Variety (Sep 1942)

Record Details:

Something wrong or inaccurate about this page? Let us Know!

Thanks for helping us continually improve the quality of the Lantern search engine for all of our users! We have millions of scanned pages, so user reports are incredibly helpful for us to identify places where we can improve and update the metadata.

Please describe the issue below, and click "Submit" to send your comments to our team! If you'd prefer, you can also send us an email to mhdl@commarts.wisc.edu with your comments.




We use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) during our scanning and processing workflow to make the content of each page searchable. You can view the automatically generated text below as well as copy and paste individual pieces of text to quote in your own work.

Text recognition is never 100% accurate. Many parts of the scanned page may not be reflected in the OCR text output, including: images, page layout, certain fonts or handwriting.

18 FILM REVIEWS Wednesday, September 2, 1942 The First of the Few (BBITISH-MADE) London, Aug. 19. ni<nrrul l''4lni DIatributora' nleaw of l,\:M<: HowBnl-Brlileh AviBtlon I'lnuivK pniiluclLiin. .Stnrs Lcalle Hownrd, DiivlJ Sivi n. Dliciiod by Lcalle Howard. Sciocn- l>la>. AiKilulo Oe OrunwQld, Mites Mnlleimn from tiilk-liinl atory by Henry C. Jhiih-ii, Kuy .^(rui'liy: iituHio, William Walton; niu- • h' illi'ortol by Mulr Uathleson; cnnicni. Jx.'li llllily.ird At Leicester Square the Hill', I.onilon. Running time, 118 MINM. Jt I. .Mllihi-ll Leello Howard (icoirrcy I'rlxp David NIvon ]ii;inii MJli'lirll Rosamund Ji>hn <'..iiininnilei' Bride Roland Culver >n«i H:iriior Anno Firth >lr. IllKBin^ David Homo Fir HobtTt McLean J. H. Roberta •Vrr-r-on Derrick ile Mnr i- M:ihcl Lovmey Roaalyn n<iullei Ijiily IlouHlon Tool Edgiir Drme >lr. Ui»yre Oeorge Pklltiin Jll.iel'herson Horbert raincron Jl;ijnr llurbnn Goninn Mcl.enil JlcKOi.rn'hmllt Erik Krcun.l Von St^nbcn P. R. Wendh.iu»en Bcrtorrlll Fllljipo del Gul.Hce the sambline czar, and William Ben- dix and Eddie Marr as his two henchmen. Bonita Granville turns in okay performance as Donlevy's young sister, while Frances Giflord displays film personality In a few fleeting sequences as a nurse. Rich- ard Denning, Calleia, Donald Mc- Bride. Margaret Hayes and Moroni Olsen are chief in support, with Wil- liam Bendix and Eddie Marr cliclc- ing with a pair of semi-comedy gangster characterizations. Direction by Stuart Heisler deftly maneuvers the characters for maxi- mum attention, and he maintains good pace throughout Production layout is okay. Walt. Production, performances and story —they can't miss. . „ , In interpreting the life of R. J- Mitchell, who designed the Spitfire plane, Leslie Howard's -work ranks among his finest performances. And it is an epic picture. The First of the Few" seems sUted for superla- tive boxoffice returns, particularly ■with such names -as Howard and David Niven. (Sam Goldwyn has acquired the American righU to «Fiist of the Few,' and RKO, with ■whom the producer has a distri- bution deal, will release it in the XJ S ] Film portrays the inventor of the Spitfire and his heartbreaking efforts to get his series of aircraft models aecipted. His work was loolied upon as too revolutionary, and the relucUnce of Whitehall to sponsor envthing new was most discouraging. For big scenes there is the repro- tluction of a race for the Schneider Cup. For sweet domestic feUcity there's Rosamund John as the wiie of Mitchell For a n>agniflcent pa- triotic gesture there Is Ton, Edgar Bruce as Lady Houston, who con- fr bSted generSuiOy to the financing of the inventor. Then there is George Skiflan In a anaUjrole^^Mr. * 7 ?' " -■"'"» The Major and the Minor Hollywood, Aug, 28. P;iromoiinl release of Arthur-Horriblow. ■1r.. produr'tlon. Stare GInRor RoKera. Ray Mllliind; features Rita Johnnon, Robert lii'ni-hley. Diana I.ynn. Directed by Billy W'MiIer. OriRlnal screenplay by Charles Itnii-kelt iind Wilder: augRested by piny iiv Kiiw.