Motion Picture Reviews (1932)

MOTION PICTURE
REVIEWS
WOMEN’S UNIVKSI17 CLUB

LOS ANGCLCS.CAL/r
Vol. Ill 1932

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MOTION
PICTURE
REVIEWS
THEWOMEN'S UNIVERSITY CLUB

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
JANUARY 1932
THE WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY CLUB
LOS ANGELES BRANCH
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN
943 South Hoover Street
<$xj>
Telephone DRexel 2177

<Sx8>
Copyright by
Women’s University Club
1931
WEBBCRAFT PRINTERS. 1051 ARLINGTON AVE , LOS ANGELES

Motion Picture Reviews Three
MOTION • PICTURE • REVIEWS

Published monthly by
LOS ANGELES BRANCH
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN
Mrs. John Vruwink )

Mrs. Gerard A. Murray
Mrs. Palmer Cook,
Co-Chairmen
\ Preview Chairman
Editors
Mrs. J. Allen Davis Mrs. Arthur Jones Mrs. Walter Van Dyke
Mrs. Palmer Cook M rs. John Vruwink, Mrs. F. H. Partridge
Address all communications to The Women’s University Club, 943 South Hoover
Street, Los Angeles, California.
VOL. III. No. 1 JANUARY, 1932 10c per Copy, $1.00 per Year
FEATURE FILMS
4
BEAU HUNKS » » lem and the crime situation, realistic and ex-
Laurel and Hardy. Direction by James citing.Mr. Huston gives an excellent charac-
terization.
Horne. M.G.M.
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
When Hardy’s best girl refuses him, he and
Laurel join the Foreign Legion and become Not suitable No
heroes through a series of blunders only possi-
ble to these incomparable comedians. The C+-9
picture follows the well known Laurel and COCK OF THE AIR » »
Hardy formula and will delight their many BillieDove, Chester Morris, .Watt Moore
followers.
Written by Robert Sherwood and Charles
Excellent
Lederer. Direction by Tom Buckingham.
Excellent
Howard Hughes Production. United
0-9 Artists.
CITY SENTINELS » »
From a brilliant beginning this picture
Previewed under the title “Smashing the simmers down into slapstick, sacrificing all
Vice Ring”. Walter Huston, Jean Her- plot value in a jumble of antics. It is diffi-
cult to because the production has
criticize
sholt, Jean Harlow, Tully Marshall. Di-
some charm;
lovely scenes of a Venetian
rection by Charles Brabin. M.G.M. carnival, other familiar and intriguing
(Seen in preview). European settings, airplane shots which are
Honest and sincere “Fighting Fitzpatrick” distinctive and beautiful. But Billie Dove
is not the type for slapstick and one feels
works his way up in the police force from
patrolman to Chief. He is determined to a certain amount of embarrassment in finding
her there. It might have been a thrilling
clean up the city despite the handicaps of
politics, “writs of habeas corpus”, and medd-
romance exquisitely produced. Actually it is
a mediocre inconsistent comedy which man-
ling civic committees. In this drama of
ages to preserve some measure of entertain-
gangster activities the police are the heroes
in the unequal struggle to protect life and
ment.
property even at the cost of their own lives. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
It is a fair presentation of the police prob- Not recommended No
Four Motion Picture Reviews
CORSAIR » » chilling moments, and in the working out of

Thelma Todd. A Ro- the great discovery which ends in the triumph
Chester Morris,
of the lower self. The story has its super-
land West Production. United Artists.
natural aspects, and the photography and
The whole idea of this picture involves sound are so directed as to convince the audi-
such preposterous ethics that no discriminat- ence even of the incredible. There are some
ing audience could possibly accept it. A intimate and objectionable scenes, not in
football hero, clerk in a Wall Street broker- keeping with the original story, that seem
age, is revolted at the demand that he sell in poor taste. It is exceptionally stirring and
worthless mining stock to a widow'. In order will prove, for many, too much of an
to prove that he can make just as much emotional strain to be encompassed within
money without duping widows, he becomes a the realm of entertainment, but the excell-
murderous hi-jacker. Having gained the re- ence of the production will appeal to most
spect of his former employer by his superior adults and its real interest in retrospect will
cunning and brutality, he condescends to ac- be its spiritual significance.
cept a fine position, satisfied with the assur- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
ance that he will not have to sell poor stock
Too Strong Too hair-raising
to unsuspecting victims. Fortunately the pro-
duction is neither glamorous nor well acted C't'J
enough to disguise its stupidity and not con- EMMA » »

sistent enough to make its bad ethics seem Marie Dressier, Jean Hersholt, Richard
practical.
Cromwell. Direction by Clarence Brown.
M.G.M.
No No An unusual story, definitely constructed for
C'KO Miss Dressier, gives us the combination of
tears and laughter which we associate with
DANCE TEAM » »
the work of this delightful artiste. It is a
James Dunn, Sally Eilers. Direction by theme of love and devotion, of deepest faith
Sidney Sanfield. Fox. in human goodness, and leaves us better for
The personal charm of the stars and the having seen it. Even a suggestion of the
appealing quality of this human little story plot is unnecessary. You will like it; laugh
of the struggles, successes and vicissitudes of at the delicious absurdities, and cry without
two young people make this a delightfully embarrassment at the pathos.
entertaining picture. James Dunn and Sally Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Eilers are ideally cast, and the well developed Excellent Good
plot, spontaneous humor and clean romance
should hold great appeal for family audi-
ences. GALLOPING THROUGH » »
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Tom Tyler. Direction by Lloyd Nosier.
Good Probably little Monogram Pictures.
interest
A Western of the old type with some good
C-KS riding and much sudden death. Details have
not been carefully chosen to place the story
DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE in pioneer days consequently there seems
;
Fredric March, Rose Hobart, Miriam little excuse for the administration of justice
Hopkins, Halliswell Hobbes. Direction by continuous gun play. Episodes are melo-
dramatic to the point of absurdity. It is on
by Rouben Mamoulian. Adapted by a level with cheap magazine serials, boring
Percy Heath and Samuel Hoffenstein for adults and discriminating adolescents,
from the story by Robert Louis Steven- fostering wrong ideas of citizenship for those
son. Paramount-Publix. with untrained minds.
Fredric March gives a remarkable and Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
masterful presentation of the dual personali- Not recommended No
ty of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. His buoyant, C-+-0
impulsive doctor of the the early scenes makes
him a thoroughly likable character, which GIRL OF THE RIO » »
emphasizes the contrast when he sinks to the Dolores Del Rio, Leo Carrillo.
Adapted
level of the degraded Hyde. The change is from the play “The Dove” by Willard
adroitly effected by the use of sound effects
Mack. Direction by Herbert Brennen.
and shifting camera to indicate the reversion
of feeling that he undergoes. On the whole R.K.O.
the mood, the atmosphere, of the Stevenson It may be that the pendulum of taste has
novel is retained in the hair-raising and blood swung away from romantic swashbuckling
Motion Picture Reviews Five
melodrama so far that this former stage jokes and situations are off color and the plot
success suffers in consequence. At any rate is of no consequence, but all ends cheerfully.
the picture seems unreal and arouses little Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12

interest. A
well selected cast struggles with Too sophisticated No interest
situations which invite no sympathy and do
not leave an impression of plausibility. The
plot is laid in a Mexican border gambling HUSBAND'S HOLIDAY » »
resort where the “Dove” dances in the
Clive Brook, Vivienne Osborne. Adapted
Casino. She attracts the attention of a law-
less gambler who exerts every effort to get from the novel and play by Ernest Pas-
her as his mistress. The reason for his final cal entitled “Daddy Goes A Hunting.”
renunciation is not so convincing as it seem- Direction by Robert Milton. Paramount-
ed in the stage production. The photography
Publix.
and outdoor settings are exquisite.
Adolescents, !2 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
A
program picture concerning “a woman’s
struggle to preserve her marriage in the face
Not recommended No of her husband’s infidelity.” It lacks origi-
c-t-s
nality in treatment or theme and is of aver-
age interest only for adult audiences.
HELL DIVERS » »
Clark Gable, Wallace Beery, Marjorie No
No
Rambeau. A Geo. Hill production. M.
CfJ
G.M.
Whatever type of picture you usually pre-
LADIES OF THE BIG HOUSE » »
fer, here is one that cannot fail to give you Sylvia Sidney, Gene Raymond. Direction
a real United States Naval aviators
thrill. by Marion Gering. Paramount-Publix.
in action, airplane carrier “Saratoga”,
the In this starkly realistic drama, an innocent
its huge deck swarming with planes, target
young couple are “framed” and thrown into
practice from the clouds, maneuvers in the prison for a crime they have not committed.
air that make you dizzy just to watch. Even The unforgetable scenes of prison life, the
without the fictional element that holds to- suffering and despair of the young husband
gether these magnificently photographed and wife and their final vindications should
scenes, there would be plenty of romance in be powerful propaganda against injustice and
watching the every day life of these aviators, corruption. Though perfectly acted and skill-
but the scenarist has provided deeds of hero- fully directed, the maturity and intensity of
ism and self-sacrifice and breath-taking ad- its theme are too somber for children.
ventures that keep you on the edge of your
seat. Singularly lacking in the maudlin
sentimentality that often mars such pictures, Hardly No
the story is developed mainly through inter- C'KS
est the character of a sergeant, expert
in
bomber of the squadron whose loyalty to his LADIES OF THE JURY » »
“Skipper” and dogged devotion to duty are Edna May Oliver, Ken Murray. Direc-
equalled only by his love of a fight. Wallace tion by Lowell Sherman. R.K.O.
Beery so ably portrays this character that he
fairly lives the part, and among the real
A very charming lady wheedles and per-
suades her reluctant fellow-jurors to acquit
navy men does not stand out as a mere alien Edna May
an ex-chorus girl of murder.
actor. With the cooperation of the United
Oliver as the “charming lady”, gives just the
States Navy the producers have made a pic-
right touch of comedy and burlesque, and be-
ture that is worthy of a place among the best.
cause of her finesse and humor we all can
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 enjoy a most entertaining evening at the ex-
Excellent Very exciting pense of our famous jury system.
Harmless Little interest

HER MAJESTY LOVE » »
G'KO
Marilyn Miller, Ben Lyon, Ford Sterling,
Leon Errol. Direction by William Die-
MANHATTAN PARADE » »
Winnie Lightner, Charles Butterworth.

terle. Warner Brothers-First National.
Direction by Lloyd Bacon. Photographed
Excellent comic relief, good acting and a
tuneful score enliven this light musical in technicolor. Warner Brothers.
comedy. Marilyn Miller as barmaid in a “Manhattan
If Parade” is Hollywood’s
night club is the charming leading lady who answer to “Once in a Lifetime” it misses
loves a rich young society man. Some of the fire by too malicious an attack. Hollywood
Six Motion Picture Reviews
took the “kidding” too seriously, for the bur- MEN OF CHANCE » »
lesque is overdone and the typical characteri- Mary Astor, John Halliday, Ralph Ince,
zations lose reality, Winnie Lightner alone Ricardo Cortez, Kitty Kelly. Direction
seeming human. For plot: a woman costumer
exploits a mad Russian playwright in order
by George Archainbaud. R.K.O.
to secure contracts for a Broadway show, and Against the picturesque and colorful back-
the vulgarity of two producers provides the ground of a Parisian race track is unfolded
humor. However it is different in theme and a romance of the intrigues of professional
has excellent color effects, which make it on gamblers. Mary
Astor as a bogus countess
the whole a fairly entertaining, if trivial, and Ricardo Cortez as a handsome gambler
program picture. are the leading figures in this sophisticated
and well acted drama. All the shady deals
and sordid situations, though entirely in
Unobjectionable No interest
keeping with this type of story, are confusing
and not particularly wholesome subjects for
the entertainment of immature audiences. It
MATA-HARI » »
is fairly entertaining for adults.
Greta Garbo, Ramon Novarro, Lionel Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Barrymore, Lewis Stone. Direction by Better not No interest
George Fitzmaurice. M.G.M.

PANAMA FLO » »
There is always a degree of fascination in
the operations of a spy. In this play Mata Helen Twelvetrees, Robert Armstrong,
Hari, most notorious of the World War intri- Charles Bickford. Direction by Ralph
gants, comes to life in the person of Greta Murphy. R.K.O. -Pathe.
Garbo and relives the vivid and tragic “Panama Flo” is strictly for adult audi-
months in Paris which inevitably lead to the ences they enjoy sordid, tawdry melodrama
if
firing squad. It is one of the finest oppor-
without any particularly artistic accomplish-
tunitiesMiss Garbo has had to display her ments to redeem it. It tells the story of a
skilland charm. Lionel Barrymore and Ra- girl, stranded by her fiance, and without
mon Novarro appear as two of the officers funds, who, in her abandoned predicament,
ensnared by her fascination, Lewis Stone as is caught stealing. She is forced to work
her superior in the espionage system. The out her redemption, and loyalty to her
cast is exceptional even to the minor charac-
rescuer is rewarded in the end. It is vulgar
ters, and direction is noteworthy, with very
in substance and implication.
skillful touches in the use of silence and dark-
ness. It is a picture for the discriminating.
Nevertheless, because of the facts of the story, Absolutely not No
the general tone is depressing, and the cour- C'f-S
tesan phase of Mata Hari’s life is too strong-
PARTNERS » »
ly emphasized for adolescents.
Tom Keene, Nancy Drexel. Direction by
Fred Allen. R.K.O. -Pathe.
Too mature No Adjust your yawns to a wolesome, simple
direct “Western”. It is a well photographed
C'KO
film, rather stilted in dialogue, but adequate
in cast and swift in action. An old peddler
MEN IN HER LIFE » »
is murdered and a- young rancher accused of
Charles Bickford, Lois Moran. From the the crime. The peddler’s small grandson
book by Warner Fabian. Direction by helps detect the real culprit. Though the pic-
ture contains nothing outstanding for adult
William Beaudine. Columbia Pictures. audiences, it is probably entertaining for
juveniles, and the presence of the child actor
Charles Bickford plays the part of a rich
will heighten the interest for them.
bootlegger who decides to retire and learn
parlor tricks. Lois Moran is a society girl
Yes Y es
in need of money whom he hires to teach ce+s
him drawing-room tactics. The story is at
PEACH O'RENO » »
firstamusing with a dash of spice but later Bert Wheeler, Robert Woolsey, Joseph
develops into a melodramatic tragedy rather
Cawthorn, Dorothy Lee, Zelma O’Neal.
antiquated in treatment.
Direction by William Seiter. R.K.O.
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Reno furnishes amusing material for this
Better not No absurd burlesque full of comical situations,
Motion Picture Reviews Seven
stunts and gags. The Brunos quarrel on their THE RAINBOW TRAIL » »
25th anniversary and rushing off to Reno, George O’Brien, Cecilia Parker, Minna
each engages the firm of Wattles and Swift. Gombell, Roscoe Ates. From the novel
Humor runs riot over divorce methods and
by Zane Grey. Direction by Barry
court room scenes. The cast is uneven, the
jokes broad, enjoyment of which is a matter Conners and Philip Klein. Fox.
of personal taste. An old fashioned “Western” with villains
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 3 to 12 and heroes melodramatically characterized,
No the “Rainbow Trail” is a sequel to “Riders
Not recommended
of the Purple Sage”. It is somewhat con-
G'KS
fused and improbable in plot but well
enough acted and directed, and distinguished
PRIVATE LIVES » » by glorious photography of the Grand Can-
yon. Possible for family audiences, it is
Norma Shearer, Robert Montgomery,
marred by needlessly harrowing scenes.
Reginald Denny, Una Merkel, Jean Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Hersholt. Direction by S. Franklin.
Yes Questionable in de-
M.G.M. tail, but full of action.
Strictly out of order for the immature and
those who have puritanical leanings, this is e-fO
nevertheless a highly diverting comedy of the
sophisticated type which has held a domi- THIS RECKLESS AGE » »
nant place on the stage during recent years.
It throws the proprieties to the winds. Richard Bennett, Frances Starr, Charles
Amanda and Ellyot, a divorced couple, meet Rogers, Frances Dee, Peggy Shannon,
by a freak of chance in a French hotel,
where each is embarking on a new matro- Charles Ruggles. Direction by Frank
monial venture, and swept away by the old Tuttle.
infatuation, leave together for a chalet in
Switzerland. There follows the conflict of “There’s still good in our young folk”,
two charming and temperamental people who might well be the theme song of this pleas-
antly sentimental tale. The father and mother
love each other and vet are too individual
of two selfish irresponsible children find them
to anything for the sake of peace.
sacrifice
essentially sound when a crisis presents it-
It is allvery human, and in spite of farcical
self. Richard Bennett and Frances Starr give
exaggerations, gives an insight into most
marriages and gaily ridicules divorce as a convincing and natural performances as
father and mother, Charles Rogers and the
panacea. The dialogue is satiric, often
rest of the cast are adequate. It is agree-
and both actors and directors
scintillating,
able though unstimulating entertainment for
have entered completely into the spirit of
the whole family.
Noel Coward’s play concerning the complexi-
ty of modern marital relations. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Yes Very little interest
Very unsuitable No e-to

c+J
SHERLOCK HOLMES' FATAL HOUR » »
RACING YOUTH » »
Arthur Wentner, Norman McKennell,
June Clyde, Frank Albertson, Louise Fa- Jane Welch, Minnie Rayner. English
zenda, Slim Summerville. Direction by production released by Warner Bros.
Vin Moore. Universal Pictures Corp. This English production excels in flawless
A
beautiful girl inherits an automobile fac- sets, photographic effects, fine dia-
beautiful
tory and arrives to investigate it, accompani- logue spoken by cultured trained voices, good
ed by a formidable spinster secretary. The acting and direction. It has an interesting
factory manager mistakes the secretary for story in which the famous detective ferrets
the owner. This complication plus a villain, out the mystery of a bank robbery. While it
a terrific automobile race and a romance sup- is tense and gripping it is never gruesome,
ply the points of interest in a stereotyped and dry humor frequently relieves the situ-
comedy. There are two major accidents ations. This type of detective story may be
thrown in to appeal to the gladiatorial taste safely enjoyed by adolescents as well as
of the mob. grown-ups.
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Not harmful Not harmful Good Too mature
Eight Motion Picture Reviews
sooky » » deemed through the effort of Brother Jacob,
Jackie Cooper, Robert Coogan, Jackie the host at an all night mission in the slums.
Searl. Direction by Norman Taurog. The dialogue is stilted, the plot dreary and
the photography very dark. It is not a
Paramount-Publix. wholesome production although it points a
As a sequel to “Skippy” this comedy drama moral.
of boys, Skippy,
the lives of three small Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Sooky, and Sidney, has lost none of the enter-
tainment quality so outstanding in the for-
Not recommended No interest
mer production but has indeed more charm 0-9

and pathos in its unfolding. The story of
the devotion of Skippy to his Shanty town
TORCHY TURNS THE TRICK » »
friend, Sooky, is a treat for any audience. Ray Cooke, Dorothy Dix. Educational
There are many fine shots and well selected Pictures, Inc.
bits of humor, as well as strong tragedy. It
A cheap and unimportant comedy in which
is an excellent family picture for all except
“Torchy” the office boy, through a ruse, gains
those who might find its pathos too emotion- a million dollar order for his firm! Only
al. passable for any audience.
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, S to 12
0-9
Excellent Good if they are
not disturbed by TWO KINDS OF WOMEN » »
pathos.
Miriam Hopkins, Phillips Holmes, Irving
cso
STEPPING SISTERS » » Pichel, Stuart Erwin, Wynne Gibson.
Louise Dresser, Minna Gombel, Jobyna Direction by William de Mille. Para-

Howland. Direction by Seymour Felix. mount-Publix. From Robert Sherwood’s
Fox Film Corp. play “This is New York.”
Much good wasted in this
acting talent is
This picture, with
an unusually experi-
slow moving slapstick comedy. The plot is
enced cast and directed by William de Mille,
concerned with an ambitious mother who at-
is nevertheless a distinct disappointment. The
tempts to secure social prestige for her
daughter by a “'good match”. Her former
story showing a cross-section of New York
night life has the usual sordid details of
profession of Burlesque show girl overtakes
squandered money, drinking and
excessive
her and many complications arise. It is often
unpleasant entanglements. Even the “comic
vulgar and much overdrawn but there are
relief” is unpleasant unless one can enjoy the
a few good laughs.
owlish blinking of a gin-dazed woman. It
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 contains nothing new in lines or situations
Not recommended No and is not constructive. It would be a waste
of time for an audience seeking agreeable
C'f-S
or thought provoking diversion.
A STRANGE AFFAIR » »
Jack Holt, Ralph Graves. R.K.O.-Pathe. No No
Detective story which is not outstanding in
o^>
entertainment value. It is lightly amusing,
only fairly interesting. Unobjectionable. UNEXPECTED FATHER » »
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Slim Summerville, Zazu Pitts, Cora Sue

Unobjectionable if Too mature
Collins. Direction by Thorton Freeland.
type is enjoyed
Universal Pictures Corp.
0-9
THE SOUL OF THE SLUMS » » A light comedy which
presents Slim Sum-
merville as a man
about town, grown
William Collier Jr., Cora Mahaffey. Di- suddenly wealthy. Pudge, an orphan waif is
rection by Frank Strayer. Action Pic- responsible for a change in marriage plans
tures. Seen in Preview. for Slim, which incidentally supplies Pudge
with a mother and father. The child, played
A gloomy melodrama concerned with the
by Cora Sue Collins, will win the hearts of
reform of a boy who has served a seven
the audience, and two such comedians as
year prison term for a crime which he did
Slim and Zazu Pitts as usual supply an
not commit On learning of the boy’s release
from prison, the man who “framed” him, abundance of laughs.
deserts his common law wife and leaves town. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
This girl and boy fall in love and are re- Amusing Amusing
Motion Picture Reviews Nine
THE WOMAN FROM MONTE CARLO » » WORKING GIRLS » »
Lil Dagover, Walter Huston, Warren Paul Lukas, Judith Wood, Dorothy Hall,
Charles Rogers, Stuart Erwin, Mary
William, John Wray, George Stone. Di-
Forbes. From the play, “Blind Mice”
rection by Michael Curtis. Warner
by Vera Caspary and Winifred Lenihan.
Brothers. Direction by Dorothy Arzner. Para-
Anyone who is interested in new personali- mount-Publix.
ties on the screen will enjoy seeing Miss Two sisters, the one a clinging vine, and
Dagover, though the picture in which she the other an independent breezy individual,
makes her bow to our public has little else arrive in New York to seek their fortune.
to recommend it. It is a confused and im- A saxophone player, a noted scientist, and a
plausible story of a woman with a past who play boy provide the male coefficients for
leaves the past only to return to it after ad- situations which vary from naive introduct-
ventures in matrimony on a French warship ions to complicated indiscretions. “shot A
have ended unsatisfactorily. gun” marriage makes a climax to a very
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 much bemuddled alignment of love affairs.
Not recommended No interest Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
No No
0-0
C'KO
UNDER EIGHTEEN » »
X MARKS THE SPOT » »
Marian Marsh, Anita Page, Warren Lew Cody, Wallace Ford, Sally Blane,
William, Norman Foster. Direction by Mary Nolan. Direction by Earl C. Ken-
ton. Tiffany.
Archie Mayo. Warner Brothers.
Agood mystery story well written, fast
The sweet girl graduate, disillusioned by moving, excellently acted. The editor of a
the unhappiness of her sister’s penniless scandal sheet, investigating a libel suit, be-
marriage, decides to sacrifice herself for comes involved in the murder of an actress.
money. Her indiscretions are discovered in The plot has a familiar trend perhaps, but
the “nick of time”. We cannot recommend there are tense moments, and the climax is
this trifle, morally or aesthetically. It is quite unexpected and exciting. It is best suited to
dull. adults who enjoy this type of relaxation.
No No Not recommended No-
Ten Motion Picture Reviews
SHORT SUBJECTS
*
AHOY » » PLAY BALL WITH RUTH » »
Santa Barbara Sea Scouts. Direction by Direction by Ben Stoloff. Universal

Donovon Miller. Educational Pictures,
Pictures Corp. A. Slide, Babe, Slide.
Inc.
B. “Just Pals”. C. “Perfect Control”.
This Boy Scouts of America Short Subject
wins for itself merely honorable mention as Babe Ruth enthusiasts will be pleased with
an attempt by amateurs to show the intrigue this original and attractive presentation of
and excitement that boys find in sea scouting. their favorite. Always the hero of a gang
Unfortunately the picture is stilted and has of boys, orphans, school kids, etc. Ruth
an improbable plot. Boys will find it teaches them the game of baseball and inci-
derisively amusing. dentally, a few truisms of the game of life.
He has a most engaging way with young-
sters. All three reels recommended for all
audiences.
CANINE CHAMPIONS » »
Grantland Rice Sportlight. R.K.O.- 0-9

Pathe.
SELF-CONDEMNED » »
An interesting and educational study of
champion pointers and setters from the Mit- Direction by Spencer Gordon Bennett.
ten Kennels in Pennsylvania. The dogs’ fine This isone of a series of Nick Harris
qualities are displayed and later the camera films depicting actual solution of crimes. In
accompanies them a-field, during a pheasant this case four men are held on the suspicion
hunt. Excellent for all audiences. of murdering a certain lawyer, and the de-
tective, by persuading them to reenact the
oo crime, discovers the guilty individual. It is
a dramatic story, portrayed with realism,
FANCY CURVES » »
morally fitting in that punishment is meted
Fourth in series called “Play Ball with out to the criminal. Nevertheless, there is
Babe Ruth”. Direction by Lou Breslow. a question whether such cases might not
better be left to the police records and the
Universal.
evening papers. Not recommended for family
A very amusing comedy in which Babe audiences.
Ruth coaches a team of girl players. It is
instructive as well as humorous and will 0-9
entertain all audiences.
UGLY DUCKLING » »
0-9
Silly Symphony Cartoon.
MICKEY'S ORPHANS » » This Silly Symphony is a parody on the
Mickey Mouse Cartoon. “Ugly Duckling”. The accompanying music
is punctuated entertainingly with sounds from
An idyll on the Christmas spirit, satirical
and very amusing. The action swings in various animals. Recommended for the
family.
rhythm and mood to a musical accompani-
ment. Children will delight in it. Recom-
mended for the family.
-t
f
'
MOTION
PICTURE
REVIEWS
THEWOMEN’S UNIVERSITY CLUB

FEBRUARY 1932
LOS ANGELES BRANCH
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN
943 South Hoover Street
<$*$>

<$*$>
Copyright by
Women’s University Club
1931
WEB9CRA FT PRINTERS. 1851 ARLINGTON AVE.. LOS ANGELES


LOS ANGELES BRANCH
« »
Mrs. John Vruwink ) .

