Variety (May 1945)

16 FILM REVIEWS P^rIETy Xoli Hill (COLOR; SONGS) ' Hollywood, May 29. 20lhFoxrelease- of Andro Dnven produc- tion. Stars Genrire Haft, .loan Bennett, Vivian lilaiue, Peggy Ann Garner; feu'turos Alan «0-d, H. N. Fully, Emll Colemuo, 'Kdgti,. Biirriev. Directed by Henry Hatli- -suvay. Screenplay, Wanda Tuchoek and Nortnnn Itellly ltalne from story by Elea- nor, UrMTln; camera, Edward .(.rohjngcr: aong-, Jimmy Me-Hugh and Harold Adi.ni- aou; dances, !Xick (Castle: incidental music, David DuUo.uh; arrangements, Gene lte,i-e, editor, lfnrrrinn Jones. Traileshoivn May SSer'-o. Running time, 05 M1NS.' TUonv A nisei .. .George Han Harriet «>n itinera. J"an. Bennett Sally ToinplctQn .Vivian Ijlame Km lie' Miinlsan Peggy Ann Garner V-appir .luek llarrignn . Alan "Faliitaff Openshaiv" liecit Joe. - .n. S. Vully At ili« piano. .'• •• ...:... ..Gmil Coleman, I.aH( i'iirrtilhcrn'. ; ■ Edgar Barrier Specially...-. ..'. .Joe Smith * Charles Dale jiaifei i c . George Andetron FiKlitiMK' IUtrl«t»_.rVi ..Don Costrllo Heajtvoiltei ...... ... Joseph J. Greene Cabin,... ■ ...J. Fnrrell MacDonahl Specialty ....Th» Three. Swifts Big Tim. .:./.....-'-..."••> •WUWm audi Chinese Sirvinits..Bcal Wong, George T. Lee j„se Frank McCown Butler Robert Orel* t.liiiw Coiilbn../ ....ClMtrloa Cane Sla.w iiii.h.... Helen O'Hara, Dorothy Ford LiHti............. .Nestor Palvu HnU^-kei tier.. ... .Anita Bolster Huhy Jane Jones Sn . ifislr Sailors— ':... ' Otto Keieliow; Hugo Borg, George Blagol Miniature Reviews "Nob Hill" 120th) tColor; Mu- sical). Production, lavishiiess doesn't overcome lightweight, familiar story. Moderate b.o. "Back to Bataan" (RKO). Solid .war drama paying tribute to Filipinos. Sturdy commer- cially. "Twice Blessed" fM-G). Light- weight "B." "Blonde Ransom" tSongs) <U). Well-paced piece based on trite tale but resulting in acceptable product for some houses. "Chlna Sky" iRKO). Mild version of Pearl Buck's novel; ditto boxpffice. "I Live' In Orosvenor Square" (Brit.). Timely British-made story of U. S. troops in wartime London; okay for U.S. "We Accuse" (Indie). Atrocity 'Documentary showing Nazi's brutal treatment of Russians; mild for most spots. "Det Brlnner Kn Eld" ("There Burns a Fire") (Swedish). Fine, stirring invasion story. English sub-titles. i f' is about to lose his joint.to a group of gangsters who had taken him for $G3,000 with the aid of. a phoney deck. When the gal fails to inter- est the uncle in buying a piece of the hitcry, she fakes a kidnapping. Old fellow comes through, the bad boys are trapped, and the wedding at the end is a double feature, including a pair of stooges who had sung and cavorted through the piece. Latter are Pinky Lee, whose "Hinky Dinky Pinky" number is not only screw- ballish but really funny, and flashy Collette Lyons. Undistinguished and lightweight production is given direction that moves the trite story along afc. good tempo, and all the principals acquit themselves as well as the unhefty material demands. Cors. China Sky RKO .release of Maurice Geraghty pro* ducllon. Wars Randolph Scott, Itulh War- rick, Ellen Drew: feature* Anthony Qulnn, Carol Thurston, Kietiard Loo. Directed by Ray -.nright. Sereenplny by Brenda Wein- berg, Joseph Hoffman; based on novel oy ['carl Hark; camera. Nicholas- Musnraca; editor, tlcne Mllford: technical adviser. Wei Kan Hsiirh. At Palace, N. T.. start- ing May I'l, '45. Itunning time. 78 JIINH. Thompiron ...... .Randolph Scott ■Sara....... i, .-... J .,.'*. '.Ruth Warrick I.ouIho. ... A .Ellen Drew I'hen Ta ...Anthony Qulnn Mitt Mel..:........'... Carol Thurston Col. Yasuda......... v ....Rlcbard Loo "Little (loaf. .. 'Ducky'' Louie Dr.' Kim ...I'hlllp Ahn chung.... * Ilenson Fong Magistrate..,.. II. T. Tslang Charlie... ........:.