-ird ciiilda Carpenter and story by P;inny Kllboiirne; camera. Leo Tover; edl- l<ir. l>o.nne ITarrlann; score. Robert Km- mell Dolan. Traileshown In T^. A. AuK, 27. Vi. UuiinInK time, 100 MINR. SiiKiin Applegate Olniter Rogers .Mrijor Klrhy Riiy NHlland I'liineL-t mil Rita Johnson Mr. osliorne Robert Ben<*ley T.ufy Hill Diana l*ynn Colonel Hill Edward Fielding fade! Osliorne Frankle Thomas Csilel WlKlon Raymond Roe radet Komer Charles Smith Ciiilei Raliooek Larry Nunn r;idel Miller Billy Dawson .Mrs. AniileKate Leia Rogers llevel-enil Doyle Aldrlch Bowker Major Orlacom Boyd Irwin Cnptuin Durand Byron Shores Will Duffy i..Richard Flake Mrs. Osborne Norma Varden Mrs. Shacklefard Gretl Dupont time iTrfir^-ftj^KS^*-'*"*:]^- Jy?) there's Howaid'8 young au^an iViend in the person of NWen as a lovable phiUnderer who shares the ither's vlcissItwdM' and taorles. po^ateTlniriJSiV^S^tcta Cis nal to Berlin, where they are ?<:?ei'''and ^o^^^' the V«- uiii?4 Treaty is dead, iney ar= liven cS to understand Germany is already making war planes. At a banqu^t'^prSKt naOjes like Mes- Bci-^hmitt are portiwed w'thout re- Bort to caricature. This. »n/tself. ! a marked improvement for Uiteiu gent audiences. THE GLASS KEY Hollywood, Aug. 29. rcieasa of Fred Kohlmnr pro- ruramount relcaee__M Ven>nlwi J,.,Kc,' Alan I^dd: featutea Bon'l« huhl: editor, Ajchle Marehek. ^ Vnjrg. Trndeahowtt In L, A. Aug. 28, ?^'u7'M"adv'lg°'. " ."V?f;.. .Brian Donl.vy V'f, wenw Veronica iJikc J: Henry 3':>1 Kcaumont up.I Madvlg... ■r.i.vlur Henry.. >;i.K Varna.... J'-ri- y ,, Bonita Granville '....'.Richard Donning ....Joaepta CalleUi . .1 William nendlK Prances OIBord ..Donald ilncllrldi: Vh.xc Mm' IIhews.Margaret Hayes ?; nh 1 lenrv Moroni OUen loKiv Mrtle Marr I'l" ae • Miuhcw. •Arthur I^fl cii..M« l uule .Oeorge Meader Parading a murder mystery amidst background of politics, gambling czars, romance and lusty action, this revised version of Dashiell 'Ham- inetfs novel—originally made^n 1935 —is a good picture of Its type and on above par attraction for the reg- ular runs. Starring combo of Brian Eonlevy. Veronica Lake ftnd Alan Ladd is okay marquee voltage, with Donlevy especially bright where •Glass Key' will follow 'Wake Island' bookings. . xfew version of the yarn has been refurbished to overcome major faults In the 1935 flUjti version. Scripter Jonathan Latimer has materially eirengthened the'story with vigorous vriting. Oonlevy Is the political boss, a role similar to that he handled a few years ago In "Great McGinty.' Ladd is his assistant and confidant. Miss Lake is the vacillating daughter of the gubernatorial candidate who first makes a play for Donlevy but winds up In the arms of Ladd, while Joseph Calleia has the gambling house concessions around the city Mixed well, the result Is an enter- taining whodunit with sufficient po litical and racketeer angles to make It good entertainment for general audiences. While Donlevy pursues hU camnalKnlng, despite suspicion of murder is cast in his direction, Ladd pursues a straight line in un covering the real culprit '^onlevy makes the most of his role of the political leader who fought his way up from the other Bide of the tracks, but la overshad- owed by the fpt role provided Ladd who clicks solidly as the pal and Investigator. Miss Lake catche;; at- tention as the come-hither ulri. Sun- port is topnotch, with Calleta as 'The Major and'.the Minor' Is a .sparkling and effervescing piece of farce-comedy, aimed for wide audi- ence appeal. With Ginger Rogers and Ray Milland co-starred, picture is geared for profitable biz in the keys and subsequent runs as solo or billtopper. Picture Is Arthur Homblow, Jr. s last for Paramount prior to his mov- ing over to Metro. Original screen- play by the writing team of Charles Brackett and Billy Wilder continu- asf-K Motors, allv punches over the laugh Ingre- >^^i'»/.tl>'<Wv>ii*U,-.l* direction is story is light, fluffy, and frolic- some. Miss Rogers, disillusioned by New York, decides to head back home to Iowa. When fares go up. and her savings are not sufficient for ticket, she dolls up as a youngster under 12 to ride on half rate. But complications arise that throw tier into compartment of Milland, major at a boys military academy and into the school for a three-day layover. During the Interim, there's a Cin- derellaesque romance developed while Miss Rogers, In the moppet getup, is