Variety (Apr 1945)

10 FILM REVIEWS Wednesday, April 4, 1915 The Corn Is Green Warner Bros, release of Jnrk Cherlok production. Star* Uette Davl»: features John Wall. Joan LiiiTlnc, NIkoI : Ui-u.-c, llhys Williams Itoirilliiil Hun. Mllihcil Dunnnck. Directed by Irvlnt: Rainier. Ilnsed on |>l»y «i wiiiii- name l>v Kinlyn \Vllllum«: adapta- lion I'nii-y llohlnson anil r'rank Cnveil: editor l-Yederlik Kb-liard'-: >uincin. Sol I'uliiu. At lluiljwuo.l. N. Y.. xIiiiiIUk .Mnnh 20. Ilnnnlng lime, III WINS, JlINi Muffin The squire.... ,,. Mr. Joia-s . Mr*. Watty Miss Ronberry.... Will Davis. Nin-a PiikIi OKI Toin Jdwal.....•. . l.lwellyn I'mv'l).. win iiuKhw tllyn Thomas. .. John Ontn. Dal F.vnns Kddle..... ■ The llrotim Cwllym. .I'tnt*"..'.. Ithts Norman.... Tudor n<Mlr Davis Nl>:cl UlUVO .. Illiys Williams ..: Itoxallnil Ivan MII.H'iMl Diinuoek . .Arthur Shields i iioi U Hughes .Thomas I.uiidon . , Billy Roy . .Ilr.-indon Hursl ...Tony KIIIh Klllolt Dare ...I.eslle Vincent .. .'Hubert Cherry . ..liiillih l.'alhey lork Walt .......ileus Ross :.: itdhoi i in-fc-cot '., Jiivk Owen An,l iiiii-ti.iiti'lin: Jalm D.lll I tl l.oirillK iMor s nn Evansi (Hissle, Wally) Not the type of screen material that ordinarily has general appeal, "Corn is Green"' has been well produced by Jack Cticrlok and the boxoffice 'draught --jot the Bctle Davis name in- sures it' at the. gate. It was a big Broadway legit hit with Ethel Barry- more as its star. .' The performances, not only of Miss Davis but of two newcomers to the screen. John Dall and Joan Lorring, together with those of Nigel Bruce end others, capture attention, arid.ad- miration far and above that of the story itself, which is somewhat slow in the first half.: Several sequences could have been edited more sharply. While the exteriors of the Welsh countryside with appropriate photog- raphy are almost entirely dreary and depressing, they reflect not only able production effort, but also the mood of the Emlyn Williams* play and its locale. : Miss Davis, doing . the emotional and serious-minded school mistress of the story^ whose sociological ideals spur her to untiring efforts in.raising the I. Q. of lowly Welsh mining folk, is cast in the kind of role she does well. It's one of her best to date and one of great, sympathetic impact. Dall, her protege, who's dif- ficult to handle, is much less an ad- mirable character, though audience interest stays with him all the way. He's presently appearing in the legit, "Dear Ruth," on Broadway, but un- der contract to Warners, same as Miss Lorring. The youthful Miss Lorring is also a very intriguing type. As the trollop Bessie Watty, she is par ticularly socko in the final reel, when returning to the village- with the news that she has borne Dall's ille- gitimate child. This development, from which Miss Davis has sought to shield Dall, so that it would not interfere with his going to Oxford, ends the picture on a rather tragic note for the schoolmistress, who agrees to adopt the baby so that Dall may go on with the future she has planned for him. The parts played by Dall. and Miss Lorring, incident- ally, are those done originally on Broadway by Richard Waring and Thelma Schnee. Except for Miss Davis, heavy Welsh and English accents figure in the speech of most members of the cast. These accents, at first a little difficult to, become accustomed, to, may serve as a deterrent in the 'hin- terlands, at least. Bruce, playing a stuffed-shirt squire; Rhys Williams\and Mildred ..Durmock. teaching associates of Miss Davis, and Rosalind Ivan, a Cockney housekeeper, are all in the groove on the accents. They, as well as lessers, acquit themselves very creditably, There are a number of the cast who are repeating for the screen roles they created on the stage namely, Williams, Misses Ivan. Dun nock and Gwyneth Hughes. Char. The Horn Blows at Midnight Hollywood, March 30. Warner Bros, release of .Murk Helllnire pioduml '■ Stni-H Jiii-k •' Benny, - Alexia Smith: features' Dolores Moran, Allyn-Jos- Jyn, Ileainald Gardiner, Guy Klhbee. John Alexander. ' Directed