-Chin Kuans Chow Too much attention paid to the love affairs in "China Sky" and too little to the actionful story from Pearl Buck's book militate against its boxofflce potentialities. Moderate boxofflce indicated. Miss Buck's tale of the tenacity of Chinese guerrillas who: harass the Japanese advance, and the American medico who runs the hospital in the key Chinese village, turns out far from the spectacular production it might have been. The guerrilla and righting angle is played down, while stress is laid on interior sets and romantic conflict. As often happens, this lack of action wears the interest thin. Scripters and director are so con- cerned with the triangle between Randolph Scott, as the American doctor, his devoted hospital co- worker, Ruth Warrick, and his wife, Ellen Drew, that they neglect the story's movement. There Anally is a hangup battle at the end between Jap paratroopers and the guerrillas as a wounded Jap officer wangles jnf.o_.out to. his forces, but__it's_ too late. Ray Enright's direction is never especially inspired, although he helps bring out several excellent charac- terizations of Chinese natives. Best of these is by Philip Ahn as the Chi- nese doctor, who aids the wounded Jap when angered by his fiancee, Carol Thurston. '• Latter is okay as the native nurse. The role of guer- rilla leader, which one might ex- pect to be outstanding, is slutted off by the story. Anthony Quinn does well by what lines are given him, but, given a better chance, he'd have registered even stronger. .Randolph Scott is routine as the hospital head. Ruth Hussey is su- perb, but her role of the doctor's assistant . is not sufficient to carry the whole load. Ellen Drew makes a satisfactory portrayal of the wife, albeit a distateful one. Richard Loo is villainous enough'as the wounded Jap colonel. Wear. I Live in 4p_.osv4.iior S«f_ (BRITISH-MADE) London, May 16. Patbe Picture* release of Associated Brit- ish Picture, SUar* Anna Neagle,' Dean Jagger, Hex Harrison, ftobert Alorley. Di- rected by. Herbert Wilcox, Screenplay, Maurice Cowan. At Palace theatre. Lon- don, May 1.-,. ISunnilig time. 114 MINM. Lady Patricia Fairfax Anna Neagle Sergeant .loht_.Patte.Min Dean Jagger Major David Bruce ...Kex Harrison Duke of Kxmoor. Kobert .Motley Mm. Catchpnle............ Irene Vanbrugb Lieut. Lutyen*............Michael Shepley Mrs. Wilson ..Nancy Price Vicar ...Walter Hudd Sgl. BenJ. (Ii-eenburgh...pfc. Elliott Arluck John's Mother Jane Darwell Every G. I. who visited Piccadilly's Rainbow Coiner will want to see Grosvenor Square. In fact, every Yank who's ever been in London likely will try to see this. It is the best bet on Anglo-American relations buildup the screen has yet offered. Timely story of U. S. troops in war- time London looks okay for Ameri- can market.: with names of Anna Neagle, Robert Morley :and Jane Darwell giving picture a boost. [No U.S. distrib set although director Herb Wilcox, now in N. Y., has men- tioned WB.J Anna Neagle gives her most con- vincing performance to date. Dean Jagger's love scene.*, though a trifle long, were played with the subtlety one would expect in an Ameri- can sergeant's diffidence towards a duke's grand-daughter. Rex Harri- son as the major looks sure to im- press American femmes in the serv- ice, even though the heroine jilts him. , Story by British newspaperman Maurice Cowan is based on the real- life events—that of the Air Corps crew sacrificing themselves to save inhabitants of an English village. Of the olher players, Jane Darwell gives a lesson in how to play a bit part .so it won't be forgotten. Her- bert Wilcox's direction is perfect. Even the Rainbow Corner hostesses 'The Way Ahead' "The Way Ahead,"' British- made Two Cities Film produc- tion, which is being released by 20th-Fox in U. S., was Keviewed by "Variety" in London, June C, 1944. The review, in part: "At last somebody has dared to blow his own horn ... No soft-pedalling here, no understatement of Brit- ish guts, but unashamed glorying in a nation's girding up its loins to go and conquer its enemies. David Nivcn as star and stout story may make it okay at the American boxofflce. . . . shows how a totally unprepared, peace- loving people was suddenly cata- pulted into war; how a score of widely different individuals re- acted to it." ' Film's running time has been cut, H minutes from original 115-min. lengln. Also a brief foreword by Quentin Reynolds has been added. look like real