Variety (Jun 1944)

16 FILM REVIEWS \\ edaaalay, June 28, 1911 An American Romance (TECHNICOLOR) against careless or irtdifiereut- parr ems. ' •. The producers have cast some nt- Metro tvi<*<* at KitiK Vlitor -production, tractive youngsters for the film and dtrvcit-U bv Vidor, Star* Jlrian i>oni.-vy; ] given it a nice production. But it s a (tot u res A an ni.-i>tmi«, ..Waller Abet.--John je approach, with stilted dialog, **°" 1B "V»S SS-™ ^Sy direction and an amateurish ■ mutt.: i.ouls OruenuerKi script. Glenn Vernon and lessa b; camera.•• Harold Brin'd, as the . teen-age leads, are ,.n.jeainn.i:<>>>'>u N.Y.. ,| w holesome an d ' appealing.'.' Bonita Ucii I) editor, Cnnrail A Huston. Trmlefthi .lune HI, '44. IU| Sieve DnriKus. . . . Anna i )l<i\\;ml rlinlwn,. Anton Dubeeti*t<. Teddy Dangus. ■. ISt MINS .Mrlan nnnlevy Granville gives a convincing per- ..Ann niehanip formance as a wayward gal, and Jean .Waiur Abel Brook* iis plausible in a big-Bister ( :But. th e other charac^r* are undistinguished. . - Kton. Despite the (act that there in little marquee strength, in the person of several proven name stars in thi* picture, "An American Romance" is bound to create a storm of contro- versy, based upon its plot and: gen- eral treatment of labor vs. capita). So much so that thif romantic drama, on the baste of that impetus, should garner topflight grosses wher- ever exhibited. One of Metro's greatest efforts (execs state that the picture was two years in the making and cost over $3,000,000), this film will zoom Brian Donlevy into the constellations as one of Hollywood'* most important actors. It's his baby from opening to closing, and his performance as the Czech immigrant who runs the gamut from poverty to become a wealthy industrialist, is one of the most understandable, warm and neatly woven portrayals to hit the screen in many a moon. King Victor's story, coupled with his forthright direction and the excellent acting, are assets that add up to" a winning total. The one fault with "Romance" is that - it is much too long in the telling. A tightening-up process, in which at least 40 minutes of the 151-minute runoff is eliminated, would aid this romantic narrative immeasurably. Yarn takes more than an hour to get down to business. During that hour, true. Victor lays the setting tor the rest of the film, showing how Donlevey, who is held up at Ellis Island on landing in America because he did not own the equivalent of $25 in U. S. money, overcomes this pov- erty by hard work in the Mesabi iron ore pits of Minnesota, and meets the girl whom he is to marry (Ann Richards). Donlevy, eager to learn the modes and history of America, also takes advantage of the fact that she is a schoolteacher, delving into the chemistry of steel-making and the functions of industry. With this background,' Donlevy makes his way to a large eity in the . Industrial midwest.. and works hjs way up to foreman of a section of a steel mill. He sends for his fiancee In Minnesota, they wed, and have five children. Meanwhile, be begins the manufacture of autos. Through the aid of funds of his cousin Anton (John Qualen) and the business acumen of his partner (Walter Abel) ' ell this soon results in the success of the business. However, the men working in the auto nlant wish to organize a union, and Donlevy'* son joins with them in their demands. A confirmed individ- ualist, Donlevy refuses to give in-to their demands, and so, when his board of directors votes to settle a three-month strike by acceding, he retires from the firm. In the end, though, Donlevy comes out of retire- ment to take over the outfit's