pursued by the adoles- cent cadet officers for some rousing laugh episodes. Before she leaves, girl circumvents plans of Milland's fiancee to keep him out of active .service, but everything's swell when Milland stops off at the Iowa home- stead en route to Coast army post for final clinch. Picture grooves neatly as a lead entry in present audiencg require- ments for light and spontaneous en- tertainment. Miss Rogers deliver.s a slick performance while Milland is a standout as the school major. Supporting cast is excellently dls< olayed, with young Diana Lynn scoring as a yotmg intellectual who quickly uncovers Miss Rogers' mas- auerade. Miss Lynn has a wealth of .screen personality and assurance that tabs her as a good future bet. tlita Johnson is the conniving fiancee who tries to keen Milland out of active service, while Roljert Bench- ipy clicks briefly In a comedy role. Young Billy Dawson, as a cadet officer, catches attention with his solid performance"in minor footage. Both script and direction swing the yam along at a consistent pace, with the laughs developing natu- rally and without snrain. Production mounting is of 'A' calibre, and pho- tography by Leo Tover is in keening victor 4J. milh type of production and budget ^ Walt BETWEEN US GIRLS l.'nlvernal rolease of Henry Koster produc' tlon. Features DlMia Barrymore, Robert .'ninimlngs. Kay Francis, John Boles. Direct- ed by Heniy Koster. Screenplay, Mylea Con nolly and - True Boardrean, baaed on 'Le Fruit Vert,* by Regis Olgnouz and Jacques Thery; adaptation, JoliD Jacoby; camsra, .Toseph Valentine; mualcal director, Charles Prevln. Reviewed In projection room. N. T. Aug. 81, '42. Running time, M MIMB. Carrie Diana Barrymoro .llmmy Blake Robert Cummlngs rhrls Kay Francis .<iteve John Bolea Mike Klllnsky Andy Devlne flallager Bthel Qrlftles Father of Boys Guinn Williams .Sergeant Walter Catlett I.lltle Prince... Scotty Beckett Harold Peter Jamerson Maryhelle Uary Traen Doctor Andrew Tombea .Maid LIUIan Tarbo Soda Clerk Irving Bacoii In an apparent attempt to build Diana Barrymore Into a stair. Uni- versal has given her a slapstick field in 'Between Us Girls,' produced and directed by Henry Koster. The pic- ture should help establish the late John Barrymore s daughter, one way or tlie other, but it's only a moderate boxoffice bet The film not only keeps Miss Barry more, a comparative unknown, be- fore the camera almost constantly, but. it gives her every variety of things to do. The re.sult is occasion- Miniature Reviews •Tbt) First of the Few' (Brit- ish). Leslie Howard, David i41ven starrer about the Inventor of the Spitfire fighter plane. Can't miss. 'The GUaa Key* (Par). Good whodunit Brian Donlevy, Veronica Lake and Alan t.add for marquee. The Major and the Minor,' (Par). Ginger Rogers and Ray Milland in excellent farce-com- edy with Cinderella tinge. •BetwecD Us Girls' (U), Wild- ly whimsical romantic comedy; moderate b.o. prospect •Wildcat' (Par). Good adven- ture actioner will get plenty of t>ookings as supporting feature in general runs. •Give Oat, Sisters' (U) tMusi- cal). Poor entertainment starring the Andrews Sisters. •Sons of the Floneers' (Rap) (Songs). Roy Rogers in a good hoss-opera. •The World at War' (jointly distributed by the film industr/). U. S. Government produced fea- ture okay. It's renial-free. 'Salnte John Cltliea' (British^ A paraphrase of 'Mrs. Miniver,' good b.o. They Bald by Night' (PRC). A story about the Commandos that Is weak in almost every department. Strictly duals. throughout Only sag Is montages inserted in several spots flashing de- tailed pix of drilling operations. Arlen does well as the two-fisted and aggressive tool-dresser, getting fine support from Miss Judge, Fraw- ley, Crable, Cook, and Ralph San- ford. Arthur Hunnicutt contributes comedy moments with his oldtlmer characterization and gab. Oil-well fire is expertly staged and neatly cut for brief but effective presente- tlon. Wolf. ally uproarious, but generally labori- ous, noisy and exhausting. Its fren- zied attempts at comedy may amuse the undiscrimlnating. 