Variety (May 1946)

FILM REVIEWS Bine Sierra (COLOR) Metro release, of. Ilohori SI«k production. Features Frank Morkan, Kli'/.uhi-ili Taylor. Directed by l-'rcil M. Wilcox. nrlKlnal screenplay, Lionel Honser; cniiicra tTochnl- culor>. Leonard Smith; editor, Cnu'ud A. Kvi-vIk: co-dlrcctor of unlmul bi-.iuenees, Ilasll Vi'ianccl. Trudoshnwn X. V., May 1, '■til. ItunnliiK lime, f»H SUNN. , Knthlft .Merrick lOlizoWlh Taylnr Hurry Mai'llnlu. . frank SIorKnil K.-rKeanl Sii|ii(y .....Tom Drake Aim. .M«-rrlck ......... Kch-nn 'Unjlo Julian Pnysoh ...... .'.Hurry Duvcnpurt <l!il ir.in .<ioorc.> Cli-velnnd All™ Merrick.. .dlncrlnc, Fralh-CH Slel.Cod , .... i . .Morris Ahki'oin Farmer Crews (ill Klsnn Mrs. Klson...: Pete Merrick Serjeant Sine Sheriff Eil Urnyson Clinrllc ..v Ciwy. First Youth.....;. .Crfrl Second Youth f-USHie a* .SlUclloll l^wla Ian" Hreen ....David lloll ...William Wallace ..■ Minor WalHiiil IVmald (Vvlls .'... .CIiiiicj C.vopcr "Alrallx"' SuiUvr . ...l.'nin-ad Mlnyon Hill This slow, sentimental story of a girl and a dog will attract the kids and canine lovers. Otherwise, pie lacks distinction to have more thati moderate b.o. draw. Pic is bvcrlong for one tliiivj, and the shots of outdoors and wild ani- mals arc a little .familiar. So, too, is the story of a girl finding a wound- ed pup and nursing it back to health again. What, distinguishes this, pic from the others is the added angle of a dog gone to.wrir, although oven here the plot, situations are hardly new and rather pat. Film, with its mountain and lake backgrounds, its sheep herds and ranges, has a dreamy idyllic .flavor, enhanced by its being in color. Cam- era, as well : as color work, is very fine. Though pic isn't heavily budg- eted, it has a rich air about it. Some of the outdoor shots and settings arc strikingly beautiful. And close- ups of wild animals and birds, at be- ginning of film, are' unusual for their natural quality and ease. ' Story opens very • slowly with a collie pup deserted in a wilderness, escaping snares of coyote, bear and skunk, only to be wounded by-bird- hunters. Nursed'to health by a girl (Elizabeth Taylor), aided.by a kind- ly sheep rancher (Frank Morgan), pup grows into a fine sheep dog. While herding a flock across a rpud, dog is hit by a truck and carried by the driver into a nearby city, to-a vet. Recovered but unclaimed; ani- mal is sent to Army dog training center. Training scenes, though brief, arc interesting. Dog is shipped off with a unit to the Aleutians, goes through battle, and saves his group pinned down by a Jap barrage. Sent back to the States with shattcrc! nerves, dog escapes, makes its way back to the mountain range, and to the girl. Dog is accused of raiding chicken farms, but is let off as. a temporary shock case, after an impassioned plea by Morgan based on dog's war rec- ord. Elizabeth Taylor has a charming naturalness as the girl who befriends the dog, and Morgan is appealing as the rancher, with his big moment the last-reel courtroom scene. Bron. some time previous, and reveals sun- dry groups looking for $2,000,000 in Nazi loot that has vanished also. Hodiak Is'beaten, shot at and threat- ened but he keeps up the hunt. Finale reveals he is the missing dick, the Nazi loot is recovered. Trials and tribulations give the Marine a new slant on life and reformation leads to romance with the girl who lias aided his. search. ■ Howard Dimsdalc and Joseph L. Manklcwicz contributed handsome script that proves n solid foundation for Mankiewicz's direction. Novel technique is used in hosnital se- quences where Hodiak is unable to speak because