Variety (Dec 1942)

FILM REVIEWS Wedncsdayt December 2, 1942 CASABLANCA (SONGS) WiiiiMT Ukm. irlciiite or Hal 1). Wullln 1)1 ihludlon. SiiiiN Hiiinphroy DoRarl, Ingrld Hrrgmun a nil I'uiil Hpnreld; feHlureB Clnuilu It-iiii" i'mulhI Vrldt. Sydney Oioen- Hireci Hiiil Lwiio. Dlri>i-LCtl by .\ll(-)t:<v-l Ouiiiz. Snoeniilny by Julius J. and I'htllp i;. i:i>^ivln iinil Howard Kitch. from a piny liy MuriMy Bumetl and Junn AllHon: .ton^H by M- K. Jemme nnd .lurk Si holl: riitnt*Iji. Arthur KdOHon: odilur. Owfi) MiirlCH. At Hidlywootl. N. Y.. atnrt- hiK Ntiv. 'JO. '-11! HutininK (line. 09 MINl:^. l(i>-k Humphrey HoKurt JIhh Lunil Inicrld Bfirvinan Victor LnHzIo Paul l^lenrclil Ciiptnln I^ule Henauli Claude Ilulns MHjur SiniHKcr Conrad Veldl Srni)r Kerrarl Sydney Oreenstvooi UKuite l*eter Lorre Carl. A Waller S. 'A. Sakull Tvnnne Madeleine I.ellenu Bam Dooley Wilson Annlnu Brnndcl Joy PaRe Bergcr John Qu^ilen SnHchii, a Hiirtender Leonid Klnnkey Jnn Helmut Dantlm! Dark Kuropean Curt Hutu Croupier Miinel Diillo Slnser Corlnna Mum Mr. L«uc«itnK Ludwiic Stoo)<el Mra. I^uchtaR Ilka Urunlne Senor .Mortlnez Charles Ia\ Torre Arab Vendor Frank PurIIu Abdul Dun Seymour Niniatore Reviews 'Casablanca' will take the b.o.'s of America just as swiftly and certainly as the AEF took North Africa. De- spite the fact that the fortunate turn of military events has removed the city of Casablanca, in French Mo- rocco, from the Vichyfrance sphere and has thus in one respect dated the film, the combination of fine per- formances, engrossing story and neat direction make that easily forgotten. Film should be a solid moneymaker everywhere. Heavy advertising - exploitation campaign being given the picture by Warners should also count at the b.o. It's designed—as was the quick release of the Aim after General Eisenhower's forces marched into the African city—to take advantage of the publicity attendant to mili- tary events involving Casablanca. In other words, WB, instead of being dismayed at the town's changed sta- tus, is wisely cashing in on America's new-born familiarity with the title. Exhlbs, in selling the picture, will do well to bear in mind that it goes heavy on the love theme. Although the title and Humphrey Bogart's name convey the impression of high adventure rather than romance, there's plenty of the latter for the femme trade. Adventure is there, too, but it's more as exciting back- ground to the Bogart-Bergman heart department. Bogart, incidentally, as a tender lover (in addition to being a cold-as-ice nitery operator) is a novel characterization that, properly billed, might itself be good for some coin in the trough. Casablanca is pictured as a super- flcially-gay town to which flee the monied refugees from Axis terror. There they await visas to Lisbon end then transportation to the United States. The waits are frequently in- terminable while arrangements for papers are being made with corrupt Vichy officials and the wealthy help to allay their impatience with chemin-de-fer and other games at Rick's. Rick is Bogart, who has opened his fancy joint after being lilted' by Ingrld Bergman in Paris. Miss Bergman turns up one eve- ning with her husband, Paul Hen- reid, whom she thought was dead during the period of her romance with Bogart. Henreid is leader of the underground in Europe and it Is vital that he get to America. Bogart has two visas that will do the trick torch still aflame—or sending her off with Henreid, who can do so much for the United Nations cause. Bogart maneuvers her into going off with Henreid. Bogart, as might be expected, is more at ease as the bitter and cynical operator of a joint than as a lover, but handles both assignments with superb finesse. Miss Bergman, in a torn - between - love - and-duty role, lives up to her reputation as a fine actress. Henreid is well cast and does an excellent job too. Superb is the lineup of lesser play- ers. Some of the cnaracterizations are a bit on the overdone side, but each is a