new airplane building plant in California. Photographed'in beautiful Techni- color, this romantic drama is notable for the documented montage shots of the intricate mining and snipping of iron ore: the making of steel in the huge mills of the midwest: films showing the way autos are made, and the excellent details of airplane- making. Once "Romance" starts moving, it proves to be a mighty appealing pic- ture. The support given Donlevy by Miss Richards, Walter Abel and John Qualen adds much' to the enjoyment of the film, especially the job done by Abel. Vidor hasn't had a tremendous winner in a long time. This vehicle may well be the one to again estab- lish him at the pinnacle of the pro- ducer-director, ladder. With the ap- parently unlimited budget allowed him by Metro, and the fine camera work of Harold Bosson, Vidor has turned out a likable film that is going to create much discussion, all to its advantage at the b.o. Sten. H«iel Reserve .v.;.v;.- <B«ITI8H-MADE> • ■ London, June 1. V.lvO Radio protUicllon *>id release.* *tar* l.uci* ;\l;uiub*inj. .lame* ilfiiao'tt. . t)lr&.<te4 Uy. Victor tiJaowuri, Jrttnc* CoiotWt.. Max tjreeoc Wcifteuylay by Jobn ,I>a*elijfcJrt fruSj. novel by Ki ic Auibler; camejia. Ai** tQfr&ene, A;! JUuilo.' Ixmdou. Junei ■ J, '44. l.tuuiijl)K time,.SS -MIS**. Peter: yaidaa-py.; tSuV-aone Koch*....'C Robert l>uclo*... .. ■. MoOfijrur Reabio.-.. Mary x&ejioo . iiw Vtailer,-.Vil«*lV Ad^j* Roiix.' ..... Jfijoil tfejtffoler. rf'Aw-AUjM . .. .. »<»»f Xfcelton..... Odeliie Rou*, . ...... J)e«rj Afctlc.Ot. ...'. . MIMa Voael........ jMaior. claiodon Mai i j JaiwitAelioe,..... .'. . (•..V.i wee Maann r&tfje' id.attn beiiu . ..lullew MfatMrl! .KUnts HtuMtMO .. .Martin MJJler i.. .Herbert iiao ::tfr<r4erUk Vat*;. Ivor Raa-w-ard. v*>-,uine l^yaU .-(•"atricja MtAiflX ,'...«a*-M Wjurd ..', .^lejia Kany .. .AnikjbBy tSwaw .invreoce Ham-ay .. I'atrieia ifcaye* This pre-war thriller about French counter-espionage methods against Nazi agents is a run-of-the-mill who- dunit, not rating real consideration as a first-run draw even in British communities where James Mason and Lucie Mannheim ; mean some thing. In spite of this, if and when it is seen fey American talent scouts. "Hotel Reserve" may prove of inters est as the picture in wh&fa Herbert Lorn was "found " In what seems a subordinate role during first of picture, this British film actor treats his more than seduc- tive bride with all the heavy-lidded indifference which has made Charles Boyer popular. In later sequences, as he begins to merge as the central character of the spy plot, young Lorn turns on the heat as a menace. If wartime conditions prevent Holly- wood from grabbing him, Lorn 16oms large as Britain's boxoffice bet. The Riviera the summer before the war provides a background against which holiday makers find themselves en- meshed in the spy hunt conducted by an unconventionally tough officer of French Naval Intelligence {played in stolid English style by Juiien .Mitchell). Suspicion, directed first against an Austrian medical student, gradually extends to all of the pa- trons of the Hotel Reserve. As the young Austrian, James Mason is convincing as a completely bemused innocent. Lucie Mannheim as Madame Koche, charming hostess of the hotel, succeeds in making her secret love affair with Emil Schim- ler, • one of her guests, disguised enough to keep one guessing up to the climax. Of the others, Patricia Medina, as Lom's scorned bride, is comely and has curvaceous figure, and,looks a future bet. . Direction • is. as undistinguished as the production generally. . Back- ground music by the London Sym- phony orchestra lends a welcome distinction. Miniature Reviews "Ah American Romance" (Color) (M-G). Brian Don- levy and King Vidor have smash , b.o. winner. ;''."'