Mrs. Gerard A. Murray
Co-Chairmen
Mrs. Palmer Cook, j
Preview Chairman
Editors
Mrs. J. Allen Davis Mrs. Arthur Jones Mrs. Walter Van Dyke
Mrs. Palmer Cook Mrs. John Vruwink, Mrs. F. H. Partridge
Address all communications to The Women’s University Club, 943 South Hoover
Street, Los Angeles, California.
VOL. III. No. 2 FEBRUARY, 1932 10c per Copy, $1.00 per Year
FEATURE FILMS
4
There are several films which we believe men particularly will find exceptionally inter-
deserve special mention this month. Of these esting.
there are only two which can be called family There are other films also which are recom-
pictures: “The Man Who Played God” is a mended for one reason or another in the re-
simple human story which leaves us a little view's, making quite a generous quota in one
happier for having seen it. “The Man I month. But unfortunately not many are
Killed,” splendidly acted and directed, has either suitable or will appeal to children.
a great theme and, to quote Mrs. Winter, Saturday afternoon will have to call for other
“it is interesting to note that the author is plans than movies!
a great French dramatist, the director a great
german artist, and the actors notable Ameri-
ARSENE LUPIN » »
cans.”
John Barrymore, Lionel Barrymore,
“Arsene Lupin” is for the sophisticated.
Karen Morley, Tully Marshall, John
The combination of the Barrymore brothers
Miljan. Direction by Jack Conway.
on the screen is an occasion for rejoicing and
M.G.M.
this brilliant, artistic, (if immoral) vehicle
The charm of John Barrymore as well as
will delight such “The Hatchet-
audiences. the artistry of Lionel Barrymore, delights in
Man” is distinguished by the acting of Mr. this vivid, intriguing mystery story, in which
Robinson. The play is very melodramatic. the element of suspense is cleverly maintained
to the close. Strong dramatic values, un-
In “The Shanghai Express” exceptional photo- usual photographic effects, and attractive
graphy and direction make the picture un- scenes distinguish the picture. It is to be
usual. It is a sophisticated story of a glamor- regretted that there is the introduction of
several unnecessary and highly suggestive
ouswoman, suitable only for adult audiences.
passages which besmirch an otherwise de-
“The Beast of The City,” previously reported
lightful picture.There is a zest of adven-
as “City Sentinals,” is a stirring drama which ture throughout, now with the arch crook,
now with the police, with an undercurrent land Yard volunteer their services to assist
of humor that relieves any incident which in solving a mystery murder. A Scotland
might become sombre. Yard detective is found dead, just as he is
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 on the point of establishing his facts in a
murder case. Genially scattering proverbs as
Sophisticated, Too mature
he goes, Chan helps expose the crime. Most
G-tO devotees of this form of drama will enjoy
it thoroughly.
BUSINESS AND PLEASURE » »
Will Rogers, Jetta Goudal, Joel McCrea,
Good Too mature
Dorothy Peterson. Direction by David
c+J
Butler. Fox. Reviewed in September from
a theatre preview.
CHEATERS AT PLAY » »
This screen play taken from “The Pluto-

Tom Meighan, Charlotte Greenwood,
crat” by Booth Tarkington has a fantastic William Bakewell. Direction by Hamil-
plot that is wholesome in general but descends ton MacFadden. Fox.
to melodrama towards the end. Throughout
Apoor and misleading title covers an inter-
an ocean voyage and a sojourn in the vicinity esting play concerning the reformed Lone
of Port Said, Will Rogers as a razor-blade
Wolf’s atempt to withold his son from a life
magnate is kept in continual difficulty by a
of crime. The action takes place on ship-
too conventional daughter, a jealous wife and
a scheming adventuress. There is not so board. Much of the picture is done in an
entertaining manner by proficient actors, and
much riotous humor as one usually expects
from Will Rogers, but there is plenty of comic relief is furnished by Charlotte Green-
opportunity for his usual sly by-play and wood. There is howerever an artificiality in
shrewd observations. The film is one which the treatment which leaves one skeptical of
should appeal to family audiences. the final outcome. For younger people the
thrill of the crook’s life might easily outw eigh r
the more obvious plea for honesty.
Good Mature
c+J Questionable No
THE BEAST OF THE CITY » »
C'KS
Walter Huston, Jean Hersholt, Tully DISORDERLY CONDUCT » »
Marshall, Jean Harlow, Wallace Ford. Spencer Tracy, Sally Eilers, El Brendel.
Direction bv Charles Brabin. M.G.M. Direction by John Considine, Jr. Fox.
This picture was reported in the December Another police gangster drama in which
bulletin under the title “City Sentinals.” It the police are shown to have many oppor-
is a very strong drama picturing a splendid tunities for graft, although Honest Dan and
and successful fight against the ramifications his methods come out best in the long run.
of oraginzed crime in a great city. It is hon- Sally Eilers has a headstrong role as the
estly portrayed, without sentimentality or ex- daughter of the very wealthv gang leader,
aggeration, is stirring emotionally, and eulo- whose policy is to break the law but not to
gizes the honest and sincere efforts of the fight it. The audience has no sympathy
police force. The acting is exceptionally fine, either with the reckless young woman or with
notably Walter Huston. Adults and older gangster methods. There are several cli-
adolescents will find it thrilling entertainment maxes at the end of the film any one of
with stimulating moral reactions. which might be the close. A small boy makes
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 the drama intense and tear provoking, and
Very exciting No. Too harrowing also supplies much of the humor.
Adolescents, !2 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
C'KS
Not recommended Too Strong
CHARLIE CHAN'S CHANCE » »
c+s>
Warner Oland, Alexander Kirkland, H.
B. Warner, Linda Watkins, Marion THE EXPERT » »
Nixon, James Kirkwood. Direction by Chic Sale, Dickie Moore, Lois Wilson,
G. Blystone. Fox. Earle Foxe. Adapted from Edna Fer-
ber’s novel “Old Man Minick.” Direc-
Charlie Chan, the Chinese detective of Earl
Derr Biggers’ stories, moves again with or- tion by Archie Mayo. Warner Brothers.
iental good humor and wisdom through this This is the story of an old man who comes
latest mystery “Charlie Chan’s Chance.”
film, to live with his son and daughter-in-law.
Mr. Chan selects New York this time for his Full of good intentions he completely upsets
sleuthing. He and Inspector Fyfe of Scot- the household, but in the end he ev >Ives a
solution which we are led to believe pro- HIGH PRESSURE » »
vides a happier life for all concerned. Old

William Powell, Evelyn Brent, Evalyn
man Minick is by no means the hilarious
sort of role usually expected of Chic Sale. Knapp, Frank McHugh. Direction by
The character genuinely lovable but pa-
is Mervyn LeRoy. Warner Brothers.
thetic, and Mr. Sale playsit splendidly and William Powell departs from his usual
with fine understanding. It holds real inter- form and presents a different characterization
est for adults, but the theme and characters in that of a breezy, adventurous, romantic
will probably have little meaning for youth- promoter whose activities are hazardous at
ful audiences. times. The story is amusing and full of
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 action, with good dialogue and is well acted,
Little interest Little interest providing pleasant relaxation.
c+~s>
Entertaining Probably of little interest
GAY CABALLERO » »
George O’Brien, Victor McLaglen, Con- C'f-O
chita Montenegro, Linda Watkins. From

INTIMATE » »
the novel by Tom Gill. Direction by
Alfred Werker. Fox. Fredric March, Kay Frances. From
In this vigorous, swift-moving story of the “The Storm Lamb” by William J. Locke.
Mexican border an American impersonates a Direction by Loctar Mendes. Paramount-
bandit in order to champion the cause of op- Publix.
pressed peons. Atmosphere is heightened by
a fiesta and good desert effects. There is so Donot let the title scare you away because
“Intimate” is actually a wholesome, amusing
much action and it is sometimes difficult to
farce with which the family may pass a
follow, but it is the kind of adventure pic-
pleasant hour. The picture is entertaining
ture that juniors enjoy as well as many
chiefly because of the presence of Fredric
grown-ups.
March, Kay Francis, and Stuart Erwin, but
the dialogue is also satisfactory and the
Yes Very exciting humorous situations are skillfully handled. It
is a story of mistaken identities, where one
C'KS
twin steps into his brother’s place to the
THE HATCHET MAN (Honorable Mr. Wong) satisfaction of all.
Edward G. Robinson, Loretta Young. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Direction by William Wellman. Warner Good Harmless

Brothers-First National.
C'KD
This is a picture with such intensity
of theme that it can hardly be classed THE LADY WITH A PAST » »
as entertainment. Like other stories dealing Constance Bennett, David Manners, Ben
with oriental traditions, it is grimly solemn
Lyon. Direction by Griffith. R.K.O.-
and leads inevitably towards tragedy. The
first scene is laid in San Francisco’s China- Pathe.
town as it was some twenty years ago. Mr. “The Lady With a Past,” actually a mis-
Wong, Honorable Hatchet Man, is called up- nomer for the girl question, proves to be
in
on to avenge the murder of a member of his a smart, amusing and sophisticated comedy,
Tong. Then follows a terrific emotional con- a take off on the younger set, their psychol-
flict between loyalties, which is the keynote of ogy, search for excitement, and decidedly
the entire plot. Mr. Robinson achieves a no- unpuritanical reactions. A
latchkey offered by
table triumph in the power and restraint of a notorious woman to the heroine’s “light o’
his acting. He seems to be truly oriental not love” is the causa causans which influences
only in appearance but in spirit. Fidelity to her to seek a past of her own. Ben Lyon is
detail in costume and setting emphasizes all delightful as the gigolo who assists her to
the more the inability of others of the cast to win a reputation, and Constance Bennett
put themselves into character. It is this in- shows a real flair for comedy which has
adequacy together with a too sensational plot, been overlooked in casting her in dramatic
that keeps the picture from being more wor- roles. It is light, clever, entertaining, but not
thy of Mr. Robinson’s capabilities. However presenting life truthfully or with any empha-
it is out of the ordinary, and the story is sis on the accepted moralities. It is recom-
coherent and well developed. mended for “grown-ups” only.
Unsuitable theme No No No
!

LAW AND ORDER » » hero but the horsemanship excels as usual,
Walter Huston, Harry Carey. Direction the chase is as stirring and the romantic in-
terest as charming. Juniors will find it quite
by Edward Kahn. Universal Pictures
satisfying.
Corp.
Reviewing Westerns is becoming a game
like current stamp collecting, every week a
A matter of taste Harmless
new issue. However, “Law and Order” is
decidedly above the average. It is an au-
thentic cross section of early days in Tomb-
LOVERS COURAGEOUS » »
stone, Arizona, a typical pioneering town Robert Montgomery, Madge Evans, Ro-
with its corner saloons, hitching posts and land Young. Direction by Robert Z.
false facades on frame buildings. Terroriz-
Leonard. M.G.M.
ed by a maurauding element, the people per-
suade a United States marshal, who is famous A simple and not unusual story is lifted
for his courageous enforcement of the law to to a plane above the average by good char-
take command and organize a safe commun- acterizations and clever lines. An adven-
ity for them. He succeeds here as elsewhere turous young Englishman wanders about the
because his methods are just and are backed world seeking his fortune and eventually falls
by the steady aim of his six shooters. His- in love with the daughter of an admiral.
torical incidents from the life of Wyatt When her father very logically objects to the
Earpe, well-known peace officer of his day, match, Willie and Mary find their path be-
form the basis of the plot. The prologue is set with Concerning two normal,
difficulties.
somewhat too long and the comedy relief young people, it is a pleasing
attractive
grotesque, but an excellent cast creates and change from the jazz pictures, and can be
maintains the illusion of that period. It is recommended for a family audience.
a good family picture although exciting for Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
young children. Yes Not sufficient interest
Good Very exciting

eW THE MAN KILLED » »
LAW OF THE SEA » » I
William Farnum, Rex Bell, Sally Blane, Phillips Holmes, Nancy Carroll, Louise
Priscilla Dean. Direction by Otto Carter, Zazu Pitts, Lionel Barrymore,
Brauer. Chadwick Production for Mono- Tom Douglas. From the play by Mau-
gram Pictures Release. rice Rostand. Direction by Ernest Lub-
This exaggerated and unwholesome melo- itsch. Pararnount-Publix.
drama has one redeeming splendid
feature,
This picture portrays not the brutalities of
sea photography. But even this cannot com- actual combat but the pathological stress of
pensate for improbable situations handled post war conditions. It is a remarkable plea
with obvious brutality, exemplifying the ethi- for international understanding and the aboli-
cal standard of the Old Testament, “an eve
tion of war. The plot depicts a young
for an eye.” Perhaps the excitement engen- Frenchman, who is haunted by the perpetual
dered by fierce and prolonged fighting may recollection of killing a German lad. Unable
satisfy a primitive urge in some natures, but
to find spiritual relief, he decides his only
the average person will miss nothing by hope rests gaining the forgiveness of the
in
keeping the children at home and staying boy’s parents. Such a stirring vehicle chal-
with them lenges Lubitsch’s skill. He misses no telling
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 opportunities to symbolize the irony and
No No hypocrisy surrounding wars, and altogether
produces a beautifully eloquent and very
c+s
human drama. To Lionel Barrymore goes
THE LOCAL BAD MAN » »
the most outstanding dramatic scene. He and
Hoot Gibson, Sally Blane. Adapted Lubitsch bring out superbly the pathos of
from the story “All For Love” by Peter this moment Here Barrymore’s closing line
.
strikes the keynote of Rostand’s belief, “Good-

B. Kyne. Direction by Otto Brown. Al-
bye old men, nurse your hates if you wish,
lied Pictures Corporation. I’m with the young who know how to for-
As an antidote for oversophistication the give.” Do not miss this picture.
breezy vigor of the wide open spaces of a
good old western melodrama is not to be
overlooked. True, we recognize the familiar Very sad and mature No
trend of the villainous plot against our brave Psychology beyond them
THE MAN WHO PLAYED GOD » » handled with a due amount of delicacy', and
the play will probably be acceptable to a
George Arliss, Violet Hemming, Ivan
sophisticated audience.
Simpson. Direction by John Adolphi.
Warner Brothers-First National.
There a distinct lesson in this film which,
is
No No interest
however, does hot spoil its entertainment Presents wrong point of view
value. When a family heritage of deafness
descends upon a great concert pianist, he C'KS
accepts his fate with bitterness and cynicism,
POLLY OF THE CIRCUS » »
repudiating God for robbing him of his
music. Lip-reading brings him back to the Marion Davies, Clark Gable. Direction
world but his bitterness continues for he can- by Alfred Santell. M.G.M. (Seen in
not reconcile the idea of a loving God who
preview.)
creates great beauty with the same God who
destroys it. The way in which he finally ‘‘Polly of The Circus,” the story of a
achieves happiness makes an appealing story. charming and appealing performer in a cir-
This picture cannot be classified as a great cus who finds herself unceremoniously thrust
production yet it is outstanding due to Mr. under the care and protection of a minister,
Arliss’ finesse in acting and Mr. Adolphi’s proves as entertaining in motion pictures as
restraint in direction. The theme is simple, on the stage. The conflict of standards as
direct and wholesome and is highly recom- represented by the circus and the church
mended for the family. forms the basis for this swiftly moving melo-
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 drama. Miss Davies does creditable work as
a trapese performer, giving the audience a
Good No interest
fair quota of thrills. Clark Gable as an
Episcopal minister is convincing and sincere.
The divergent attitudes are fairly presented
and at no time are there any offensive situa-
NECK AND NECK » »
tions. The circus background affords humor-
Glen Tryon, Vera Reynolds, Carol Nye. ous bits which children may enjoy. Love and
sacrifice supply the pathos which makes this
Direction by Richard Thorpe. Sona-art
drama intensive for adults and a bit mature
World Wide production. Educational for young folk.
Films. Seen in preview. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
A “fourflusher” selling aluminum ware Passable Little interest
from door to door, goes about bragging and
boasting of his accomplishments until he be-
comes entangled in the consequences of the
tales that he tells. Horse racing plays a PRESTIGE » »
prominent part. The plot is tiresome on the
whole, but several scenes, chief of which is an
Ann Harding, Adolphe Menjou, Melvvn
interesting poker game, have elements of Douglas. Direction by Tay Garnett.
entertainment. R.K.O.-Pathe.
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Even the charm of Ann Harding does not
Not recommended Not recommended mitigate the cruel realism of this morbid
story. It pictures the demoralizing influence
of tropical climate and an uncongenial ap-
c-+o
pointment upon a young army' officer who is
NO ONE MAN » » stationed in Indo-China in charge of the
French penal colony'. His wife strives loyally'
Carole Lombard, Ricardo Cortez, Paul to help him keep his morale under terrible
Lukas. Direction by Lloyd Corrigan. conditions. While it undoubtedly' presents a
Paramount-Publix. significant problem its appeal to American
This film presents the predicament of a

audiences is not apparent. The depressing
surroundings, the cruel conditions within the
girl endeavoring to find the right husband
prison and the general horror of such a mili-
among the idle rich at Palm Beach and points
tary appointment are problems which we can-
north. Again we have a society drama with
not solve. As propaganda it leaves us help-
all the trappings of fine backgrounds, clever
less and certainly it does not entertain al-
photography, smart dialogue, luxurious cos-
though the production is interesting techni-
tumes and dramatic appeal. The morality' cally.
is not sound, in that short term marriages
are considered one of the natural concomit- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
ants of present day life, but situations are Not recommended Certainly not!
;

THE SECRET WITNESS » » climax. The directors have shown ingen-
Una Markel, Zazu William Col-
Pitts, uity and skill in developing the action, using
discretion in the detail necessary to motivate
lier, Jr. Direction by Thorton Freeland.
the murder, in the suspense and tempo of the
Columbia. dramatic court room scene lightened by the
A penthouse the scene of a murder mys-
is delightfully comic humor of one witness, and
tery in which there are numerous suspects in the method of portraying the solution. The
with opportunities to have committed the cast is excellent. It will undoubtedly appeal
crime, among whom is a pet ape. Una Mer- to lovers of distinctive fiction and to older
kel, as a self-appointed “Miss Sherlock adolescents.
Holmes” reveals the clever criminal when Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
the police are about to make a cumbersome
error. The love element is present but sec- Doubtful Better not
ondary in the unfolding of the mystery. Zazu C'KO
Pitts as a telephone operator provides many SKY DEVILS » »
laughter provoking snatches. It is above the Spencer Tracy, William Boyd. Direc-
average of its type.
tion by Edward Sutherland. Howard
Hughes Production.
Probably good Doubtful
“Sky Devils” resembles in general design
rather exciting
other and earlier war pictures, since the very
thin plot concerns the adventures of three
SHANGHAI EXPRESS » » soldiers in war-time France, with the attend-
ant scenes showing aviators in action. LTn-
Marlene Dietrich, Lawrence Grant,
like its predecessors its humor is generally
Warner Oland, Clive Brook, Anna May wholesome, but the director apparently did
Wong. Direction by Josef von Sternberg. not have the courage of his convictions if he
Paramount-Publix. wanted to make it entirely so, for he intro-
duced several blatant vulgarities that do
The most impressive atribute of this ex-
much to offset the good points of the picture
cellent photo play is its perfect photography.
and overshadow the commendable scenes.
The camera seems to have caught everything
as it would have been seen by a participant
in the drama, thus creating such an extra- Not recommended No
ordinary atmosphere of reality that one lives c+J
in the picture. The story itself concerns what TAXI » »
happens to a motley group travelling on the
James Cagney, Loretta Young. Direc-
Shanghai Express from Peking to Shanghai
during one of the frequent revolutionary up- tion by Roy Del Ruth. Warner Bros.
risings. Marlene Dietrich is the “Shanghai James Cagney has a very engaging per-
Lily”, exotic lady whose name is a by-word sonality and real ability which seems doomed
among men. The rather melodramatic events to be veiled in the shadows of the under-
of the journey hinge upon her personality, world. He is again cast as a gangster ever
and the other characters all are influenced ready with his fists or with his gun. This
in one way or another by her presence on the time it is a taxi cab racket where life is valu-
train. The cast is ideally chosen to represent ed very lightly and punishment is left to the
the necessary types. Humor, pathos and thrills revengeful discretion of the rival companies.
abound. Marlene Dietrich’s beauty casts a Direction is capital, and it may prove enter-
spellthat makes the fantastic plot credible, taining to those who are still interested in
and the realism of each small detail convinces gangster pictures . We
do not recommend it
to youthful audiences because its moral val-
the beholder that he actually is in China. It
is an eminently satisfying entertainment for
ues are rather too indefinite.
any audience to whom the “Shanghai Lily” Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
is acceptable as a heroine. Not recommended No

c+*s>
Too sophisticated No TOMORROW AND TOMORROW » »
Ruth Chatterton, Paul Lukas, Robert

THE SILENT WITNESS » »
Ames. Direction by Richard Wallace.
Lionel Atwill, Bramwell Fletcher, Greta Based on the play by Philip Barry.
Nissen. Direction by Marcel Varnel, Paramount-Publix.
R. L. Hough. Fox. Excellent acting makes this picture an
Avivid and stirring mystery story holding achievement in entertainment of the more
interest at high pitch until the unexpected serious type of problem play. The treatment
of the theme for the most part is phychologi- such and the suggestion of possible
places,
cal, making unconventional situations suffi- drama here and there among the hetero-
flits
ciently objective and delicate not to be of- geneous groups. It is entertaining and ex-
fensive. Ruth Chatterton as the childless wife, citing, though not to be taken seriously since
longing maternal experience
for Robert ;
young Fairbanks is never convincing as the
Ames devoted but matter-of-fact hus-
as a hobo. The complicated action is somewhat
band; and Paul Lukas as a charming and confusing and the picture is not sufficiently
famous psychologist, all give excellent char- impressive to leave a lasting memory. One
acter portrayals. It is an impressive drama wishes certain crudities had been omitted.
of its kind. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Not recommended for its ethics No
No Incomprehensible
G'KS
G-+S)
ZANE GREY'S SOUTH SEA ADVENTURES
UNION DEPOT » »
Photographed by Romer Grey, Bob Car-
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Joan Blondell.
ney, Thomas B. Middleton. Description
Direction by Alfred E. Green. First
written by Tom Geraghty. Produced by
National.
Sol Lesser.
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. is cast in the role
Fishermen’s paradise, and a fish tale which
of a light-fingered hobo with gentlemanly
never would have been believed without the
manners who, having just left jail with his accompanying pictures as proof of Mr. Grey’s
pal, is first seen in quest of food and clothes
skill !There is real interest for “land lub-
at the expense of the public. After a series
bers” in this film portraying Mr. Grey’s ad-
of encounters with the police, lightning
ventures searching the South Seas for rare
changes into other people’s clothing and a
and sporty fish and the editing has been skill-
wild chase, he rescues a lady in distress and fully done to maintain interest throughout.
the picture ends leaving him and his pal
The equipment is shown and
there are excel-
just where they started. Practically the
lent shots catches which will
giving final
whole of the action takes place in a depot prove very satisfying, especially to those who
and occupies only the space of one evening’s love this sport.
time. A realistic background is formed by
moving throngs coming and going through Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
the station, types such as one sees always in Excellent Good
SHORT SUBJECTS
*
ANYBODY'S GOAT » » DUCKS AND DRAKES » »
Educational Pictures, Inc. Grantland Rice Sportlight. R. K. O.-

Three crooks try to procure the money of Pathe.
a country girl with an elaborate story about An explanation of the method of using de-
a goat which has swallowed a purse. More coys in duck hunting, with beautiful shots of
slap-stick; harmless but not very entertain- birds in flight. It is of special interest to
ing. sportsmen. A
family picture.
C'KS
THE DUCK HUNT » »
KEEP LAUGHING » »
Mickey Mouse Cartoon. Columbia Pic- Educational Pictures.
tures, Inc. The proprietress of a night club finds diffi-
Mickey Mouse goes duck hunting with his culty in revealing the best points of her busi-
hound. They are both outwitted by the wary ness to a prospective buyer. Plenty of slap-
birds. Extremely good fun. Recommended stick for those who like it and some good
for the family. acrobatic dancing. Fair entertainment.
Ten Motion Picture Reviews
LAND OF GHANDI » » "Found in Morocco" 8 8
Vagabond Adventure. A “wanderlust” picture.

This travelogue seems to eschew prevail- It has a superficial beauty but lacks the
ing Cook’s Tours and really scratch below freshness and originality of the other films in
the surface of Indian life. The domestic and this group.
industrial scenes smack of reality and the at-
"Toney Wong's Scrap Book" 8 8
mosphere created is convincing. Recommend-
ed for the family. Tony Wong of radio fame reads poems
which are illustrated on the screen by charm-
o-s ing photographic studies.
THE LAST DANCE » » "Happy Hunting Grounds" 8 8
In this Aesop Fable, good music and a Ward Laselle.

splendid voice is wasted on a mediocre car- Studies of wild animal life in Oregon.
toon. It is a story of a cat courting his lady Children will delight, especially in the epi-
love and luring her away from a dance by sode of the bear cubs.
his serenade. Recommended for adolescents
and children. 0-4-3
TORCHY TOO TOOTS » 8
0-3 Ray Cooke, Dorothy Dix, Franklin Pang-

TALKING PICTURES EPICS (Six Short born, Edmund Breese. Educational Pic-
Travelogues) tures, Inc.
This is a harmless but rather dull Torchy
"Mexico Today" 8 » episode in which Torchy saves his boss from
another embarassing situation. His antics
Emma Lindsey Squier.
will probably amuse young people.
An
introduction to the physical beauty and
rich tradition of Mexico. This is the first GS-S
of a series on this country. It is excellent. TOY TOWN » »
"City of Faith" » 8 Aesop Fable. R.K.O.-Pathe.

Elmer Clifton. An original and delightful cartoon in
which mice visit a toy shop and meet with
This two reel travelogue of a visit to the
entertaining adventures. Excellent for all,
Holy Land into which Biblical history is in-
with real charm for children.
troduced is most unusual. Its reverent and
authentic character will be appreciated by 0-4-3
all.
UNCROWNED CHAMPIONS » »
"Boston Common" 8 8 Grantland Rice Sportlight.