memorable addition to the whole. There's Claude Rains, as the charmingly-corrupt prefect of police; Sydney Greenstreet, as the polite and Insidious boss of Casablanca's under- ground traffic in visas; Peter Lorre, as a sinister runner of phony papers; Conrad Veidt, as the usual German officer; S. Z. Sakall, as a waiter in Rick's and a participant in the anti- Axis underground; and Leonid Kins- key as Rick's bartender. Deserving of special mention among the lesser characters is Dooley Wilson, making his film debut. A Negro, he appears as the devoted friend and confidante of Bogart. as well as the piano player at Rick's. He sings with great effectiveness 'As Time Goes By,' the theme song of the Bogart-Bergman affair, and otherwise entertainingly massages the keys and sings some old blues numbers. He was last seen on Broad- way in 'Cabin in the Sky' and be- fore that was a singing drummer in vaude for many years. Film is splendid anti-Axis prop- aganda, particularly inasmuch as the propaganda is .strictly a by-product of the principal action and contrib- utes to it instead of getting in the way. There will be few more touch- ing scenes to be found than when a group of German officers in Rick's begins to sing Nazi tunes and Hen- reid instructs the orchestra to go 'Casablanca' (WB) (Songs). Topnotch cast in excellent ad- venture-romance, should count for strong b.o. returns. 'Reanlon' (M-G). Drama of occupied Paris and formula the- atrics mild boxoffice. Joan Crawford and John V'pyne star- red. ■PitUborfh' (U). OK Dietrich- Randolph Scott-John Wayne starrer. 'Andy Hardy's Doable Life' (M-G). Hardy family series re- turns to old formula; excellent boxoffice. 'The Traitor Within' (Rep). Don Barry and Jean Parker in okay B. into 'La Marseillaise.' A bit fright- enedly at first, but then with a might that completely drowns out the Germans, the patrons and help in Rick's give voice to the anthem of the France of 'Liberty, Equality, Fraternity.' It is just another facet of the variety of moods, action, sus- pense, comedy and drama that makes 'Casablanca' an A-1 entry at the b.o. REUNION Hollywood, Dec. 1. Metro release of Joseph U Manklewicz production. Stars Joa.i Crawford, John Wayne. Philip Dom. Directed by Jules Dansln. St:rcenp)»y by Jan LuHtlK. .Marvin Itorowsky. >hirc Connelly. baFC-il on orlK- hial by LAdislas Bua-Kekete; camera. Rob- ert Planke: special effects. Wiirren New- combe; editor, Blmo Veron. Tradeahown In L. A. Dec. 1, '43. RunnInK time, 101 MIN8. MIchelo de la Becque Joan Crawford Fat Talbot John W.iyne Robert Conot Philip Dorn Schultz ReKlnald Uwon OenemI Hupri, Schrueder.Albert Boflsennann Ulrlch Windier Ji'hn Carradlne Juliette Ann Ayurs Durand J. KUwanl Urontl>erft Paul Crebeau Moroni Olsen Emlle Fleuron i.. Henry Danlell Anton Strefcel Howard da dllva Honore .• Charles Arnt Martin Mnrrts Ankrum Oenevleve Edith Kviinson Captain Emi-sl Dorian Clothlhle .Marrarei Laurence Mme. Mnntanot Odette Myrlll Soldlfr Peter Whitney 'Reunion' is another one of those dramas cooked up about the sub- jugation of the French by the Ger- man conquerors when the latter moved into Paris two years ago. Starting out with some promise, it falls apart at the halfway point. At- tempts to generate a hot triangular romance with Joan Crawford as the pivot prove very tepid. Miss Craw- ford and John Wayne will have to carry it through the regular runs for more than moderate grosses. Picture background demonstrates how fast-moving current events can neutralize audience interest in a war drama based on events of two years ago. Story opens just prior to move- in of the Germans to Paris, with rich playgirl Miss Crawford engaged to French patriot and arms manu- facturer Philip Dorn. . On fall of the city, girl discovers that her in- tended is a renegade cooperating to the fullest with the Nazis. Dis- illuslonecl, she hides Wayne, Eagle Squadron flyer forced down in a raid who has eluded the Gestapo, and gradually falls in love with him on the