Rainbow. Corner hos- tesses, and the: girls the troops dance with do not look like extras. An outstanding scene is that of Private Elliott Arluch, as the Brook- lyn Sergeant, explaining to the Duke (Robert Morley) the difference be- tween being a Dodger fan and mere- ly a baseball game spectator. It's to Wilcox's credit that he has screened Maurice Cowan's intelli- gent story in such a way that it comes through as a vital phase of American life in wartime London. It is paradoxically terrific boxofflce because yarn never tries to be com- mercial. ". ■ . We Acense Irvln Shapiro production and release. Narration by Everelt Slosne from errlirt by John Bright; editor, Joseph Uln.k: su- pervised by Joseph H. '/.aiovlcl:. ftuiining time. 71 MINI.. Originally submitted to the Hays office in rough-cut version as "Atroc- ities," this fails to measure up to its advance bally. "We Accuse" tries too hard, needs pruning—not necessarily of»the gruesome scenes, if the pro- duction staff wants to repeat—and lacks the continuity of its predeces- sors in the documentary field. As a feature, even in that classification, this film looks only a mild entry. Alongside the powerful job done by all five American hewsreels in covering the Nazi murder mills and brutal treatment of prisoners re- cently, this suffers by comparison. And "it fails' to" hammer' home-its- point as the newsreels did. Main theme is the trial of three German officers and a traitor to Russia at Karkov, which the narra- tor describes as "one of the cities dominated longest by the enemies." It was here, he further narrates, the Soviets saw the "foulest deeds of the Master Planners." The four are found guilty, condemned to death and hung simultaneously as the climax to the film. Details of this trial, which of necessity require translation from the Russian and German (by the narrator), are pro- longed and the most tiresome part of the picture- It is when action on the battle- field or of the marching Nazi min- ions are shown that the pace quick- ens. Some of the battlefront scenes are thrilling although most of them appeared previously in newsreel and Russian-made Alms, and are marred by murky photography. The whole idea of the master race, brutality of the Nazis and how the marching Germans planned to dominate the world has been done previously in other documentaries and U.S. fea- tures. Here it's called the "master plan," with the story development pointing up the enslavement and bestiality of the Nar/is as final stages' of this proposition. A seemingly never-ending string of dead bodies, including women and children, in various postures after they have met death by every con- ceivable .means provides the grue- some portion. Constant repetition of the same gruesome scenes at different parts of the picture seem uncalled for, as do the repeat shots of the persons on trial. Nearly 20 minutes could have been trimmed from the production to snap up its entertain- ment value. No fault can be found with the gruesome scenes, since im- portant to the story. The most judi- cious scissoring is needed on the dull scenes and repeats of certain battle stuff. John Bright's script is a bit trans- parent although it gains strength from constant repeating of the same idea. Everett Sloane's narration is forthright and fits the wordage nicely. Credit is given to Artkino Pictures for scenes of the. Karkov trial and the Soviet army included. Apparently, the trial portion of the production originally was made into a picture released in Great Britain. The picture has no Hays office code. seal, and probably won't have until the completed version is passed on. ' Wear. 