Oneof a series of “Great American Cities” Four expert sportsmen demonstrate their
in which historical landmarks are beautifuly skill. One casting, another in pistol
in fly
photographed and the fascinating charm of shooting, a third at bowling, and a fourth
the city is caught. Very interesting, and es- in calling moose in the great Northwest.
pecially recommended to children studying Such exhibitions of skill are both educational
American History. and diverting. Recommended for the family.
MOTION
PICTURE
REVIEWS

MARCH 1932
Los Angeles Branch American
Association of University Women
943 SOUTH HOOVER STREET
COPYRIGHT NINETEEN THIRTY. TWO
WOMEN S UNIVERSITY CLUB
WEBBCR AFT PRINTERS, 1S5I ARLINGTON AVE LOS ANGELES

—
MOTION •
PICTURE •
REVIEWS
LOS ANGELES BRANCH
Mrs. Gerard A. Murray Mrs. Madison J. Keeney Mrs. Bruce A. Findlay
Preview Chairman Business Manager Asst. Business Manager
Mrs. John Vruwink - Co-Chairmen - Mrs. Palmer Cook
EDITORS
Mrs. J. Allen Davis Mrs. John Vruwink Mrs. Walter Van Dyke
Mrs. Palmer Cook Mrs. Arthur Jones Mrs. F. H. Partridge
Address all communications to The Women’s University Club, 943 South Hoover St., Los Angeles, Calif.
1 Oc Per Copy - - $1.00 Per Year
Vol. Ill MARCH, 1932 No. 3
EDITORIAL
Will Hays, on a recent trip to Hollywood, not encouraged, except by a few neighbor-
gave out the following statement to the press: hood exhibitors who believed in the value of
“America’s motion-picture fans have gone good will by giving attention to thewomen’s
high-brow requests for family programs and junior
of a dramatic and intellectual
“Pictures matinees. There was a general opinion, not
which would not have been successful
caliber, only in the industry but often among the laity,
popular entertainment a few years ago, are that these women’s groups wished to con-
now being received with enthusiastic ap- trol, or to censor films. Quite generally ex-
proval. hibitors felt that announced approval of a
“Group leadership has aided in shaping picture “damned” it for the public. They be-
community taste toward higher levels of lieved that approval would be given only
entertainment.” pictures which were down to a child’s level
This moulding of public opinion in favor of appreciation and that consequently only
of good pictures has been the objective of the sweet, banal or trite would come under
organized women’s groups over a period of a recommended classification. It was also
some ten years. This is the first public generally believed that condemnation by
acknowledgment which we recall, that the women reviewers would send the public
motion picture industry feels any result from flocking to pictures, in the hope of finding
their concentrated effort. sophistication. It is interesting to realize the
Up to the time of Mrs. Winter’s arrival changed attitude. At a recent gathering of
at Hollywood offices of the Association
the women and exhibitors in Los Angeles, a num-
of Motion Picture Producers and Distributors ber of managers announced that, with a few
and the opening of facilities for previewing exceptions, the money makers in their houses
at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and were those films most heartily recommended
Sciences, the efforts of club women were ap- by the previewing groups.
parently frowned upon, certainly they were It may be interesting to those who are not
familiar with the history ofthe work of to place an average nine-year-old interpreta-
“better films” committees, to know something tion as the standard for their evaluation,
of the development of previewing. realizing that children under this age had
In the early days one “went to the actually no business at any performance.
movies.” Few questioned the type of films The value of public opinion was realized
to which they went, and few doubted the by a large chain of theatres in California,
suitability of all films for the children. The now known as the Fox-West Coast, which
family went to the nearest theatre, the chil- placed Miss Regge Doran as director of the
dren were given an extra dime on Saturday Public Relations Department. A charming,
afternoon, and the sophisticates clung to the intelligent college woman, she enthusiastic-
traditions of the stage and remained away ally helped to build up this cooperation be-
from the movies. tween theatres and the public and when she
left her place was taken by Miss Ryllis Hem-
The writer recently saw a revival of early
ington, a former theatre owner, whose accu-
silent films which seemed to explain this early
rate and keen knowledge of the exhibiting
indifference on the part of parents to chil-
business, and sympathetic understanding of
dren’s attendance. The exaggerated melo-
the women’s view point further cemented the
dramatic action of these thrillers, one featur-
bond between the two groups.
ing Blanch Sweet and the other Harry Carey,
The previewing continued through the
was so far from realism that no one could
courtesy of these theatres and the distributing
connect it with actuality. A child possibly
agencies, but it was not entirely practical for
carried home a remembrance only of swift
the exhibitors because the reports came in
action, superhuman strength, and punishment
too late to be of assistance in booking and
for evil, all as far from reality as the usual
many pictures of real family appeal were un-
beloved fairy tales.
intentionally lost for week end performances
But as technique improved a more critical
when, if information had been available, they
attitude grew and mothers began to have a
might have replaced a picture of interest only
realization of the power of visual education.
to adult or uncritical groups. Managers run-
They realized that pictures made for adult
ning junior matinees were forced to buy sub-
audiences, and suitable for mature apprecia-
stitute films for Saturday afternoons which
tion were frequently confusing and sometimes
did not appeal as much to children or, more
actually dangerous to unoriented youth.
important gave them the unfortunate
still,
Groups grew naturally which presented re-
impression that the club women were “cen-
quests for children’s matinees to neighbor-
soring” their shows, nothing being more ob-
hood theatre managers. These men were
jectionable to children or youth! Also the
often willing to cooperate with the women,
reviews were helpful only locally. They were
but buying their pictures in blocks, often be-
useless in commgnities even close to Los
fore the were actually made, seeing
films
Angeles because of difference in booking
only the titles or the advance notices of the
dates.
type of film, and this information purely a
In spite of handicaps and severe disap-
publicity man’s idea for adult advertising,
pointments the women persevered. The work
they had no idea of what the picture would
begun under the auspices of the Los Angeles
mean to children’s audiences. They asked for
District, California Federation of Women’s
suggestions for booking. The women found Clubs, grew to include the Daughters of
themselves at a loss to comply. And thus the
American Revolution, Parent-Teachers Asso-
“previewing” began. Women went to the
ciation, University women, and many other
first run down town theatres to give their
local groups. In six years the interest
opinion of the films’ suitability for matinees.
throughout California and other states, not-
These audiences were composed usually of ably Georgia and New York, developed until
children from 2 to 12 years old. It was a
the advent of sound in motion pictures
difficult problem, but the women finally had created a real crisis.
2 2
The entire character of motion picture en- of Motion Producers first recognized the work
tertainment changed with the addition of of the women’s groups by arranging pre-
sound, both in subject matter and in tech- views for them at the Academy, and in Sep-
nique. Children’s attendance became an tember of that year appointed Mrs. Thomas
immediate and distressing problem to parents G. Winter to be the representative or official
who feared the greater sophistication of dia- go-between for women’s clubs and the indus-
logue and the increased realism of the action, try. We shall outline in the April “Reviews”
and also, after the had been
first curiosity the method of previewing and the important
satisfied, the public generally became more part which Mrs. Winter has played in any
selective and women’s groups, known to be accomplishment which the women have
“previewing” or reviewing films were be- achieved.
seiged for information on current releases, C^v9
not only for children’s recreation, but also to CORRECTION

aid adults in finding entertainment to suit The editors wish to call attention to the
their own tastes. It was the beginning of following correction of a typographical error
the reaction hoped for by women’s groups that appeared in the February “Reviews.”
which had for years suggested discriminat- “Arsene Lupin” was characterized as “im-
—
ing attendance or “talking through the box moral.” The word intended was “unmoral”
office.” and of course carries a very different con-
Then in the spring of 1929 the Association notation.
FEATURE FILMS
C-K9
ALIAS THE DOCTOR « « CARNIVAL BOAT « «
Richard Barthelmess, Marion Marsh. Bill Boyd, Ginger Rogers, Hobart Bos-
Direction by Michael Curtiz.Adapted worth. Direction by A1 Rogel. R.K.O.
from Emric Foeldes’ Hungarian Play. The boss of a lumber camp affectionately
Warner Brothers First National. hopes that his likable son will inherit his job.
A
dramatic and interesting plot, finished A Carnival Boat drifts into the scene and a
little dancer brings a crisis in their lives. But
acting and unusually competent direction are
combined in a photoplay of superior enter- the simple, unimportant story fades into the
tainment value. The story is of a young background as interest centers in the activities
medical student who sacrifices his future in and thrilling experiences of log cutters amid
an effort to save his brother. As the plot un- unusually beautiful natural scenery of tim-
folds there are many tense and stirring situa-
bered mountains. The picture will appeal to
tions. The atmosphere is very real and true
family audiences as a wholesome outdoor
to medical procedure. Richard Barthelmess story.
in the leading role will enlist the sympathy Adolescents, 1 2 to 16 Children, 8 to 1
and admiration of the audience. Good Exciting

Adolescents, 1 2 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 g^s>
Interesting Beyond their
understanding FIREMAN SAVE MY CHILD « «
Joe Brown, Evalyn Knapp, Lilian

E.
BROKEN LULLABY « « Bond, Dickie Moore, Guy Kibbee. Direc-
Phillips Holmes, Nancy Carroll, Louise tion by Lloyd Bacon. First National.
Carter, Zazu Pitts,Barrymore,
Lionel Joe E. Brown, with his naive egotism and
Tom Douglas. From the play by Maurice his funny grimaces, is the whole show in this
rollicking farce depicting the fortunes of a
Rostand. Direction by Ernest Lubitsch.
baseball player. There is nothing extraordi-
Paramount-Publix. nary about the picture, but it is full of genu-
Reviewed in February, 1932, under the title ine humor and will appeal especially to base-
of “The Man I Killed.” ball fans old and young. The irrelevant title
2 22
will mislead only those who have not yet the unravelling of the secret provides pleas-
learned to expect the unexpected from Joe E. ant recreation for adults and older ado-
Brown. lescents.
Adolescent's, 1 2 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 2 Adolescents, 1 2 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 2

Good Harmless fun Passable Mature
cW C'KO
IMPATIENT MAIDEN « «
FORBIDDEN « «
John Halliday, Mae Clarke, Lew Ayres,
Barbara Stanwyck, Adolph Menjou,
Una Merkel, Andy Devine. Direction by
Ralph Bellamy. Direction by Frank
James Whale. Universal.
Capra. Columbia.
The doctor is now emerging as our latest
This picture run the whole
tries pitifully to
type of film hero, and if you take your opera-
gamut of human emotions rather vain in a
tions seriously you may enjoy a rather real-
attempt to prove the truth of the old familiar
istic close up of the heroine’s appendectomy.
maxim: “Sin doesn’t pay.” Lulu, a library
One follows the many and divergent calls on
worker, seeks romance, finds it in Robert
an interne’stime, sometimes tragic, some-
Grover, clings to it in spite of the fact that
times amusing, and strives to sympathize
he is married and apparently in love with his
with his sweetheart who, while apparently
wife. Her decisions to be noble come at un-
very worldly wise, shows surprising naivete
expected moments when her nobility will hurt
in her relationship with her employer. The
everyone but herself. In spite of the good
story is shallow, and the general tone is de-
cast the picture is neither healthy nor in-
pressing rather than entertaining for the
teresting.
average spectator.
Adolescents, 1 2 to 1 6 Children, 8 to 1 2
Adolescents, 1 2 to 16 Children, 8 to 1
No No interest
Unsuitable No
C'-KS
FREAKS « « LOST SQUADRON « «
Olga Baclanova, Wallace Ford, Leila Richard Dix, Robert Armstrong, Joel
Hyams, Rosco Ates, and the world’s McCrea, Mary Astor, Erich Von Stro-
most famous freaks. Direction by Tod heim, Dorothy Jordan. Direction by
Browning. M.G.M. George Archainbaud. R.K.O. -Radio.
In this unpleasant melodrama a midget Seeing this film, the audience has the
falls in love and marries a beautiful trapeze novel sensation of watching, over a director’s
artist.Her scheme to kill him is frustrated, shoulder, the making of another film. The
and the revenge perpetrated by his fellow plot revolves around three aviators, the last
freaks is a horrible spectacle. Physical ab- of their flying squadron in France. Holly-
normalities are exploited in a revolting man- wood is the eventual setting where we find
ner, and unnatural relationships are sug- these men exhibiting their skill for the cam-
gested. It is thoroughly unsavory and era and taking fearful risks in order to pro-
offensive to good taste in subject matter and duce sensational shots. Jealousy on the part
portrayal. The producer in attempting to of a relentless director sends one aviator to
create a still more extravagant thriller has destruction; loyalty kills a second. The cast
run amuck and succeeded only in pandering is adequate, but aside from the extremely
to morbid curiosity. violent action, the hair-raising stunts and
Adolescents, 1 2 to 1 6 Children, 8 to 1 spectacular crashes, “Lost Squadron” is just
another aviation “movie.” It is too exciting
No Absolutely not
for children, and even if this objection is
considered negligible, a murder and the dis-
posal of a dead body make it exceedingly
HOTEL CONTINENTAL « «
harrowing.
Peggy Shannon, Theodor Von Eltz. Adolescents, 1 2 to 16 Children, 8 to 1
Direction by Christy Cabanne. Tiffany. Passable No

TheHotel Continental, for fifty years a cto
city’sgilded rendezvous, is to be torn down. MAKER OF MEN « «
On this last night of its hospitality, a Jack Holt, Richard Cromwell. Direction
strange assortment of guests fill it to capacity,
and a stranger mystery permeates the atmos- by Edward Sedgwick. Columbia Pictures.
phere. While it is not an outstanding picture, Jack Holt as “Uncle Dudley” is a college
—2 2
football coach who tries to make a real player advancement and have decided destructive
of his weak and rather “yellow” son. Two moral influence.
games are shown, which will please football Adolescents, 1 2 to 1 6 Children, 8 to 1
enthusiasts, and the whole theme is a lesson
No No
ingood sportsmanship. Thanks to Jack Holt
and good continuity the picture is interesting c-to
entertainment of its kind.
ONE HOUR WITH YOU « «
Good Good Maurice Chevalier, Jeannette MacDon-

ald, Roland Young, Genevieve Tobin,
cto
Charles Ruggles. Direction by Ernest
MICHAEL AND MARY « «
Lubitsch. Paramount.
Edna Best, Herbert Marshall, Frank A young French doctor and his wife, hav-
Lawton. Direction by Victor Saville. ing been married three years, are still ro-
mantically in love when the wife’s best friend
Gainsborough Productions of England
arrives and makes a dead set for the doc-
U. S. Distributors. Universal Pictures tor. There are the usual suave scenes,
Corp. From a play by A. A. Milne. exquisitely staged, that we have learned to
A genuine love story is fraught with that expect in a Chevalier-Lubitsch comedy. It
is all done with a very light satirical touch
combination of delicacy, whimsy, pathos and
understanding which distinguishes Milne as and a musical comedy atmosphere, and those
to whom the inuendos are apparent should
a playwright. The director has sensed the
qualities of the original to the full, and the not be shocked. Though the Straus music
is a subordinate part, the songs are enter-
adaptation to the screen is unusually true.
taining and very well sung by Chevalier
The English cast makes the most of the good
and Jeannette MacDonald. The badge of
dialogue; the acting is admirable. It is the
honor really goes to Lubitsch for the per-
story of two inherently fine people who over-
fection of detail and deft touches that dis-
step the rigid English divorce laws, and who,
tinguish his pictures from all others.
in spite of the circumstances which made this
decision wholly justifiable, are ultimately
faced with the prospect of suffering and dis- No No

honor. As an adult picture it ranks high, and
it is appropriate for well-balanced juniors
because of its excellent attitude toward love
and home life. THE PASSIONATE PLUMBER « «
Buster Keaton, James Durante, Irene
Yes No interest Purcell, Gilbert Roland, Polly Moran.
c+s Direction by Edward Sedgwick. From
the play “Her Cardboard Lover.”
NICE WOMEN « «
M.G.M.
Frances Dee, Sydney Fox, Russell Glea- “Her Cardboard Lover,” a light Parisian
son, Lucile Gleason. Direction by Edwin farce, starring Leslie Howard in the New
H. Knopf. Universal. York production, has had its metamorphosis
at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and now emerges
The unconventional behavior on the part
as “The Passionate Plumber.” In this film
of most of the characters of this social drama
version the humor is broadened and coars-
pigeonholes it as a border line play. It is not
ened, and scarcely more than the general
blatantly vulgar, but the well worn theme of
outline of the plot is left. Yet with all its
youth about to be sacrificed to an old roue
vulgarity, its strident slap stick, and entire
in order to provide financial relief for a
lack of the nuances which marked the stage
family with champagne tastes and insufficient
play, it is absurdly funny. An American girl
income, certainly has a poor moral tone. Al-
wishing to save herself from an infatuation
though the plot is decidedly weak, elements
with a French lover employs the first avail-
of entertainment are maintained by the re-
able man, who happens to be her plumber,
freshing characterization of the cast. Miss
to keep her out of mischief. The humor is not
Dee is convincing as a “nice woman” and
outstandingly witty nor of the highest type,
gives a sincere performance in her sacrifice
but no one will take the clowning seriously.
to her family, while Miss Fox is irresistible
in her wickedness. Several sequences are Adolescent's, 1 2 to 16 Children, 8 to 1
interpolated which have no value as plot Unsuitable Unsuitable

2
2 2

POLICE COURT « « suggestion of sadism in the character of the
Leon Janny, Henry B. Walthall, Aileen jealous husband, and risque repartee which
is sometimes funny, but often only coarse.
Pringle, A1 St. John, King Baggett.
There are so many better pictures that we
Direction by Louis King. Monogram. do not recommend this.
The gives little or no idea of this play
title
Adolescents, 1 2 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 2
which concerns a once famous actor, vitiated
by drink, and the devoted son who struggles
No No
heroically to lead him back to the world of CKO
fame and fortune. It is not entertaining in
the lighter sense of the word, but it has fine STRANCERS IN LOVE « «
dramatic values, an unusual vividness and Frederic March, Kay Frances. From
sincerity, which make it a notable picture. “The Shorn Lamb” by William J. Locke.
Walthall is splendid; Leon Janny does ex-
Direction Lothar Mendes. Paramount-
cellent work as the engaging though pathetic
“Junior.” The very unpretentiousness with Publix.
which the story is developed gives it unusual Reviewed in February, 1932, under the title
power. of “Intimate.”
G'+O
V ery mature theme .. Too depressing
TEXAS PIONEERS « «
Bill Cody. Direction by Harry Fraser.

THE SADDLE BUSTER « «
Monogram.
Tom Keene, Robert Frazer, Marie A
Saturday matinee audience might accept
Quillan, Mary Foster. Direction by Fred this western melodrama if nothing better
Allen. R.K.O.-Pathe. were available. Its appeal lies in setting,
action, wild Indians and fine horses. But
Thestruggle between a cowboy and the few children will take it seriously and it is
“killer” horse, Wild Fury, constitutes the doubtful whether they will really enjoy the
main part of the story, with love made a inferior plot, weak direction and amateurish
subordinate issue. Like many Westerns it is acting.
lacking in finesse and uniformity, but chil-
dren, adolescents and adults who like this
type of picture will be highly entertained by Of doubtful interest Harmless morally
the swift moving plot, the thrilling bronco-
busting and scenes of wild horses wandering
over the range. The absence of gun-play WAYWARD « «
makes it especially good for children. Nancy Carroll, Richard Arlen, Pauline
Adolescent's, 1 2 to 16 Children, 8 to 1
Frederic. Based on novel “Wild Beauty,”
Good Very good by Matell Howe Farnham. Direction by
Edward Sloman. Paramount.
SHE WANTED A MILLIONAIRE « « “Wayward” tells the story of two young
people of different social strata who struggle
Joan Bennett, Una Merkel, Spencer
to hold their home together in spite of the
Tracy, James Kirkwood. Direction by bitter opposition of a selfishly absorbing
John Blystone. Fox. mother. The theme had possibilities but the
This trivial play about trivial people picture fails to be convincing through over-
would be handsomely housed in a nickel- emphasis and exaggeration of character and
odian —“From Riches,” or “Money
Rags to
action. It lacks reality and becomes an
extravagant melodrama, clean and whole-
is Not All,” etc. the story of a factory
It is
girl who wins a beauty contest and marries
some in detail, but without subtlety or special
interest.
a millionaire though she has no affection for
him. Throughout the film there is a tire- Adolescents, 1 2 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 2
some vulgarity of lavish display, a revolting Hardly edifying No, unsuitable
SHORT SUBJECTS
c+J>
BOB WHITE « « THE LIVING GOD OF THE MONGOLS

Grantland Rice Sportlight. R.K.O.- Talking Picture Epics.
Pathe.
No member of the family should miss these
A quail hunting expedition, chiefly inter- unusual and splendidly taken pictures of
esting because of the beauty and expert per- Northern Mongolia and the Gobi Desert.
formance of the hunting dogs. Suitable for
all audiences. e-KS
G'fO PATHE AUDIO REVIEW No. 8 « «
DOOR OF ASIA « «
Uneven editing mars this Review; inter-
Vagabond Adventure. esting scenes of logging, entrancing views of
This time the “Vagabond” adventures in
Edinborough, dull shots of “bathing beauties”
the land of rice fields. He discovers the an- on a mountain climb, and a fairly amusing
cient Chinese methods of manufacturing, short of a talking parrot.
building, agriculture and a few of their cus-
toms. Recommended for all.
CSvS
MOTHER’S HOLIDAY « «
Educational.
THE GROCERY BOY « «
A Mickey Mouse cartoon. Columbia Pic- A comedy of “Mother’s Day” where down-
tures Corp. trodden mother rises in revolt and throws
the cake in father’s face. Harmless.
Mickey Mouse and his dog deliver gro-
ceries to Minnie and remain to help her rfJ
cook a turkey dinner. There are novel bits
such as the rhythmic preparation of the food. ROMEO MONK « «
One of the best of these amusing cartoons. Aesop Fable. Columbia.

Delightful for the whole family.
A dull animated cartoon, lacking in imagi-
cfJ nation and ingenuity but harmless for juniors
HELPMATES « « and children.
Laurel and Hardy. Hal Roach. CW
Laurel and Hardy try house cleaning be-
SLIM FIGURING « «
fore the wife returns and indulge in the usual
slap-stick dish throwing and general destruc- Grantland Rice Sportlight.
tion. Stupid but harmless.
This a photographic cataloguing of the
strenuous sports in which American women
take part, ranging from La Crosse at Smith
HURRY CALL « «
College to calisthenics of prospective chorus
Chic Sales. R.K.O. girls. The examples shown cover a wide
Chic Sales in an amusing, well-acted film range of physical activities. Recommended
which should entertain the whole family. for all.
MOTION
PICTURE
REVIEWS