•' -V. .,; I-. "Youth Runs Wild," IRKO). Feeble .addition to the juve de- ; linquency cycle. Poor dualer. "Hotel Reserve" iRKO) tBrit). Run-of-mill whodunit. "taw Me»" (Mono - ); Enter- taining hoss-opera dualer. . : : "We've C*sw a l*»g. lMg~ Way.'' Negro documentary suit^* able for colored houses, "iehaay Deesn't Live Here Any Mere" <Monoi. Merry comedy on overcrowded Wash- ington should ring bell in duals. "WetcMie Mr, Washington" (Anglo-Am;). British meller about Yank troops in England; thin possibilities for U, S. . "The Aaaxiag Mr. Fcrrest" iPRC) (British-Made). Detec- tive fiction, of an inferior quality. "Anether Oawa" «Mex), Gang- ster meller lacking sufficient action; Spanish-language houses only. "Geyeseas" 'Spanish). Elabor- ate costume piece (with English titles) should please regular Spanish filmgoers. "K« MareniU Cbra" (Mex). Evita Munoz makes a humdrum yam a neat comedy; child star looks to be a find. Welcome, " Mr. Washington (BRITISH-MADE) London, May 18, Anfclo-Xmerlenn Film <'<n-p. ,relea>e o't Bl ItM NlUtolial Film, )''ealilres Jta i Inn a -\ln!l«-n. Uona)d SHiiwart. UlreHecl by l.en- iie Miaeult.' Hcreonplay by .(at-li, U'binina- haiu ti'piiv orishial atory be Nuel sirea-tllabl; rninera. Gerald (llbbn. Uerubl .Mus*. At Sunlio One. Lynuuil. May IS. KnnniiiR nr. mxn. ,Ian'e >VUIoUKi>l>.v,. • < • l.ieut, Johnny Oi'ant. !*ai«b Will*,u>;tiby .. . . *'xtl/Uito AblK»tt.i•,,. i*e]l>y..... ....... Mix* Klneii......... Mliltiii}' , AM*rt,....... iunin. ....... Jtarllia..........;.,.. i*atdh-3m'. .... . ...... . KattMrriC^ W.Jlv'JKb'O V*^iw»., , ; Mi*. Ourl^y ... . ; , ; ... • ,.riarlj.fi'a Mullen . ..DiinalU Slewal't .. Ijra4!e>' ... . .tinjy Ki«wl«n ..... .-Matin* limit . v . Ai'-i3iiur "j$lhel5i ii- . .Hiieiyjfii Kt»4a?r . .H-xiikt Vat)*y .. .O*^!** Cai Ji«y . . .i'auTKlakc . ..Uiu.eiUa W'lJle values are negligible, its sound track at times inaudible, and its cohesion disjointed. It tries to do too much in too short a time. Comprised chiefly of newsreel and montage shots of Negro leaders in all fields; colleges and schools which have done much for race uplift; per- sonalities in the armed forces and the political world; and battle scenes showing colored troops and sailors in action, this picture uses too many sequences which have already been flashed on screens before to tell its story. j Notable, however, is a lively musi- cal score featuring the world-famed Happy Am I" choir. A full-sized symphony orch was also used to pro. vide the musical background. Nar- ration by Elder Lightfoot Solomon Michaux is well-written and inter- estingly done by the pastor at the "church on the banks of the Po- tomac" in the nation's capital. . - SUn. Hardships suffered by British country folk when American troops came in is the keynote of this latest in the series of hainds-across-t he-seas films. Main title tips what it is all about, GI's volunteering at the last moment to reap the harvest and save the community before the time limit set for demolition of farm houses to clear the way ior a huge airdrome. Even before this happens it seems as if ih6 Yanks had earned a -wel- come. If it gets distribution in U. S.. it looks to have only limited possi- bilities for nabes. As with "A Canterbury Tale," this British National offering is cine- matography at its best. Bishop's Knote, a stately mansion, is the scene of a greater part of the action. Leslie Hiscott's direction, if con- ventional, is worthy of the "original story" by Noel Streatfleld, who is daring enough to make the villain of the piece an English farmer stalk- ing through the plot with the menace of a Boris Karloff. Acting honors go to Peggy Cum- mins, Who walks away with the pic- ture in a role in which * less clever child would win scant recognition. The co-stars, Barbara. Mullen and Donald Stewart, struggle valiantly as conventidnal as they are uncon- vincing. Stewart, as a U. S. Army lieutenant, is confronted with the hopeless task of being every inch the hero. As his superior officer, Leslie Bradley, not so handicapped by script, gives a more convincing portrayal. Amazing Mr. Forrest (BRITISH-MADE) PRC release of .laek Huehanan pi-fldiie- Iion. features E. K. Marlon, OiK) Kingev, .lack >tm.lmnan, Jack "l.aKue. IJirerfed by 'rilnvnlnn Freelainl.. Slory and a.lainalinn. llatph Spence; $Utor, B. B. .Inivis; i-umm-ii, <Maude Krieso-Cii-eene. At Xew XtMc. N. Y.i n-eek June 111, '44. Running lime; 51 1II>'JS. inever-.clear just what's in them). Armendariz is the dapper gunman aide to the slain laborite, and he car- ries on to save the valuable papers. In the meantime, he meets a former sweetheart. Miss Palma, now unhap- pily wed to Ignacio (Alberto Galan ). The old romance between Armen- dariz and Palma flares again. He nearly elopes with her, but winds up using her as a stooge, Showdown scene in nightclub could have been lilted Irom any number of U. S. gangster films. There's an episode where Miss Palma confronts her femme rival,, latter attired only in unmentiona- bles, that would bring Haysian eye- brow lifting even though obviously considerably trimmed for N. Y. con- sumption. - ••':'••'; Andrea Palma's languid acting re- minds of Dietrich, with her whole makeup apparently patterned alter that actress. She shows possibilities. Pedro Armendariz, as the laborite's henchman in love with Miss Palma, is one ot the more vigorous Mexican screen actors judging from this per- formance. Alberto Galan is capable in the role of Miss.Palma's hubby. Supporting cast is as little known to American audiences, but adequate. '■■ .•'■'.'■'-•'■■•'.•:■."■■;• •■ "., " : .v. v , Wenr. ("After Ge-ya") (SPANISH-MADE I RKO f«Je«»e of Univei-Kal iWr«-Amn-i-l-- eana Ve Cln*oiatosraflai jnwjiivtion, Siarii.. i>uM«-Ao ArweDllna; featuree Rafael ltivtl- U%. Ai iiiail<Io Calvo. Riuwn Mart4jrl.-',T<iSlS. ijiione. Directed W Benito Prn&: Mnsie. K»tique 'JrajnadOB: camera. Mieb*l tvelber: iteOHXr*. Viocent*.Eeeudei-a: *ettln>;f. sia- Burmann. At World. .V. V.. Jam; It. 14. imoDlog llttie. »7 HIX». Petrilta,................ .IwjoetSo Arfteiv!ina A-ount^jw de Guaida. ....IwMerbj AtKt-ntina «'it»t. F*rnatwlo Pizarro.. . . .Rafael Kl.velhja'. Dota I^uia'Atfonao Ariixand" i'al\-i> Mufor ot the Town.. Mlol«t*r oodoy....'... The Queen t'atjuiKi.. the Matador lutukeeiier s«-e»ud Innkeeper... Pejta,,,,, 1'atiljaa, the Outlaw.. . El : M-alagyeno. 2nd Outlay; Ranjnn Mailori ....Ju*e l.alerte Eioisa Muro . ,\ Aiitowl'i <'n>aa llattuel lleniM-na . ..3>4anuel .\Un.-in . . .Mai-la Klore.M .... . .-.Juan.»'alVo Anlooio Ma> on ' Law M«mi , MoirtMft'aiu itroductlo»i-'and releaae,. • ;?Va- loj««. Jwltatiy Waek Ktown. HaynKnul Ual T t.uo. Oliemed. by iSaWbert HiMyei. Stiny and ai-eeeiu.lay. Aileim Tt-jon; ,-ajnera, Hari-y ,\euniati; #,Jit.or. Jobw Fuller; jUj,U' ate- OUm-loi-, *C<l-watd Kay. At. .\>w Vork tiJ-eatre. iv. y.. week of June 21, '41, duat. Jiann Una*, &S MfVS Jv'eva^a. WaiiOy: 1'byjlia... <-iyil* Mjlto-. ftmd/ord",'.... «la'de .-. <^ue. H*ytne*e...... KilUfer, ..-. . A uJjiie Ms**.. >5ittJjUunf Cui-Jey. ....... Wjliwn il^txjy. :..'.... iJttormity Ma.