by RaOuT WalHh 6rreenpliiy'. Shim 'Hellnmn' and James V Kern, based . on. Idea* by Aubrey Wishers camera.' Sid llickox: special erfec-tH, Law- ■rence Rullcr; -editor, ".Irene Morra; music, Franz Wasman. Trnileshuwh L,. A. March 21). '-13.. Running: lime, 80 MINH, dragged in and overworked. Biggest howls arc the scenes depicting Benny and others . dangling from atop a. 40-story building. Sennett. Havold Lloyd and the other yesteryear com- ics explored this laugh-suspense, trick pretty thoroughly decades ago. and that it's necessary to use the old stuni ' here -indicates story weak- ncsscs, Benny plays third trumpet in a radio station orch. Fulling asleep during reading of dreamy commer- cials, Benny dreams he's, an anficl, third class, in Heaven—and still play- ing third, trumpet.. The Big Chief, disgusted with conditions, on the planet earth, dispatches Benny, to. earth to destroy it. The angel is to blow his special horn promptly at midnight, the blast to do away with the earth. Benny flunks his first blasting try when he stops to save a girl from jumping off the building. He's given another chance and muffs that too when the horn is stolen, re- covered and he almost falls off the building. Dream ends there with Benny back in the.radio station orch. Heaven, as depicted, is certainly not a very soul-satisfying spot. Its por- trayal as a satire on government and the many bureaus and sub-bureaus, etc.. may disturb some-audiences: Alexis Smith, as. secretary to heav- en's Big Chief and with an angelic yen for Benny, hasn't too much to do in the plotting. Same goes for Do- lores Moran as hotel cigarct girl who has a yen for super-crook Reginald Gardiner. Latter, along with Allyn Joslyn and John Alexander, two fallen, angels,.whip over some of the pictured funniest moments. Guy Kibbee is the Chief and Mike Ma- zurki aide to Gardiner's skulldug- gery. . • •. Raoul Walsh's direction is not as forte as the pace and punch he dis- plays when handling an action story. Special effects are dealt, put with lavish hand for Heaven fantasy ppr- Brog. tions. Alhnnnel, Ellas bi.-th.... ... Fran Oaldro... ........... Archie Drxler .The inner.........., DoreltiUH...; Sloan.: Mlwi noilhnliler...^i Junior. T.Aily Slovi'r Thompfinn. .■..: naillo nnnount:er.... Iluiniihrey RurTciiy. I.hw Tony. .... i Clerk ..?HeV Benny . —-... Alexin -Hull " Dolorea Mora Allyn Joaly ;. . Heginahl Gardiner ...Uuy Klbhec ......lolin Alexiimler .Kmnklln . PaiiKborn ... Martcnrel Dumoi ...Hobby Iilake .......Klhel OiirTICH I'aul Harvoy ... .■Tr.uiuun Bradley .Mike M11/.U1- ..Tolni'llraw Morrsiy. Alpei Tut O'.Mooro Miniature Reviews "The Corn Is Oreen" tWB). .Bctte Davis for b.o. ■ impact in the EtheJ Barrymore stage hit. "the. Horn Blows al Midnight" (WBI. Benny name will assure fair returns'for this lightweight fantasy. "Counter-Attack" (Coll. Paul Muni in Russ-Nazi war drama headed for fair b.o^ "Identity Unknown" (Rep). Excellent topical- theme, very well done. Looks like a. sleeper. "Cisco Kid Returns" (Mono). Duncan Renaido stars in o\ay outdoor dualer. "Castle of Crimes" (PRC) . (British). Whodunit for duals. "Fashion Model" (Mono). Good murder-mystery comedy, for duals. Parks is seen briefly, though.capably, along with a large supporting cast. Zoltan -Korda's direction ' lacked the finesse and thoughtfulness that might have placed this screen dish on the lop rungs of the entertain- ment ladder. Steiu story has suspense, It embodies • very natural love angle, it works on the tear duels without becoming over sentimental, and ends on a note which makes Arlen symbolic: of every demobilized soldier and of all his buddies who lost lives, limbs or health because of the war. When Johnny finally is aided toward self- identification, a.;- the- film ends and he gets (lie gal, the two lovers emerge as the embodiment of the hopes of the war generation for a world that will feel the sacrifices made were worthwhile. It's a credit to everybody who had anything to do with the film, from (he original yarn to those who timed the distribution for the period co- iciding