of injuries. Camera becomes his eyes and attendants look directly into the lenses when speak- ing to the Marine. Film ! s jammed with plenty of other realistic lo;ichc.v all designed to create shock and sus- pense and keep an audion>:c thrilled and chilled. Hodiak delivers a strong perform- ance in the lead vole, making every scene count and giving character plenty of punch. Film introduces Nancy Guild as a new star. .There's no quarrel with her - performance as a newcomer ■ '. but it carbon-copies' loomany other Mm lookers to .stand out individually. Otherwise-it is a wholly acceptable delivery ami ex- perience should sharpen her person- ality. Lloyd Nolan wraps up assign- ment as a casual policeman.. Richard Conte effectively walks off. with part of a smoothie who turns heavy for the finale. Standout sequence in the film is commanded by Josephine Hutchinson. Role of lpvc-starvc'd old maid was difficult but handled to perfection by Miss Hutchinson. Among others rating mention are Fritz Kbrlner, Margo Woode, Shel- don Leonard, Charles Arnt, Whitncr Bissell,. Henry Morgan, Paula Reid. Anderson Lawlcr has gjven: the picture, expertly-appointed produc- tion, values', showmanly backipy the gripping mood of the plot, which was adapted by Lee Stiasberg from a story by. Marvin Borowsky. Score by David Buttolph is also effec- tive in. furthering melodramatic air. One song,' "Middle of Nowhere," , is spotted, song by Miss Guild. Nor- bert Brodine's lensing is notable, as are special, photographic effects by Fred Scrseh arid other appur tcnances. Brog. Somewhere in the Night (ONE SONG) • Hollywood, May 2. 2l)th-Fox rclcaso of Anderson Luwlcr pro- duction, sinrs John Ho.link and Nancy Guild: features Lloyd Xolnn, Richard Con- te, Josephino Hutchinson. Fritz Kurtucr. SInrgo Woode, Sheldon J^conarO. l.ou Novo. Directed by Joseph I/. Mnnklewlcz. Screen- play. Howard Dllnsdnlo nnnd Manklewicz; Adapted by T^oo SlrusberK from stoi-y by Marvin Dorowsky: camera, .Vorbct Dro- dine; music, David Huttolph: sp'i'lal cf. feels, Fred Semen: editor. James H. Clark, Tradnshoiva April 30, SO. ItuniiiiiK tlnio, no si ixs. George - Taylor .lolin Hcdlnk Christy Nancy Guild I.t. Donald Kendall f.loyd Nolnn Mel Phillips Hlcliard ('onto Kllgdhcih Conroy Josephine. KulclilnKon Anzclino Frit/. Kortner Phyllis Marco WooJo Kalii : Sheldon Leonard Tlubert ...I.ou Nova Marine Capluln John Itu.niell Conroy .Hourly Stevenson I.llllo .Man Cab Driver Technical Serjeant. Medical Attendant.' Navy Doctor.'............. Bartender.,.,"..,....,' Kxecutive...,,....'.... Bank Teller..............'. Niirse. MIhr Joik-s ftank Cuurd. Swede.., Hotel Clerk... AtlcnUanl.,' : .... nr. uraiu.. Urolbcr* Williams ileudwaller,....' BaKgaKC llooin Alt'einlant. • Charley Arnt Al Sparlis . .Itichard Benedict ... .. .John IO-IIokk ... I'llII Von Xandt .... Whimei- llissell ....Forbes MiirraV .' ' .. Jeff Corey Vaula lteld ..... .Mary OlTler ........ .Sam Flint ..,, Henry Morgan ..'. . '.t'h.ir.le's .Mnr«h t'lanry CiH>|H*r .lock Davis Loiiiif STaMon llerni De Solo . .Harry Tyler Miniature Reviews "Blue Sierra" (Color) tM-G). Sentimental dog yarn, for mod- erate b.o. draw. - ' "Somewhere in the Night" (20th). Strong melodrama with punchy suspense, ' bespeaks healthy b.o. "Without Reservations" (RKO). High-calibre escapist comedy with rosy b.o. outlook. -Strange Triangle" (20th). Fast gaitcd meller an above average dualer. "Rainbow Over .Texas". (Rep.). Up to standard Roy Rogers oa tuner. SlnfonU De Una . Vld»" i CWsttJj. Mexican-made feature has sfim chance in U. .S. despite Julian Soler' heading cast.' Wilhont Reservations Hollywood, May 7. ■ HKO Velouso of Jegfte L. l.asky-Walter. .Mm-Kwen production, skmk ctatplftt:' Col- berl. John Wnyne; fealure.i Hon DcFore, Anne Trlola, Dill ltrown: 1'VanU 1'ugllil. 