There's much tossing about of very strained jive talk and otherwise tieeth - gnashing dialog. Brighter moments are. the rug-cut- ting by Shirley and her young friends. Miss Temple Is bad at reading lines, but her personality could prob- ably muddle her through sansfac- torUy were she not burdened with so much precocious talk. Better is Peggy Ryan, who gets off the gater chatter with a little more conviction. Moore as the boy, William Gargan as her father Rooney, and Guy Kibbee as grandfather Rooney suffice in efforts to surmount the script Production mounting is standard, Herb. Alice Among Villagers Hollywood, May 26. Alice Faye, recently a mother, will return to film work at 20th-FOx as the star in 'Greenwich Village,' slated for stunmer productloa -William tieBaron is producing, with "Michael Fessier -and Ernest Pagano doing the screen play. Mbdatnre Reviews 'Baabl* (RKO). An artistic bullseye for Disney but lacking in sock comedy and drama. Average grosser. 'Her Cardboard Lover* (M-G). Adaptation of 1927 play, with Norma Shearer and Robert Tay< lor. a disappointment •81118 Amiie Rooney' (UA). Shirley Temple in a tired tale of dubious b.o. potentials. IWalsle Gets Her Man' (M-G). Standard in the "Maisie' series; Ann Sothem and Red Skelton starred. •Stordnst On The Sage' (Rep). Average Autry song and horse opera, strictly for his fans. 'Stsgcooaeh Express* (Rep). Good all around standard west- em. 'La Neveto de on Jovcn Pobne' (Arg.). Spanish language pic of mediocre Interest. Maisie Gets Her Man (ONE SONQ) Metro release of J. Walter Ruben pro- duction. Stars Ann Sothern and Red Skel- ton; features Leo Gorcoy, Allen Jenkins,. Donald Meek, Walter CatUtt, Lloyd Cor- rlgan, Fritz Feld. Directed by Roy Del Rutli. Screenplay, Betty Relnbardt and .Mary C. McCall, Jr.. from original by Ulan Relnbardt and Ethel Hill, bafed on char- actera created by Wilson Colllson; camera, Horry Stradling; roualc. Lennle Hayton; song, 'Cookin' With Gas.' by Roger Bdena; da'neea, Danny Dare; editor, Froderlok T. Smith. Previewed In projection room, N. T., May 22, -42. Rnnning time, 85 BOMS. Ualsle Ravler..; Ann Bo them 'Hap' Hlxby ' Red Skelton Cecil ...Leo Gorcey 'Pappy Goodrlng Allen Jenkins Mr. Sticknell Donald Meek Dennlngham Lloyd Corxlgan Jasper 'Walter Catlett Professor Oreo Fritz Feld Percy Podd ; Ben Weldon ■Ean' CoftUn 'Rags' RagkuO Art GlOman Frank Jenks Bisle Pamela Blake As another in the comedy series this latest ■«faisie' is standard and should pay off, aided particularly by the Red Skelton and Ann Sothem names, and especially Skelton's radio rep. This time, Maisie, played by Miss Sothem, is graced with a show biz backgroimd that is strongly reminis- cent of a Broadway theatrical hang- out a ' bankmpt building whose habitues and lessees consist of shoe- string producers, scheming agents and offlce-in-hat promoters. "niat'E the comedy. As a strainded performer, JSiss Sothem becomes' linked with Skel- ton, who plays a stage-struck, would- be comedian, in a svtrindle perpe- trated by a gent who leaves the un- suspecting pair holding the bag. That's the drama. Skelton, however, manages to get out of the can when Miss Sothem ultimatdy snares the absconder. And that means love. The starred pair give fine perform- ances, particularly Miss Sothem, whose consistently good portrayals In the Ifaisie' pictures rate her betr ter stories. However, she appears • little more pliimpish than usual. Allen Jenkins Is miscast as the manager of the theatrical building, a geiual, benign souL It's in sharp contrast to the mugg type of parts with which he's lon^ oeen assoqlated, and somehow the difference in! roles is particularly apparent fii this background of muggs. His perform- ance, however, is as commendable as the script would allow. Leo (Sorcey, Donald Meek, Lloyd Corrlgan (the swindler), Walter Catlett and Fritz Feld conmbute plausible character- izations. Roy Del Ruth's direction has con- sistently kept the film at an even pace. Naka. Stagecoach Express Republic release of George Sherman pro- duction. Btan Don 'Red' Barry; faatorea Lynn Merrick and Al St. John. Directed by George Bheiman; acicenplay, Arthur "V. Jones; story, Doris Schroeder; editor, Wil- liam Thompson; camera. John UacBnrale. Reviewed at New York, N. 