APRIL 1932
COPYRIGHT NINETEEN THIRTY-TWO
WEBBCRAFT PRINTERS, 1651 ARLINGTON AVE., LOS ANGELES

MOTION • PICTURE •
REVIEWS
Published, monthly by
LOS ANGELES BRANCH
Mrs. John Vruwink - Co-Chairmen - Mrs. Pai.mer Cook
EDITORS
1 Oc Per Copy - - $1.00 Per Year
Vol. Ill APRIL, 1932 No. 4
EDITORIAL
The Association of Motion Picture Pro- with care and discrimination by the chairmen
ducers and Distributors, in offering the pre- of the groups, and must prove to offer in-
viewing of current releases to the women’s telligently constructive criticisms before they
groups, made one stipulation, namely, that are accepted as permanent workers.
only those should be invited which had As the reviewers enter the lounge where
national distribution for their reviews. The the pictures are shown, each is given two
first groups to receive and accept this privi- duplicate questionnaires. These have been
lege were: The General Federation of written in Mrs. Winter’s office with the
Women’s Clubs, The Daughters of the Amer- cooperation of the chairmen of the groups
ican Revolution, The International Federa- whose comments and criticisms were re-
tion of Catholic Alumnae, The California quested. The form is as follows:
Association of Parents and Teachers, and Your Name and Organization:
the Women’s University Club, Los Angeles Projection Date:
Branch of the American Association of Uni- Production :
versity Women. One or two other women’s Producers :
organizations were invited, but declined be- Direction :
cause they felt the work outside of their out- Cast :
line of service. The Boy Scouts of America From the Book or Play:
were included, the Young Men’s Christian Author of Script and Dialogue:
Association, and also the American Librar-
STORY
ians’ Association. The boys’ groups are unable
to be regular in attendance, and the Librar- You are this picture so that your
trying to judge
point of view may interpret its value to an enormous
ians send representatives only when the pic- audience with wide variations. The terms used below
ture is an adaptation of a book in which they are merely suggestions. Use any characterizations you
feel sufficient interest to warrant their atten- choose.
tion.Later the National Society of New Eng- I. THE FIRST PURPOSE OF COMMERCIAL
land Women, the National Council of Jewish PICTURES IS ENTERTAINMENT
Women, and more recently, the United (a) What entertaining or outstanding elements has
this picture? For example, is it vivid, fresh, stimulating,
Church Brotherhood accepted the invitation
charming? Or is it banal, with hackneyed scenes and
to these previews. theme? Do you recommend it?
Each organization is privileged to send five (b) How do you grade it for adults? For juniors?
representatives. These reviewers are selected For children under 12?
II. ETHICAL VALUES the public, but as it has worked out, actually
(a) Estimate the picture as a whole rather than fixing no pressure has even been brought to bear
your mind on the details. (This means, does it leave a
good taste in the mouth? Is the general trend, the
on the final reports issued. The chairmen
atmosphere, wholesome? Does it build morality? Or is send copy directly to the printer’s office,
it demoralizing in its total? Note that questionable where it is posted also. It is then read by
situations should be judged according to whether they Mrs. Winter’s office in its final released form.
drive a lesson or are introduced for their own sake.)
(b) Has it particularly objectionable features, such as The groups accepting this financial help
an uncalled-for drinking, vulgar sex relations, objec- are the International Federation of Catholic
tionable crime situations? Alumnae, the General Federation of Women’s
(c) If questions of law are involved, does it build
Clubs, the Daughters of the American Revo-
good citizenship?
lution, the Council of Jewish Women, and
III. ARTISTIC VALUATIONS
(a) What type of drama is it? (This is important that of the New England Women. The
because we do not demand the same treatment of all Young Men’s Christian Association, Boy
forms —
for example, of farce and tragedy.)
Scouts and Parent-Teachers Association re-
(b) Story Structure. (Is the story well told? This
means, does it hold together, seem consistent, properly
lease their reviews through their own
developed? Does the dialogue fit the story?) monthly magazines. The Women’s Uni-
(c) Acting. (Discuss the fitness of the actors for their versity Club publishes a monthly bulletin,
parts. Are they real or just stagey? Are they appropri- financing it through a subscription price of
ately cast? Discuss voices and enunciation.)
(d) Directorship. (For example, development of
one dollar a year. The fact that it has
dramatic possibilities; use of silence; swift or slow financed itself, with a steadily increasing list
movement ;scenic relation to dramatic situations.) of subscribers, has been encouraging to those
Note It would be well to give a brief synopsis of
:
responsible for the venture.
the picture, using the other side of this sheet.
With one exception all the groups report
Itof interest to note that the social
is
to their on all films seen, whether
public
value of the film is stressed first, comments
the comment is favorable or adverse. The
from the artistic side follow. International Federation of Catholic Alumnae
Each previewer
requested to write
is still adhere to their policy of giving out only
duplicate is One
returned to the
reviews. recommended lists. This organization and
chairman of the group represented, the other the General Federation of Women’s Clubs
is mailed to Mrs. Winter. These comments have their general chairmen in New York,
are not written at the Academy rooms. One where their reports are printed and mailed.
of the first requests made by the Producers’ They often include comments on films which
Association, even before Mrs. Winter’s ar- have not been shown at the Academy in
rival in Hollywood, was that no discussion Hollywood. The Parent-Teachers Associa-
of the pictures take place in the Academy tion and the Women’s University Club send
rooms among the previewers. They insisted reviewers to the theatres to catch pictures
that the previewers make individual reports, which have not been shown at the Academy.
uninfluenced by others seeing the film, and It must be remembered that the showing of
under no circumstances should the picture films at the Academy is entirely a voluntary
be discussed with members of the Producers’ service on the part of the individual pro-
Association who might be present at the ducers, and a few are not entirely in sym-
showing. Every effort was made that fair- pathy with the procedure. Also mechanical
ness and courtesy be afforded the previewers. difficulties sometimes prevent showing before
The chairmen of the different groups have release.
committees which then edit the five reports What is the value of this work? It must
on each picture and give to their public their be remembered that the origin of previewing
final evaluation.
by the women’s groups was not to censor
In order to have this reviewing of any films, but, as explained in the last issue of
value, either to the Producers’ Association this bulletin, to give to interested individuals
or to the different groups, these final reports and community groups all over the country
had to have a means of distribution over the information on current releases. It was begun
country. It was naturally important to each primarily for selection for children’s enter-
Producer that the recommended films attract tainment and later for discriminating adults.
attention so that increased attendance make As far as we know none of the previewing
the previewing worth while. However, no groups believes in political censorship as a
restrictions were placed upon adverse com- practical correction for poor pictures. On the
ment. Inasmuch as financing such a project other hand the increased demand for the
seemed a serious problem to most of the comments broadcast by the reviewing groups,
groups, the Association of Motion Picture the greater use of these lists in newspapers,
Producers and Distributors offered to finance magazines, schools, and libraries, the en-
the printing or mimeographing, and postage. couraging reports from exhibitors that the
This has caused some criticism on the part of recommended films are box office successes,
would seem to indicate that selective attend- definition of science which was to be applied
ance the best answer to the problem. There
is in their approach to the study. She said:
is no desire to place a ten-year-old apprecia- “The essence of science is the determina-
tion as the intellectual or moral standard for tion to investigate everything without con-
motion pictures. Where there are pictures ceding anything to current human prejudice.”
which interest and appeal to that age, let the We believe that no one connected with the
children go. Junior matinees and Mickey work has approached that unbiased, balanced
Mouse clubs beg for “a break” for some- — attitude as successfully as has Mrs. Winter.
thing which will joyously and cleanly enter- Within the industry she brings the viewpoint
tain these eager little movie fans. But on the of the public (represented by the previewing
other hand there is in addition to the chil- groups) to the Studio Relations Committee,
dren’s matinees and the family audiences, a which reads the scripts and sees the pictures
large and ever increasing public for adult in the process of construction, and in their
themes handled intelligently and with good finished forms before release. This opinion,
taste! There will always be bad pictures. added to her personal ability, must carry
Intelligence and good taste may be culti- weight in these conferences. Inside the
vated, but usually people are naturally en- studios a force is at work for finer produc-
dowed with them. An industry as great as the tions ;
outside the studios the momentum de-
motion picture cannot be fortunate enough to pends upon this organized public.
secure only those so gifted. No movement of value can achieve results
Mrs. Winter’s connection with the Public without complete understanding, similar
Relations office has been most fortunate for
standards and viewpoints, and cooperation
between those working. Mrs. Winter’s ad-
the women’s groups. She brings to the work
vent has drawn closer the different groups
the value of her vast experience, her singu-
which had the same objective but possibly a
larly clear and unprejudiced insight, and
different approach. They are now working
the highest ethical and moral standards. Dr.
together more closely, and increased results
Miriam Van Waters, in a study group organ- are actual. This is due in great part to Mrs.
ized by the Women’s University Club and Winter’s drawing of the groups together, to
sponsored by the University of California their recognition of her balanced and un-
Extension, on the subject of the Social Value prejudiced attitude and to her insistence upon
of Motion Pictures, once gave the group a their adherence to the highest ideals.
FEATURE FILMS
AFTER TOMORROW » » of emotional crises, most of which are whole-

Charles Farrell, Marion Nixon, William some and will bring sympathetic interest
Collier, Sr., Minna Commbel. From a play from a not too analytical audience.
by Hugh Stange and John Golden. Direc- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
tion by Frank Borzage. Fox. Possibly interesting — No interest
but drab
Reminiscent of “Street Scene,” this serio-
comedy traverses the path of ordinary folk.
The audience is lead through a maze of
obstacles which circumstance has interposed AMATEUR DADDY » »
to thwart the marriage plans of a romantic
Warner Baxter, Marion Nixon, Rita LeRoy.
and ambitious boy and girl. The young lovers
Direction by John Blystone. Fox Film Corp.
are portrayed with sincerity by Miss Nixon
and Mr. Farrell the character parts of the
;
The “Amateur Daddy” is a par-
locale of
remainder of the cast are well directed and ticularly pleasing one. The charm of the
presented. Minute detail in the unfolding of children and good directorship make a re-
the story makes the picture seem longer than freshing picture from a slightly saccharine
it really is. Although there is some comedy story. An engineer, who promises to provide
relief, the story, as a whole, is based on the for the family of a dying workman, makes a
theme of disappointment and self-sacrifice. mistake and adopts the wrong brood, an
The appeal of the production is in its series error which proves fortunate in the end. It
is the type of film that the whole family may BROKEN WING » »
enjoy. Lupe Velez, Leo Carillo, George Barbier,

Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Melvyn Douglas. From the play by Paul
Yes Yes Dickey and Charles W. Goddard. Direction
by Lloyd Corrigan. Paramount-Publix.
Leo Carrillo !s a dashing

dare devil
ARE YOU LISTENING * »
bandit. Lupe Velez is the foster daughter
William Haines, Madge Evans. Adapted of an American business man in a Mexican
from a “Collier’s” magazine story by ). P. mining territory. A
complicated “triangle
McEvoy. Direction by Harry Beaumont. affair” develops when
a plane is crashed in
M.C.M. the heroine’s garden, with the handsome pilot
The interesting activities of a radio broad- emerging from the wreckage. happy out- A
come is effected only after numerous exciting
casting station provide a novel and entertain-
incidents. The dialogue is humorous and
ing background for a production which starts sparkling and the story moves with charming
out as a fast moving, up-to-the-minute com- spontaneity. It is a film that the family may
edy. Unfortunately, sordid situations and un- enjoy.
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 2
necessary vulgarity enter to change the char-
acter of the story, and broken and episodic Good Some interest
continuity destroy whatever interest has been

*
aroused.
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 BUT THE FLESH IS WEAK » »
No No Robert Montgomery, Edward Everett Hor-

ton, Eleanor Gregor, C. Aubrey Smith. From
“The Truth Game," by Ivor Norello. Direc-
BEAUTY AND THE BOSS » » tion by Jack Conway. M.G.M.
Marian Marsh, David Manners, Charles But- A confusion in treatment is the greatest
terworth. From the stage play “The weakness of this picture. Played
as pure
Church Mouse.” Direction by Roy Del Ruth. farce the ridiculous crudities of the plot
Warner Brothers. might have forestalled criticism, but as smart
comedy, it becomes frequently vulgar and
This comedy cannot be recommended for
rather boring. It traces the adventures of
discriminating audiences. The plot concerns two charming and impecunious gentlemen,
an unprincipled Austrian nobleman and an father and son, who live by their wits, and
ugly duckling secretary who is transformed its lack of sincerity and pointlessness, make
it a disappointing vehicle for an excellent
by a Paris gown. The humor is generally
cast.
based on questionable situations which are
not sufficiently cleverly handled to escape be-
Unwholesome No
ing offensive. The atmosphere is unsavory
and unconvincing.
CARELESS LADY » »
No No
Joan Bennett, John Boles. Direction by
Kenneth McKenna. Fox.
Accepting the hazardous theory that a

BEHIND THE MASK » »
woman to be attractive to men must have
Jack Holt, Constance Cummings, Boris experience and sophistication, Joan Bennett
Karsloff. Direction by John Francis Dillon. sets out to acquire both. The story of how
Columbia. she succeeds is absurdly farcical. But John
A mysterious man whose identity is hidden Boles has a light touch, and Joan herself is
behind a mask, and the melodramtic doings perhaps sufficiently attractive to surmount the
of a ring of narcotic peddlers, are the mate- dull moments (of which there are many).
rials of which this thriller is fashioned. Sus- This may prove mildly diverting to adults,
pense is maintained throughout, which, after but its cheap implications and banal presen-
all, may be the test of its entertainment value tation make it doubtful entertainment for
for audiences who like this type of picture. adolescents.
Not advised No Not suitable No
CAIN » » DANCERS IN THE DARK » »
Native cast. Direction by Leon Poirier. Miriam Hopkins, Jack Oakie, William Col-
Talking Picture Epics. lier, Jr. From the play “Jazz King.” Direc-
tion by David Burton. Paramount.
This French picture, taken on a small
island off the coast of Madagascar, has been The mediocre plot is concerned with a
adapted to American use by the substitution jazz orchestra leader, a taxi dancer, one of
of English words in certain sequences, but the band, and a gangster, all of whom are
they are so infrequent, that it can scarcely enacted by excellent talent. If the roles were
be called a talking picture. It is the story not played so well the story would have no
of a stoker who steals from a cabin passenger interest whatsoever. Jack Oakie as a self-
and escapes to an island where he lives for sacrificing character, isnot so convincing as
years till his conscience bids him return the in his more humorous roles, and Miriam
valuables and once more he is confronted Hopkins certainly has ability to warrant a
with the choice between civilized and primi- better vehicle. It is a waste of time and de-
tive life. The photography, which is very picts situations which even if they were true,
beautiful, and the spontaneous acting of the would not be any credit to the art which
natives, make the picture worth seeing, al- presents them. There are present some ele-
though some will cavil at the extreme sim- ments of entertainment, but these are all on
plicity of the plot. a low level, and the dramatic instances are
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 not even of an intense variety.
Interesting Yes Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
No Decidedly not
COHENS AND KELLYS IN HOLLYWOOD »
Charles Murray, George Sidney, June Clyde, DEVIL’S LOTTERY » »
Norman Foster. Direction by Howard Green. Elissa Landi, Paul Cavanaugh, Alexander
Universal. Kirkland, Beryl Mercer, Victor McLaglen.
From a novel by Nalbro Bartley. Direction
Here a golden opportunity for all those
is
by Sam Taylor. Fox.
who enjoyed “Abie’s Irish Rose!” Once more
they can enjoy the Kellys and the Cohens in The play commences with clever and a
action, this time enhanced by the familiar promising situation. Lord
decides Litchfield
Hollywood background of movie stars, direc- to entertain at his castle the four winners of
tors, song writers, popular restaurants and the Calcutta sweepstakes lottery, in order to
swimming pools. It is cleverly and amusingly observe their reaction to suddenly acquired
presented, and more, there is real appeal, also riches. It is a motley group, including an
underlying truth in the triumphs and vicissi- adventurer, a crippled soldier, a Cockney
tudes of Melville and Kelly. The whole widow and a young American archeologist.
family will enjoy this one. Perhaps, because of the complexity of the
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 characters’ lives, the theme is more suitable
Excellent Good, if it for a novel than a play; at any rate, in spite
interests of good casting, excellent comedy, exciting
sequences and the charm of Elissa Landi, the
production fails to fulfill the promise of its
COUNTY FAIR » » opening scenes and becomes confused, un-
Hobart Bosworth, Marian Schilling, William convincing and melodramatic, but still hold-
Collier, Jr. Direction by Louis King. Mono- ing interest for adults.
gram Pictures Corp. Cooperative Exchange. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Doubtful; Very No
An unsophisticated, old-fashioned melo-
sophisticated
drama, in which suspense, action, and a
simple love story supply pleasant, wholesome
entertainment. The horse race at the county
THE DOCKS OF SAN FRANCISCO » »
fair provides the climax after all the foul
play connected with the heroine’s horse is Mary Nolan, Jason Robards. Direction by
circumvented. In addition to the story, the George Seitz. Action Pictures. (Seen in
gay setting of the fair, the character types Preview.)

and the beautiful horses will hold interest A
dive on the waterfront is visited by a
and make it a picture which the whole family slumming party, one of whom is a young
will enjoy. author. By this chance he becomes involved
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 in the life of a woman who is the hireling
Entertaining Yes and mistress of a gang leader. Her desire to
go straight is the impetus for the plot delinea- HEART OF NEW YORK » »
tion. Melodrama in the ridiculous is thence- George Sidney, Joe Smith, Charles Dale,
forward presented. At the supposed dramatic Ruth Hale, Anna Appel Donald Cook. Based
peak the story falls flat. Unless it is im- on the play "Mendel, Inc.” Direction by
proved before the final release, it is too poor Mervyn Le Roy. Warner Brothers.
to recommend to any audience.
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 This is an amusing study of the Ghetto and
A its inhabitants, tracing the fortunes of a
waste of time No interest
Jewish plumber and his family through alter-
nate poverty and affluence. After the manner
of Fannie Hurst the characterizations are
THE FINAL EDITION » »
both satiric and sympathetic, and the per-
Mae Clark, Pat O'Brien. Direction by How- sonnel includes the whole neighborhood,
ard Higgins. Columbia. showing many types which seem authentic.
Here we have a picture of gangsters and Though some of the humor is unnecessarily
newspaper reporters as well as a murder coarse and adds nothing to the reality of the
mystery and a romance, but the plot is neither picture, the acting, direction and settings
new or subtle and more than once leans combine to make interesting entertainment.
heavily on our credulity. Mae Clark as usual Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
gives a good performance. Entertaining Mature, but
harmless
No No
LENA RIVERS » »
GIRL CRAZY * » Charlotte Henry, Beryl Mercer, Morgan

Calloway, James Kirkwood. Direction by
Eddie Quillan, Robert Woolsey, Kitty Kelly,
Philip Rosen. Tiffany.
Mitzi Green, Bert Wheeler. Direction by
William Seiter. R.K.O. The old sentimental romance of “Lena
Rivers” has now been brought to the screen
“Girl Crazy” is a cross between a slap
and provides pleasant, if unstimulating en-
stick comedy and a burlesque. While the tertainment. Here is a love story with a
acting is passable and there are certain situa- happy ending, colorful horse races, and some
tions which might prove amusing to children, tuneful darky singing and in addition a —
most attractive heroine, for Miss Henry’s
it really doesn’t rank very high.
natural manner and charming personality
make “Lena” very appealing.
Not recommended Not recommended Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Not harmful No interest
THE CREEKS HAD A WORD FOR THEM »
Ina Claire, Joan Blondell, Madge Evans,

MAN WANTED » »
Lowell Sherman. Direction by Lowell Sher- Kay Francis, David Manners. Direction by
man. United Artists. William Dieterle. First National.
Whether it was courage or stupidity that

We are growing a weary of whatever
little
prompted the use of such unsavory and un-
itwas that the Greeks had a word for. interesting material, we cannot see any ex-
Though this farce is beautifully staged and cuse for this picture. Even French telephones
the three leading actresses are cleverly chosen and polo clothes have a limited appeal when
the plot is stupid and illogical and the situa-
for their roles, the cynical audience may not
tions are a boring repetition of unpraise-
laugh so heartily as it did at the play of al- worthy incidents.
most the same name. Anything based on so Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
sordid a theme must be scintillating in the No! No!
extreme to overcome the average person’s
dislike for certain situations. The dialogue THE MENACE » »
is very flippant and sometimes clever; the H. Warner, Bette Davis, Walter Byron.
B.
production is the apex of sophistication. Direction by Roy W. Neil. Columbia.
Little remains to be said about these mys-
No No tery thrillers that has not already been
applied to others. Like a batter recipe which, PROBATION » »
with slight variations, produces muffins, pan- John Darrow, Sally Blane. Direction by
cakes, or waffles, the ingredients in these pic- Richard Thorpe. Distributed through Pacific
tures are likewise mixed in different propor- Coast Exchange.
tions and then turn out well or ill. But this
story is a good one of its kind; an old murder
This silly production is the result of com-
mystery, an unjust conviciton, a gang of bining two inharmonious types of entertain-
crooks, a Scotland Yard detective, two young ment. From the title and opening scenes one
lovers and an English estate as background, expects a social problem drama showing
are the elements which are successfully
modern youth running afoul of the Juvenile
worked out by the aid of competent acting Court. Suddenly an unsophisticated love
story develops in which the romance of a
and good direction, to provide an hour’s
diversion. poor young man and a rich young girl is
steered by a benevolent uncle towards an
A matter of taste Too mature
improbable happy ending. Bad taste and
excessive drinking in certain portions of the
picture might advantageously have been left
out. The good cast is to be congratulated for
THE MIRACLE MAN » »
preserving a modicum of charm and enter-
Sylvia Sidney, Chester Morris, John Wray, tainment value.
Ned A. Sparks, Robert Coogan, Hobart Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Bosworth. Direction by Norman McLeod.
Not recommended No
Paramount-Publix.
The effect of this picture will differ greatly

with the type of individual who sees it and
with his mood at the time of presentation. It STEADY COMPANY » »
relies for its appeal entirely on emotional Norman Foster, June Clyde, Henry Armetta,
quality devices, such as stirring or soft music, Zasu Pitts. Direction by Edward Ludwig.
slow movement and other special technique Universal.
being used to that end. The story tells of a
group of professional scamps who come to a
When Zasu
Pitts is cast in a film one ex-
pects tolaugh, and in “Steady Company”
small town by chance and believe they have
there is an opportunity for wholesome merri-
found an excellent field for their operations
ment. Henry Armetta as the lovable and de-
by exploiting a faith-healer, the Patriarch,
voted foster father is distinctly appealing.
whose simplicity and goodness, however,
prove a bulwark against evil. The tone is
He takes the spot light. The plot is common-
place. A truck driver with pugilistic ambi-
distinctly moral in that wholesome living is
tions is engaged to a telephone operator. She
upheld, but because of its theatrical effects
is under the false impression that her fiance
this version is more obvious and at the same
is in lofty pursuit of a medical career. In
time less convincing than either the stage or
spite of the ringside atmosphere, which plays
silent version.
no small part in this picture, it is good clean
fun.
Fair Too emotional
Good Harmless
PLAY GIRL » »
Loretta Young, Winnie Lightner, Norman
Foster, Cuy
Kibbe, Dorothy Burgess. Direc- SYMPHONY OF SIX MILLION » »
tion by Ray Enright. Warner Brothers-First
Ricardo Cortez, Anna Appel, Irene Dunn,
National.
Noel Madison, Gregory Ratoff. Direction by
In “Play Girl” we follow the misfortunes Gregory LaCava. R.K.O.-Pathe.
and misunderstandings of a young husband
and wife. Although the plot is not unusual,
The poverty and suffering of the Ghetto
the play is done in an interesting manner help to create a great surgeon, “Dr. Felix
and succeeds in holding one’s attention to the Klauber,” who dedicates his skill to the poor
end. In spite of the number of scenes con- and helpless. How he loses his high purpose
cerned chiefly with race tracks and gambling,
the picture contains nothing really objection-
— and finds it again — is an absorbing story
able. Winnie Lightner and Guy Kibbe fur- told with great dramatic skill. Ricardo Cor-
nish excellent comic relief. tez gives a memorable performance as the
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 sensitive, brilliant young doctor. Because of
Passable No its strong emphasis on human sacrifice and
T en Motion Picture Reviews
suffering this picture is recommended only to She misses the sly artfulness and sparkle of
adults and to adolescents who are emotionally Thackeray’s immortal heroine (and of Mrs.
mature. Fisk’s stage interpretation). One feels her
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 coldness and ruthlessness, but not “Becky’s”
Very intense No undying charm. The task of condensing the
long and involved novel and holding the
characters to the original type in a mod-
THE TRIAL OF VIVIENNE WARE » » ernized version has been very well done and
deserves commendation. It is an interesting
Joan Bennett, Donald Cook, Zasu Pitts,
production, well worth seeing, but the thrill-
Richard "Skeets” Gallaghar. Direction by
ing quality of genius which has made
William Howard. Based on the novel by
“Vanity Fair” a great novel, is missing.
Kenneth M. Ellis. Fox. (Seen in Preview.)
The murdered man has been
in this case Mature Too mature
the fiance of Miss Ware (Joan Bennett) until
the day of the tragedy. The attorney for
Miss Ware (Donald Cook) has the double THE WISER SEX » »
effort of defending a woman who is sur-
Melvyn Douglas, Claudette Colbert, Lilyan
rounded by incriminating circumstances and
Tashman. Based on play “Her Confessions,”
of fighting for the life of this same woman
by Clyde Fitch. Direction by Berthold
whom he loves. A
cabaret dancer, two gang-
Viertel. Paramount-Publix.
sters, a butler, a chauffeur, and a busy-body
next door, all figure in the spectacular legal A pleasing cast is wasted on another
battle between the district attorney and Cook. gangster story which is not sufficiently differ-
Comedy furnished by Zasu Pitts as
relief is ent to hold much interest. Swift action and
a newspaper woman
covering the case, and exciting are its only asset. The
situations
by “Skeets” Gallagher, a radio announcer plot concerns sordid experiences of a
the
broadcasting the trial. Interest never lags. young woman who enters the underworld in
The picture can be recommended to those order to obtain proof to discredit circum-
who enjoy murder mysteries. stantial evidence against the man she wishes
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 to marry. It is unconvincing, and there is
Not harmful Not recommended nothing unusual enough about the production
to warrant one’s wasting an hour or more in
intimate association with such objectionable
VANISHING MEN » » characters.
Tom Tyler, Yakima Canutt, Adele Lacy.
No No
Direction by Harry Fraser.
“Go get ’em, men!” is the dialogue theme

of the cattle “rustlers” and the sheriff’s posse THE WET PARADE » »
in this western melodrama aboard a horse. Lewis Stone,Walter Huston, Dorothy
The action is swift, the climaxes exciting, and Jordan, Robert Young, Neil Hamilton,
the dialogue stilted. The sympathy of the “Snozzle” Durante. Based on novel by
audience is with the law and the redemption Upton Sinclair. Direction by Victor Fleming.
of a young “rustler,” making the purport M.G.M.
wholesome in spite of considerable gun play.
Audiences will find the drama has average “Mr. Chilcote,” a Southern gentleman
•
entertainment value. (Lewis Stone), by committing suicide, sup-

plies the first tragedy in the parade of the
Good Good misuse of liquor. The film then becomes a
pictorial debate on the subject of prohibition,
presenting the case without prejudice and
drawing no conclusion. The treatment is
VANITY FAIR » »
chronological in showing the saloons, the
Myrna Loy, Conway Tearle, Barbara Kent,
war-time prohibition, the passing of the
Montague Love, Lionel Belmore. From the
amendment and the present chaos of speak-
classic by Thackeray. Adapted by S. W.
easies, organized bootleggers and the failure
Herbert. Direction by Chester Franklin.
of law enforcement. Here is intense drama,
Allied Pictures Corp.
perfectly enacted throughout. love story A
The generation brought up on “Vanity of Dorothy Burgess as “Maggie May Chil-
Fair” will be most exacting as to its pres- cote” and Robert Young as “Kip Tarleton,”
entation. To them Myrna Loy’s interpreta- ties together the divergent elements. As en-
tion of “Becky Sharp” will not be satisfying. tertainment “The Wet Parade” has emo-
Motion Picture Reviews Eleven
tiona! appeal and stimulates thought, but YOUNG BRIDE » »
offers little in the nature of relaxation. We Helen Twelvetrees, Eric Linden, Arline
recommend highly as an exceedingly inter-
it Judge, Roscoe Ates, Polly Walters, Cliff
esting presentation of a social problem. Edwards. Direction by William Seiter.
R.K.O.-Pathe.
Mature Not suitable
Diligent search of this plot will reveal
a few elements of entertainment, but these
A WOMAN COMMANDS » »
are obscured by vulgar scenes and situations,
Pola Negri, Roland Young, Basil Rathbone.
most of which occur in a dance hall of the
Direction by Paul Stein. R.K.O.-Pathe.
lowest order. Helen Twelvetrees is almost
Amelodramatic and jumbled comedy ro- saccharine in her portrayal of “Allie Smith,”
mance of intrigue and revolution in a
a children’s librarian, in search of a Galahad.
mythical kingdom handicaps Miss Negri in
her “comeback” to pictures. It is interesting Eric Linden plays the braggart whom “Allie”
only as a vehicle for her. However, she is marries. The rest of the cast provide a most
delightful, and the cast is excellent. If we realistic atmosphere of so-called “modern
care to overlook the beautiful
story, the
youth” having its fling. At best this picture is
photography of old world sets and the per-
oor entertainment.
sonality of the stars will compensate.
Not recommended No No Impossible!
SHORT SUBJECTS
ATHLETIC DAYS » » DESERT RECATTA * »
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
f
This is a demonstration of the old and new Desert Regatta features outboard motor
technique in various events included in the races on the Salton Sea, in which ten exist-
Olympic games. Young athletes will find the ing world’s records are broken. Recom-
film of special interest. Recommended for mended for the family.
the family.
AUDIO REVIEW No. 9 » »

Pathe.
FLY FROLIC » »
Aesop Fable. R.K.O.-Pathe.
An showing the Alex-
interesting review
ander Caverns Pennsylvania; a remark-
in
An entertaining animated cartoon in which
the spider in the case becomes a Dr. Jekyll
able bass soloist; a curious Australian ani-
mal, and the clever Benda masks made by and Mr. Hyde. The flies finally rescue his
victim. Quite amusing for all.
Mr. Benda and his wife.
THE CAT’S CANARY » »
Aesop Fable. R.K.O.-Pathe. FLYING LEATHER » »
Grantland Rice Sportlight. R.K.O.-Pathe.