with the San Francisco security powwows. Although film' is a low-budgeter, production is smooth and easy throughout, direction shows concern for precise detail, acting is uperb. Alien and Cheryl Walker re excellent, as Johnny March and the widow of a man killed in France. And Bobby, Driscoll. who mistakes Arlen for his dead GI father, proves himself as not merely a cute kid but also a reul little a.etor. Identify Unknown Republic- release ' of Wnller c'oliuea and llouHrd. Ureiherton production, direcied by Oolinea.' Suns Rlchnrd .'Arlen, t'heryl Walkev; features Roger l'ryor. Bobby DrUcoM. Lola. Lane, Ian Kellli. OriKlnnl. Kobert Newman; acrcenplny, ntchard \Veil; -amera, Krneat Xllter; editor John Link. 1'radOHhoun. N. Y-. March to, '43. .Uun- olriK time. 71 MISS. Counter-AUack Columbia .produellon and releaw. Sihia Paul Muni: features ^Mar e uer le < hap- mnn. Larry Parka. Dire-led by /.ollun Korda Screenplay, John Iloward l«- Ion, from plw by J.W and PhlUP Si-ven- son baaed upon the llussian orlitlnal by Vershlnln and -Mikhail. Ituderman; Johnny March ^nlly .MnHlrecor. Itoi-ks l>ounelly.. Voddy. LorliiRr.. .. \Vnada. Major Williams. Joe tli'anowakl.. Mrs. AnderHon... Mr. AnilerRon... Krankle.., ..' Harry...: Colonel '.Marlln.. Aui-lloneer. Needles.. Spike jNurse -Muloi' Cop..... .„ son, Ilya Cameru, jtmico '"*"'!»-,""/' Charles Nelson and Al Olark W. Stoloff. Previewed. N.. V. 45. Runnlnn time, »0 SUNS. . ■ . AlAvel Kulkov Paul Muni LlS Elenko..........MKr K uerlie irirlfhpnUo l*«ri y JfarKfl. Galkronye .. .V......... -Philip Van 7-andt Colonel Semenov Geor K e Mncready vnatvnV Roman Bohnea Waller ....... Krederl.-k Glermann Krafft" . .Paul Andor nrlllnarzer'. Ivan Trleaault SueMer™.'.'.'.--. .'1-mMlt Dm** Huebsch. r«nl« Adjon Petrov Trevor Hardelte General kallnev npislc; M.. March 30. .Richard Hale ... .nirhard Arlen ....Cheryl Walker Hover JM-ycir . ...Bobby DriNCOII I.ola Mine Ian Kellh lohn .yot-reMt Sara I'nddon ....l-'orreat 'I'ayUn- ...Frank Marlowe JIarry Tylar . Nelaou la^lKh ■ Charles Williams -...Charles Jordan Dick Hi-illl ^Marjorle . Manners Eddie Baker i Inco Kid Hwtnrnt4 M,,i,(im-Hin relniae of Uhlllp M. Kuiane odui-iion. .Niars Diiiu-aii Henuldo; fea- iics HoKcr Pryor. Marlln (.iarralniiu. Oe- llla CalleJn. Dlreiled by Johii P. Mc- arlhy. Siieeiinlay. Helly BilrbrldRe: cuni- ■ I lurry Neumann: edllor. Marty fnlien. Xew Voik. N. v., waek.of Miirch -'«<. '4fi. mil. Ilunnliit; nine, «4 MINS. Isco...................... .Duncan Rcnalilo ani ho,.., .MarlIII (iarralaKa lloslia .Cecilia Oalleju un Is. ,.. Hotter Pi-yor 'onwiiy .. Aiuhimy Warde '"'t'e .; Kriix Lelber Mrs; Piik* ; Vicky Lane ea,neile > Jail Wiley Nnni-y ,. .shai-oii Smliii reiinhiKs i!y Kendal! I« w ...Kva I'ulK She'iff ..Eimuelt Lynn This one will have to lean heavily on Jack Benny to draw. It's;a light-' weight comedy that never seems able to make up its mind whether to be fantasy or broad slapstick. There ate some good laughs but generally '-The Horn Blows at Midnight" is not-solid. The pace wavers, a portion of the plot is in questionable taste, .and the finished product is not substantial, 1 either for entertainment or boxoffice. Benny works hard for. his laughs •nd some come through with n sock, but generally' the ' chuckles are Ibee, in his "Variety" review of the Broadway opening of the play "Counter-Attack" in February, 1943, observed; "War plays have found the going-difficult. . :and while this one is timely, having a Russian-Nazi background-and is very well per- formed, its chances are limited. Im- Sression is it will be better as a lm." The latter hope is .never ful- filled wholly despite Paul Munfs role portrayed so capably by Morns Carnovsky in the stage -play. Only moderate boxoffice indicated. In the first place, the scope of this drama has not been widened from its legit limitations of one-setting, majority of footage taking place in the -blocked-by-debris cellar of a factory on the eastern front. Sec- ondly, the picturization lacks the imagination and skill that such an important subject (Russ-Nazi psy- chological