'T,, daal, May 20, '42. Running time, BS HTKB. Dave Gregory Don "Red' . Barry Ellen Bristol - Lynn Merrick Dusty Jenkins Al Bt. John Griff Wllllaau Robert Kent Charles Raney ...Bmmett Lyim Bam Elklns Guy KIngsford Lou Homklns., Ethan Laldlaw This western has a fair story and generally satisfactory acting, and should toe the mark on the end of double bills. Film is 'well directed and has sufficient gunplay at the end for the youngsters. Story deals with efforts on the part of a mail clerk to secure a franchise for a new stagecoach line from his employer, Lynn Merrick. Hoodlums help the clerk, who tips theni off on snipments of mall and gold on the old stage coadb. Into this situation rides herb, Don 'Red' Bariy. Aided by a reformed gambler and his partner, Barry cleans up 'Ui» mob' and gets his gal. Performers are all okay. Barry acts credibly and handles his six- shooter in the proper right tradition. Al St John provides his usual brand of humor. Lynn Merrick looks hap- less and pretty, which is par for a western heroine. Robert Kent and En^mett Lynn are satisfactory as the gainbler and the clerk. Camera work"is good. Sd^, Stardust on die Sage (WriH SONGS) Baptibllo teleaie of Hany Grey pioduo- tian. stars Gene Autry; features Smiley BnrMtta. Directed by 'WUllam Morgan; suiesnplay, Betty Burbrldge; atoiy, Dtnrell and Btnart McOowan; editor, Edward Ifaiu; camera, Buo Thachery. Pnvlewed at RepDbllo proJecUon non, N. T., Hay 22, '42. Running time, W HUffi. Gene Gene AutT7 Frog Smiley . BurnatU Jelt Drew Bill Henry Judy Drew Edltb Fellowa Nancy Drew Louise Currle Pearson , Emmett Vogan Curly George Ernest Hasklns ' .'Vlnoe Bamett Mrs. Hasklna Betty Farrlngton Murphy Roy Baicroft MaeOowan Tom London On the basis of Gene Autry's name, this film should' do good busi- ness in Us market, but the star's fans will have to be plenty appre- ciative of his singing, en over- abtmdance being evident In this film. The story deals with an attempt to sell mining'stock to cattlemen by Autry's youthful partner. The mine s tools are secretly owned by the foreman, who plots to get the mine away from both Autry and bis partner. Plenty of fights and final dynamiting of the mine to secure water alter a chase across the coun- try bring story to a dose; Songs spotted' are "Home on the Rao'ge,' 'You Are My Sunshine,' "Deep in the Heart of Texas,' 'Roll on Little Dogles,' 'When the Roses Bloom Again,' 'Goodnight Sweet- heart' 'You'll Be Sorry,' 'IH Never Let'You Go,' and 'Wouldn't You Like to Know.' They take up a good quarter of the-playing time, which Is too much. Autry is his usual self. Smiley Buraette's humor is for the kids. Bill Henry, as the partner, is ade- quate, and Louise Currie, as the love interest, is satisfactory. As her sis- ter, Edith Fellows sings several solos^sans much Interest Camerawork is good, but direction spotty. Eddy. Junior G-Men of the Air (SERIAL) Universal release o( Henry MacRaa pro- lactlon. Features Dead End Kida, Little rough Guys, Lionel AtwUI, Frank Albert- son. Directed by Ray Taylor, Lew Col- lins. Camera, William BIckner; edltqr, Saul Gogdklnd. Previewed In projection room, N. T., Hay 20, '42, Ace '.>...' Billy Ralop Eddie Gene Reynolds Bana Lionel Atwlll Jerry Frank AlbeHson Grace Katbryn Adams Bolts Hunts Rail Stick Gabriel Dell Greaseball .., Barnard Punsley Double-Face David Gorcey Aiaka Turhan Bey Don .Ames ;...Richard Lane Augar J Jotm- Bagnl Beat '...John Blelfer Monk Noel Cravat Gobi Charles. Lung Juve triller for Saturday matinee billing Is the standard scalp-lifting stuff with a gesture toward current themes. Jt's transparently ludicrous to adults, but la sufficiently packed with explosive action, viUainy and heroics to keep the urchins fai a dither. It even has what the kids will regard «s comedy. First three inistallments, mnnlng20-odd minutes each, are cub-titled 'Wings of Flame,' The Plunge of PerU' and 'Hidden Danger.' Basic plot has the Dead End Kids and Little TOugh Guys, headed by Billy Halop, as non-conformist rap- icalUons obsessed with being flyers: Hiey become involved In the macnlnatlons , of an espionage- sabotage rln^ and the State Patrol and the Junior G-Men. There are sltigfests, wild chases, dizzy plane flints «nd such rou^ihouse guore. The story Is strictly ersatz (the scenarists aren't feven billed, prob- ably at their own request), while the direction, acting, photography and special effects are really dire. But the youngsters will surely gulp every frenzied moment of It Hobe. La Novela De Un Joven Pobre (The Novel of a Poor. Totuu Man') (ABGENTINE-MADB) (With Songa) Buenos Aires, May 10. BFA production and'release. Stara Hago del Carrll and Amanda Ledcsma; features Santiago Gomez Cou, Carlos Perelll, Nellda Bilbao, Consuelo Abad, Francisco Donadio, Julio Scarcella, Alberto Temnes, Lopez eilva, Lucia Barauae, Nestor Haitta An- gellca HarlanI, Blaa Desel, Armando Bo. Directed by Lula Bayon Eerrera. Story, Octavio FeulUet. Opened at UoBiunental. Running Ume, M mEjB. This one Is Horatio Alger In LaUn time. It is frequently corny, often mushy, but nevertheless has quite a bit of pull for Latin audimces. Based on the wJl storjr by Octavio Feuillet it frequently holds to its theatrical original to such an extent as to appear stUted. Story tells of the difficulties of an orphan who falls In love with the daughter of his employer. Compli- cations, hidden secrets, etc, are all prettv routine leading up to the final clinch. Characters assume heroic attitudes and many scenes provoke laughter in the places where they were to draw sighs. Tears are ac- centuated and the dialog la of little Interest Hugo del Carril, ont of the beat This Week's New Shorts 'Cinderella Coca to a Party' (Car- toon comedy In color, Col., 7 mlns.)