'MARINES' FOR PHILLY? ' Warners may hold a special world preem of "Pride of the Marines" in Philadelphia. Ted Schlanger, WB's zone manager in Philly, was in N. Y. yesterday (Tuesday) discussing the possibility with homeoffice execs. Wednesday, May 30, 1915 Det nrinner En l ("There Burns a Fire") (SWEDISH) Scandla Films release of Svenslc Fllinin- Otistt'l production. Stars Victor, Seaarr-Otii, tnira T.ldblad, 'Lars Hanson. Directed by tluataC .inlander. Story by Kail- ltu_n>U' illerow. At 4Sth St. theatre, week May in, '«. Running time. HH» .M1NS. Theatre Manager..... Victor Senslrnm Harriet ..lnga Tidblad Col. Lcmmerlng. . ....Lai's Hanson Herd flagman, Laurlt_ Fallt, Tollle Zell- man, Erik Faustman, Slig .land, }lu_o UJorne, Oeor* Funqulst, Oabrlel Alw. (In Swedish; English Titles) "Det Brinner En Eld" ("There Burns a Fire") is a fine, stirring drama of a peaceful country invaded by . a bullying foreign power. Swedish-made, and reportedly a big hit' at home, it has a universally attractive theme as jyell as a fine production to be a big draw in the foreign-film houses here. Yet, ex- cellent Aim that it is, it is also sus- pect. Although no names arc given or a swastika shown, the invaded country is undoubtedly Norway, and the" rttthlesg invader Germany. The peaceful, idyllic life of a simple northern folk is limned beautifully, and the unannounced attack of the oppressor is Shown in its stark bru- tality. Yet because the film was made during the war, and by a neu- tral Sweden evidently careful not to rile the diplomatic feelings of an all- powerful neighbor, it hits one bad, dangerous note. The story centers about a reper- tory company at the National theatre that is doing a Shakespearean cycle, and a foreign attache who is a warm friend of the group and in love with the leading lady. When invasion comes, the attache takes over the city as commandant and tries to have the theatre continue its activi- ties as a sign of collaboration. The attempt fails, as do other such en- deavors, the people resisting, fighting back in hopes of regaining their freedom. The cast is uniformly good, with Inga Tidblad a poignant figure a.s the actress, Victor Seastrom a noble fig- ure as the theatre manager, and Lars Hanson in a fine performance as the attache. The film is persuasive because it is so well played. It has a good deal of quiet charm and appeal, with no false heroics. The contrast between the days of peace and war is effec- tively set forth. Yet the film, has the same failing as the American John Steinbeck's "The Moon Is Down." It paints the commandant as a sym- pathetic figure, in love with the peo- ple and regretful of having been a party to the invasion, a gentleman whose family and military traditions go back 500 years, and who therefore presumably couldn't be at heart a ruthless, traitorous Nazi. And that's dangerous propaganda these days, when the Nazi military is being corralled left and right, and all claim to be German gentlemen, not Nazis, If that point of view gainst strength, the military who pl.-nned the wars of the last five centuries will be around for the next one. Bron. They Were Slstera (BRITISH-MADE) London, May 18. Oeneral Film Distributors' release of Ciaitiabornngh production. Stars Phyllis Calvert, James Mason. Directed by Arthur Crabtree. Adaptation from novel by Dor- othy Whipple, by -Catherine SI rune: screen- play, Roland Pertwee. Camera, Jack Cox. At Uaumont theatre. London, May 17, '4IS. Running time, IBS MIN8. Lucy Phyllis Calvert Charlotte Dtilcie ilray Vera,,..., Anne Crawford Geoffrey _ lames Mason Brian Barrio LHesey Margaret Pamela Kelllno I'erry.. , : .thigh Sinclair William Peter Murray 11 iII Judith. , ... ,. , Ann Stephens Stephen. .John (litpln An efficient adaptation of Dorothy Whipple's book. Could do with a little judicious cutting, but is well produced. Whether 'the ultra-Eng- lish accents will be palatable to U. S. patrons is another story, but Ms success on this side is undoubted. Interest centers on the devotion of three sisters in the middle-class midlands. Their marriages, joy* and tragedies form the background of the yarn. First to wed is Charlotte, the meekest, who takes on a swaggering show-off who so humiliates her that she takes to drink and is killed by an automobile. This portrayal by Dulcie Gray is picture's tops with ho over-dramatics. Vera, the haughty beauty of the family, reluctantly marries an ador- ing husband and then acquires a string of lovers. She is convincingly played by Anne Crawford while ■ Phyllis Calvert portrays feelingly the only happy one of the