rebound. After the usual the- ^^(^CMcRS^fe^ at cross- purposes, the girl obtains permit for Wayne to leave for the south of France. But when other British officers join Wayne and Miss Craw- ford for escape to an outlying air- field for pickup the girl is informed that Dorn is strictly a French patriot simulating friendship with the Nazis awaiting the time when France will again be liberated. She drop; the Eagle pilot to return to Paris and Dorn to see things through at his side. Standard performances arc pro- vided by Miss Crawford. Wayne and Dorn in the top spots, with good sup- port coming from Reginald Owen, Albert Bassermann, John Carradine and J. Edward Bromberg. Direction by Jules Dassin lacks smoothness in pace, and dwells too long in many spots on character development and minor incidents. Picture is below entertainment standard of previous offerings with similar background and dramatic basis in occupied France. Picture is well-mounte*d on (he technical side, with photography uni- formly good. Walt. John Wayne In a melodramatic let- ting, with Scott this time getting the girl Instead of Wayne. Set against the coal mining industry around Pittsburgh, picture combines lusty melodramatics, romance, and touches of patriotism for war workers, to catch profitable biz in the regular runs as solo or billtopper. Scott and Wayne team up as bud- dies who have business and romantic difficulties after the pair rise from miners to heads of huge industrial enterprise. Wayne effectively por- trays the aggressive member of the team, who gains enmity of his friends and associates on his rise to success and finally washing out, fights his way back after Pearl Harbor when every shoulder is needed at the wheel. Scott displays an equally strong performance, with Miss Die- trich holding her own as persuasive and romantic angle of the love tri- angle and incentive for Wayne and Scott to lift themselves out of the coal mines for worthwhile and suc- cessful activities. Frank Craven fits nicely as the mining town medico in- terested in coal's by-product re- search which indicates discovery of sulfa compounds. Good support by Louise AUbritton, Shemp Howard, Thomas Gomez and S. S. Hinds. Picture carries indirect appeal to war workers to turn out maximum supplies, and as subh might be con- sidered indirect preachment. But there's sufficient melodramatics nnd romance along the line to satisfy regular run of patrons. There are a few bumpy spots, but scripters Ken- neth Garnet and Tom Reed have turned in workmanlike job, and di- rector Lewis Seller provides satis- factory pace to carry things along. Production background is okay, same goes for photography by Robert de Grasse. Walt. Andy Hardy's Double Life .Melro-Goldivyn-Mayer production and r«- leaae. Slurs .Mickey Hooney; features L,ewls Stone. Ann Rutherford. Esther Williams, Sara Haden. Fay Holden. Directed by Ueorse B. Seltz. Screenplay by Aicnea Christine Johnston, baaed on character! cre- ated by Aumnia Rouverol: camem, John Mesrnl and Oeonce Folsey: editor. Oene nuKCipin. Tradeahown In N. T.. Nov. 27, ''ll>. Kunnlnic time. 91 .MINS. Judne Hardy Lewis Stone Andy Hardy Mickey Rooney Marian Hardy Cecilia Parker .Mrs. Hardy Fay Holden Polly Uonodlct Ann Rutherford Aunt Mllly Sara Haden .Sheila Brooks Rather Wllllama Jen Willis William LundlRan 'Bolsy' Robert PltUrd 'Tooky' Bobby Blake Sue Susan Peters This is the old and the profitable Hardy family of the original formula. Andy Hardy is again in his home surroundings, after that questionable trek to England in 'Yank at Eton,' so 'Andy Hardy's Double Life' is geared for rugged boxoffice returns. All of the familiar characters which gave the Hardy series a lift are back in the present story. Judge Hardy, Andy's sweethearts and the other relatives—Lewis Stone, Ann Rutherford, Cecilia . Parker, Fay Holden, Sara Haden, etc. Andy is confronted with the usual problems, both femme and monetary, as he is about to shove off for college . It's a trim mixture of comedy, problems and pathos. Sequence in which Andy is vamped by the college girl, friend of his sweetheart, is geared for pop- ular appeal. Then, when both girls kiddingly accept his proposal of mar- Par Paces Mild linenp of Shorts h Nov.; 2l)tli-Fox Qose Second PITTSBURGH- t*niver>.;il releafe of rhiirlcH K. Keldmnn (pnckrtfcet iiroduction. SIufh Mnrlone I>lc- Irlfh. Rnndu'ph Scott, .lohn W;iyn*>; f-n- WivfM Kr.