'l'hm*^lon MliilU Dona. Drake. .Fernando Al- varado. Chi>rleH Arnt. I*ouelliL rarnons. I>U .n'cled by Mervyn IrfHoy. Sereenplay. Au- u<ew solt; from the hovel by. Jnne Allen and Mao Mvlnipuon', ctimern, Mlltoil.Krav ner; st>ci : lnl effects, Vernon L. Walker, Jlus- Kill A.fully, Hnrold Mine; music, ltoy Webb; editor,.Jack RuKKlero. . TradeHhown May i), '4U. Hunnlnir time, 107 .MINN. Kit rtusiy Dink Connie...... Soldier Ortega lluldwln..... Dolores. Mexican Boy SjilcynVin..., .Claudetlo Colbert .John Wtiyne , Dun DeFore Anne Trlola rhll Urown , Frank l'UKlla ThiirHlon Hull ,... ...; Dona Drake . . .Fernando Alvuradn Charles Arnt Louella Pnrnons Rollicking comedy tinged : with slapstick that will pay off heftily Claudette Colbert arid John Wayne assure initial , b.o. draft, and Aim's contents will keep them coming. Production framework furnished by Jesse L. Lasky and his associate Walter MacEwen, is smartly valued to. further entertainment It's escap- ist fare marked by bright dialog, di- rection and playing. Film run; longer than necessary, causing some slowness in spots. Plot concerns what happens to a femme author when she meets the Newest Foreign Films (.Unlikely for Anglo-American Market) DeoMerlo ("Desire") (ITALIAN), l'ln- Iiiril LandKi-e. SiIk Olln; features Sfcirlanne cine production and release; directed by Roberto Rossellinl: stars Elll-Pnrvo, Carlo Nlnchl: feutures Ro'swtta Schmidt. Mas- simo Rlrotll, Francesco (irandjacquet. lle- vlew'ed Id Home. Running time. 96 SUNK. Under top-notch direction by Ros- selllni, this Aim, although banal in plot, is saved as an arty item'. With few lurid details, story deals with a seduced hometown girl who aban- dons her family to become a model in the city - and eventually a street walker. Reforming on anticipation of marriage,' the girl returns home where she is forgiven and accepted. But her past life 'crops up and leads the girl to suicide. Several fairly good performances and okay direc- tion may help this to get by in the U.. S. Necessary censorship trims in- dicate the expurgated version for American audiences would not mean much. En Ole Krrlvltiir ("Countess for a Night") (FINSIHII). Siuumen Fllmltcol- lisuus production-hud release: directed by llannu I>mlnen: stars Jtclona Kara; fea- ture's Olnvl Xlcinnin. Thurc nahne: screen- play, ltoy; camera, Marlus Haichi; reviewed In HelslnKfors. RunnhiK lime. US SIINH. A fantasy done in the comic vein. Plot deals with the adventures of a young mannequin in an imaginative locale, Pomeranicn. Helen Kara, fa- vorite here, plays the lead, a depar- ture from her usual serious roles. Although well directed. Aim will not get by in the U. S. Zingy melodrama, lightly-knit, ear- marked for excellent b;o.- returns. It's a good example of thoughtful co- ordination of production, direction, writing and playing into gripping livelier, entertainment Cor all. Foot- age is packed with new angles on the amnesia theme and v. ili hold audiences despite nearly two hours running time. Plot deals with a man in : earch for himself. John Hodiak is seen as a' Marine stricken with amnosia after battle injuries. He conceals his condition so he can get a discharge and start finding out about himself. A letter from a girl makes him fear he's not a nice character, hence re- luctant to reveal amnesia. Yarn quickly segues intq 1-is civilian status as he picks up . a clue here and a clue there. Seai'ch directs itself to- wards an unsavory private detec- tive character, who disappeared ■ To Ami Tlendra Ce Snlr ("A Friend Will Come This KvehlnK") (FHKM'II). Kranclnex release of Clo Ucucralp Clno- inittoffraphlquc production: directed by Ray- mond Bernard; sliivs Michel .Simon. Made*, leine Solosne. Paul Ih-rnard, l^ouis Sulou; fealurea Saturnln F.