<-1( Brown .Rayuwfid Jfafltoo .inti Wtley KJrby :45irfliJt ...; Hubert VrayA-r . .. .jSdmurui Cnlitt ....... Art Fowler ..Harry F. friee ... HmtOu 'A Seed I*^bel Wlihei-s .......Ken t'nrbett -Ted .\lapfis ..... .Sleyri flark ..... Uutl Osborne Yom.Ii Runs Wild "RKO release : o'C Val J.ewtoit pjotlnetinn. Features :llo*lfta tJi'anvltle, Kent Swtitb, Jean >JrnnUK, <41ehn Vernon and 'fVtsfta Tlliud. Ibreejrd by .Mark Rob&on. Screen- play, John Pante; original, Faixle aiid Her- bert Kline; eainern. Jnbn J. Meacatl: edttnK -Tolio- r,.oekert. ■ Ti-ade.shoVvri in N. Y;, June St. '44. ltuvmins time, «; MINS. TodOr .',<.. • • ■ . Danny. .. ;',. .... Moi y . Frank,. ; ,. Sarah Taylor... Mr. Taylor.. ... Mrs.. Mauser ... . Mr. Piinlop. . ... I>uucah......... 'tleorgie Punloii. Hern A'iKeio.... Rocky. Mis. Taylor..... Bonita. Granville ....;. .Kent Hiirii b ..- Jean Brooks: ,...Glenn Vernon ... .. .Tessa Bl ind ........Hen Hani ... . Alai-v Servoss ...Arthur Shields Lawrence Tienirv ....Dickie Moore ... . Johnny Walsh , ... .Rod RndRers Elizabeth Kussoll "Youth Runs Wild" is another film „on juvenile delinquency, a feeble sermon that fails to provide much entertainment, A dualer. Story follows, a familiar, obvious . pattern -of- -kids_ running ardund in jalopies, frequenting roadhouse.s, .slipping into crime as the means to a little' spending money or excite- ment. It is, as usual, an indictment Possessing several ingredients for an. exciting western, "Law Men" emerges as a fairly entertaining double-bill pleaser for the hoss-opera coterie; ; ■. - j' Yarn has U. S. marshals .Tohhny Mack Brown and Raymond Hattorr arriving secretly in tow'ri to investi- gate various bank and stage holdups. Hatton sets himself up as a shoe- maker, and Brown manages to join the gang committing the robberies. After numerous cbenanigans they corral the outlaws and unmask the real leader. Starring team works Smoothly, as 'Usual. Brown is properly convincing and Hatton is amusing. Other cast members are. good, with the gal, Jan Wiley, a looker. .;- Johnny Doesn't Live Here Any More Monogram release, of Maurice and' Frank- 15ti Kitux: tooduction. Stars simone Simon. Janafrt* Ellistoi, William Terry;':, features MtMJla <3ombel. .Olllck I'handler, Alan Dine- oaii. I>jrerted by .due May. Screenplay. PbiJip l'ordan. John II. Kafka, from orig- inal by Alice- Means 10*u3k« Harliiisr; ediloi i-atinejia, I ra Moin. N. Y:. June M), '44. MIX*. l:eii\;c; score'. W. .. Mai-tln (I. Colin; At I *c\ itrotikUn ituiiMiiiK time. I) IVeadwell. Mjko t'badwick.,... Jphn Fotu-est........ Alb*rni....,..... AJke Foit-e*t.,..'.,. Vonnee.............. nerett i I'rince llonutuskH ;.. • diaries t.'ajt-wrlgliti Harpei': Spider Ferris.7..... 0vet**t Motion .,-.. -Otto Krttaer ,. .1 ack Buchanan .... Jack 1> Rue .Ueoiate Witbera . . .J»yd:» alker. ..".. .l>a^*id Burns .....Waller Rllia . .**faarle« Carson . ..l>!*dle Perrina . . .Itojiald Bhlher ....sinione Simon lames Kllison .,'.;VAVJlllani 'reny ...M'iiina <4nmbeJl . ,,(-liick Chandler . Man Dinehart . . . .ttladya Blake- . . Uobert .Milchuin . Dorothy- t^raiiiRer ., .. .Urad.v Snllon i'healer- t:iiiie; l-Vi-ii Kminett ...... .Jerry Mai-en ...., . .Janet Sbaw We've (J'ome m faOiig, \----wMiimg Way (IH>CX'MCNTACr) .' Ketfro •^ai'cjtes fbr releaae <rf Jack Gol4- berK ttfodiict ioji. Vari a tion by Elder f„ fit. Mlcbaui-: At AVoild. \ Y week of June 24, II llunnins lime. S? AIJ.N*. . ;A factual film tracing the rise of the American Negro during the past 75 years, "WeVe Gome a Long, Long Way" is outright propaganda, of the best variety—to bring about the real- ization by others that this race has as. much at slake in the winning of the war by the Allies as any other. But as a picture, its production K*.tbie. Mike....,...; Johnny.....'