This is an ingenious and entertaining fable
in which the cat temporarily swallows the In the “manly art of self-defense” the dis-
canary. To the consternation of all the fence tance between pre-school and collegiate box-
prowlers, whenever the cat opens her mouth ing is effectively bridged by “Flying Leather.”
a warble is emitted. Recommended for the Recommended for the family.
family.
CROSBY, COLOMBO AND VALLEE » » FREDDY, THE FRESHMAN » »

Pacific Title and Art Studio. Pacific Title and Art Studio.
Animated cartoon introducing the popular Animated cartoon in which animals go
radio crooners into an Indian Camp. Of fair through college “stunts.” A fair production,
interest. entertaining for children.
MOTION
PICTURE
REVIEWS

MAY 1932
WOMENS UNIVERSITY CLUB
WEBBCRAFT PRINTERS, 1951 ARLINGTON AVE LOS ANGELES


LOS ANGELES BRANCH
EDITORS
Mrs. Palmer Cook Mrs. Arthur Jones Mrs. F. H. Partridce
10c Per Copy - - $1.00 Per Year
Vol.lll MAY, 1932 No. 5
FEATURE FILMS
AVALANCHE » » tisticbumptious husband (Ben Lyon), and

Leni Riesenstahl, Zepp Rist. Direction by guides him to success by sound advice. As
a whole it is limited entertainment.
Dr. Arnold Fanck. British International
Film. Not recommended No
Gorgeous snow panoramas environs in the
of Mount Blanc, as well as an intimate par-
ticipation in skiing, weather reporting, and BEHIND STONE WALLS » »
observing the moon through a huge telescope, Robert Elliott, Eddie Nugent, Priscilla Dean,
supply enough thrills to make the simple
Ann Christy. Direction by Frank Strayer.
story at times subservient in interest. There
Produced by Frank Strayer.
is a minimum of dialogue with no loss of
dramatic opportunity, even though the tempo The only incident in this picturewhich
is very deliberate. This most interesting reflects a wholesome attitude towards any
production is German made,
presented in human relationship is a son’s Quixotic en-
the English version, and
well synchronized.
is deavor to assume his mother’s guilt. Other-
The sheer icy beauty of Mount Blanc is ap- wise the plot dwells on infidelity, murder,
parent to any age or nationality. blackmail and disloyalty, and these are not
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 particularly well presented.
Excellent Excellent Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
No No
THE BIC TIMER * »
Ben Lyon, Constance Cummings, Thelma THE CROWD ROARS »
Todd, Tony Dugan. Direction by Eddie James Cagney, Joan Blondell, Eric Linden,
Burzell. Columbia. Ann Dvorak. Direction by Howard Hawks.
Those who enjoy boxing might like this Warner Bros. First National.
picture,which tells the events in the life of Only the most phlegmatic and hardened
a would-be champion. A charming girl movie fan could sit through this picture with-
(Constance Cummings) manages her ego- out suffering. It is an endurance test for any
audience. From beginning to end, the spec- HELL HOUSE » »
tators are in a state of harrowing suspense Junior Durkin. Pat O’Brien. Direction and
with the certainty that something frightful
story by Howard Higgin. Tech Art Studio.
is about happen, and skillful director
to
Howard Hawks has neglected no oppor- A review of this picture was published in
tunity of fulfilling every dreaded expecta- November, 1931, under the title “Juvenile
tion. James Cagney has an unsympathetic Court.”
part as a ruthless, conceited racing driver
and the somewhat unpleasant plot is secon-
dary in importance to the violent tragedy IT’S TOUCH TO BE FAMOUS » »
and horrors depicted. In the most devestat-
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.. Mary Brian. Walter
ing scene we have realism ad nauseum when
Catlett, David Landau. Direction by Alfred
a car with its occupant catches fire and
E. Creen. Warner Brothers-First National.
careens around the course to the accompani-
ment of a deafening roar from the grand- The treatment of this photoplay is not so
stands and the agonized shrieks of the vic- light as the wording of the title suggests,
tim. What may be entertainment for some for the story presents a very real problem.
audiences will be punishment for many. Fame that comes to a naval commander
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 when heroism suddenly thrust upon him,
is
Sophisticated and nerve racking Certainly not life and almost wrecks his
upsets his private
marriage. Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., as the
naval commander, is an engagingly modest
DESTRY RIDES AGAIN » »
young man whose struggles to evade news-
Tom Mix, Stanley Fields, Earle Fox, Claudia
paper reporters and a hero-worshipping
Dell. Direction by Ben Stoloff. Universal.
populace, will enlist the sympathy of his
Tom Mix and never failing
his horse are audiences. Though the theme may be of
drawing cards for children and adults who more interest to adults than to juniors, the
thrill to the swift action of breezy western picture offers first class entertainment for
melodrama. Plot and dialogue are secondary the family.
when honest Destry triumphs over the wicked Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
sheriff and gallops to romance on Tony’s Good Mature
beautiful back.
Good Excellent
THE MAN FROM NEW MEXICO * »
Tom Tyler, Caryl Lincoln, Jack Richardson,

GRAND HOTEL » »
Robert Walker. Direction by J. P. Mc-
Greta Carbo, John Barrymore, Joan Craw- Gowan. Monogram.
ford, Wallace Beery, Lionel Barrymore.
Lewis Stone, Jean Hersholt. By Vicki Children enjoy direct action and uncom-
Baum. Directed by Edmund Coulding. plicated motives. A beautiful heroine, a
M.C.M. brave hero and a wicked villain, plus skillful
riding and hard fighting, where right tri-
There are any number of reasons why
our umphs, make good entertainment for junior
audiences will go to this picture, but to
matinees. “The Man From New Mexico” is
mind the greatest factor in its sucess is
neither the much advertised cast nor Vicki
made according to the formula above and is
unimportant to all but the younger members
Baum’s failure-proof play. The direction’s
of the family.
the thing. Swift, clear-cut, decisive, logical,
the direction blends the various plots, scat-
tered scenes and diverse personalities into a Yes Yes
completely satisfying unit. There is nothing
superfluous, nothing out of balance. Whether
or not each individual favorite comes up to THE MOUTHPIECE » »
expectations the picture is eminently worth
Warren William, Sidney Fox, Aline Mc-
while. Wallace Beery perhaps is more com-
Mahon, William Janney. Direction by James
pletely in character and less his usual screen
Flood and Elliott Nugent. Warner Brothers.
self than any other member of the cast though
Joan Crawford gives an almost flawless per- Here is another of those films showing the
formance. The play is tragic, very realistic, machinations of lawyers, who for one reason
almost totally unconventional, yet somehow or another, are affiliated with the under-
not sordid. It is entertainment of the highest world. This time Warren William as an
grade for sophisticated adult audiences. assistant district attorney, mistakenly sends
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 an innocent man to the electric chair. When
Entirely unsuitable No interest he discovers what he has done, he alligns
himself with gangland against the courts, RADIO PATROL » »

and indulges in most of the vices which are Robert Armstrong, Lila Lee, Russell Hopton,
susceptible of being suggested on the screen. June Clyde. Direction by Edward L. Cane.
The performance of Warren William is so Universal. Seen in preview.
good that the picture will probably draw
Were it not for a brutal murder scene that
audiences in spite of the hackneyed material
disqualifies this picture from recommendation
which it assembles.
to any audience, “Radio Patrol” might be
good entertainment. It presents “Rookie
No No School” and the problem of the police in
maintaining a large enough force to keep
crime in check. A love story of supreme
sacrifice is the thread of narrative running
NIGHT COURT » »
through a series of exciting events which are
Walter Huston, Lewis Stone, Phillips culminated in the heroic death of an officer.
Holmes, Anita Page. Noel Francis. From Mr. Hopton, in the role of Pat, gives such a
gripping portrayal that it is worthy of ap-
the play by Mark Hellinger and Charles
preciative comment. It is to be hoped that
Beahan. Direction by W. S. Van Dyke. the extreme horror will be eliminated before
M.C.M. the final release.
An involved and unpleasant plot makes
this pictureseem exhaustingly long. It shows, Too ghastly Nightmare
without mercy to the audience, the lengths to provoking
which an unscrupulous man will go to cover
up his own wrong doing, and delves into THE ROADHOUSE MURDER » »
the corruption of judges in a gang-ridden Dorothy Jordan, Eric Linden, Purnell Pratt,
city (all, we suspect, with the purpose of Roscoe Ates. Direction by J. W. Ruben.
turning out a bigger and better thriller). R.K.O.
The subject, however, is interesting and A new angle on the murder-mystery plot is
holds one’s attention in spite of its heaviness;
shown this play, wherein the “cub” re-
in
the good cast give excellent performances in
porter gains notoriety by impersonating a
their respective roles.
criminal. While the scheme leads him into
desperate straits with the proffered lesson
No No that publicity at such a price is to be avoided,
nevertheless, the picture as a whole leaves
an unhealthy taste of youth’s zest for thrills,
regardless of consequences. The play is full
PROBATION » » of action and suspense from the start, and at
John Darro, Sally Blane, Eddie Phillips,
the end becomes harrowing.
Mattie Kemp, J. Farrel MacDonald, Clara
Unsuitable No
Kimball Young. Direction by Richard
Thorpe. Distributed through Pacific Coast
SCANDAL FOR SALE » »
Exchange. Charles Bickford, Pat O'Brien, Rose Hobart,
This silly production is the result of com- Claudia Dell, J. Farrel MacDonald. Direction
bining two inharmonious types of entertain- by Russel Mack. Universal Pictures Corp.
ment. From the title and opening scenes one How every motive of love and friendship
expects a social problem drama, showing becomes subservient to the task of pandering
modern youth running afoul of the Juvenile to the public’s desire for thrills and sensa-
Court. Suddenly an unsophisticated love tion, is shown in this play of yellow journal-
story develops, in which the romance of a ism. While it is realistic and intense, and
poor young man and a rich girl is steered by some parts are noteworthy (the scenes of
a benevolent uncle towards an improbable
the end of the trans- Atlantic flight are power-
happy ending. Bad taste and excessive ful and beautifully photographed), it would
drinking in certain portions of the picture be more effective if it did not run the whole
might advantageously have been left out. gamut of human emotions. There is too much
The good cast is to be congratulated for crime, too much scandal ; it lacks the novelty
preserving a modicum of charm and enter- and conviction of some of the earlier pic-
tainment value. tures of the press.
*
Not recommended No Too sensational Decidedly not
SCARFACE » » boy, Chubby, is the center of the humor,

as well as of the tragedy in this film, which
Paul Muni, Boris Karloff, Kareen Morley.
Direction by Howard Hawks; Co-director
is set against a gangster background and
Harry Rosson. Produced by Howard Hughes. pictures the degradation of a gentleman and
his eventual redemption. The director de-
In “Scarface,” which is the unvarnished serves credit for the restraint with which he
hiography of gangster Tony Carmonte, one has selected and used his material.
may become intimately acquainted with an Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
arch criminal, who is composite of all that No No
has hitherto been divulged concerning real
characters of the underworld. The picture
is vivid, realistic, artistically and dramatic-
SKY BRIDE » »
ally excellent, and one does not feel that it
stretches plausibility unless in the concen- Richard Arlen, Tom Douglas, Jack Oakie,
tration of so many atrocities in one film. Louise Hale, Robert Coogan. Direction by
However, it is a display of wholesale murder, Stephen Roberts. Paramount-Publix.
of extreme brutality, and of horrifying dis- The adventures of three barnstorming
regard for law. Though the theoretical pur- aviators tense your muscles and pull your
pose of the film is to rouse the public to a heartstrings in this thrilling production.
combative attitude towards corruption, it Daring stunts and skillful maneuvers, shot
falls short of its avowed intent because the through with pathos, are lightened by comic
conflict is almost entirely between rival dialogue. Around this clean story, radiating
gangsters, and the indirect threat to the public good fellowship and loyalty, Stephen Roberts
is secondary to our interest in the drama. has directed one of the most expert produc-
Moreover Tony, enacted by
magnificently tions of its kind.
Paul Muni, is a colorfuland interesting char- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
acter whose psychology and personal for- Thrilling Too emotional
tunes become the focus of our attention. We
question the wisdom of showing such mate-
rial indiscriminately to all types of audiences. SO BIG » »
Such films may

actually do more harm than Barbara Stanwyck, Dickie Moore, Bette
good they most certainly cannot be recom-
;
Davis. by William A. Wellman.
Direction
mended to immature audiences. From the book by Edna Ferber. Warner
Brothers.
Emphatically no Impossible
Because of the period of years which it
covers, the theme of “So Big" is developed
SHOP-WORN » » in episodes. The resulting breaks in con-

tinuity may be overlooked, for the play itself
Barbara Stanwyck, Regis Toomey, Zasu is beautifully executed, definite in its pur-
Pitts, Albert Conti. Direction by Harry
pose, and marked by a simplicity of treat-
Cohn. Columbia. ment which is thoroughly wholesome. In the
With a title probably chosen to lure certain delineation of the principal character, the
types of audiences, “Shop-Worn” is a trashy joy of doing, the satisfaction of achievement
picture featuring a melodramatic heroine and the glory of self-earned success, prove
who suffers all the well-known ills of cruel greater compensations than the monetary re-
fortune, and later becomes the happy fiancee ward for the effort, an idealism which is
of her first love. It is somewhat relieved by eventually transmitted to her son. The pic-
Zasu Pitts in a comedy role. ture can be recommended for the family.
No No Interesting Mature
SINS PAYDAY » » STATE’S ATTORNEY » »
Dorothy Rivier, Forrest Stanley, Mickey Mc- John Barrymore, Helen Twelvetrees, Jill
Guire. Direction by George Seitz. Mayfair Esmond, William Boyd, Mary Duncan.
Pictures-AII Star Exchange. Direction by George Archainbaud. R.K.O.
Having saved a murderer from the death John Barrymore, cast as a defense attorney
penalty, the defending lawyer eventually for the underworld, and subsequently state’s
comes to the realization that he must share attorney, plays the lead in another picture
the responsibility for the criminal’s subse- with the criminal background. The sophisti-
quent crime. Mickey McGuire, as the small cated plot is unfolded rapidly and displays
all the known modern vices and crimes, with THIS IS THE NIGHT » *
the exception of kidnapping. Justice is shown Lily Damita, Charlie Ruggles, Roland Young,
to be ineffective against a political machine From a play by Avery Hop-
Thelma Todd.
and selfiish interests. The presentation is
wood. Direction by Frank Tuttle. Para-
sincere, the acting real, the direction notable,
the dialogue crammed full of “wise cracks,” mount-Pubiix.
but the subject matter is unwholesome and This lyric comedy is a sophisticated little
distasteful. piece, bright and clever, with piquant music
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 and charming backgrounds of Paris and
No Absolutely not Venice. The cast has been chosen to accentu-
ate the comedy, and the direction is unusually
adept. Claire persuades her lover Gerald to
take her to Venice, but her husband returns
at the inopportune moment of departure, and
it becomes necessary to secure a bogus wife
STRANCE CASE OF CLARA DEANE »
for Gerald before the holiday begins. The
Wynne Cibson, Pat O’Brien, Dudley Digges,
dialogue and situations are adroitly handled
Frances Dee, George Barbier, Russel Gleason, but risque, even for seasoned audiences.
Cora Sue Collins. Direction by Louis Gasnier Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
and Max Mercin. From the play by Arthur No No

M. Brilant. Paramount-Pubiix.
A mother’s supreme sacrifice for her child

WHEN A FELLER NEEDS A FRIEND » »
is the disheartening finis to this depressing
Jackie Cooper, Chic Sale, Ralph Graves.
drama. Cora Sue Collins, as the child, gives
an outstanding natural performance. The From the novel “Limpy" by William John-
cast is well chosen and the situations well ston. Direction by Harry Pollard. M.G.M.
developed. Gripping realities and emotional
In this comedy drama of child life we see
stress carry the plot to its tragic conclusion.
a littlelame boy gain confidence in himself
The audience is impressed with the severe through sympathetic understanding of an old
punishment meted out to transgressors, but
uncle. Children should feel more kindly
meanwhile, all the sympathy is directed to-
toward the handicapped after seeing this
ward the unfortunate Clara Deane. “Strange picture and there is a lesson in it for grown-
Case of Clara Deane” offers heart throt* ups as well. Chic Sale is excellent and
tears, and hovering menace in lieu of en-
Jackie Cooper plays with a sure touch on
tertainment. Perhaps at
the heartstrings of the audience.
some points the pathos is exaggerated but
Too depressing No interest on the whole it is a picture that can be
recommended for the whole family.
Good Yes
TARZAN » »
Johnny Weissmuller, Neil Hamilton. C. THE WOMAN IN ROOM 13 * »
Aubrey Smith, Maureen O’Sullivan. Direc- Elissa Landi, Ralph Bellamy, Neil Hamilton,
tion by W. S. Van Dyke. M.G.M. Myrna Loy, Gilbert Roland. Direction by
The film follows characters of the
the Henry King. Fox.
original book closely. From the kidnapping The plot of this melodrama depends for its
of Jane Parker to the struggle with the suspense upon the device of withholding
pygmies, many of the incidents in Tarzan’s until the bitter end, the obvious word of
fictional career are shown. At times the melo- explanation. A
man and woman who are
drama is blood-curdling, but from the stand- ideally happily married, are made to suffer
point of photography and direction the pic- misunderstandings and jealousies, are
ture has beauty and merit. The fascination dragged through a murder trial, and brought
of the jungle life and scenic beauty, coupled to the brink of separation, in order to satisfy
here with Johnny Weismuller’s vigorous in- the vengeful hate of the woman’s former
terpretation of Tarzan, develops a tale full husband. Elissa Landi is charming and Ralph
of thrilling adventure. Bellamy, as the villain, truly venomous.
Interesting Very exciting Unsuitable No
THE WORLD AND THE FLESH » » YOUNG AMERICA » »
George Bancroft, Miriam Hopkins, Allan Spencer Tracy, Doris Kenyon, Beryl Mercer,
Mobray, George Stone, Mitchell Lewis. Ralph Bellamy. From the play by Fred
Direction by John Cromwell. Paramount-
Ballard. Direction by Frank Borzage. Fox.
Publix.
Handicapped by a meaningless title, “The Into “Young America” is woven the ap-
World and the Flesh” proves to be an event- pealing story of a waif, whose native im-
ful, swift moving story, dealing with the pulses are fine, but invariably lead to his
escape of a band of White Russians, and own undoing and keep him constantly in
their capture by the Red sailors (on the the shadow of the Juvenile Court. The film
Black Sea). It is unrelieved drama, the at- is balanced, vivid and excellently directed.
mosphere tense with a sense of impending The youthful actors are unusually skillful.
disaster, and always the sinister shadow of The cast is well chosen and the picture, psy-
Sovietism looming over all. The parts are chologically and socially, will interest the
well taken, but the interest centers in locale entire family. It is for the individual mother
and events, rather than in character devel- to decide whether or not the emotional strain
opment. Recommended only for adults who may be too strong for her own child.
enjoy adventures in Russian realism. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good Emotional
No No
SHORT SUBJECTS
AUDIO REVIEW No. 10 » » EMPIRE OF THE SUN » »
Pathe. Vagabond Adventure. Produced by Van

Beuren Corp. R.K.O.-Pathe.
Audio Review No. 10 enchanting
is an
picture of deep sea life, showing examples Theinsular charm of the Orient during
of many unfamiliar types. A clear explana- the cherry blossom festival opens this
tion accompanies the photographs. Interest- travelogue, and is followed by pictures of
ing to the entire family. Oriental school life and exhibitions of sports.
Interesting for the entire family.
BEAUTIFUL AND DUMB » »
R.K.O.-Pathe. GAUNT » »
This film stars Mary Nolan and Lew Cody Talking Picture Epics.
in a short comedy, in which a gentleman
burglar thinks he is outwitting his hostess,
A depressing and ironical production con-
cerning theft, imprisonment, suicide. Best
and his hostess knows she is outwitting him.
avoided in these days of so-called “depres-
Entertaining for all but the very young.
sion,” whether financial or mental.
THE CAT’S CANARY * »
Aesop Fable. R.K.O.-Pathe.

IDYLL OF SEVILLE * »
From a series called “ Kendal -De Va I I ly

This is an ingenious and entertaining fable
Operalogues.” Educational Pictures Corp.
in which the cat temporarily swallows the
canary. To the consternation of all the fence A condensed adaptation of the popular
prowlers, whenever the cats opens her mouth opera “Carmen,” well sung, and colorful in
a warble is emitted. Recommended for the action and settings. It will be enjoyed by all
family. audiences.
LAND OF CHEWING GUM » » MY LADIES ESCAPADE * »

Produced by Kendall-DeVally. Educational
Produced by Emma Lindsey Squier. Talking
Pictures Corp.
Picture Epics.
In Yucatan we are shown the plantations

An epitomized version of “Martha,” a
twenty minute operalogue, handled with
of sapodilla from the sap of which is derived
skill and charm in spite of poor photography.
chewing gum. The whole process is depicted,
from the tapping of the trees to the shipping Good voices and splendidly conducted music
of the finished product. The film winds up
stamp the film as an artistic and educational
with a betrothal in the old hacienda built by event. Recommended for the family.
Cortez. All worth seeing.
OLD SONGS FOR NEW » »
Paramount.
LAND OF THE FEATHERED SERPENT Musical reminiscenses in colored photog-
Produced by Emma Lindsey Squier. Talking raphy are orchestrated by George Stoll’s
Picture Epics. band. The whole is costumed to the period.
The lost civilization of the Mayan people Recommended to all.
in Yucatan is the subject of this excellent

travelogue. Workers who still speak Mayan
are shown rebuilding the Pyramid of the PICTORIAL No. 8 » »
Feathered Serpent. Entertaining and instruc- Paramount.

tive for all. Pictorial No.
consists of three features.
8
The firsttwo are
of historical and geograph-
ical the closing episode demon-
interest, and
strates an extraordinary development of cer-
LASCA » »
tain technical skill. Recommended for the
Hobart Bosworth. Direction by Ben Holmes. family.
Production by Ben Holmes and Leigh Jason.
Hobart Bosworth gives a masterful rendi-

poem “Lasca,” by Frank Desprez.
SCREEN SOUVENIRS » »
tion of the
Paramount.
The graphic illustrations are not so impres-
sive reciting voice. It is a pleasing
as the Opening with several valuable historical
novelty for the family. records, these old films further represent the
thrillers and comics of early movie days,
when “Tillie the Working Girl” made Mack
Sennett famous. Retrospectively highly en-
MAGIC ART » » tertaining. Recommended for the family.
Aesop Fable. Produced by Van Beuren
Corp. R.K.O.-Pathe.
SECOND PARADISE » »
This is an interesting cartoon in which Vagabond Series. R.K.O.-Pathe.
two artists draw and their oddly assorted
figures come to life, dancing and making This picture of the exotic island of Ceylon
music. Good for the entire family. takes us into a bewitching tropical world.
Dark skinned, Aryan featured Singhalese
move an Eastern pattern across the film,
in
as their customs and culture are caught by
MAD DOC » » the camera. Recommended for the family.
A Silly Symphony. Walt Disney. Columbia.