-ibi-e. Marcel Andre, Jacques Clancy, Daniel tienin. l.lly Mounet Yvette Andreyoi*. Jtao'ul Mnrro. Jeanne- Marny:-screenplay by Jacques Coinpanecz. Yvnn N'oe:' it»vlewed In Turls. RunnhiK time. )!0 SIINH. In spite of implausible story of French underground activities car- ried on in a lunatic asylum by pa- triots posing as insane, cast names make this one a : local draw. Paul Bernard, Michel Simon, Saturnin Fabrc and Louis Salou perform well in a scries of unconvincing episodes. LimiUd to French language houses, at best, for the U. S. I.oefKren. Allan Dunlin; directed hy InK- uiur JterK.mur; screeuplny. lnKtnitr nerg- mar; based on u play. ".Mod^•rdy^l'^.■•. by .cek Flschci-; reviewed In Stockholm. Run- iiIiik time. M SIINH. Perhaps one of the top Swedish pictures for 1946, this is headed for strong returns here. Ably directed by Ingmar Bergmar, cast includes two newcomers in Inga Landgre and Stig Olin who reveal potentialities- While few Swedish Alms mean much in the world market, "Kris" looks to have a chance for usual modest returns obtained by strongest prod' net from Sweden in the American market, Nokett Ja KoKaa ("Root and Gold") (FINNISH). Soumen Fllnilieolllsuu.H pro- duction and release: directed by Kdvlri l.ulne; stars Kdvln I-nliie. Ansa Iknnen; filatures l>uno Lnnkso; camera. Felix Fors. )ii.m: reviewed lu Kelslngfors. RunnlnK time. 108 SIINS. . Edvin Laine, director and actor, has made two Alms that may land him a "Jussi" (Finlandian Oscar) for 1846. This Aim, a natural for the Finnish public via its sentimental story, is one of them. Fine casting helps place it in a higtv category. Well directed, the yarn concerns Laine as a drifter who is helped to start life anew through a young lieu- tenant in the Salvation Army played by Ansa Ikonen. Aided by Felix Forsman's excellent camera work, Aim will be strong at the Finnish boxoffice. It would be a dubious en- try, however, for the American mar- ket. real-life counterpart of her tome's hero. The misadventures that be- fall lior, her hero and his pal as they make a cross-country trip together are guaranteed hilarity-;. Miss Col- bert, the writer, is tripping west to adapt her book to the. screen. On a crowded train she is picked up by two Marine fliers, Wayne and Don DeFbrc. Without realizing her Iden- tity, boys proceed throughout the footnge to impress her with how wrong the book's slant on life, love, returned heroes, etc., actually is. By the time the 'flnalf rolls around she's convinced that heroes aren't too in- terested in carving out a brave new world, being pretty satlsfled to re- turn to the old way of life, liberty and. the pursuit of romance. Around this theme, scripter Andrew Solt, working from the Jane Allen- Mae Livingston novel, tins built de- lightful scenes and characters that, despite their laugh intentions, ore a great xlcnl closer to nctuul reality than most. more serious writing. Mervyn LcRoy's direction doesn't miss a bet. in underlying the laughs with a solid feeling of reality, and the players troupe the roles to. the hilt. Miss ■ Colbert and' Wayne romp through to star spots for certain fan favor. Both prove particularly facile in building to a solid laugh. As writer and Marine ace they are hep to demands of the parts, and deliver in top