. . Mj*. Collin*. Jail!. ludse........ Sally .letr. . . I rcile, tlfolKe. . . ■.-.*,. Mr. Collins. . Shreu-........ iGlfe^jin... ..., <ilaxlys....... Overcrowded Washington comes in for another lampooning in this re- lease which should do okay biz in the duals. Continuity romps at merry pace, sprinkling many laughs along the way eiiher via dialog or screwy situations. William Terry has been inducted, so he turns his.former menage over to Simone Simon, forgetting he had previously given keys to a number of buddies to drop in and stay when in the Capitol City. It develops that Terry's place topped Baldpate in dis- tribution of keys, and when the gang carrying them, mostly pals also in service, barge in. the gal is at wit's end what to do. Along comes James Ellison, a likeable gob who nearly makes . her; forget ' all about Terry. After many comic didoes there is a free-for-all for attentions of the gal and they all land before Alan Dine- hart. as judge, who sets everything aright before fadeput, ■-'-.' ''-';.*.]- : Miss Simon is likeable, although a trifle lightweight as the gal, with her male supporters.- principally Terry and Ellison, practically running away •with the pic Dinehart gives his usual good account as the judge, with Chick Chandler and Minna Goiubel also turning in good performances. Joe May's direction is keyed in.fast tempo keeping it at merry pace. Scenarists have done nifty job on screenplay, with camera work of Ira Morgan also on the okay side. '•'■-;■.•' . Edba. A mixture of American and British film talent figured in the production of this one, which was made in Eng- land some time ago but is now just getting release on this Side. That its acceptance for sale in.the American market has been delayed is not sur- prising since the picture is feeble eiv tertainment. Only for the smaller runs.- : "The Amazing Mr. Forrest'' was produced by the English star. Jack Buchanan, who plays the title role o£ an insurance company investiga- tor and runs down a ring of jewel thieves. Not only is the script trite but the attempt at comedy misses badly. It's .an example of the Brit- ish sense of humor at its worst. Artists from the States in the east include Edward Everett . Horton. playing a butler and getting no- where. Otto Kruger, racketeer nightclub owner, who's all right, and Jack LaRue, his triggerman who never showed to poorer advantage. Georgie Withers (English) is the wife of Buchanan and okay though far from outstanding. A derby-hatted detective is done suitably by Syd Walker, while Ronald Shiner is a good character as a dip. Others are lesser. ~ .'■ Cliflr. (In Spanish; English Titles) Made in Spain three years ago, this elaborate costume piece reveals the great shortcomings of Spanish film production which, if it were to compete with U. S. pix in the Latin- American market on technical ex- cellence alone rather than culturally, would fall far behind Yank product. However, the film has a certain grace and charm to recommend it and should garner fair grosses in Span- ish-language nouses. , ; . Based on the celebrated opera by Enrique Granados which was in- spired: by the paintings of Goya, which it closely follows, the picture is laid in 19th century Spain, re- counting the tale of two women who resemble each other, one a bold singer, the other a capricious coun-; tess, both in love with the same man. Vividly characterizing the Spain of that period, with its decadent aris- tocracy and the squalor and misery