Mickey’s dog accidentally swallows a cake SECRETARY PREFERRED » »
of soap and is thought to be mad, causing R.K.O.-Pathe.
much confusion and hilarity. Excellent fun
for all.
An emerald necklace valued at ten thou-
sand dollars is the pivot of this sophisticated
sketch from a Liberty Magazine “short,
short story.” Two crooks are cleverly out-
MICKEY CUTS UP » »
witted in their plot by a “gold digging” secre-
Walt Disney. Columbia. tary. “Sister, your racket has mine beat a
One
of Mickey’s funniest exploits. Mickey mile,” is the concluding line.
wielding a lawnmower in the springtime is Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
irresistible. No No
T eti Motion Picture Reviews
A SLIP AT THE SWITCH » » turesque and tuneful, and is heartily recom-

Chic Sale. R.K.O. mended to all audiences.
Noveland amusing comedy in melodra-
matic in which Chic Sale’s character-
style,
ization “makes” the picture. WHIPPET RACINC » »
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.
An illustration of training whippets from
STOCKHOLM * »
puppyhood to adult racing champions consti-
Produced photographed by John W.
and
tutes the interest of this film. Recommended
Boyle, A. and Ray Fermstrom. R. C. A.
S. C.,
for the family.
Recording. Produced in Multicolor. The
first of “The World Wanderings” series.
The life in city street and surrounding WHISPERING BILL » »

territory pictured in this fine multicolored
is
Chic Sale. Direction by Ben Holmes. Pro-
cinema, taken of the handsome “Venice of
the North.” It was used as a compliment to duction by Ben Holmes and Leigh Jason.
Greta Garbo in the prologue to “Mati Hari.” This photographed poem is characterized
Beautiful and intensely interesting for the by Chic Sale, who gives a creditable per-
entire family. formance. “Whispering Bill” was written by
Irving Bacheller. Interesting for the family.
TAKE YOUR PICK * »
Crantland Rice Sportlight. R.K.O. -Pathe.
Apicture of young America at play during

WAR IN CHINA » »
that season of the year when Lake Placid Descriptive narrative prepared by H. V.
lures the winter sportsman to icy summits Kaltenborn. John S. Young, radio an-
while Miami draws lovers of aquatic activi- nouncer. Educational Pictures Corp. (filmed
ties south to tropical shores. Recommended
with the official permission of Chinese
for the family.
Ceneral Yuan Kai-Shek).
A news reel type of picture, showing the

VENDETTA » *
devastation and havoc of the Japanese siege
Howard
Direction by Higgins. Produced by
of Shanghai and neighboring towns. The
Kendall-DeVally. Educational Pictures
Kaltenborn narrative is a sympathetic de-
Corp.
scription of the suffering and terror of
“Vendetta,” based on the opera “Cavalleria Chinese civilians. An interesting current
Rusticana,” is a delightful operalogue, pic- topic for all audiences.
MOTION
PICTURE
REVIEWS

JUNE 1932
THE WOMEN'S UNIVERSITY CLUB
WE3BCRAFT PRINTERS, 1851 ARLINGTON AVE., LOS ANGELES

MOTION * PICTURE * REVIEWS

LOS ANGELES BRANCH
EDITORS
Vol. Ill JUNE, 1932 No. 6
EDITORIAL
A unity of purpose and cooperation be- method of operation and the purpose of the
tween organizations having the same objec- Council is reprinted here, because it may be
tive is always essential for success in any of service to other groups wishing to work on
undertaking, and the work of Better Films this subject.
Committees is no exception to this rule. In It was prepared by
fact, in no work are a definite plan and unified Mrs. John Vruwink (President)
opinions more necessary, because the appeal Women’s University Club, Los Angeles
for children’s matineesand family night pro- Branch A.A.U.W.
grams must come from the community, and Mrs. William Burk (Vice-President)
the exhibiting end of the motion picture General Federation of Women’s Clubs
industry must be assured that the public will Mrs. Leo Hodges
be whole-heartedly behind such an experi- California Congress of Parents and
ment. Southern California, because of its loca- Teachers
tion near the source of motion picture supply, The California Motion Picture Council
and the great interest this creates, has had its The California Motion Picture Council is
Better Films Committees over a period of an impartial group of representative organ-

many years. Junior matinees have existed izations especially interested in child welfare,
for ten years, with varying degrees of suc- working together for better motion picture
cess. In August, 1930, at the Women’s programs for children and adolescents, and
University Club, the California Motion Pic- cooperating in educational programs to stim-
ture Councilwas organized, drawing together ulate a realization of the necessity for selec-
more closely all the groups which had_beeiu tive entertainment for youthful audiences.
working along the same line?. ^It includes Method of Operation
the National Previewing groups, the Boy I. It is a clearing house for available infor-
Scouts, Girl Scouts, Campfire Girls, Girl Re- mation on current releases.
serves, Y.M.C.A., Librarians ,
and a number Reports of this Council are the con-
of groups interested in civic work and child census of opinion of the groups preview-
welfare. The following outline of the ing through the courtesy of the Associa-
tion ofMotion Picture Producers and Dis- Treasurer is dependent upon the
tributors, at the Academy of Motion organization procedure.
Picture Arts and Sciences in Hollywood.
The Executive Committee requires
great care in selection. It should
The previewing committee, meeting every represent all the organizations most
two weeks for consultation in compiling actively interested in the work, should
the lists, represent the following organi- be composed of persons with time to
give to the project, tact to handle the
zations:
problems, and personality to “put the
Women's University Club, Los Angeles
project over.”
Branch A.A.U.W.
General Federation of Women’s Clubs (c) Meetings
National Daughters of the American 1. Meetings of the Executive Com-
Revolution mittee should be held frequentlv
International Federation of Catholic and regularly to handle the prob-
Alumnae lems which constantly arise, to
California Congress of Parents and plan or supervise the programs,
Teachers and to plan for stimulating inter-
National Society of New England est and cooperation.
Women 2. Meetings of the official representa-
National Council of Jewish Women
tivesforming the Council should
United Church Brotherhood
be held periodically to keep the
The reports are accepted and used by cooperating groups informed and
the members of the council not having the interested. Failure of these mem-
facilities or privilege of previewing daily. bers to attend the meetings will
The bi-monthly reports are available to indicate a lack of interest and the
community councils upon receipt of Executive Council will be justified
stamped, addressed envelopes sent to Mrs. in requesting a successor to replace
David Ray, Preview Chairman, 1235 the delinquent representative.
South First Street, Arcadia, Calif.
3. Open meetings should also be held
As reports are the only lists of
these less frequently, with speakers se-
films which are the united judgment of all lected to arouse public interest in
of the previewing groups, it is suggested the project. These are a very suc-
that they be accepted and used by com- cessful method of publicity.
munities sponsoring junior matinees and
4. Meetings with theatre managers
family night programs. It will eliminate
are, of course, a required pro-
discussion, satisfy the theatre managers,
cedure.
and present an united opinion on pictures.
Assurance is given that the greatest care (d) Programs
is taken in the compilation of the recom-
The purpose of the “Junior Matinee”
mended lists.
is not to attract children to the movies.
II. It is a clearing house for work done by It is to safeguard them and to edu-
other community councils and fosters the cate parents in selective entertain-
formation of similar groups, aiding them ment. A standard for these programs
in any way possible. which has proved practical through
III. Suggestions for organizations and pro- years of experiment, is as follows:
cedure of community councils. 1. Length of program should not ex-
(a) Membership of Community Councils ceed two hours. (The obvious rea-
Membership should consist of repre- son for this relates to children’s
sentatives of all local organizations, physical, nervous and emotional
i.e., civic, educational, patriotic, re- endurance.)
ligious, welfare organizations, li-
2. Type of program:
braries, etc. (Men’s groups as well
(a) One feature length film ap-
as women’s should be included.)
These representatives should be offi- proved by the National Pre-
cially appointed by the organizations
viewing Committee of the
they represent. California Motion Picture
Council. (No film is appropri-
(b) Officers ate for the child under eight
Officers should include President, Vice- or nine years. Parents of
President, Secretary, Press Chairman, younger children must realize
Chaperone Chairman. The office of this.)
(b) Approved short subject. Com- (f) Chaperones

edies, cartoons, newsreels and Tactful mothers should be in regular
educational shorts. attendance. Their duties depend up-
(c) Serials are discouraged be- on the attitude and wishes of the
cause they are too emotional management of the theatre.
and exciting.
(g) Contact with the Theatre Managers
(d) Singing on the part of youth-
Theatre managers are usually more
ful audiences is to he en-
than willing to cooperate in any con-
couraged.
structive movement which represents
(e) If additional entertainment is the wishes of the community. An
given by children on the stage, united group is necessary. A tactful
it is recommended that group “go between” who is intelligently fa-
performances are to be pre- miliar with theatre problems should
ferred to those of talented be selected for the contact.
individuals. An avoidance of censorship in dis-
(e) Publicity cussion or practice is necessary in
order to obviate an impression of in-
1. Through each organization repre-
tolerance and to secure cooperation.
sented.
A constructive method of cooperation
2. Through bulletin boards of li-
in this respect is bringing the atten-
braries, Y. M. C. A., Y. W. C. A., tion of the public to the finer films
clubs, etc. and to encourage attendance for these
3. Through published channels. pictures.
(a) Recommended lists of films. “Family night” programs for Friday or
(b) News stories of the activities Saturday nights make possible a wider range
of the Council and the mati- of film selection and are to be encouraged
nees. because they meet an even greater need in
4. Trained speakers to go before reaching adolescents. In many communities
service clubs, women’s clubs, P. T. they are in greater demand than junior
A. groups, etc. matinees.
FEATURE FILMS
AS YOU DESIRE ME » » story is well told, with an excellent cast, and

the pictorial surroundings are lovely.
Greta Garbo. Melvyn Douglas, Eric Von Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Stroheim, Owen Moore. From the play by Not harmful for older adolescents No
Lugi Pirandello. Direction by George Fitz- 'W
maurice. M.-G.-M.
THE DOOMED BATTALION » »
Admirers of Miss Garbo will not be dis- Louis Trenker, Tala Birell, Victor Varconi,
appointed, we believe, in this production, her- Henry Armetta. Direction by Cyril Gard-
alded as her last. While it is not the best
ner. Universal.
plot she has had, it does give her an oppor-
tunity of delineating decided changes in char- The futility of war is depicted in a
acter, from the hard, bitter mistress, through new setting, the Italian stronghold of “The
a period of doubt and retrospection, to a Doomed Battalion.” Two close friends, one
charming, happy woman who personifies Italian the other Austrian, who have spent
youth. In this last character she is utterly long hours together climbing their beloved
delightful, a happy return to the lovely, lyric Alps, are forced through the world conflict
beauty who charmed Sweden in “Gosta to become enemies. Loyal and courageous,
Berling.” In plot, it tells a story of amnesia, they give themselves to the countries which
of the culmination of a ten-year search for claim them. We see these men reunited after-
a woman who is a victim of the horrors of wards, and again climbing the battle-scarred
war, and we are left almost certain that the mountains, all this in glorious photography.
husband’s search has been successful. The Handled simply and sincerely and with great
dramatic force, this picture has a strong ap- FORCOTTEN COMMANDMENTS » »
peal. It is a new treatment of the war theme. Gene Raymond, Marguerite Churchill, Irv-
To heighten its reality, a particularly well ing Pichel, Sari Maritza. Direction by Louis
chosen cast of foreign types has been as-
Gasnier and William Schorr. Paramount-
sembled.
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Publix.
Good Depressing “Forgotten Commandments" is evidently

intended as a preachment on the unsoundness
of Russian communistic theories. It shows in
modern Russian setting, that the idea of loy-
THE FAMOUS FERGUSON CASE » » alty to the state, rather than to the family
Joan Blondell, Grant Mitchell. Vivienne Os- is not tenable because basic human loyalties
do not permit a practical application. The
borne. Tom Brown. Direction by Lloyd
scientist and communist becomes merely a
Bacon. Warner Bros.
jealous lover when his personal rights are
infringed. The producers had an opportunity
This drama another rap at the methods
is
to present an interesting objective picture on
of yellow journalism, this time shown in con-
social doctrines, but the method of presenta-
trast with the more enlightened and ethical
tion confuses the issue and it is only another
procedure of good newspaper reporting.
plain spoken drama on the subject of extra-
When nationally known financier is mur-
a
marital relationships. The interpolated scenes
dered a small town, city reporters flock
in
to the scene. One faction, determined to get from Cecil De Mille’s “Ten Commandments"
attract attention as a revival, but add noth-
a story at any cost, manufactures scandal
and tragedy, while the others hunt for real ing to the story, and suffer by comparison
clues and the local reporter solves the mys-
with modern technique.
tery. The underlying idea is interesting, and
the theme is well presented for adult audi- — Objectionable
No No
ences. In spite of humorous touches and the w
youth and wholesomeness of the hero, the CHOST VALLEY » »
ugly problems involved make a rather grim
Tom Keene, Merna Kennedy, Mitchell Har-
picture.
ris, Kate Campbell. Direction by Fred Allen.
R.K.O.
Not advised No
family has a leaning toward Western
If the
melodrama made according to the usual
FAST COMPANIONS » » formula (hard riding, straight shooting and
much fighting), by all means go to see “Ghost
Andy Devine, James Gleason, Tom Brown,
Valley" and take the children!
Maureen O’Sullivan, Mickey Rooney. Direc- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
tion by Kurt Neumann. Universal Pictures Good Good
Corp.
Racing, fair and foul, is the background HUDDLE » »
for this comedy. A professional jockey em- Ramon Novarro, Madge Evans, Una Mer-
ploying dishonest methods for his own and kel, Ralph Graves. Direction by Sam Wood.
his partner’s aggrandizement, is suddenly in- M.C.M.
spired to right about face and to set an
example to a misguided waif who crosses Although Hollywood cannot refrain from
putting its own touch upon certain phases of
his path. While the child changes his entire
collegiate life, “Huddle” has a charm and
point of view, the questionable antics of the
dignity which many college pictures lack. It
lovable little gamin may be remembered by
is the story of a steel foreman’s son who
children long after his reform is forgotten.
(Note for parents with impressionable chil- wins a scholarship at Yale, and the authentic
background of “Old Eli” adds greatly to
dren.) Unhackneyed, with a certain degree of
charm, this simple drama has elements both the interest. The boy, who is egotistical
of pathos and of humor. It is the type of

and crude when he enters the University,
learns in his four years the value of tradi-
theme which elicits innumerable chuckles.
tion, of good sportsmanship, and of scholar-
The direction is adequate and the actors real
ship. It is a football story with an unex-
and satisfying.
pected twist of realism in its denouement. The
most colorful and delightful scenes center
Entertaining Yes around the Italian hero’s home life in which
Henry Armetta, as the father, gaves an out- romantic flights, and pioneer characters, all
standing performance. It is good entertain- given in sincere “Western” style.
ment for all ages. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good Good
Entertaining Good
MERRILY WE GO TO HELL » »
LETTY LYNTON » » Sylvia Sidney-Fredric March. From the

Joan Crawford, Robert Montgomery, Nils story, “I, Jerry, Take Thee Joan,” by Cleo
Asther, Lewis Stone, May Robson. Direc- Lucas. Direction by Dorothy Arzner. Para-
tion by Clarence Brown. From a novel by mount-Publix.

Mrs. Belloc-Lowndes. M.G.M. Theappeal of this picture will be limited.
Lctty is an
exceedingly unconventional It is story of the demoralizing effect of
a
young woman, but she regrets her past indis- liquor and no doubt depicts with realism cer-
cretions when she falls in love with a nice tain phases of life which can be duplicated in
any modern city, but many will feel that the
young man. In attempting to extricate her-
self from an entanglement with an unscrupu-
point could have been made with less in-
lous South American, she encounters serious sistance on unsavory and vulgar details. Syl-
difficulties and is saved from a murder charge via Sydney and Fredric March are excellent
in their respective roles as the young wife
only by the timely lies of her mother and her
fiance. With little variation “Letty Lynton” and the reporter-playwright, while the direc-
is “Dishonored Lady,” in which Catharine
torship gives more power and distinction to
Cornell starred on the stage. In spite of the production than it deserves.
disgraceful ethics and a plot that reads like Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
arrant trash, this picture is skilfully directed Very unwholesome No
and photographed, well acted and deftly han- •w
dled in its entirety. One regrets that the
subject matter is not more worthy of its THE MIDNIGHT LADY » »
superior treatment. Sarah Padden, John Darrow, Claudia Dell,
Lina Basquette. Direction by Richard Thorpe.
Most unsuitable No Universal. (Seen in preview.)
•v
Murder, martyred motherhood, racing
MAN ABOUT TOWN » » youth, selfish grandmother, unhappy family
life, roue, are all elements that make
artist
Warner Baxter, Karen Morley, Conway
up sordid melodrama.
this Interest is sus-
Tearle. Direction by John Francis Dillon.
tained by complications rather than by direct
Fox. story. All of the unplesant situations pos-
Official Washington is the background for sible are embodied into a mediocre plot with
an inconsistent melodrama in which good a few high lights of heavy dramatic charac-
actors partly redeem the poorly constructed ter portrayal.
tale. The reaction to the situations pre- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
sented is that if the heroine must commit No No
a murder it is well to have a fiance in the
•w
government service who will unflinchingly MIDNIGHT PATROL * »
forsake duty and life for his loved one. Regis Toomey, Betty Bronson. From a story
by Arthur Hoerl. Direction by Cristy Ca-
No Unsuitable
banne. Monogrom-C. C. Burr.
The police may feel their rights infringed

MARKED MEN » » upon, as it is a cub reporter who again un-
Tom Mix, Lucille Powers, Willard Robert- ravels the mystery in this picture. While it
is built upon a sordid situation, the principal
son. Direction by Edward Laemmle. Uni-
characters are young and clean-minded, and
versal. (Seen in preview.) it is not objectionable in tone. It is, however,
This is a typical Tom Mix Western played chaotic melodrama with lack of dramatic
before interesting scenery and has the usual emphasis and will not be remembered long
quota of heroism, rapid riding and mass after the final curtain.
gun play. The story concerns an outlaw Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
gang and their capture. There are thrills, Doubtful Not suitable
MISLEADING LADY » » est. It is entertaining, even though full of
Claudet Colbert, Edmund Lowe, Stuart Er- emotional appeal.
win, Robert Strong. Direction by Stuart Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Walker, Paramount-Publix. Fair Of interest — if not

too tragic
An excellent cast do their best for a stupid,
uneven story which is neither farce, drama
nor comedy. A bored rich girl tries to con-
vince a producer that her allure is sufficient
to warrant a leading role in his new play. PASSPORT TO PARADISE » »
She proceeds to demonstrate this aforemen-
Jack Mulhall, Blanche Mahaffey. Direction
tioned quality in the usual banal situations
such as: abduction by a strong silent ex- by George Senter. Weeks Production. (Seen
plorer —
a lonely mountain cabin, and finally — in preview.)
truc love. Apparently the producer is satis-
An amusing story woven about a whimsical
fied by this artistic display. Not so the long-
provision of a will fails to convince due to
suffering audience. The recommendation is
the fairy tale complications, including a prin-
to stay home from this one!
cess regaining her throne by revolution and
losing it again via the same method, and a
Certainly not No stow-away promoted to a ship’s officer en
w voyage. The dramatic value is undeveloped
and the production wholesomely treated, but
NIGHT WORLD » » there is nothing outstanding to recommend.
Lew Ayres, Boris Karloff, Hedda Hopper, Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Mae Clark, Bert Roach. Direction by Hobart Not harmful Not harmful
Henley. Universal.
Behind the scenesin a night club, the audi-

ence is witness bits of drama in
allowed to
the lives of the proprietor, his wife, the danc- THE RICH ARE ALWAYS WITH US » »
ing master, one of the girls, a chance cus- Ruth Chatterton, George Brent, Adrienne
tomer and the inevitable gangster. The story
Dore, Bette Davis. Direction Alfred E.
is a heterogeneous collection of coincidences
and does not unfold smoothly. The atmos- Green.
phere is unpleasant with an over-emphasis “You are the most beautifully civilized
of tawdriness, in spite of the unsullied inno- person I know,’’ says Julian (George Brent)
cence of the juvenile leads. to Caroline (Ruth Chatterton), as they lunch
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 together in a fashionable restaurant. If being
No Certainly not civilized means maintaining one’s equilibrium
under stress, this is a true estimate, for Caro-
-v
line becomes disillusioned about her hus-
band’s fidelity, concedes him a divorce and
NO GREATER LOVE » »
repels a too ardent suitor with admirable
Alexander Carr, Betty Jane Graham, Dickie
savior faire and undiminished sweetness.
Moore, Beryl Mercer, Alec B. Francis. Direc- The picture continues for seventy-one min-
tion by Lew Seiler. Foy Productions, Ltd. utes because she cannot overcome her ma-
(Released by Columbia.) ternal solicitude for her ex-husband or forget
her duty as a former wife long enough to
This tear-stained melodrama stretches cred- acknowledge her love for Julian. Though
ulity and good judgment in drawing a com- advertised under its inappropriate title as
parison between institutional and home life. a light and sparkling comedy, this production
In the tenement world a bereft and crippled is almost heavily tragic at times and the
child is cared for by a kindly Jew whose theme is certainly not cheerful. Only the
love and devotion leads him to invest his extremely good performance of Miss Chatter-
entire capital in her medical care. Hack- ton and Mr. Brent gives the production any
neyed in plot, and badly overdrawn, it will claim to distinction. The cast is spotty, the
still have its human appeal in the old man’s
plot vague, the direction wavering, the sophis-
beautiful portrayal of great self-sacrifice to tication exaggerated. On the whole the pic-
his small charge, and the child’s reciprocal ture is not convincing.
warmth of feeling and appreciation. Bits of Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
humor relieve the tragic scenes, and a re-
markably fine cast will induce further inter-
Demoralizing No
THE RIDER OF DEATH VALLEY » » THE STRANGE LOVE OF MOLLY LOUVAIN

Tom Mix, Lois Wilson. Direction by Albert Anne Dvorak, Lee Tracy. From “Tinsel
Rogell. Universal Pictures Corp. Girl,” by Maurine Watkins. Direction by
The struggle for possession of a gold mine, Michael Curtiz. Warner Bros.
with clearly defined heroism and wicked- "The Strange Love of Molly Louvain” with
ness, forms the basis of the plot. The cast its sordid details might be the case history
is much better than one ordinarily finds in of some unfortunate girl delinquent. Deserted
a Western, and all give a good performance by her mother, betrayed by a lover, kept by
including the beautiful intelligent horse, a gangster and rescued by a newspaper re-
Tony. Photography of the desert country porter,Molly is amusing but pathetic, brave,
with shadows passing overhead is outstand- tough and sentimental. Lee Tracy does ex-
ing. As a whole it is a good family picture, ceedingly well of breezy “wise
as a type
although there are rather tense moments for guy" whose quick wit entertaining, but is
the youngest and most impressionable mem- not original. After the overdose offered in
bers. the past few months, police headquarters,
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 gangster parties and newspaper offices are
Good Good although growing decidedly less interesting. see We
very exciting nothing in this picture to weigh against the
staleness of its material. The implied happy
ending is incongruous.
RESERVED FOR LADIES » » Pernicious Certainly not
Leslie Howard, Benita Hume, George Gold- sr
smith. Story by Ernest Vadja. Directed in THE TENDERFOOT » »
Paramount’s English studio by Alexander Joe E. Brown, Ginger Rogers, Lew Cody.
Korda. Paramount-Publix. Direction by Ray Enright. Warner Bros.-
Howard First National.

Leslie is cast as a headwaiter of
a fashionable London hotel, and is the darl- In this picture Joe E. Brown plays the role
ing of the ladies and the friend of their of a garrulous country boy from Texas,
escorts. Complications ensue when he falls punctuating his remarks with many “Whoo-
in love. The charm with which this English pees!” He arrives in the city and is imme-
production is endowed is a decided attrac- diately swindled by some theatrical producers.
tion. Settings, casting, diction are very fine, Later he gets the better of them by a ludricous
and Mr. Korda’s skillful direction in deftly coup d’etat and earns for himself the reputa-
handling the more sophisticated portions is tion of a great satirist. Without a doubt
to be commended. It is a delightful comedy: children will love this. It is full of action
witty, satirical, amusing. and good clean comedy, and it will not dis-
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 appoint the “fans” who should know by now
Not harmful No interest what to expect.
Very entertaining Good fun
~v
SOCIETY CIRL » »
Peggy Shannon, Walter Byron, James Dunn,
TWO SECONDS » »
Edward G. Robinson, Vivienne Osborne.
Spencer Tracy. Direction by Sidney San-
Adapted from stage play by Elliott Lester.
field. Fox.
Direction by Mervyn LeRoy. Warner Bros.
Hollywood’s idea of a “Society Girl” is,
Thisunrelieved tragedy, the grim and
is
to put it mildly, astonishing! Peggy Shannon,
ugly events which caused a simple, kindly
as a society' girl spoiled, and bored with a
man to murder the woman who wrecked his
life of gaiety, recuperates with a young prize-
life. In two seconds, as the current is turned
fighter (much to his detriment). But neither
on in the electric chair, he relives his experi-
bad grammar on his part nor easy morals on
hers, succeed in hindering the course of true
ences. Two shocking scenes harrow the
spectator almost to the breaking point. One
love. The actors are well cast, and some will
where his follow riveter falls from the steel
enjoy the training and fight scenes, but the
construction to his death ; the other where
tone of the whole is unwholesome and the
Robinson screams his denunciation of punish-
story absurd.
ment for murder, when he believes that liv-
ing on the wages of a kept woman was the
No No interest greater crime. As a study in psychology it
holds possible interest, and Mr. Robinson WESTWARD PASSAGE » »
gives an excellent characterization of the be- Ann Harding, Laurence Olivier, Irving Pichel.
wildered victim who goes to pieces under the
From the novel by Margaret Ayer Barnes.
strain. But it is sordid and ugly and not
always convincing in details. It is not enter- Direction by Robert Nelson. R.K.O.
tainment in any sense.
“Westward Passage” as a novel was a
lightlydiverting story of a selfish woman
Absolutely not Absolutely not
v who desired to have her cake and eat it, too.
It was confused in ethics but at least pre-
WEEK-END MARRIAGE » » sented a consistent characterization of a

Loretta Young, Norman Foster. Direction woman who left her first husband because
by Thornton Freeland. Warner Bros. (Seen his artistic temperament and lack of funds
in preview.) made living too difficult, who marries a sin-
cerely devoted and wealthy American of
This picture gets off to a fast start, prom-
German descent, and then, attracted again by
ising a degree of excellence which unfortu-
the man she left, now a successful novelist,
nately it fails to realize. Apparently it is
tries to return to him but cannot adapt her-
an attempt to show that a wife can’t keep
self to the mode of life necessary to his suc-
both her office job and her husband, especially
cess. The picture, while following this same
if she earns more money than her spouse.
general outline, is more confused morally,
Man needs to be looked after and fussed and the theme seems trivial and illogical.
over; if his wife leaves him to his own
The casting of Miss Harding as “Olivia” is
devices he will drink too much and some
unfortunate because she appears too “real”
other woman will usurp her perogatives.
a person to descend to the depths of dis-
Loretta Young as a charming and successful
loyalty and selfishness she is called upon to
young business woman discovers that she has
portray. The dialogue is at times wordy,
at
been less successful as a wife, and rather
others sophisticatedly witty. The direction
unexpectedly gives up her career. Whatever
is good, except that it lacks finesse. While
one’s “idee fixe” on the thesis of the plot, a
the cast insures interest, the production is
pretty heroine, romance and comedy combine
somewhat dull and incredible.
to make this film sufficiently entertaining.
Hardly suitable No interest Unsuitable No
SHORT SUBJECTS
ALL AROUND TOWN » » CAMERARING ON THE PACIFIC » »
Educational Pictures, Inc. Talking Picture Epics. Principal Distribut-
This Hodge Podge number contains mis- ing Corporation. Comments by Catherine
cellaneous views of life in New York. It is Hilliker.
fairly interesting because of its variations
Guadalupe Island off the coast of Peru,
and has educational elements, but it is not Offensive
refuge for birds, sea lions, etc.
outstanding because the subject matter has
comments mar film.
been used too often before.
v
BARNYARD OLYMPICS » » FLOWERS AND TREES » »
Mickey Mouse. Walter Disney. Columbia. Silly Symphony. Walter Disney. United
Artists.
Mickey Mouse goes Olympic. Especially
good fun for all. Against a background of good music, flow-
w ers awake and the trees indulge in romantics.
A good short for any program, especially
BEES AND BEARS » »
children’s matinees.
Silly Symphony. Walter Disney. United •w
Artists.
HAPPY POLO » »
Aparticularly charming and diverting car-
Aesop Fable. Van Buren Corp.-R.K.O.
toon, from both musical and pictorial view-
point. Recommended for all. A animated cartoon
delightful, impossible
'W in which a mouse
hero plays polo on a
jointed wooden toy horse and rescues a mouse
BOULDER DAM » »
heroine pursued by a villainous cat. Per-
Talking Picture Epics. Accompanying de- fect for children. Lovely nonsense for any-
scription by Pat Dowling. one.
•w
Excellent. Shows made, gives
the progress
a good idea of the problems involved and ISLAND OF PERILS » »
what is expected to be accomplished. Produced by Sol Lesser. Directed by Cap-
v tain Sten De Nordenskiold.
CAMERARINC IN CANADA » »
“Island of Perils” is a most unusual and
Talking Picture Epics. Principal Distribut- interesting travelogue giving us intimate
ing Corporation. Comments by Catherine glimpses of the life and customs of the
Hilliker. Islands of Faroe.
Wilderness of Canada twenty-four hours
from New York, fisherman’s and hunter’s de-
JUST DOGS » »
light. Excellent subject, but again inane and
Silly Symphony. Walter Disney. United
silly comments.
w Artists.
CAMERARINC IN BORNEO » » In this animated cartoon dogs of all shapes

Talking Picture Epics. Principal Distribut- and sizes are released from the pound by
ing Corporation. Comments by Catherine an enterprising bull pup. Amusing for chil-
Hilliker.
dren, but not up to the Disney standard.
Native and natural life shown in pictorial

beauty, but marred by inane commentary. PATHEAUDIOREVIEWNo.il » »
w Produced and Released by R.K.O.-Pathe.
CAMERARING IN IGUASSU » »
Three subjects are included in this review.
Talking Picture Epics. Principal Distribut- The first is exquisite photography of the
ing Corporation. Comments by Catherine cathedral Notre Dame de Chartres. The
Hilliker. second shows an American presenting rouge,
Breath-taking beauty of this river and jun- powder and lingerie to Eskimo women in
gles in Brazil, caught by wonderful photog- Labrador in return for raw fish and blub-
raphy. The facetious comments could easily ber. In the third the Hill Billies give several
be dispensed with. cowboy songs with unexpected charm.
Twelve Motion Picture Reviews
THE PROWLERS » » SPRING ANTICS » »

Educational Pictures, Inc. Aesop Fable. Van Buren Corp.-R.K.O.
Native life in central Africa is the subject With the departure of winter, spring is
with special emphasis upon the hunters’ dan- proclaimed by the ground hog whom we see
gers from predatory animals. Exceptional leading an orchestra. The animals have
camera shots give an excellent idea of the checked their fur coats, and there is con-
habits of various beasts. Interesting and in- sternation when a belated snowfall interrupts
structive for all. the festivities. Entertaining for all ages.
w •v
SPEEDWAY > »
Educational Pictures, Inc.