form. Don DeFore doesn't take a back seat, In the mixning, meas- uring up to every demand as the good friend of both. Surprise of the Aim, which has a number of sur- prises in its casting, ts the manner in which LeRoy's direction give full development to the number of char- acter gems that weave In and out of the story. Performers in these brief spots, given a chance to show their wares, come through with a wallop. Anne Triola will command a lot of attention for her delivery of a smarty hash-slingcr who knows all about" men. Performance is boff for howls. Phil Brown, pfe who tries to inter- est the writer; Frank Puglia, a proud Mexican who knows, all about life and love; Dona Drake,'his amorous daughter; Fernando Alvarado, his young son with old wisdom; Charles Arnt, a weepy character who crosses paths with' the wandering trio; and Thurston Hall, satirical composite of hysterical Hollywood producers; are among those who'make many stand- out moments in the Aim. Surprise walkons are spotted in the footage, such as Jack.Benny ap- proaching Miss Colbert in a railway station and asking for an autograph; Cary Grant dancing with the writer; LcRoy himself dining with her. Louclla Parsons plays herself as an' air chatterer who breathlessly brings breathless news to. fans about the doings of - the novelist and Holly- wood. Backing up the top entertainment arc lensing by Milton Krasncr, spe- cial effects,, editing, score und other technical functions. All.factors com- bine into making it a show that will amuse all. JBroo. Wed nesday, May 8 , 1946 Hainbow Over Texas (SONGS) TlopuUlIc rclenso of Kdwur.l J. While Ju. il.m. Slurs Roy Rogers; feai,„-,>J"Vc^ "ilaliby" ilnyes. Dalo Kvuns. Dim-^W Frank -McDonald. Screenplay l,y 'i;";., ? Cieinghty, bused on original by Mux Mi-aiiVi. ■nnii'i-a, RckkIa r.uiinlng; ediior. I'liiriM fiaft: NoiiKB by Jack Klllolt. <;ieuu .Spe,,,». P Llnrdon Forster. Previewed '.V. v \i-, v ',* -III. . Ilunnlnc tlm«. OS MINM. J ' ltoy ltcxers.... n„j. u„,.„,.. Hubby WhlttBker..Utor K e "Oubby" llurca ■ Ja.-klc UaliympM ..Dnle Kv.'n, Klrhy llaynes.. Sheldon l.-oiiai-d Woosler DalrymplcRulwrt Kmuictt Ki-m« Uiikln,.. ..i..t;ei-ald Oliver Smuii .Mama l-ollla .Mlnciva t'i.c n | Jim l'nllard... Ueork'n J. l.-uls Vela. SroAvoy. Keniie Dnii.-an Ivcrson.. Pierce l.y,| cn ' Captain JInnroe................ Dlcli |.;ni„i t bob .Nolnn and Hons pf I'loiicis As with its predecessors, this' Roy Rogers mustangcr Is given the ncc-> cssary quality In production and- di. rectiori which maintains truv high' standard set for the scries. Although comparatively sparse in musical ma- terial, the song injections in this one neatly, balance the scripting, (gen- erally, too slurred for Rogers' vocal- izing). Outstanding song, "Little Sc- noi'ito," by Jack Elliott, is outside the oater class and well put ovor by Rogers and Dale Evans in a pro- duction sequence. The scripting has Roiei's,, playing himself, on a personal-'appearance tour with his group, which includes Bob Nolan and Sons ot the Pioneers. They arc placed. in Rogers' Texas hometown for the Ast-and-niuscle stuff. Action is spread over the local bad men conspiring against Rogers,' who is to. take part in a pony ex- press race staged by the community. With 10-gaUon bats and sixshootcis blended in modern settings incor- porating limousines, radio broad- casts and snappy nitcrics, the action plausibly unravels, aided by good performances arid relieving musical interludes. Rogers, of course, beats thcrii out in the race and emerges a hero in clearing the town of heavies. Slntomla Be Una Vida ("Symphony of