and battlefield warfare) should have. Somebody missed the boat on this one, although Columbia should not suffer too much finan- cially, since the film obviously was produced at-a minimum of overhead. After several brief sequences lead- ing up to the' destruction of a Nazi- captured factory by Russian para- troopers, who were wiped, out, Muni and . his co-guerrilla Marguerite Chapman cower seven Nazi soldiers in the basement of the factory. From this point on the film bogs down into a study in characterizations, Muni intent on ekeing information from his captives, latter intent on getting the pair to give up the ghost and become their captives, It all is done with dialog, of course,; except :for some asides showing the -Reds building a bridge slightly under, the waterline right under the . noses of the enemy across a river, and their consequent surprise counter-attack that pushes the Nazis back. Muni's simulation of drowsiness because of lack of sleep leads his German captives into revealing the important battle information he is seeking. The Nazis, always. the stubborn supermen, are convinced they will be rescued by their com- rades. Finale, as in the play, finds the rescuers clearing away enough debris to enter tfie cellar. - Latter are first heard chatting. in German which proved to be a trick. The star gives forthright.treatmerit to his role, as does Miss Chapman; who has many opportunities to dis- play her histrionic ability and comes through surprisrfigjy—w-ell,~:jJatro Meller, as the Nazi officer, • who : is weeded out from the others-through Muni's diligence and spills the beans, supplies the venom and arrogance to his part, which was built up to importance for the-picture.- Larry This picture is socko from every angle, from the original story to the production, direction, acting and editing, and to the very timing of the release on a topical subject that concerns the friends and "relatives o( every . GI who's been wounded or killed in this war. On all scores, it appears to be a sleeper. Richard Arlen is the soldier re- turned from the French warfront without knowing who he is. He takes the temporary name of Johnny March and starts out over the USA to try to establish his own identity. In his travels he. visits what comes close to being a cross-section of American homes—the home of a former truckdriver in Connecticut, the home of a former architect in West Virginia; a tough, young kid who works for a gambling syndicate in Chicago; and finally the home of a farmer couple in Iowa. Wherever he goes, Arlen helps the people he visits understand more intimately, in the terms of their own family's dead, why. "the war was fought, why it is their job to carry on normal activities, and how they will perpetuate the life of their loved one by working toward a Happier U.S.A. in a peaceful world, i Mw 0k i 55 of a klnd which,' in less skiUful hands, could have become heavy sermon, sojrt of :a jimet- preachment issued by O.WI. But th . Watehtower Over Tomorrow (DOCUMENTARY) War Activities Committee of the M„. lion Picture Industry release of .In i v Dressier production. Kcalurea secre- tary of State Bdward R. Sieiilnjus, Lionel Stantler. Oram Mll.-hell .1,,- muhiin Hale, - Miles JJnnder. i;'ooi K e ^iii-i-n. Screenplay by Hen iicrhi: script by. Karl Lamb. Directed l,v John Cromwell and Ili,,,,l,l lOeis- •■ani.-ra. Lesler White; .naiinior. .lain, Neshlll. Previewed In N. V. Maivh N3. ttunnlnc lime. IS 'MINeV (See Page 1 News Story) ■Although., some of the lop names in the film industry co- operated in: making of. "Watch- tower Over Tomorrow," this 15- minute documentary explaining workings of the Dumbarton Oaks Conference emerges as a heavy- handed, treatment that will caii.se much of its-important content to miss its mark. Film was made with little imagination. It pon- tificates. Only worthwhile achievement here is the explanation of'the practical plan .evolved at Dum- barton Oaks for preservation of the peace. But it's done in such a way as to inspire a lack of con- fidence in the plan. Technique used here is to have