-ink Crnvon. T,.oulfie .MMintton. IJl- rcrt'Ml hy I.ewla Seiler. Scrcenpljiy hy Ken- iinli Garnet. Tom Keod: orivin:il story l.y CpiirBC Owi-n and Koed: added 'liriloK. John TwUt: camern. Hohprt de Urnfae: pdltnr. I'liul I.Amlrfta Previewed In Anxeles. Nov. .10. '41'. Runnlni; iimr-. 01 .MIN!<. JoHio Wliitirx MjM'lenr' l>ifti|fh Cish Kv.infi It.iiidMlph Srutt I'ltt^bUfKh Mfiikh.im .h.hn \V;iynf> •|J<h:* I'our-rK Trunk (.'r-ivin Shfinnr.n IVfntlMS Louih^ All)'iltt</n Sh' ri y Shemp Ho .v^rd Joe Ahiln'»< k . . .Thom.-u* i',nu\*-Y. I>r. <';rnzll''h l.iidvvli: r>] .MoricHn r;i-ntlyH Sinnu'*! S. lllniN Mine Operator |';iul l iir Johnny \Villi;iiii M:i idf Miillfr ChniKx f'»:»man Harney .Np-ioi I':).vd 'Pittsburgh* again triangles Mar- lere Dietrich, Randolph Scott and *re's a counter-p Rt introducing Judge Hardy's usual weighty court decision and Andy's efforts to sell his old auto in time to meet the payment on a check for a new one. Mickey Rooney is his usual appeal- ing self as Andy. Lewis Stone again is the usual stern judge, who finds enough time away from the bench for his domestic problems. Fay Holden, cast as Mrs. Hardy;' Cecilia Parker, as the daughter; Ann Ruth- erford, as Andy's sweetheart, and Sara Haden, as the aunt, all are well cast, per usual. Esther Williams con- tributes a pert characterization as the vampish co-ed and shows con- siderable promise. George B. Seitz's bright, well- paced direction keeps the various story threads moving without any relapses. The screenplay by Agnes Christine Johnston fs one of the tightest in the series, dialog being especially witty. Wear THE TRAITOR WITHIN Ki'iiulilh' i-rlenKe of Armnml .Schaefer pro- iluclii.ii. |.Vjituren Di,nal<l .\i. lljirrj. Jciin rarker. CporKe Cipvi-land. Kalph .Miiricnn. Dlrci'ted hy Frank .MrDonald: screenplay by Jark Tiiwniey: slorv liy rharle:< G. Iloolh: ramern. Huil Thai!kory: editor. Charles Crari. Previewed in N. Y , Nov •'■ 41'. HunnlPK lime. 62 SIIN8 Sain .Sliiii .Mi.lly Fop Ut^WH Jiihn .-ii-,.!! Kyiicr .Mis lt\.l<-i W .M'ConlKle. t'aii-r l><iviM. . Tamil.y. . .MelroRi*. . l.<iul<- J J11'; Ijriimld M. n.lrry lean Tarkcr lleorKe Cleveland Kiiliih .Moruan .IrHHl, a .N*ew,-i>inbe Uridli.y CsKe Dirk WeHMel . Kmmett VoRan .K'lwanI Keanc I-M.lle AnlH . .Sam .MfDanlci .. I'M'Ile Ji.linion .Matjaile C'loley The Traitor Within' Is a melange of every trick that ever clicked on the ."icreen. Title, cast and plot are all aimed for commercial purposes and this film .should serve okay In the duals. Title, however, is mis- leading. It has nothing to do with ihc war. «pics, etc. Donald M. Barry (he la Don 'Red' By HIKE WEAR While there were several out- standing shorts shown in New York projection rooms and theatres dur- ing November, the number of hit subjects failed to strike a favorable average. Paramount, which slipped on quality in the previous month, was the leader with four outstand- ing films, and 20th-Fox was a close second. Following is the way the shorts last month stack up: NOVEMBEB HIT SHOBTS 'Mr. and Mrs. America' (20th-Fox, March of Time, 20 mins.)