'The story, manifestly tailored to give Miss Barrymore unlimited scope, presents her as a 20-year-old ac- tress who pretends to be 12 years of age to hide her mother's real age from a likely swain. When a lad her own age arrives on ths scene, the girl goes through with the fake, cre- ating a succession of wildly illogical Sag situations. Some of it is outright keystone Cops stuff. Probably any, actress would have trouble with such exaggerated ma- terial, but Miss Barrymore clearly seems to lack sufficient experience to handle it. Her performance shows confidence, occasionally even a glim- mer of force, but she hasn't the abil- ity and the poise to sustain such a big part, nor the necessary skill to give it shading. Such deliberately tossed in bits as her Queen Victoria, Sadie Thompson and Joan of Arc portrayals merely accentuate this impression. Others in the cast generally play straights to Miss Barrymore's bur- lesque. Robert Cummings is some- what stiff as the juvenile, while Kay Francis and John Boles offer com- petent performances as amazed members of the older generation. In- cidentally, Miss Francis gets off one ol the film's more candid lines when she tells Boles, "You'll like her once you get to know her as she really is.' Koster's direction might be de- scribed as outright while the pho- tography and physical production appear equal to Hollywood standard. Hobe. WILDCAT Hollywood, Aug. 28. Paramount r. lease of Wllllum H. Pine William C. 'rhomas pitnlucllon. Stare Richard Arlen: r.alures Arllne JudRC. Di- rected by Frunk.- .McDtinald. .Screenplay by Maxwell Shane and Richard Murphy: orig- inal by North Ulgl«e: camera, Fred Jack man, Jr.; editor. William Xlcgler. Trade shown In I.. A. Aug. IT. -Running time. 70 NIN.S. Johnny .Maverick Richard Arlen .S'an UeerInK Arllne Judge Oliver Westbrook William Fmwley Mike Rawlins Ijirry 'Uuster* Crabbo Artliur Hunnicutt Ellsha Cook, Jr. Ralph Sanford Joseph D. Campbell Alec Craig Qua Hloane John Dllaon Paw Smithers will Wright Maw Smlthers Jeasli-n Newcombe Bud Smlthers Billy Benedict 'Watchfob' Junes.. *Chlcoi>ee' Xevlns. •Grits' O'Mnlley... Latest in the Pine-Thomas action series takes Richard Arlen to an oil-boom district for melodramatic display of trials and tribulations en- countered in promoting and drilling a wildcat well on a short bankroll. Compactly set up in script, picture concentrates on the adventurous side to emerge as a good program sup porter of its type. Arlen, decked out with front of flashing car and clothes, arrives in the new oil district without coin Discovering oil indications in t stream, he ties up acreage on lease and then ingeniously sells half ol the lease for money to meet his kited check. When Ellsha Cook, Jr, owner of a half Interest in the enterprise, is killed, Arline Judge and William Frawley, a confidence team, go to the camjl. Miss Judge posing as Cook's sister. When Arlen falls TO raise further coin to con- tinue, Frawley deals him Into a card game for the necessary funds. Well finally comes in, with heavy Larry 'Buster' Crabbe setting It aflre, but everything winds up okay. Despite the familiar basic texture of the yarn, writers and director Frank McDonald have tossed In plenty of lusty action around ttie oil flelds and maintain good pace GIVE OUT, SISTERS (MUSICAL) Universal release of Bemnrd Burton rpo- durtlon. Btam Andrews .Sisters, features Orncs MncDonald. Don Dalley. Jr.. Oinrles Butterworth. Waller Tatlctt. Wllllan) Frawley, Peggy Ryan. Directed by Bd- ward F. Cllne. Story. JA-^ Sands and Fred Rath: adaptation. Paul Oerord .Imllh and Warren Wilson: songs. Walter Donaldson, Ray Stillwell, Ray Gold Pvt. Sid Robblns, At T.*mer: editor. Paul Ijindres: photog- rnphy. George Robinson; dances. John Mattlsnn. At Palace. N. T., dunl. week Aug. 77, '42 Running time, 8S UINH. Maxene ) Pnlty > Andrews Sisters I ji Verne J Oracle Waverly Oraco MoDonnld Bob Edwonis Dan Dalley, Jr. Professor Woof Charles Bulterworlh nrlhhie TValter Catlett '(nrrlson William FVawicy Don. Peggy Agatha Woverly.... niandinn Woverly.. Susan W.