Lionel Stander, ' as a workman •and Grant Mitchell, in a scholiu-lv role, bandy the problem while riding a subway. John Ncsbitt commentary intervenes to-give an illustrated lecture on the con- ference; Ben Hecht's writing isn't too impressive on this 'matter. Acting honors are carried of! by photogenic Secretary of Stale Stettinius,, who delivers the pro- log calling attention to the im- portance of the conference/ Jose. his girl friend helps him get out i>» the clutches, coming close to becom. nig the fourth victim. ' ^Competent acting is turned in bv all concerned, and direct ion f« smooth enough to iron out wrinkln in a story that comes close, to beine complicated at times. There's on! particularly funny . sequence, ex- ccllently done by Lc-wery, Miss Weaver and Jack Norton as a near? sighted drunken window-dresspr. L~ "Cisco Kid Returns" has romance, ard-riding action, comedy and mys- tery in sufficient quantity to please hoss opera audiences. A low-budget B" for the duals. Duncan Renaido is starred in this one. having succeeded Ceasar Ro- mero, now in the Navy. He enacts the outlaw Samaritan in neat fashion, with the aid of Martin Garralaga, who supplies comedy relief as Pan- cho, and Cecilia Callejo, as the gal. Rest of the cast gives fair support. ' Yarn finds Renaido proving he is noWhe kidnaper of a young child, having taken her in protective cu's- today to prevent her death at the hands-of the same gent who mur- dered her father. . • - Settings are in the usual outdoor, western groove, and camera work is proportionately clear-cut. Direction and script have loose ends, but not enough, to hinder the picture's chances! Sten, Continued from page 3 — companies—Metro, RKO, 20th and Warners—Had agreed to the request, and he was awaiting similar word from four other film firms. Late last week (30) 0!Connell re- ceived notice from Joseph Kaleski head of the Cleveland off ice for War- ' ner Bros., that it was withdrawing itg bookings into the house for April 10-12 and 17-19. "I am not giving you any reason," Kaleski told O'Conntll. You have- taken upon yourself . the responsibility for attempt- ing to disrupt the private eon- tract relations of companies supply- ing films to. the Loop Theatre," the letter said. "Fortunately, most of these. companies .will, I am certain, ecognize their legal obligations and will not allow themselves to -be used further the whims of Republic - servant, acting without, legal an- thorityv Should any company breach its contract, you. are, of, course, the. cause inducing such breach, and we' hall so regard you." • O'Connell's appeal questioned the legality of the- curfew, the authority of. the WMC under the curfew; the - authority of the Toledo WMC direc- tor; declared application of the cur- few to the Loop was unfair, unrea- sonable, and -a gross, discrimination and deprivation of property without due process of law, and branded the Toledo WMC director's order, as ar- bitrary, vehement, and inconsistent with any regulation, program, or pol-' icy of the WMC. Cacrile of Crimes (BRITISH-MADE) PRC release of Waller C. Mycrofl pro diu-iton. ' ^lars Kenneth Kent; fealures Ulana Ohuivhlll, Belle Ohryslall. Dlrei-teii by Harold .French. 9<-reenplrty,' Doreen Montaubery k based on book by -A. E>, -W Mason; camera. Wnller Kai-vey; edllui' B. R. .isrvls. At Ne'w Voik. I*. T.; week of ^lai-eli 1*8,- '4.1, dun). ItunnlnK lime, AH. MINS. l/lKliei-lor Ifnnalld. Ily Hsihiwe.... Ann 1'pi-nlt: .• Jim Kroblsher Muuflee ;rhovenel.. Miidams Harlnwe. Pranelne Hollard.. Qlradot. Boris Rnvlurt..... lean C'ladeh. Kenneth Kent ... .Ulaua t'hiiiclilll .....Belle Chi I'M" II .Peter Murray-Hill rilfford KvstiH .. .T.oulse liauiplon ... .Cnlherlne l.neey Aubrey Dester Tames Kati-inii-t •. .Ivor Barnard A British production, being re- leased/In this country by PRC. "Cas tie of Crimes" is an uninteresting whodunit geared for the duals. There's not much mystery as to who murdered the wealthy spinster. Latter is obsessed with the thought that, her relatives are just waiting for her to die so they can Inherit her money. Film is. loo-wordy and it's hard for American audiences to understand much of the dialog because of the ac cents. Acting is stilted, although Kenneth Kent, as a police inspector, gives a fairly strong performance, belter than anyone else in the cast. Dreary lighting impedes much of the -values. " Steii Fafihion Model Monogram release of William Slrohbiirh jiroiluelioii. ■ gestures . Robert Lowery, Mriijorle .Weaver, Tim Ityan, l.o'rna tliay, Diirolhy (.