—In a month when several producers at- tempted to show the homefront and femme side of the war, this subject is outstanding. While initially show- ing that the U. S. appears less affected by the war than other na- tions because thus far it isn't near the battlefronts, the deep and per- sonal interest of nearly every family, through having relatives in the armed forces, is pointed up. Vari- ous phases of civilian activity also are trimly dovetailed into the thought that the folks back home are doing their part. The way letters sent to our armed forces help maintain morale also is stressed. Superlative heroism of American fighters is pictured via realistic battle scenes. Reel socks the Idea that there is any com- placency on the front behind the front, besides emphasizing that this is not Washington's war but Chi- cago's, Kansas City's and the whole country's fight. "There is a plea for unified command in military as well as economic matters. The demand for a free press is ^ based on the theory that such is ffisential to see that Mr. and Mrs. America and those serving the colors are treated right. There is brief reference to the venereal disease problem as it strikes the sons of Mr. and Mrs. America who are in the service. It is probably the most vigorous subject from Time, Inc., In many months, and is bound to attract in- terest. •Keep 'Em Sailing' (Metro, Crime Does Not Pay, 20 mins.)—Gripping closeup of FBI wartime operations in thwarting sabotage on ships at sea. This is the sort of war morale story that rates high in the now ex- panding string of such screen ma- terial—only that this one achieves its purpose, being so entertaining that nothing is overlooked by the average audience. With Ian Keith heading the topflight cast and Basil Wrangel directing, this swiftly un- folds a plot of German Axis agents tb enlist Italian saboteurs in plant- ing bombs on Allied cargo ships be- fore they leave port. 'Modem Mexico City' (Metro, Fitzpatrick travel, 9 mins.)—Second of new season lineup for this pop series. Gives concise picture of out- standing buildings in Mexico City, famed landmarks, part of bull fight, etc. Remarkably stout for a travel- ogue, with color A-1. humorous cartoon from Leon Schlesinger's plant. Daffy Duck, shown as western song hero, who quits Hollywood for the real west. He finds it, plus an Indian maiden, her husky sweetie, an Injun chief and plenty of fireworks. Original quirks, fast action and nice pacing. Sure-fire on any show. 'Hare-Brained Hypnotist' (WB, color cartoon comedy, 7 mins.)— Hero Elmer finally turns tables on Bugs Bunny, with hilarious results. Michael Maltese's bright story makes this standout. 'Monkey Doodle Dandles' (20th- Fox, Lew Lehr Dribble-Puss Parade comedy, 9 mins.)—Group of mon- keys at zoo goes through near- human tricks with typical Lew Lehr script and narrative making it jell. Barry in the Republic boss operas) is a husky and not too brainy trucker. Jean Parker is the gal who works in the factory, keeps house for her pop, George Cleveland, and romances Barry. Pop spends his time sounding off about the Mayor, Ralph Morgan, who received credit for capturing a bunch of Helnles in the last war, even though Pop says he, and not the Mayor, made the pinch. Parker stumbles upon one of the Germans, now an American citizen, confirms her father's story, and proceeds to needle Barry into blackmailing the Mayor for a new truck and sundry other benefits. And Just to cinch things, she turns her data over to the opposition political party, which al.'o cuts into the Mayor's gravy train. Before it's over everyone concerned has had a turn behind the eight-ball, the mayor has shot himself, Barry is almost hung by a mob, and the crooked politicos arc in the jug. The leading players are all good. Frank. McDonald's direction is the picture's standout, with that edge comint; from the handling of the mob .scene. Fran. Lehr has lost none of his deft com- edy touch despite long, serious ill- ness. Stacks up high as comedy novelty. ' 'Neptone'a Daaihteri* (20th-Fox Sports, 9 mins.)—Ed Thorgersen has added a tight script and his vigorous spieling to a famUiar subject, and made It glow. Beauteous femmes doing trick stunts on surf boards near Winter Haven, Fla., are far from new to screen. But outstand- ing here. 'Jasper and the Haunted House* (Par, Pal Puppetoon, 7% mins.)