-vorly Ratterman Jnmlaon Kendall. .Donald O'Connor ....Peggy Ryan ...Edith Barrett .... Marie niahe Fay Helm . Flmmett Vogan .T.eonard Carey ...Richard Pnvlrs Dr. Hownrd Tr\^lng Bacon The JIvIn' Jacks and Jills by using his microscope to discover that the cattle have been poisoned, did not die of hoof and mouth dis- ease—before rounding uo the des- peradoes^ headed by Bradley Page. Roy Rogers rates his billing all the way, especially when he pipes •Things Are Never What Tney Seem,' 'The West Is in My Soul' and 'He's Gone Up the Trail,' the latter a good cowboy lament, 'Gabby' Hayes, the old vaude' and burley comic, works a juggling bit as a running gag for good laughs. Chester Conklin gar- ners laughs in a one-scene bit The best job Is turned in by Pat Brady as a deputy. He's one of the 'Sons of the Pioneers,' vocalizing combo, and gets no billing, but thankq. to a long, lean frame he looks the part of a western deputy, can handle lines and laughs, and scores With ti tune, 'Come and Get It' Tunes are by Bob Nolan and Tim Spencer of the 'Sons of the Pioneers' combo and fit neaUy into the plot Fran. THE WORLD AT WAR (DOCUMENTARY) Film' Industry release of t'. S. Oovorn- ment production. Written and compi cd l.y Sam Spawack. Edited by Ceiie MllforO: i-uiiuuentary spoken by Paul Stewart; s<.ii-« by Gu'l Kublk, conducted by Alexander Bmnllens. Previewed In the projo-t'on room, N. T., Aug. 31, 1M2. Kunnl.ig I'.me. e« MIN8. With some miscellaneous talent thrown around them, the Andrews Sisters are here starred ip a musical whose only appreciable virtue is the singing of several songs by the har- mony trio. The dance numbers are ordinary and the story poor. Pop- ularity of the Andrews threesome is all that recommends the picture for boxoffice purposes. Singers are sters at a night club where a new show is in process of creation. Under highly implausible circumstances a group of kids from a dancing school is pressed into service, including-an heiress whose identity causes a stir, principally among her three old-maid aunts who forbid her to perform in pub- lic—or elsewhere, for that matter. After much stupid goings-on and three old-fashioneds, gulped by the straight-laced maids by mistake, re- sistence is broken down and every- thing's hunky-dory, except for au- diences sitting through the tiresome proceedings. Although Charles Butterworth and Walter Catlett are in the cast to get laughs, they land few of any weight Dancing group of 10 boys and girls are billed as the Jivin" Jacks and Jills. Their routines, most of them led by Grace McDonald, are pny- thlng but fexciting. 'Jiggers the Beat' written by Pvt. Sid Robbins and Al Lerner, is used in connec- tion with one of the numbers in which Dan Dailey, Jr., also takes part Best dancing sequence is built around 'Pennsylvania , Polka,' In which the three old- maids, Butter- worth, Catlett and others also figure. Another oldie used in the picture, and sung by the Andrews, is "Flower From an Old Bouquet' In addition to 'Jiggers,' new tunes written for the film are 'It's a New Generation,' by Walter Donaldson, fair, and IWho Do You Thlnlf You re Fooling?' by Ray Stillwell and Ray Gold, quite listenable ditty sold ca- pably by the Andrews. Clior. Sons of the Pioneers (WITH SONGS) Republic release of Joseph Kane produc- tion, directed by Kane. Stars Roy Rogers; features tieorge 'Gabby' Hayes, .\hirls Wrixon. The Sons of Iho Pioneers. Screen- play, M. Coates Wetistcr, Mauri Orashln, Robert T.' Shannon, from original by Gra- shtn and Shannon: camera. Bud Thackery; editor. ISdward Schroeder; songa. Bob No- land. Tim Spencer; music, Cy Feuor. Re- viewed at New Vork. N. T., dual, Aug. Sn. '4'.!. Running time, OS .MISS. Roy '.. .V.'.V... .'.Ho? Kogttr Oabby Wblttaker.. .Renrga 'Oabby' Hayes Themselves The Sons of the Pioneers Louise Harper Maria Wrixon mxby Forrest Taylor Mm. Blxby Minerva Urecal Frank Bennett • Bradley Page Brlggs .i...Ilal Taliaferro Old T4mer Chester Conklin Rancher Fred Burns 'Sons of the Pioneers' Is a good, routine western that will please the Roy Rogers fans without annoying anyone that isn't a hoss-opera ad- ditrt Cut from the stendard pattern for this type of pic with one added flUIp, the hero does a Casper Milque- toast, before showing himself to be the rootin'-tootin' hero he's sup- posed to be. Plot Is fairly simple with a few modern overtones about chemicals and minerals for national defense that garnish the yam without being garisH. The ranchers