Life") . (MEXICAN-MADE) Mexico City, April 23. Clasa Films Slundlales rclenso .if a Miguel Salkhld production. Slnrs: Julian Sol»r. rVaturts l'ltuka de Fnrmid.i and Tina K6» inagnoll. .Directed by Olesllao Cnrdstlxa. At Cine Sretropulltan. Itunuing nine, tl .Strange Triangle 20ih-Cenliiry Vox. relcoso of Aubrey S\-hcnck production. StAl-fl Sl^iio JTnsso. Preston Foster: features A'nabel Shaw. John Shrppai'd, liny llobert. Kmory Paruell. Di- rected by Hay MeCnrey. Screenplay by. Mortimer Umua udupted by Charles O. lloolh from stovy by Jnck Andrews; cani- crn, Harry Jackson; editor, Norlnnn Col' bert: music; David riuttnlph. Tradeshown N. Y.. May li. '•in. Ilunnlng time. «6 SIINH. Franclno Kulior. Slgno Hasso Ham Cmne Pitslon Kostcr Ueltv Wilson Annuel Shaw Karl Hulx-r .....John Shepperd Harry MatthewH. ltoy noberts llarney MlmeCer..'. ■ .Hmory Tarnell Hilda Shaefer -Nancy Bvans (fn Spanish; No English Titles) This is definitely no. contribution to Mexico's list of . good pictures. Credible biogs of celebs have been made previously in Mexican studios. But this one, life story of the late Maestro Miguel Lcido de Tejada, be- loved in Mexico and the U. S. for his music and as conductor of Mexican Typica orchestra', is much below these other efforts. Looks mild even in Mexico. Either "Sinfonia" was . badly cut or the producer was in a big hurry. Result is a series of snapshots that look amateurish in some respects. ' Julian Soler, well-known in Mex- ico, is much' below his par- in the lead. He can do high comedy but he refrains from this here although he has several chances to do it well Support also is inferior. Only the two featured femmes, Pituka de Foronda, sightly blonde, and Tina Romagnoli, vital brunette, do reasonably well. La Romagnoli sings nicely, iter pipes and personality helping. Don't Be a Sneker Paramount l-elease ot U. S. Army .Siftnnl - Corps short. -Features raul laikas. I*'elli HrcKsart; commentary by I.lovii Nulaii. ItunnliiK time. IS MIN8. Vitln Slnulle ("Only for. You") (FIN- NISH).. . Suomcn Klljnl.l<:oillsuus produc- tion and release: directed by llannu X:e- miiien; stars Herena Kn'ra; fenturefl A|no J.'ihlkoskl; comei-u. Felix ; J/'orsnian: re- viewed In HelslnKfors. Itiinnlni,' time, BO SIINH. A sentimental love story, this boasts Helena Kara, one of the most popular Finnish actresses whb docs well here. Strongly directed by Han- nu Leminen, film displays excellent understanding' but appeal Is limited to national appeal. Chances in U. S. are virtually nil. Kris ("A Young OhTa Troubles"! (MVF.nlSIl). Kvenslt Filiiilndustrl . re- lease of Ilurold Molaiider projuclioii; stars I<» Demons De L'Aabs C'Dawn Dev- ils") (FHKNC1I). C'.P.L.F. release ot (i.-iumont production: directed by Yves Alle- Ki'el: stars Ocnrtccu Marchal; feuturf-s An- dre Valmy. Davrny, I.ohu, Hcrnantic,-. Fer- nand -Rene, Jacqueline rierre'ux, Simonc Sicneret; screcniilny. Jean Ferry. Maurli-o Auberite: reviewed In Paris. Ituunlui; tlmo, 08 MINS. V Dealing inTrench heroics; this film is negative in international appeal and is intended mainly to build up Georges Marchal for French produc- tions. He gives a fair performance as a commando in the war. Story material, aimed strictly for French patriotics, limits the film to French language houses only in the U. S. ten J 3 (FRKNCII). Iloger Hichehe re- lease of - ltlcbcbe production: directed by ItoKCr Itlchebo: stars Glsela I'nsi-al. t;ernrd Nery, Saluriiln Fabrc: features Tiaincl. .MaiKiierlic Devhl. J. Aumant. J. P. r.c- roux, ti. ltlKgy. SI. Vnllec; screenplay. Jenn Aurencbe, Jean Ferry; bosnl on a piny by Hocer .l'Yrnand: -reviewed