-hiisly. Dii-ei-led by William .Hsainliiie. . .^.lory by . Vlrtor ■ llunmiond si-i'eeii|>ltiy. 'I*lin Itvah -slid -Vlr.lor Ham iiionil: i-amera. Harry T^AiimHllli; editors Dan Milnei- anil William Austin. Al IfriHiklvn Strand. ,N. V.. week of Malrh .11. -4R. nuiilliiiK liino, ,1B .MIMH. flioiny O'Hi'ien.; 1'oiik.v IliMiiipy. 0 Hara: Yvonne. ... . ..... Mine. Celeste........ tlro^an.' ..'.-.., Ma He. ........ .. shift]?**: 1 la rvey \'a u A.lyii... .lossd-ii .' Duval Davis... lfrfrl.es.'. < ; , Koliert Taiwery .Alarjorie Weavei . Tim Ilya Nir'na <{!-,-, ..Dorothy Chrlsl .-. Dewey Roblnsoi Sn.llv Yarnl-H .. lark No, I, Harry l)e|i| .....Nell Cnili . ..Kdwaril Knnne .. .John . Vnlenlliie ...cedrlv Slevei This is a murder mystery in-which there are three murders, yet it's all pleasant., good-humored and not all in the chiller style. A good ligh comedy for a dualler. Story centers in' a . fashionable dressmaking .establishment wher two of the slayings lake: place, one victim being a model and the second the secret owner of the place. Stis picion centers.'.on -the stock boy I played by Robert Lowery, whose ! girl friend Is: another model, Mar ; joi'ie Weaver. A number of churac tei-s are involved,, and the boy suspected of all three murders. But Toledo Two More In D. C. Defy Curfew Washington, April 8. The Lamplighters Club is still go- ing strong, opening up at midnight and running until dawn. -War man- power director Eugene Connolly has threatened to cut off the elecl/ieily. Joe Burko says he will use candles; Two other clubs have, joined the challenge to the Byrnes curfew. They are the Spotlight club at 17th and M streets, NW, and the Professional club at 5th and K streets, NW. They open at midnight, sell no liquor ex- cept setups, with customers expected to bring their own booze. uso-cs C'onUuurd from page 1 ing dates or contracts were filled, or after their shows closed. To date, less than 40% of name stars who> promised their services' have fulfilled their pledge, accord- ing to Camp Shows. A few, who of- ■ fered themselves for the summer, have yet to be heard from. Bui ma- jority of the others, with their serv- ices now due, have reneged. Back- bone of their support, according to Camp. Shows, is still the standard vaude act—the Jan .Murrays. Hal .. Shermans, Roy Smecks. Dave Apol- lons, Carr Brothers and the like. The names, with, some honorable excep- tions, have run out of them. . A more critical Situation exists in the Negro talent departments. Camp Shows has received requests from the Army for overseas units "to be headed by a Negro personality." Negro GIs want to, see their favor-. ilcS comparable.to the Paulette God- dards, Ann Sherldans, Bob Hopes and Jack Bennys who have gone overseas—the Lena Homes. Hazel Scotts, Marian Andersons, Ethel Wa- ters, Rochesters and .Bill••Robinsons.. Some of these have entertained on short domestic tours. Not one has gone overseas. Some of the older stars are not in good enough physical condition for such a tour. With the others, say Camp Shows officials, it may be" a case of taking advantage of Hie cur- rent talent prosperity, or lack of t:o- opeiation from the booking agents. Several standard Negro acts have expressed a desire to go across; Dor- othy Donegan wanted to go. bul her agents; nixed the idea, advising tliat she was booked up until next Christmas.; Lionel Hampton wanted ;lo gfl over, but that's about as far.us it's gone. • OVERSEAS Am BACK Comedian Jack Gilford going over- seas for USO-Camp Shows. "Over 21" company, headed by Helen Ford, first legiter to go to South Pacific, ■ has returned after seven months out,.