are being pillaged by an unknown bunch of night raiders. Cattle are poisoned and barns burned without the sheriff (George 'Gabby* Hayes) turning .up a clue* Before he Is asked to abdicate Gabby goes east to get Roy Rogers, whose grand-dad and father were-ripsnort- ing sheriffs, io come back and clean up the mess. Roy Is an entomologist but agrees to return 'cause his ranch has also tieen looted. He plays dumb and weak until .he gets tne goods— • 'The United States Government Presents...' is an imposing lead-off for any film, but "The World at War' thoroughly succeeds in living up to it It Is a reportorially-honest pfctoriallzatlon of living history- history despite the recentness of the events depicted. It certainly wiU be among the foremost documentary films of the many that have been made and that can be expected on the war and the period leading up to '''Hist-iiians of the future wlU cer- tainly find 'The World at War' of in- estimable value. And exhibs of to- day will have no cause for complaint particularly inasmuch as the picture will cost them absolutely aothln?. With the strength of the United States Government billing and a rather exciting title for the marquee, •The World at War' should make a very satisfactory supporting feature for the dualers. It's bemg Issued also in a four-reel version for single- bill houses. War Activities Committee of the Motion Picture Industry has ar- ranged distribution of the film, which was made by the Bureau of Motion Pictures of the Government's Office of War Information. That's the out- fit headed by Lowell MeUett Pic is being handled in each of the key cities by one of the exchanges of the Big Five distributing companies, Metro, RKO, 20th-Fox, Paramount and Warner Bros. Film transporta- tion companies carry the picture free, so exhibs don't even have to pay the freight Sam Spewack, better-known for •Clear All Wires,' 'Boy Meets Qirl and other such stage and screen plays, wrote and produced The World at War' for the Mellett office. He now heads Its production activ- ities. Spewack has .done an exceed- ingly slick job of wriUng and edit- ing, although there are plenty of signs of the weight on his facile pen of each word's being an official ut- terance of the United Stetes Gov- ernment It becomes an official viewpoint on the war. And that im- RJles approval of the President the State Departinelif, the War Depart- ment the-Navy Department, and a myriad of other agencies. It was no fluff requiring the okay of a mere $5()0,000-a-year studio tiead that Spe- wack was writing. Strangely enough for 'living his- tory,' the picture's major shorteom- ing seems to be that it's not timely. It lacks compelling significance of the moment Its obvious purpose is to define the Issues and, even more so, analyze the enemy. It does just that but so doing requires too much rehash of events that are too recent to require rehashing. In short it will tell most people very little that j;hey.,oon;t ajreadj know, and there's "a very good chance tlfat a largi: oart of the audience will be bcred. It is no longer necessary to tell the citi^ zens of the United States that HiUer is a villain unless it can be told in a new and novel way. Actually, the film does not delve into the causes of the war, but Is a rather objective (from an American viewpoint) report of the decade leading up to Dec. 7, 1941. Most of It is very superficial history. There is a maddening la^ of effort to go beyond the surface, which no doubt Is much less Spewack's fault than that title. *The United States Gov- ernment Presents . . Film opens with Pearl Harbor, tells of ttifr preceding 'Isolatlonist- interventlonlsi' debatiiii; and name- calling in Congress, and then goes back lo Sept IB, 1931, when Japan invaded Mukden, ft gives the false impression that that sterted the train of events leading up to the war. At the beginning, too. there's a sequence on American labor which Is in dan- ger of being Interpreted as a slap at workers. It may not sit well In cer- tain quarters. By the use of newsreel footage, captured Nazi film and bits and pieces from just about everywhere. Spewack goes from Manchuria right through Ethiopia, Austria, Munich, (Continued on page 34)