In Parle. Hun- nlnir time, 03 SIINH. Based on a successful recent play in Paris, this film is set in a village school, with troublesome students who' are eventually tamed by a teacher. Gisele Pascal, as the teacher who falls in love with one of the students, and Saturnin Fabre. the headmaster, do well enough. Inferior production gives the film little chance and no hope in America. Tight direction weaving together some exciting, though improbable story material marks this film as a better than average "B." Although lacking in high-power marquee rat- ing, the cast turns in uniformly solid performances that help ride over the weak spots in the script. The pro- duction is exceptionally- well- mounted for a low-budgeter. with settings, music and camera work of top-drawer caliber. Pace is main- tained at a high speed by means of some extremely close-to-the-skiri scissor work. Plot is concocted of some surefire ingredients with sex intrigue and coin 'embezzlement the dominant elements. Story, unfolding via flash- back technique, opens in jail where a bank examiner is being held for the murder of another man's life. As it turns out, the slain woman emerges as, an adventuress who drove several former spouses to the gaspipe and her current one, a bank manager, to illegally dip his band into the till to keep, her in sables. Her demise is retribution for her double-crossing ways with other men. Story becomes a bit difficult to take-at the point where the bank examiner shows himself ready to take the rap for his pal, the man- ager. Signe Hasso, as the femme fatale, flts'the part down to a feline's whis- ker. She glides through the film with thespic polish, and while not a looker, has an exotic aura that should sell. Preston Foster, as the bank examiner; turns in a square- jawed performance up to his usual good standards. John Shcppard's portrait of- the weakling husband also fits the bill as docs the rest of (he cast. Vividly depicting Nazi Germany as a horrible example of intolerance, "Don't Be a Sucker" points up in vivid fashion the need for the U. S. to remain a liberty-loving country of unified peoples. Made by the U. S, Army Signal Corps for showing to American troops, it is being distrib- uted gratis by Paramount to regular theatres. It's an exceojtional short, putting across the intolerance mes- sage without being too heavy-handed. Short starts out with the thesis that* the world is full of suckers. One soldier falls for a rigged card game, another, for a comely, shake- down gal in a barroom. Third, a for- riier serviceman, is about. tp> fall for a rabble-rouser until tipped by a refugee.professor. Soapbox orator is : trying to set minorities atiainst one another, attack being against any foreign-born person: Ex-GI starts to see. the light, however, when iic at- tacks the Masons. The school prof then explains more explicitly. Professor's story points up that the same sort of plea to set one group against another had been employed by Hitler to Nazify the Teutons. It takes a German Jew. a C.itholic, a tradesman, an unemployed youth and shows how each one was swayed into thinking the other was a person to be despised or that he was superior to his fellow countrymen. Results are graphically illustrated, close be- ing the professor's plea that Amer- icans would be dumb to fall for such an alignment in this country. Paul Lukas, as the professor, is excellent, while Felix Brcssai t docs, a realistic job as the typical dis- charged soldier. Despite the number of newsreel clips used, the whole short smacks of nice'production- H has a place in today's theatres. Wear.