— How the high calibre of this series Is maintained is best typified by this latest, concerning a colored boy scarecrow and haunted-house tricks It's a perfect blending of marvelous sound, magnificent color and smart scripthig. George Pal's puppeU (or Madcap Models) are the sole char- acters. Sequence where sound re- verberates is worthy of a feature production. A 'must' on any bill. •Popular Science No. 2' (Par science topics, 9 mins.)—Diamond cutters In N. Y., football star who gives away $20,000 in marbles annu- ally, remarkable closeup of Vultee Vengeance plane in operation and comedy moment with the Wily Wizard make this worthwhile. 'Sorap the Japs' (Par, cartoon comedy, 6% mins.) — Sparkling touches and rapid-fire pace puts this Popeye over with bang. Sailor strong-man triumphs over Jap navy and halts Nip scrap-drive tactics. •Johnny 'Scat' Davis' (Par, band short, 10% mins.)—More singing than usual in this nifty band short, with Johnny Davis and Gloria Van both cleaning up with vocals. 'Pass Ammunition'^ tune is highlighted with bouncing-ball gadget revived effectively for audience singing. 'No- body,' 'When Baby's Coming Home* and 'Red Wing' included. Leslie Roush deserves laurels for direction. 'Swing's the Thing' (U, band short, IS mins.)—Del Courtney band and glee club In smart band short backed by Carol Bruce's singing and enough production and supporting talent for top rating. Miss Bruce, shown in ex- cellent doseups, is unusually effec- tive' with 'St Louis Blues' and Temptation.' Novel instrumental combo, several dancers and slick band music make this a stout entry. (Note: Only Universal short re- viewed in November.) FAIB 'Mouse of Tomorrow' (20th-Fox, Terrytoon cartoon comedy, 7 mins.) —This just misses being iSutstanding, mainly because of faulty narration and too much kidding of Superman. Idea of super-rat conquering prowl- ing bPists of feline world is good, but too closely follows pattern of that super hero. Color is superb. 'Calling All Pa's' (Metro, Pete Smith, 9 mins.)—In much same groove as other Pete Smith Special- ties, but not up to usual original standard. Shows tribulations of new father caring for baby. 'A Ship b Bom' (WB. Color Spe- cial, 22 mins.)—Plenty of time and ■CSta^'' aML.tf'ifi Which makes (fie Pi . •sMrSfrfKf^ftWtWWJJiiS'V*- U.S. Maritime Commission and l/.S. Coast Guard co-operated in making it, but they may not recognize the finished product. Actually it's more about training of Maritime Commis- sion crews than actual building of ships. There are musical comedy touches, with singing, silly speeches and some inane material that mar it. Knox Manning's spoken narra- tive of Capt. Owen Crump script is no help either. Type of subject is too long for most exhibs. Tale of Two Kitties' (WB, cartoon comedy, 7 mins.)—Producers have tricked up two backyard cats to look like Abbott end Costello and given felines voices resembling those of comedians. Makes for original laughs, but gets tiresome when the same gags are repeated in new dress- ing. 'Wild Honey' (Metro, color cartoon comedy, 9 mins.)—Barney Bear seeks honey via new gadgets. Some action but below usual standard in series. 'Ickle Meets Pickle* (20th-Fox, car- toon comedy, 7 mins.)—Screwball comedy, with bright idea overdone in execution. Possibilities of mak- ing a series of whacky cartoons with these two characters seem okay if the silly gags can be eliminated. The Right Timing' (WB. sports. 10 mins.)—Terrific plug for University of Southern California athletes with flag-waving flnale. Shows that per- fect timing on fleld of sports helps U. S. troops on battlefield. Nice scripting and spoken narrative are big assists. "The Fighting Spirit' (Par, sports. 10 mins.)—Just barely misses being in hit class, being an original recital of how U. S. navy aviators are toughened up at Pre-Flight school.? such as Chapel Hill, N. C, shown here. Smart photography and nar- ration. 'Sky Trooper* (RKO. Walt Disney. 7 mins.)—Donald Duck gets his wi.sh to get into air corps and keep away from K.P. duty. Lesser Disney com- (Continued on page 22)