of its people, the story unfolds to the music of the famous "Intermezzo" from the opera played by the Madrid Symphony Orchestra and features the lilting dances of that period. Imperio Argentina contributes much to the picture in her dual role, displaying a fine vaice and dramatic ability, carrying the film along prac- tically singlehandedly. with the oth- ers assisting satisfactorily, but the whole thing is marred by poor sound transmission and photography. ,; u Km Morenila rim-a (."The Little Brunette") (MEXICAN-MADE) C;afa Studio* production and release. Stat*' Evita Wunoz; feature*' fclaniai.ll.ft Mora. Arturo Soto Uauttel. Adellna'-Vehl..., Directed by Joaellto Rodritoez. At nel- itiout; W; T.. week June 2. '44. Ttnniiihst lime. 1*4 MINK. Cfaachlta,............... . .Ecila Munoa fculedad. . MarufcrJla Mora Don Juan... ............Arluro Soto Itanyrl Dona. Cai-men. . .Adelina Veil!- And Victor UrrucJiua. B.J**yrd Ardi-.riii'eim and Mijtnuel Norieaa, CLINE'S 'JERKS BERSERK' Hollywood, June 27. Edward F. Cline, draws directorial duties on ''Night Life," designated as a comedy with music, starting July 9, Following his film job, Cline will motfe to New York in August to di- rect the Olsen-Johnson stage piece "Jerks Berserk.'''; ■-. BfaJinio Aninneeer • ("AiBSther flaw n" i (MEXICAN-MADE)- . . Filtna Mi;iidialea production and l-e":ease. Statfl Pedro Armendariz. .Andrea T'alnia. Directed by Julio Rrarho. ..At. Rellnont. Y.. week June », '44. rtunnlnn- time. 108 MINS .luliela Octavlo..,,. Iffnaclo.,... l!uiie,....w .luanilo Don &u)toa. ....... Andrea Palma . I'eilrn A rinenilaria , . A ibei lo tlalau . Ociavio .Martiney. . .Narciso BanoueU .,. .Felipe .Moutoya (III Spowisli; No English- Titles) It had to happen ultimately—a Mexican-produced gangster meller with henchmen, crooked cafe opera- tors, the comely femme habitue and familiar trappings a la Americano. "Another Dawn" is a fairly work- manlike effort despite the persistent Mexican film-maker habit of drag- ging out the dialog and forgetting the action. Aside from this, film has suspense, excellent camera work, sound direction by . Julio Bracho and two deft performances by Andrea Palma and Pedro Armendariz. Okay for Spanish-language theatres or arty houses when given English titles. Assassination of a labor leader brings two gangs into a race to ob- tain important official documents (In Spanish; No English titles) Diminutive Evita Munoz, star of this nicely made Mexican production, looms as the best potentiality to come thus far from Mexico City as far as concerns American films. Ap- nearing about ftye years old. this tot jell. She reminds of Shirley Temole. achieving top rating through her own thespic ability. Picture, itself, looks okay for Spanish-language houses and arty theatres though in the latter it will require English titles. Story does not represent much. Basically, it's the venerable one about the precocious child who wins " over her harsh grandfather. In this case, said child is the daughter, of Soledad, a gypsy, who wed the old man's son before he left for the U. S. This son is killed in an accident, which gives the excuse to bring the child and ultimately her gypsy, mother . into grandad Don Juan's home. Don Juan's other son, villain of yarfi attempts to break up- this peaceful atmosphere in hopes of gaining his dad's fortune. Little Evita, as the gypsy's daugh- ter, is thoroughly captivating. Surrounding cast is-standard for pro- ductions made in Mexico City, but dwarfed by this youngster's bright performance. Joselito Rodriguez di- rected fairly well, but has left in too many wordy scenes. VVcur.