TRAIL OF THE SWORDFISH » »

Several speed kings of the automobile race
track demonstrate their skill. There are A long, losing battle with a swordfish is
close-ups of two or three terrific accidents shown. Interesting sound effects, good de-
which make it undesirable for sensitive chil- scription and excellent photography.
dren, and the newsreel type of presentation
detracts from its interest. Its chief appeal
will be to “fans” of automobile racing. WRESTLING SWORDFISH » »
•w Educational Pictures, Inc.
SEEN IN SYRIA » » This Mack Sennett film depicts various

Talking Picture Epics. Principal Distribut-
types deep sea fish in Southern waters
of
and winds up with the struggle involved in
ing Corporation. Comments by Catherine landing a large shark. The second-rate mono-
Hilliker. logue may be overlooked, since the picture is
From Beirnt, with its American University, beautifully taken. Interesting for everyone,
to Damascus; beautifully photographed and
especially for junior boys.
accompanied by pleasantly informative com-
mentary.
Motion Picture Reviews Thirteen
INDEX JANUARY TO JUNE, 1932
FEATURE FILMS Her Majesty Love January

High Pressure February
A Hotel Continental March
Husband’s Holiday January
After Tomorrow - - - April
Alias the Doctor - - - - March I
Amateur Daddy -
Are You Listening - April
Impatient Maiden March
Fehrnarv Intimate - — — February
Arsene Lupin -
As You Desire Me - February It's Tough to Be Famous May

Avalanche - May -
B Ladies of the Big House January

Beast of the City, The
Beau Hunks ------
-----
- February Ladies of the Jury
Lady With a Past, The
January
February
Beauty and the Boss
Behind Stone Walls -----
-----
January
April
May
Law and Order
Law of the Sea
February
February
Behind the Mask
------ April
May
Lena Rivers
Letty-Lynton
- - - April
June
Big Timer, The
Broken Lullaby,
Broken Wing ------
retitled from Man I Killed - February
April
Local Bad Man,
Lost Squadron
The February
March
Business and Pleasure
But the Flesh Is Weak ----- - February
April
Lovers Courageous
M
February'
C Maker of Men March

-
Man About Town June
Cain - - - - April Man From New Mexico, The May
Careless Lady - April Man I Killed, The February
Carnival Boat March Man Wanted - - - April
Charlie Chan’s Chance February Man Who Played God, The February
Cheaters at Play February Manhattan Parade January
City Sentinels - January Marked Men - June
Cock of the Air January Mata-Hari - January
Cohens and Kellys in Hollywood April Men in Her Life January
Corsair - - - - January Men of Chance January
County Fair - - - April Menace, The - April
Crowd Roars, The May Merrily We Go to Hell June
Michael and Mary March
D Midnight Lady June
Dancers in the Dark April Midnight-Patrol June
Dance Team January Miracle Man, The April
Destry Rides Again May Misleading Lady June
Devil’s Lottery April Mouthpiece, The May
Disorderly Conduct February N
Docks of San Francisco, The April
Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde January Neck and Neck February
Doomed Battalion June Nice Women March
Night Court May
E Night World June
No Greater Love June
Emma January No One Man February
Expert, The February
O
F
Famous Ferguson Case

Fast Companions
Final Edition, The
-----
-----
- - - - June
June
One Hour With You
P
March
Fireman Save
Forbidden
Forgotten
-------
My
Commandments
Child -
-
April
March
March
June
Panama Flo
Partners
Passionate Plumber, The
January
January
March
Freaks - - March Passport to Paradise June
Peach o’ Reno January
Play Girl
-----
-----
C
Police Court
April
March
Galloping Through
Gay Caballero
Ghost Valley ------
------
January
February
June
Polly of the Circus
Prestige
February
February
Girl Crazy
Girl of the
Grand Hotel
Rio ------
------ April
January
May
Private Lives
Probation
R
January
April
Greeks Had a Word for Them, The - - April Racing Youth - January
Rad io Patrol - - - May
Hatchet Man, The -----
-----
H
Rainbow Trail, The January
Heart of New York

Hell Divers
Hell House
------
-------
February
April
January
May
Reserved for Ladies
Rich Are Always With Us, The
Rider of Death Valley, The
Roadhouse Murder, The
June
June
June
May
Fourteen Motion Picture Reviews
Saddle Buster, The -

s
March
Ahoy
All
-----
Around the Town _
-
_
_ January
June
Anybody’s Goat - - - February
Scandal for Sale - May Athletic Days - - - April
Scarf ace - May
Secret Witness, The - - February Beautiful and Dumb - - May
Shanghai Express - February Crosby, Colombo and Valee - - April
Sherlock Holmes’ Fatal Hour January Fancy Curves - -
- January
She Wanted a Millionaire March Freddy, the Freshman - - April
Shop-Worn - May
Silent Witness, The February Grantland Rice Sportlights
Sin’s Payday - May Bob White - - - .
March
Sky Bride - - - - May Canine Champions - January
Sky Devils - May Ducks and Drakes - - February
May Flying Leather - - April
So Big
------
-
Society Girl - June Slim Figuring - March

Sooky January Take Your Pick - - May
Soul of the Slums, The - January Uncrowned Champions - - February
State’s Attorney - May Helpmates - _ March
Steady Company - April Hurry Call - - March
Stepping Sisters - January
Strange Affair. A - January Idyll of Seville - - - May
Strange Case of Clara Deane May Keep Laughing - - - February
Strange Love of Molly Louvain June
Strangers in Love, retitled from Intimate February Lasca - May
Symphony of Six Million April
Mickey Mouse Cartoons
Barnyard Olympics - - June
T
Duck Hunt - - - February
Tarzan - May Grocery Boy - - March
Taxi - February Mickey Cuts Up - - May
Tenderfoot - June Mickey’s Orphans - - January
Texas Pioneers - March Mother’s Holiday - - March
This Is the Night - May My Ladies Escape - - May
This Reckless Age January Old Songs For New - - May
Tomorrow and Tomorrow February
Pathe Audio Review No. 2 _ _ June
Torchy Turns the Trick January
Pathe Audio Review No. 8 _ - March
Trial of Vivienne Ware, The April
Pathe Audio Review No. 9 - - April
Two Kinds of Women January
Pathe Audio Review No. 10 - - May
Two Seconds - - - June
Pictorial No. 8 - - May
U Play Ball With Ruth - - January
Screen Souvenirs - - _ May
LT nder Eighteen January Secretary Preferred - - May
Unexpected Father January Self-condemned - - - - - January
Union Depot February Silly Symphony Cartoons
Bees and Bears _ - Tune
V Flowers and Trees - June
Just Dogs - - - June
Vanishing Men - April
Vanity Fair - - - - - April
Mad Dog - - - May
Ugly Duckling _ - January
W Slip at the Switch,
Speedway -
A -
-
-
-
May
June
Wayward - - - - - March
Week-end Marriage - June Tony Wong’s Scrap Book - - February
- Torchy Too Toots - - February
Westward Passage June - -
Trail of the Swordfish June
Wet Parade, The - April
When a Feller Needs a Friend May Travelogues
Wiser Sex, The - April Boston Common _ _ February
Woman Commands, A April Boulder Dam _ _ June
Woman From Monte Carlo, The January Cameraring in Iguassu _ - June
Woman in Room 13, The May Cameraring in Borneo - _ Tune
Working Girls - - - January Cameraring in Canada _ _ June
World and the Flesh, The May Cameraring in the Pacific - - June
X City of Faith - - - February
Desert Regatta - - April
X Marks the Spot - January
Door of Asia - - - _ March
Y Empire of the Sun - - May
Found in Morocco - - February
Young America - May Gaunt - - - May
Young Bride - April Happy Hunting Ground - - - February
Island of Perils - _ June
Z
Land of Chewing -Gum - May
Zane Grey’s South Sea Adventures February Land of the Feathered Serpent - May
Land of Ghandi - - February
SHORT SUBJECTS Living God of the Mongols _ - March
Mexico Today - February
Aesop’s Fables Prowlers - - - June
Cat’s Canary - - - - April, May Second Paradise - - May
Fly Frolic - April Seen in Syria - - - - - June
Happy Polo - - - - June Stocklolm - - - Mav
Last Dance - February Vendetta - - - May
Magic Art - May War in China - - May
Romeo Monk - - - March Whippet Racing - - May
Spring Antics - June Whispering Bill - - May
Toy Town - February Wrestling Swordfish - - June
MOTION
PICTURE
REVIEWS

JULY 1932
WE8BCRAFT PRINTERS. 1051 ARI INiirnN AVF. . OS ANfjtl F 5

MOTION * PICTURE * REVIEWS

LOS ANGELES BRANCH
EDITORS
1 Oe Per Copy - - $1.00 Per Year
Vol. Ill JULY, 1932 No. 7
EDITORIAL
The object of this bulletin is to assist our by Lois Smyth, from the Los Angeles
article
friends, young and old, to select the motion SchoolJournal, with permission of Miss
picture best suited to their tastes. That many Helen Moore, under whose supervision the
of our youthful friends have accepted our survey was made. We believe that it shows
suggestions in the spirit intended is gratify- that selective attendance (not censorship as
ing, and we were very much interested in the young writer puts it), is advisable, espe-
the following survey by students to find out cially among the younger male students who
just what high school and grammar school admit that war and gangsters have the
pupils really liked. We
reprint the following greatest general appeal.
STUDENT SURVEY OF MOVIE PREFERENCES
By Lois Smyth, A12, Abraham Lincoln High School
A movie survey which was made this enough make unnecessary the more strict
to
semester of 1400 students, who ranged from motion picture censorship which women’s
the seventh to the twelfth grades, has proved clubs are advocating all over the country.
to be one of the most interesting projects Ideas formulated into actions. Sheets of
ever undertaken by the Daily Railsplitter of paper were mimeographed and passed to
Lincoln High School at Los Angeles. the home-room teachers. The sheets were en-
For more than a year previous to the sur- “What kind of movies do you prefer?”
titled,
vey, the Railsplitter had printed resumes of and asked for the following information of
the movie reviews which are published each individual student: initials, (to assure
monthly in pamphlet form by the Los an authentic vote), sex, grade, and choice of
Angeles Women’s University Club and the movies (name of movie, star, or type of pic-
D. A. R. It was agreed that the critics who ture). No definite answers were required
wrote the reviews recommended for ado- of the boys and girls, as the idea of the
movies that were very much worth
lescents survey was to obtain statements from them
while. interest was aroused in
However, which would best express their true opinion
what the students themselves preferred, of their motion picture entertainment.
whether their choice of movies was good Some of the results proved to be so inter-
esting that it was decided to extend part of twenty-four votes and Comedy came in sec-
the investigation to a few of the nearby ond with fourteen.
grammar schools. And so, with the kind co- In totaling the girls, thirty-eight went two
operation of their principals and teachers, times or more a week, sixty-four went once
the 7th and 8th grade pupils of three schools a week, thirteen once every two weeks,
were questioned as to how often they thirty-three seldom, and six never attended
attended the movies and what kind they liked picture shows. They preferred Romance
the best, we were greatly interested when above all else, giving it fifty-one votes,
each school handed in widely different Comedy thirty-five, Western twenty-eight.
results. Gangster fourteen, Tragedy eleven, and
Grammar School Results War seven. The total of the boys shows
The one in which most of the students that forty-seven saw a picture at least twice
have American-born parents, had the fol- a week, sixty-five once a week, four once in
lowing conclusions: One boy never went to two weeks, twenty-two but seldom, and two
the movies, eight went seldom, eight went never went. Forty-three chose War pictures,
once in two weeks, twenty-six went once a thirty-seven Gangsters, thirty-five Western,
week, and fifteen went from two to six times thirty-one Comedy, seven Tragedy, and six
a week. Of these boys, twenty preferred War Romance .
pictures, eighteen Comedy, seventeen Wes- Perhaps the most serious result found in
tern, one Gangster, and not even one vote the above figures, is the preference for
was cast for romance. Gangster films found among the boys. Not
In the same school, three girls never went only are these films found to be largely
to the show, eleven but seldom, eight once worthless, but an evil, in that they give a
in two weeks, twenty-five once a week, and glamorous and romantic touch to the sordid
ten went at least two times a week. Of them, life of the gangsters. In fact, they become
eighteen liked Comedy pictures the best, fif- quite a problem when they appeal to poor
teen Western, eight Love films, five Gang- youngsters of an impressionable age. For
ster and four War. instance, one little boy said he preferred
gangster pictures, and when asked how often
The teacher who was in charge of the
he went to a movie, made the plaintive reply,
survey stated: “The girls who do prefer
“Whenever I get 35 cents, and that isn’t
romance I know to be older than the rest.
very often.”
Not only are they old enough to be in high
school, but most of them have nothing else High School Results
to think about.’’ As
for the girls in high school, they also
In another of the schools, nearly all the liked to see a Romance movie, giving it one
students have foreign-born parents. Three hundred forty-seven votes, while fifty-eight
of these girls said they never went to pic- were cast for Mystery, fifty-two for Comedy,
tures, six went seldom, three once in two fifty-one for Tragedy, forty-two for Western,
weeks, eighteen once a week, and thirteen twenty-three for College, sixteen for Sports,
twice a week or more. They preferred Ro- fourteen for War, and twelve for Modern.
mance to all others, giving it nineteen votes There were also numerous other types that
and its nearest competitor but nine. Of the were barely more than mentioned.
boys, one never attended movies, six went
In a fight for popularity with the boys,
but seldom, four once in two weeks, thirteen
Comedy finally won over War, with but one
once a week and twelve twice a week or
extra vote to its credit, while Aviation came
more. They seemed to prefer Gangster and
third, Mystery fourth, Western fifth, Gang-
Western films, giving them fourteen and
ster sixth, Sports seventh, Adventure eighth,
twelve votes respectively, while comedy,
and Romance ninth. Many other types were
which was third highest, received only six
also voted upon, but received less than fif-
votes.
teen votes.
The children of American-born parents are
about evenly divided in the third school with “Spirit of Notre Dame” was the most
those of foreign-born parentage. Eight of popular picture with both the boys and the
these boys seldom went to the movies, two girls. The latter chose “Daddy Longlegs”
went once in two weeks, twenty-six went as a close second, and the boys made
once a week, and twenty twice a week at “Dirigible” and “Four Horsemen” their sec-
least. When twenty-three of them did go ond and third favorites.
they hoped to see a War picture, while A
rather singular fact was disclosed when
twelve preferred Gangsters, making it sec- it was discoveredthat the girls preferred
ond in popularity. Sixteen of the girls atten- women stars and the boys preferred men.
ded motion picture only seldom, two went
a Janet Gaynor won first place in the girls’
once in two weeks, twenty-six once a week, estimation with seventy-five votes, while Joan
and fifteen went two or more times a week. Crawford received fifty-eight, Nancy Carrol
Here, Romance also claimed first place with thirty-two, Norma Shearer twenty-eight,
Greta Garbo twenty-three, Constance Ben- E. The rest are popular according
Brown.
nett twenty-one, Clara Bow eleven, Marie to thefollowing order: Laurel and Hardy,
Dressier eight, Barbara Stanwyck eight, and Lewis Ayres, Jack Holt, Edward Robinson,
Polly Moran six. The girls also cast thirty- Wallace Beery, Harry Carey, and Tom Mix.
nine ballots for Robert Montgomery, thirty- Very few of the boys chose a woman star as
two for Clark Gable, twenty-seven for their favorite, Norma Shearer and Janet
Charles Farrell, nineteen for Lewis Ayres,
Gaynor tied for first place with just six votes
eighteen for Buddy Rogers, sixteen for Gary
Cooper, and fifteen for Will Rogers. apiece,Joan Crawford came next with four
The boys did not mention the stars as often votes, and Sylvia Sidney came third with
as the girls, but those who did preferred Joe only two votes.
FEATURE FILMS
AMERICAN MADNESS » » to become really free. The comedy is remin-

Walter Huston, Kay Johnson, Pat O’Brien, iscent of Chaplin in his lightest moments.
Constance Cummings, Cavin Cordon. Di- It is a sparkling production at which one
rection by Frank Capra. Columbia. smiles continuously but seldom laughs aloud.
At the risk of seeming effusive we wish to
Entertaining No interest
recommend this picture in superlatives. The
theme is timely, the acting excellent (Mr.
Huston again presenting a gratifying per- ATTORNEY FOR THE DEFENSE » »
formance), the direction resourceful, and it Edmund Lowe, Evelyn Brent, Constance
is great entertainment. It is propaganda
Cummings. Direction by Irving Cummings.
against mob hysteria and builds toward con-
Columbia.
dence and a belief in “better times,” but it
is so skillful and refreshing in its method Unless one has a zest for the vicissitudes
of district attorneys this picture will seem
that one is aware only of its entertaining
qualities. The plot tends to prove that char- rather superfluous. It contains nothing new
acter, integrity and honesty are better col-
either in the progression of the plot or in
lateral when properly evaluated than the technique of its portrayal.
material assets, and that this idealism can be Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
effectively combined with good business. The Not recommended No.

action is gripping and dramatic and emo-
tionally stirring. It is necessary to have seen
the picture to appreciate that the title can BACHELOR’S AFFAIRS » »
be appropriate. It conveys little hint of the Adolph Menjou, Joan Marsh, Minna Gom-
subject matter. bel, Irene Purcell. Direction by Alfred
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Merker. Fox.
Good Mature The dire results of elderly bachelors tak-
ing unto themselves sprightly young wives
is the subject of this flippant and amusing
A NOUS LA LIBERTE » » story. Adolph Menjou as the polished, quick-

A French production. Films, Sonores Tobis. witted older man is shown in a situation
Direction by Rene Clair. Distributed in which gets beyond him although he is hum-
U. S. by Harold Antin. orously conscious of his quandary. The excel-
lent acting of the cast turns what might have
This French picture satirizes modern busi-
been extreme farce into a light and sophisti-
ness and society. While it is very nearly bur-
cated comedy which will probably entertain
lesque and almost slapstick comedy, it has a
adult audiences by its realistic absurdities.
lyric quality that makes it unique in this coun-
try. The principal characters are first en-
Passable. Negative value. Too mature
countered in a ridiculous prison. One makes
his escape and goes into the business of
manufacturing phonographs, employing in
his factory the exact regime of the prison BEYOND THE ROCKIES » »
workshops. Having become enslaved by his Tom Keene, Rochelle Hudson. Direction by
factory and his accumulating fortune he is Fred Allen. R.K.O.
finally rescued by his pal and shakes off the Again the “clever sheriff brings a danger-
fetters of his business and social obligations ous character to justice.” Tom Keene is the
personable hero of this western melodrama doubtedly appeal to the family, including the
of early days of stage coaches and cattle children.
rustling, and an unusual and entertaining Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
effect is the singing of the cowboys on the Great interest Good moral training and
range. It has an old plot, nicely handled, not too exciting
which will probably entertain the younger
members of the family more than their
elders.
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 CONCRESS DANCES » »
Passable Probably entertaining Lillian Harvey, Henry Carat, Conrad Veidt,

Lil Dagover, Reginald Purdell. An Erich
Pommer Production, Ufa. Direction by Eric
BRING ’EM BACK ALIVE » » Charell. Distributed by United Artists.
Direction by Clyde Elliott. Photography by The charm and vivacity of this delightful
Nick Cavaliere. R.K.O. musical comedy should prove irresistable to
all audiences. Czar Alexander’s gay romance
Frank Buck, adventurer and trapper of
wild animals, is the author of a book pub- with a little flower girl is etched against the
lished a year or so ago on bringing speci-
gorgeous and colorful background of the
mens back alive for American geological Vienna of 1814 and the lovely elusive music
of Viennese dance and song enhances the
gardens. R. K. O. sent Mr. Buck back to
Sumatra and to the Malay jungles to visu-
romantic gaiety and sparkle of the exquisite
book. The result is a remarkable production. Do not overlook so outstanding
alize this
experience. It has no story, but is a well
an example of perfect workmanship.
developed presentation of thrilling adven-
tures so cleverly timed and photographed Charming Possibly too mature
that one is unaware of the camera. There
are engrossing fights between wld animals,
reminiscent of U. F. A.’s masterpiece of the
THE DARK HORSE » »
mongoose and the cobra, and throughout the
Warren William, Bette Davis, Guy Kibbee,
entire picture, a naturalness and evident
Vivienne Osborn. Direction by Alfred E.
authenticity which is very convincing and
Greene. Warner Bros.-First National.
entertaining. Delightful humor is supplied
by the captives themselves. Mr. Buck’s clear “The Dark Horse” is a political caricature
conversational explanations are a very pleas- which is most amusing in its novetly and in
ing accompaniment to this unusually interest- its bits of absurd burlesque. After a dead-
ing film. lock at a convention, a silly, stupid old man
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 is nominated for governor and is actually
Excellent Good, unless child is elected after some ridiculous campaign inci-
easily excited dents. The humor is crude at times, but the
•sr satire is keen and one feels that even the
rather broad vulgarity is put in with the pur-
BROWN AT CULVER » »
pose of poking fun at similar elements in
Tom Brown, H. B. Warner, Slim Summer- real politics. Any man who has had a hand
ville, Richard Cromwell. Direction by Wil- in a political campaign will find this a highly
liam Wyler. Universal. entertaining picture.
The outlook of this picture is fresh, clean, Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children. 8 to 12
full of vigorous boyhood. It has a plot with- No value No

out a girl, without a final football game, with-
out a greulling race. It is unique! A home-
less, disillusioned boy is given a scholarship DOWN TO EARTH » »
at Culver Military Academy by the Ameri- Will Rogers, Irene Rich, Dorothy Jordan.
can Legion in memory of his father’s bravery Direction by David Butler. Fox Film Corp.
and death in the war. The development of
his character amid the surroundsing provides
An elaborately produced depression story
the story. Some may
object to so militaristic devoted almost entirely to Will Rogers’ witti-
an atmosphere at a time when we are cisms. Too exaggerated to be subtle, not
stressing international peace, but such a exaggerated enough to be burlesque ,too seri-
school also teaches self discipline, regularity,
ous to be satire, and not sincere enough to
ring true ,it however gives Mr. Rogers an
recognition of law and authority, and the
opportunity to comment on the times, and his
scene emphasizes an ideal inscribed
final
on the Indiana war memorial “vindicating
— admirers will feel repaid.
the principles of peace and justice.” It is
a consistent, entertaining story which will un- Harmless No interest

IS MY FACE RED » ticularly elevating in detail and is quite

Ricardo Cortez, Helen Twelvetrees, Robert mediocre entertainment.
Armstrong, Jill Esmond. Direction by Wil-
liam Seiter. R.K.O. No No
sr
The pictures frankly and possibly
story
with a measure of truth, a phase of news- MAN FROM YESTERDAY » »
paper reporting which seems to have caught Clive Brook, Allan Mowbray, Claudette Col-
the popular fancy for the moment: that of bert. Direction by Berthold Viertel. Para-
the muck-raking columnist who airs the mount-Publix.
daily scandals of people in the public eye.
It is not elevating but the sophisticated audi- The “Man from Yesterday” is a vivid and
ence will probably find it amusing in its absorbing drama of war and its after effects
risque and cruel humor. There is no middle upon the lives of those it touches. It is an-
decent level. It portrays easy spending other argument against war. Not new in
gangsters, and the equally lax easy spending theme, for it is another Enoch Arden story,
fast “society” group, both the prey of the it is yet so intelligently directed and so con-
unmoral, conceited and selfish reporter out sistent in development that it holds the
for “news at any cost.” Smooth direction interest. It is serious drama, well cast, and
and an expert cast hold interest in spite of well directed.
the ugliness it recounts. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 No—depressing and mature No
No No v
•w
MAKE ME A STAR » »
LADY AND CENT » » Stuart Erwin, Joan Blondell, Zasu Pitts, Ben
George Bancroft, Wynne Gibson. Direction Turpin. Adapted from the novel, “Merton
by Stephen Roberts. Paramount-Publix. of the Movies,” by Harry Leon Wilson.
Direction by William Beaudine. Paramount-
Here is an hour of real enjoyment, Publix.
strangely enough spent in the company of a In “Make Me a Star” we find the old
racy night club hostess and a hard-boiled favorite “Merton of the Movies” come to
prizefighter. It is a story of the heart, not life in the person of Stuart Erwin who gives
of conventional ethics. But how these two an excellent performance as the simple trust-
people are transformed and learn to accept ing boy who has glorified Hollywood and
the standards of the home loving, productive cannot realize the hard boiled reality of it.
community into which they are thrown is a The story of his unexpected success is very
vivid and stimulating experience although amusing and the Hollywood background
some of the sordidness of the opening scenes brings an authenticity and added interest to
might have been shortened. Their transition the setting. It is an excellent family picture.
in character is made quite naturally and Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
without sentimentality through love of their Good If it interests
protege, and both remain “in character” v
throughout, although their appreciation of
the values in life is changed materially. It is MISS PINKERTON » »
a comedy drama — different and entertaining. Joan Blondell, George Brent, Blanche Frede-
rick From a story by Mary Roberts Rine-
hardt. Direction by Lloyd Bacon. Warner
Passable No
Bros. -First National.
As the name reveals “Miss Pinkerton” is

a detective story. It is too confused to be
LOVE IS A RACKET » » a really good murder mystery, but it is light
and entertaining and the treatment is novel.
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Frances Dee, Ann
Miss Pinkerton is a trained nurse who
Dvorak. Direction by William A. Wellman.
though a novice in detecting crime turns
Warner Bros. -First National.
out to be the best sleuth of all.
Fairbanks personal charm alone gives
Jr.’s
this trite what claim it may have to
story Passable, probably entertaining No
distinction. As a young newspaper reporter v
who becomes involved in a murder to save
the reputation of the actress with whom he
MY PAL THE KING » »
is infatuated, and who is then thrown over