— Modemlzed version of "Cinderella' Is snappiest, most orlrinal cartoon to come from Columbia's mill in months Cindy in this comedy uses a B-19 plane to go to the ball, a USO benefit Godmother belongs to local 202, fUry godmothers' union, A. F. of L. Solid for any theatre. 'Screen Snapsllots No. 10' (Col., B mina.)—Screen stars playing host to men in the service at March Field. Usual tiresome fluff about screen and radio players tacked on at end. There must be a way of presenting screen stars off duty so as io' keep an audi- ence awake. This isn't it 'Fit «« FIfht' (Sports topic, CoL 11 mihs.)—Bill Stern lauds efforte of sailors at Great Lakes to keep in shape while serving Uncle San. Camera gives doseup story of sudi Corrent Short Releases (Prints . In Ezehangea) (Compiled by Beaa Short) "More Worlds To Cenqner* ' (Adams, U mins.). Story of aluminum; gratis subject. 'Emll Coleman's Orchestra.' (WB, 10 mins.). Solo dances ac- company string varied orchestra numbers. 'Wedded BUU' (RKO, 18 mins.) Leon Errol comedy. •Soaring SUrs* (M-G, II mins). Comedy about Hollywood stars at air-race meet. lOuter Carvet' (U, 10 mins.). Stranger Than Fiction Includ- ing model engines, Ohio warm spring, etc. 'Hxsterlona Fountain of Youth' (U, 10 mins.). Stranger Than Fiction including knitter of dog. hail sweaters, non-toothache city, etc. •Spaatdh Fiesta' (WB. 21 mins.). Ballet Russe's interpre- tation of 'Caprlcclo Espagnolo.* with Tamara ToumanoVa and Leonlde Massine. ^rts celebs as fighters Billy Soose and Fred Apostoll, Ace Parker and enough other grid stars to make a crack pro eleven; Bob Feller, Sam Chapman and Commander Gene Tun- ney training the chief petty officers, miany of 'em former athletic stars. •CiMnmanity Sing Ne. 10' (Screen song series. Col., 10V& mins.)—^Lew White's expert organlog gives this a real assist as the Songroinners parade, a lengthy group of tunes, best of which are 'Apple Tree,' 'S'weet Sue' and 'Something About a Soldier.' Tops In recent months, but still just a community sing. 'A SladyJ^ Seeks' (Comedy. Col., 17 mins.)—This slapstick is filled with many oldies, but tney get across be- cause well conceived and projected. College yam Is about student chemist who la trying to get his newly-in- vented super-gasolliie tested by the army. On this bare Idea a string of venerable gags are effectively hung, Monty Colling, young vet of innumer- able comedies; David Durand, Mar- jorie Deanne, Johnny Holmes head capable cast. Harry Edwards, who helped with the screenplay, directed glibly. Weor. 'Call of th* Sea' CGolnf Places,' travelog, U., 0 mina.).—^This capsule piece aoout Gloucester, Mass., indi- cates that the New England fishing port offers a likely subject for a vivid film short. But 'Call of the Sea' isn't it Little of the town's salty history; its polyglot Portuguese- American population, facts about Its fljViing industry or any of the color- ful aspects of its sailing activity is even touched, .let alone adequately treated. There are a few shots of fish being pulled in, filleted and dried, but the feeling or atmosphere of jbe ships and fishermen is miss- ing. There are shots of the town's arc colony and artists, but it fails to generate interest There's mention 1 the sound-track of the new sub- marine menace, but It doesn't appear on the screen. 'Call of the Sea' is an Intriguing title, but Isn't justified by the dull picture. ' Hobe. "Food—Weapon of Conqocat^ (World of Action war subject UA 21 mins.)—Ijatest subject turned out John Grierson's Canadian Informa- tion Service, with Stuart Legg's ed- iting and written commentary again (Continued on page 18) Latin grossers, does fair work In a role which Is hardly his type. His songs, however, done with nls own guitar accompaniment, are good and cleverly Introduced. Amanda Ledesma, femme lefid, photographs badly and is n.s.h, as an actress. In supporting roles, Santiago Gomes Cou and Lopez Silva are okay while Nellda Bilbao is especially worthy of note. Director Luis Bayon Herrera has done a presentable job although at times film drags. Action is played in BA. streets of the period, the turn of the century. Photography fair.