trio, with a comfortable understanding hus- band; James Masoh is thoroughly at home as the brutish, persecuting husband who is finally denounced by his avenging sister-in-law at the In- quest following his wife's death. Pamela Kellino handles skilfully the difficult role of the adolescent daughter who is the only person for whom the father evinces. any real allection. Supporting cast is ex- cellent. Ctc.'it. , 20th-Fox has lavished considerable production coin on "Nob Hill," dress- ing it up with musical numbers. Technicolor and other elegant appur- tenances.' The fascinating San Fran- cisco's colorful history seems to have for lictioneers is evidenced by the v frequency with which yarns of the T^Barbary Coast and birth pains of early Pacific slope society hit the screen. Hence "Nob Hill's" script bears a familiar stamp; despite at- tempts at new twists. Three new tunes and three oldies are spotted through the score, and •II are oresented in music hall style as befits' the picture's period. Musi- cal portions have been given the usual 20th-Fox lavishness, and regis- ter interest. Plot tells of a Barbary Coast saloon operator (George Raft) with a heart of gold who falls for a Nob Hill society girl (Joan Bennett.) while overlooking the qualities of his star entertainer (Vivian Blaine). The well-worn story groove leads him to fancy-a society marriage, he apurned. takes to the bottle to forget, and is finally rescued from despair by Miss Blaine. Peggy Ann Garners! role of a little Irish girl taken in by Raft when she comes to the States looking for her uncle is a tear-jerker —which. ..adds. something new to_the plot. Cast: toppers are uniformly good, but can't make any of it be- lievable. Miss Blaine vocals the McHugh- Adani^on tunes, "I Walked In," "I . Don't Care" and "Touring San Fran- cisco." as. well as the older numbers In the score. She reprises "I Don't Care" twice.. Numbers are all easy listening, and the incidental back- ground music by David Buttolph is fine. .| Technically,- all departments, in- cluding photography, music, settings, etc., hit a high standard. B.rog. "They Were Sisters" (GFD). Fine British-made version of Dorothy Whipple's book looks dubious U. S. boxoffice. contact for the band._6£, heroes who does Nip propaganda broadcasts to get her information out. Quinn does a particularly outstanding job, as does-Miss Franquelli. Wayne makes a stalwart leader for the guerrillas, commendably underplaying the role for best results. J. Alex Havier, as a Filipino .scout; Beulah Bondi, American school teacher; "Ducky" Louie, Paul Fix, Vladimir Sokoloff, Richard Loo, Philip Ahn, Leonard Strong, Abner Biberman—last four seen as Japs—are among others whose playing is a measurable aid. Edward Dmytryk's direction is strong on action and maintaining of interest. Photography and special effects are major factors in the pro- duction values. Brog. Twiee Bleased Metro release of Arthur L. Field produc- tion. I'Vatnres Preston Foster, Gall Pat- rick. Lee W ilde. Lyn Wilde. Directed by Harry jjcflitiniint. Screenplay, Ethel Hill: camera, Ray June: editor, Douglas Biggs. Keviewed in projection room. .N. X., May JU. 'Ait.. .Bygnlng lime, 7* .WINS. TelT Turner ...'.?; .7..":Preston-Foster- Mary Hale .....Gail Patrick ry Turner...- face Wilde Stephanie Hale Lyn Wilde Senator John Pringle Richard Cainea. Kilty ." Jean Porter limniy. Marshall Thompson Mickey IN-inale..' Jimmy Lydon Alice Gloria Hope Ethel. Smith at the Organ llnek to Bataan TWO release of Robert Fellows prodtip. •.Won", Suu-s John Wayne; features Ambon. Cluinn. Beulah Bondl, Fell Franijuelll. BioluH-d l.oo, Philip Ahn, J. Alex Havier, Hire, hi! by ttdward Dmytryk. Screen- play, B«n Ibu-zman and Richard II. Lan dan: story by Aeneaa MacKenzle anil Wil- liam Gordon: camera, Nicholas Mosura ■liefl'nf clT*et», Vernon J,. Walker; mu.'ie Roy Webb: editor, Marston Fay. Trade ■ ahftwn nr l.os Angeles, May 25, '48, Bun nintc time. Its M1.NS. Colonel Madden John Wayne aprajn Hohifaelo Anthony ttultlo AllSK VJariieH... JJallyay. Major riitata........,, Colonel Kmnlil Ski. Itlcrnesi ]_a_imn , J.t. C-nhnnnmice* WaUci General .H.unnia Jackson Jap- Capiafn .. ,* ;. Kenoi- Hello. Beulah Bomll ...Fely Franqurll I Richard Loi .Philip Ahn ....J. Alex Havie ..."Ducky" Loub .Lawrence Tlerney Leonard Stron_ ....Paul 1- Abner Hibernian . Vladimir SokolulT . 'Back to Bataan" is a sturdy war film that lends itself to lots of ex- ploitation. It emphasizes deserved > tribute to the fighting history of the Filipinos throughout, particularly the part played by native guerrillas in aiding the return of General McAr- thur to the islands, without overlook- ing any of the aspects that pay off at the boxoffice. : Events that transpire are based on fact, according to foreword, and clips of several U. S. fighting men released from Jap prison camps with the re- turn of MacArthur's army are used both at beginning and end. Plot spans time from fall of Bataan and Con egidor to the Yank landings on Lcyte. and depicts adventures of i John Wayne as a colonel leading! Filipino patriots in undercover sabo- I tage against the islands' temporary I conquerors, The desperate deeds of men, worn- j €ii and children, fighting against overwhelming odds to hold the peo- ple together and harass the Jap. gamer big attention as they unfold. .Wayne is detailed to organize guer- rilla warfare after the fall of Bataan and- takes to the jungles to carry on the work. Lacking arms, food-and other equipment of war, the little band sustains itself and Carrie.s on its objectives despite Jap propaganda snd bullets, paving the way for Mac- Arthur's return. Love interest is given over to An- thony Quinn, portraying the de- scendant of 1he Filipino hero. Boni" fscio. and Felv Franquelli, Manila The Wilde twins have been play- ing small parts in Metro musicals for the past couple of years but this is their first opportunity to display their .straight acting ability. But their effervesence doesn't help this lightweight "B." . Yarn finds the gals, offspring of a divorced couple, cast as twins with directly opposite personalities, Lee as a normal teen-ager, while Lyn has the highest I.Q. in the nation five years running. Each parent has one child, and the kids, looking so much alike, change off from one parent to the other merely by trad- ing clothes. It's not very confusing because the writing of the screen- play keeps the thing clearly defined. Naturally, the twins accomplish ttheir goal of bringing their pop and mom together again. Preston Foster and Gail Patrick, as the parents, perform their roles in rather stilted fashion. On the other hand, the twins work hard throughout. Jimmy Lydon, in his first role for Metro, briefly but capably plays one of the boyfriends, along with Marshall Thompson. Why Ethel Smith is in this film is hard to ascertain. She does one number on the organ, a Brazilian samba. "Lero, Lero," localed in the dancehall where the jitterbugs head- quarter. It's an incongruous bit. Settings are substantial, but far from outstanding. Direction lacks even pace. sten. Ill4»nde Hansom (SONGS) .T'niyerstf! release,of Gene Lewis produc- tion. Features Donald Cook, Virginia Grey. Directed by William Reaudlne. Screenplay, -M. dales Webster from story by Robert 'I'. Shannon:-songs. Jack Brooks. Norman lli iens. Al Sherman: iniislc. Prank Skinner; Maury Gerlstnan. Previewed N.V. '4.\ iRunnlng time. OK WINS. .Donald Cook ..; Virginia Grey •:• ■ • *.Pinky Lee .......collette Lyons ; . George Itarbier ....... Jerome i 'owan . ,. ... .George Meeker '. lan Wolfe .......-..... .Joe I-lik ..—i tttirles Delnney Krank Urteher ..... Bill Davidson Chester Cltife ....'. .Janlna l-'rostova Willi. May I 111 lie Vlek; I'iilliX SliCl,, I'm.-le Lar-oil, Fori**. I Mil c r Render .'-,; Metlailv. .Indue. . . . Police' Captain. nitre Gypsy Dahcer Based on a familiar story, this pic nevertheless has good pace, some de- cent if unexciting singing, and will liktly find itself acceptable on bills that don't mind some tinseled mecfi- octily. • . . The featured talent, -Doncid Cook a-d Virginia Grey, are resp_-.lively the owner of a Broadway b'sho and ti.'oce of a rich, crotchety old fraud with a heart of gold. The bonlface