Tom Mix, Mickey Rooney. Direction by
for another man, he decides in his disillu- Curtiss Newman. Universal. Seen in Studio
sionment, that “Love is a racket” and that preview.
he is through with women. It is not par- Tom Mix makes another contribution to
good entertainment for children. In this fan- THE OLD DARK HOUSE » »
ciful story are all the sentiments and deeds Boris Mervyn Douglas. Direction
Karloff,
that appeal to romantic and hero worshipping by James Whale. Universal. See in Studio
boys and girls. Into a legendary kingdom preview.
ruled by a child monarch comes the brave
Mystery thrills, shivers and scenic effects
and kindly proprietor of a rodeo show. By
combined with masterful acting and direc-
chance he and the young king become pals.
tion make this film a prize achievement of
The wicked prime minister and his scheming
its kind. It is a melodramatic episode rather
cabinet are overthrown and the throne re-
than a story and flashes like a nightmare
stored to the hands of the boy king. Combin-
across the screen. Several wayfarers gather
ing the vigorous thrills of a “western” with
at the old house to seek shelter from a storm
the glamour of fairy tales, this picture will
and during the night many sinister happen-
be a treat to all children and most adults.
ings take place. When the morning comes
Delightful
all go on their way. There is no consecutive
Excellent
plot and no character development, but the
•v director succeeded inmaking an impressive
and absorbing, though harrowing, entertain-
MYSTERY RANCH » »
ment.
Charles Middleton, Ceorge O’Brien, Cecilia
Parker. Direction by David Howard. Fox.
Too emotional No. Terrifying
“Mystery Ranch” is a typical “western” v
shot through with violence and masked in
moral tones and stilted accents. The up- OPERA BALL » »
right and virtuous triumph in the end, but (Opern Redoute. ) Laine Haid, Ceorg Alex-
there are a good many slinking villains, and ander, Ivan Petrovich. Direction by Max
violent deaths in this hair-raising and excit- Neufeld. Produced by Greenbaum-Emelka.
ing melodrama. It is the story of a daring
This German comedy has a decidedly con-
young ranger who rescues our sweet heroine
tinental flavor. Concerning an intrigue be-
from the wicked designs of an old and
powerful rancher. The film shows the excel- tween the wife of a diplomatic attache in
lent scenic photography usual to this type of
Vienna and the attache’s best friend, it in-
cinema, and while the old and new west are volves a masque ball, mistaken identities and
hopelessly confused, we forgive the anach- the successful deception of the would-be lover
ronisms in the swift moving action. by the lady’s maid. The tempo is slower
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 than that of our own pictures and the tone
Probably entertaining Harrowing for the excit- of the whole, while extremely sophisticated,
able child escapes actual offense by emphasizing the
comedy of each situation. It is supplemented
by music by Otto Atrausky, a well-known
NEW MORALS FOR OLD » » contemporary German composer. Many adults
Margaret Perry, Robert Young, Lewis Stone, will find it amusing.
Laura Hope Crews. From the play “After Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
All,” by John Van Druten. Direction by Not recommended No interest
Charles Brabin. M.C.M.
The play purports to show that the incom- REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM » »
patibility of parents and children is respon- Marion Nixon, Louise Closser Hale, Mae
sible for many present day evils. However,
Marsh, Ralph Bellamy, Alan Hale. Direc-
the situation is so tingled with individual
tion by Alfred Santell. Fox.
weaknesses that it can scarcely be called
an entirely typical problem of society at To those who retain a definite memory of
large. It is an interesting picture in many the charming “Rebecca” created by Kate
ways, well cast and very well directed, with Douglas Wiggin, the film version will be
many human touches, not the least amusing somewhat disappointing, for the film
being the fact that both rebelling children, “Rebecca” grows up too soon and misses
without realizing it, become the same con- many of the amusing predicaments into
servative type of adults their parents were. which the story book heroine was led by
The character types are extremely well her naivete and good intentions. It is, how-
drawn but it is recommended only for those ever, a wholesome story of a loveable gen-
experienced enough to realize that such a erous girl and contains many elements which
salubrious ending does not usually follow in will be pleasant entertainment for young
the track of broken conventions. audiences.
Not recommended No Yes Yes
RED HEADED WOMAN » » STRANGE INTERLUDE » »
jean Harlow, Chester Morris, Lewis Stone,

Norma Shearer, Clark Alexander
Cable,
Leila Hyams, Una Merkel. Based on the Kirkland, Ralph Morgan, Robert Young,
novel by Katherine Brush. Direction by Jack May Robson. Direction by Robert Z. Leon-
ard. From the play by Eugene O’Neil. M.C.M.
Conway. M.C.M.
“Strange Interlude” will appeal only to
Here we have the unvarnished and un-
mature audiences. The problem concerned
lovely picture of a ruthless gold digger with
is one on which there will be diverging opin-
no morals and the one idea of gathering
ions, but it is handled with restraint and
unto herself the loot of her unscrupulous
methods. The beautiful, greedy, nasty-tem-
taste. To escape the morbid reaction due
to losing her fiance who is killed in the war,
pered young woman stays in character
throughout; no glossing over has been per-
Nina marries a kindly young man whom she
mitted, with the result that the character is considers the epitome of normalcy, only to
alive and leaves a very definite and ugly discover that he bears the hereditary taint of
impression. Though the picture calls a spade insanity. For some seemingly sound psycho-
a spade it does so with finesse, and the treat- logical reasons she is deliberately unfaithful
ment will probably not offend those to whom to give him the son he so pitifully desires.
the subject matter is palatable. The resulting effects of this act constitute the
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 action over a period of a lifetime. It is a dar-
Unsuitable No —
ing subject a psychological drama which is
handled deftly and dramatically. As in the
stage production, the thoughts of the charac-
ters are given with their actual dialogue and
THE ROAR OF THE DRAGON » »
the synchronization has been made so skill-
Henry C. Cordon, Richard Dix, Dudley Diggs, fully that there is no confusion for the audi-
Cwili Andre, Zasu Pitts, Edward Everett ence and there is no feeling of slowing up the
Horton, Arline Judge. Direction by Wesley action. The cast is admirable, Miss Shearer
Ruggles. R.K.O.-Pathe. giving one of her finest performances espe-
Recounting the harrowing adventures of cially in the earlier scenes. Only at the end
a band American tourists in China who
of is there a slight feeling that the cynical, bitter
are attacked by Manchurian bandits, this film psychology of the play has been tempered
is so replete with ghastly and sordid details with sentiment.
that the audience sits taught wondering what Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
each new horror will be. The cruelties, the Unsuitable Too mature
needless shooting and killing of innocent vic-
tims, the incessant drinking and the spectacle
of terrified children make the picture an STRANGERS OF THE EVENING » »
ordeal for any but the most hardened and Zasu Eugene Palette, Harold Wald-
Pitts,
sensation loving audiences. The apparently ridge, Lucien Littlefield. Direction by Bruce
authentic and realistic background and the Humberstone. Tiffany.

good acting only add to the devastating effect. A story called “The Illustrious Corpse”
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 has been adapted to the screen in a most
Certainly not Impossible ingenious and amusing fashion. It involves
undertakers, a questionable doctor, even
grave robbers; yet the treatment is so skill-
ful that it is never gruesome. It is rather
SINNERS IN THE SUN » »
a fantastic sort of mystery tale with Zasu
Carole Lombard, Chester Morris. Direction Pitts and Lucien Littlefield entering into one
by Alexander Hall. Paramount-Publix. ludicrous complication after another, and the
plot keeps one guessing to the final scene.
To waiting theatre programs another
fill
“filler”has been ground out. again We
spend an evening with a luxury loving girl Entertaining Not sufficient interest
who models clothes while she tries to instill •sr
ambition for money into her “boy friend.”

When he leaves her and marries wealth, she THE STREET OF WOMEN * »
accepts the luxuries offered as the mistress Alan Dinehart, Kay Francis. Direction by
of a wealthy married man. The final de- Archie Mayo. Warner Bros. -First National.
nouement of course brings both “parasites” A triangle plot in which the sympathy of
to a realization of happiness secured in a the audience is thrown entirely toward the
more conventional mode of life. The title “other woman” who is the inspiration for
seems obscure. the man’s success in building skyscrapers.
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 The title would seem to indicate that behind
Absolutely worth/ess No all such construction is a woman’s idealism.
Complications in the plot arise when the that it can scarcely be recommended as
man’s daughter and the woman’s brother entertaining for any audience.
fall in love and find the situation unbearable. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
It is interesting of its type, due to good —
No very sordid No
casting and taste in direction. XT'
Unsuitable No UNASHAMED » »
v Helen Twelvetrees, Robert Young, Lewis
Stone, Jean Hersholt, Robert Warwick Di-
A SUCCESSFUL CALAMITY » » riction by H. Beaumont. M.C.M.
George Arliss, Mary Astor. Direction by Within the last few months we have had
John Adolphi. From a play by Clare Kum- an epidemic court room pictures, and
of
mer. Warner Bros. -First National. “Unashamed" is one of them. It is interest-
A charming simple story in which a ing and splendidly acted but not outstanding
wealthy man succeeds in placing the right nor yet particularly convincing. A girl’s
emphasis on home ties, and incidentally reputation or her brother's life is the ques-
brings out the splendid and loyal character- tion before the court. The brother has mur-
istics of his family and servants. It is
dered her lover. So we have all the ingredi-
pleasant, kindly entertainment; a comedy ents for the modern social drama which so
with underlying sentiment. many adultst find thrilling, but which is thor-
oughly unsuitable for adolescents.
Excellent If it interests; little action
No No
TWENTY-SIX MARTYRS OF JAPAN » » WASHINGTON MASQUERADE » »
A Japanese picture. Lionel Barrymore, Burton Churchill, Karen

Morley. Direction by Brabion. M.C.M.
This interesting historical drama of re-
ligious martyrdom shows
episodes of the A rather time-worn plot of the man in pub-
introduction of Christianity into Japan in lic life who betrays his own honor and the
1590. It is a work of art photographically confidence of his friends for the love a
and a faithful portrayal, not only of historical woman is made absorbingly interesting by the
incidents, but of oriental households and court very fine acting of Lionel Barrymore. To
ceremonials which would be impossible to bring the plot up to the minute the setting
duplicate elsewhere. Director Hirayama is Washington, and to the tempting voice of
brought the film to this country for the Eng- the siren is added the corruptive influence of
lish narration and sub-titles which accom- policital lobbyists. The lavish settings, scenes
pany it, and they are so well done that few in the Senate and Press Gallery, a reception
will regret the fact that it is not a talking at the White House and a most gorgeously
film. Though somewhat slow moving and appointed dinner party lend color and per-
with some over-emphasis on the propaganda sonality to the production. There is a possi-
motive, it is acted throughout with sympathy bility that parts of the dialogue might be
and understanding and presents a moving construed as special propaganda for certain
and inspiring picture of the beauty and glory political interests, but granting that the un-
of dying for an ideal.
derlying motive of the producers was to make
a good picture, they have been exceptionally
Excellent Too harrowing at the end
successful.
Mature No
THUNDER BELOW » »
•w
Tallulah Bankhead, Charles Bickford, Paul
Lukas. Adapted from the novel by Thomas WEEK ENDS ONLY » »
Rourke. Direction by Richard Wallace. Joan Bennett, John Halliday, Ben Lyon.
Paramount-Publix. Direction by Allan Crossland. Fox.
In a beautiful Central American setting of A light, ultra modern treatment of an un-

quaint Spanish town, jungle, and rocky ocean conventional and improbable situation in
shore line, an unpleasant and sordid story which our lovely heroine, faced by poverty,
of a married woman’s love for another man becomes a hostess in a speakeasy, and to
is worked out to its tragic frustration. The increase her earning, accepts a similar posi-
woman is self-centered, cruel, and
weak, tion as hostess for a bachelor at his gay and
few will that her philosophy of life is
feel indecorous week-end parties. Questionable
desirable of imitation. The whole effect is situations are glossed over by smart repartee
so depressing, unmoral, and unconvincing and comedy is stressed. The appeal of the
picture will be limited to worldly adults who ization of the over wrought director who
are not offended by so-called easy “sophisti- cannot stand the nervous strain. It is spark-
cation,” and who are thrilled by well-dressed ling and as “Once
satirical but not so cruel
ladies. in a Lifetime,” and while Hollywood laughs
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 at itself, it does so in a kindly way and with
Quite unsuitable No understanding. Miss Bennett is very human
and appealing and the supporting cast is
excellent.
WHAT PRICE HOLLYWOOD » »
Constance Bennett. Lowell Sherman. Greg- Not recommended Unsuitable
ory Ratoff, Neil Hamilton. Direction by
sr
George Cukor. Story by Adela Rogers St.
John. Paramount-Publix. WINNER TAKE ALL » »
This is a very clever study of Hollywood James Cagney, Marion Nixon. Direction by
showing that in spite of its absurdities, gen- Roy del Ruth. Warner Bros. -First National.
erosity and ambition underlie much of the
sham. It is the story of a waitress in the James Cagney with a cauliflower ear plays
well-known Brown Derby restaurant who the part of a light-weight contender in the
gets her chance and becomes a star. Her
prize ring. He is admirably suited to the
efforts at self-improvement, her marriage and
part, the cockey smart-alec who falls for
motherhood, at war with the loose relation- blonds and likes a big time. Obviously the
picture has no intellectual appeal. It is amus-
ships around her, and the unfortunate scan-
dal which wrecks her professional life are ing in its wise-cracking way, swift moving
smoothly and tellingly presented, and one and well directed but does not merit par-
ticular commendation.
has a greater understanding of the glamour
and difficulties of this artificial existence.
Lowell Sherman gives a good character- Passable No
SHORT SUBJECTS
DREAM WORLD » » THE GOLF CHUMP » »
"Romantic Journeys” series. Educational Ed Kennedy, Florence Lake, Dot Farley.

Direction by Harry Sweet. R.K.O.-Pathe.
Pictures, Inc.
A banal, tedious comedy concerning the
A multi color review glorifying Southern efforts of a family
play eighteen holes of
to
California: San Juan Capistrano, the rare
golf on an exclusive golf course, after they
old mission; Palm Springs, mecca of winter
have contrived to gain admittance on a bogus
visitors; Big Pines under a blanket of snow
guest card.
with its winter sports; Wilmington Har- •w
bor, its commerce and water sports; and THE MAD KING » »
Gay’s Lion Farm with its apparently friendly
Cartoon. Educational Pictures, Inc.
beasts. Excellent photography, fair color,
adequate accompanying talk. animated cartoon in musical
Clever
v comedy style. The cruel cat is king and the
down trodden mice start a successful revo-
THE ENGINEER’S DAUGHTER » » lution. Unique and highly entertaining for
May Robson, Montague Love and members
all audiences.
•w
of the Masquers Club. Direction by Rob-
ert Hill. Paramount-Publix. MAGIC CARPET SERIES » »
Delightfully clever burlesque on the old Recommended for the family. Fox.
time melodrama —
a great addition to any ( 1 ) With the Foreign Legion
program. A composite day with these romantic ad-
•w venturers. Very entertaining.
(2) Over the Yukon Trail
FORCOTTEN ISLAND » »
Exquisite scenes of the Yukon Trail, and
contrasting pictures of gold mining by hy-
Two adventurers brave the legend that drolic methods with that of the lonely pros-
death and destruction follow those who ex- pector panning his mite.
plore the bleak and desolate island of San 0 3 The World at Prayer
Nicholas off the Southern coast of California. A Very interesting delineation of the dif-
Their dramatic experiences are cleveriy fab- ferent types of religious services throughout
ricated in this interesting film. the world among different races and sects.
MOTION
PICTURE
REVIEWS

AUGUST 1932
WEBBCRAPT PRINTERS. 1391 ARLINGTON AVE., LOS ANGELES

—

LOS ANGELES BRANCH
EDITORS
1 Oe Per Copy - - $1.00 Per Year
Vol. Ill AUGUST, 1932 No. 8
EDITORIAL
Parents will be much interested in a series Yale, Chicago, Iowa, Ohio State, New York,
of three articles, the first of which appears and Pennsylvania State directed the re-
in the current September issue of McCalls’ search and now the first findings are being
Magazine. The articles will outline the re- barred to the public. While the complete
sults of a four-year study of the effect of scientific reports and evaluations will not be
motion pictures on the sleep, health and con- available until later. These preliminary ar-
duct of children. ticles will hold much of interest and value to
Everyone has had theories about the effect parents and others interested in this subject,
of motion pictures on children’s habits and and so urge our readers to familiarize them-
practically everyone has expressed these selves with them —
McCalls’ Magazine —
theories in no uncertain terms. But there has September issue. “To The Movies —But Not
been no proof to substantiate theories. There to sleep.” Henry James Forman.
has never been an accumulation of authentic
data, the result of scientific research.
We wish to recommend that theatre goers
In 1929,the Payne Fund authorized an watch for the appearance of “American Mad-
appropriation for such a study and interested ness,” reviewed in July issue. It is one of
the finest psychologists, socialogists, physi- the most entertaining and novel of the new
cians, and educators. The universities of releases.
FEATURE FILMS
THE ACE OF CONSENT » » tional institutions will be somewhat shocked
at the conduct of the students and those who
Richard Cromwell, Dorothy Wilson, Eric
Linden, Arline Judge, John Halliday, Aileen
have not will see a distorted version of
college life.
Pringle. Direction by Gregory Lacava. Radio.
It seems very unfair to college and college
This play is built upon a melodramatic students to depict unconventional love affairs
structure which is carefully disguised with as the sole preoccupation of undergraduates.
an abundance of supposedly collegiate hu- This is a pointless picture, and in spite of
mor. Those who have attended co-educa- a charming cast, it is decidedly inferior en-
tertainment even for those whom it will not naked bodies of these “little people” are
annoy. Obviously the title is in very poor extraordinarily grotesque and hideous in the
taste. extreme.
Absolutely not recommended No Cood Fair
BACK STREET » »
THE CROONER » »
Irene Dunne, John Boles, George Meeker,
David Manners, Ann Dvorak, Ken Murray.
Zasu Pitts, June Clyde. Direction by John
Direction Lloyd Bacon. First National.
M. Stahl. Universal.
At last one may become acquainted with
This dramatization of Fanny Hurst’s novel that new and popular variety of singer called
will have a limited appeal for it is a sad
a “Crooner.” His advent, rise and fall are
and disillusioning story. Beginning in the
the subject matter of this picture which, if
early 90’s and covering more than twenty- it
has no great moments, has at least, few dull
five years, it depicts the bitter disappoint-
ones. A variety of entertainment is offered,
ment of a woman who holds only the “back
including David Manners’ pleasant singing
street” in the life of a married man. Irene
voice, Ken Murray’s wise cracks, the charm
Dunne plays her part well, changing gradu-
and commonsense supplied by Ann Dvorak,
ally from the beautiful, flippant young girl to
and touches of melodrama and tragedy to
the lonely, saddened woman. The wife never
complete the whole. The interest is well sus-
appears in the picture to divide sympathy
tained throughout and the acting is good.
with her, and the audience is left with a
feeling of compassion for this “other woman” Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
as she faces the emptiness of a wasted life. Entertaining Probably little interest
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 'V
Unsuitable theme No
•w DOWNSTAIRS » »
John Gilbert, Paul Lukas, Virginia Bruce.
BIRD OF PARADISE » » Direction by Monta Bell. M.G.M.
Theatre Preview. Dolores Del Rio, Joel Mc-
John Gilbert in his own story has made
Crea, John Halliday, Bert Roach, Skeets
for himself a thoroughly reprehensible part,
Gallagher. Direction by King Vidor. Radio.
that of a disgraceful rogue. If he had had
The lure of the South Seas with the rites more ability to create the illusion of whim-
of “Tabu,” tom-toms, tropical flora, active sey —a dual personality both lovable and
volcanoes, and clear ocean water, all have a cruel, he would have had greater appeal,
part in the enchantment of the island in the but as it is he commands no sympathy. How-
South Seas where an American youth elects ever the plot is novel and different and will
to stay. Dolores Del Rio as Lcana, a native have passing interest for a general adult
girl, completes the background for the primi- audience. It is the story of a lying black-
tive love theme. The story and background mailer, a chauffeur, who upsets the menage
both have charm, and though the plot offers downstairs and upstairs alike by his immoral
a few impossibilities, the imagination of the
and cruel acts. Finally dislodged from one
household he is last seen seeking employ-
audience may accept these without much dis-
ment at another impressive establishment
count of entertainment value. The beauty of
where we feel sure he will continue his
the underwater swimming deserves honor-
evil and predatory behavior.
able mention.
No No
Doubtful No
CONCORILLA » » DR. X » »
Produced by Mr. and Mrs. Martin Johnson. Lionel Atwill, Fay Wray, Lee Tracy, Pres-
Fox. ton Foster. Direction by Michael Curtis.
First National.
Mr. and Mrs. Martin Johnson have
brought to the screen a series of authentic Itseems incredible that there should be
sound pictures of wild life in the African enough demand for pictures of this sort to
jungle. The intimate glimpses of birds and encourage producers to make them. This one
beasts afford a liberal education in natural is an extreme example of the horror variety.
history and will interest and delight most By a combination of insane notions and
audiences. Possibly to one who is sensitive pseudo science, murders are committed and
to physical ugliness the scenes among the mysteries solved. There seems to be such an
pygmies will not be so pleasing, for the obvious effort to out-do open horror pictures
that the result fortunately is probably too share of the entertainment. Reviewers agree
artificial to produce dire results in the that it is a cure for the blues and good hot
audience. weather entertainment for the entire family.
Not advised Certainly not Good Good
•v
V
THE FIRST YEAR » » HORSE FEATHERS » »
The Four Marx Brothers. Direction by Nor-

Janet Caynor, Charles Farrell. Adapted from
man McCloud. Paramount-Publix.
the play by Frank Cravin. Direction by
William Howard. Fox. The inanities of the Marx brothers have
amused and delighted many audiences in the
A friendly little story of the trials en-
past, but in this picture their penchant for
countered by a young couple in their first
coarse vulgarity and blatant puns seems to
year of married life is told in charming
have obscured their genius as comedians. It
fashion. The sophisticated theatre-goer may
is a pity when actors of ability relinquish
miss the inimitable comedy of Frank Cravin
wit in favor of dirt.
in the character “Tommy” now played by
Charles Farrell, but on the whole the pro-
Unsuitable No
duction is excellent and the story with its
gay thread of humor running through even
its most serious moments, is refreshing and IGLOO » »
out of the ordinary in its simplicity of ap- Esquimo cast. Photographed by Roy H.
peal. Klafki. Direction by Ewing Scott. Universal.
This is a film showing the stark drama
Good No interest
Esquimaux walrus hunts, terrific
of life;
storms, continuous bitter cold, actual starva-
FOR GLORY AND A GIRL » » tion. Though a love story joins the various
episodes, the plot is not an important factor.
Reviewed in June issue under title “Hud-
dle.” According to “Unbiased Opinions,”
The skillful management of the native cast,
the photographic and scenic effects, and the
published by Fox West Coast Theatres. Re-
stoicism of the tribe in its struggle against
leased under title “For Glory and a Girl” in
the elements make an intensely interesting
Southern California only.
and dramatic picture with a great deal of
grim realism.
GUILTY AS HELL » » Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Adrienne Ames, Victor McLaglen, Edmund Interesting Too emotional
Lowe. From play by Daniel Rubin. Direc-
tion by Erie Kenton. Paramount-Publix. JEWELL ROBBERY » »
A murder drama innocent

in which an William Powell, Kay Francis. Directed by
man barely escapes execution for another’s William Dieterle. Warner Bros.
crime. It is novel in treatment in that the
A light comedy, gay, flippant with more
audience sees the murder and then follows than a touch of sophistication, “Jewel Rob-
the efforts of the police to find the guilty bery” is a clever adaptation to the screen
person. Lowe and McLaglen resume their of a Viennese play. It seems to have re-
vulgar banter, this time in the guise of retained the combination of frivolity and satire
porter and policeman, but even their ad- one associates with smart comedies of for-
mirers will find it difficult to overlook the eign theatres. A beautiful reckless coquette,
bad taste in direction and a light and coarse the much indulged wife of a very rich man,
attitude toward life and death which is very is greatly bored with life until she encoun-
offensive. On the whole it is pretty dull. ters the most expert thief in Vienna. The
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 plot is extravagant, the settings beautiful,
No No the lines double-edged, and Kay Francis most
alluring. William Powell will probably ac-
quire new piles of fan mail.
HOLD ’EM JAIL » »
Bert Wheeler, Robert Woolsey, Edna May
Too sophisticated No
Oliver, Roscoe Aates. Direction by Norman
Taurog. R.K.O.
A rollicking slapstick comedy in the THE JUNGLE MYSTERY » »
Wheeler and Woolsey manner. The back- Tom Tyler, Noah Beery, Jr., Cecilia Parker,
ground for the funsters is a prison with Edna Carmelita Gherharty. Direction by Ray
May Oliver as the Warden’s sister. A foot- Taylor. Universal. Serial in twelve chap-
ball game in burlesque provides a large ters (six previewed).
Anexciting series of adventures in Africa MADAME RACKETEER » »
in whicha hidden hoard of ivory and a lost Alison Skipworth, Richard Bennet, J. Far-
son (brother of the heroine) are the inspira- rell MacDonald, Evelyn Knapp, Gertrude
tion for the action. In some respects the Messinger. Direction by Alexander Hall
plot is better than many serials, for the and Harry Wagstaff Gribble. Paramount-
modern gangster with his low intrigues is Publix.
absent. Here the setting is the jungle and
Adults will find the adventures of the
war-like natives and wild animals provide
“Countess,” a lovable old lady racketeer, de-
the thrills. It is obviously an imitation of
liciously comic. Alison Skipworth’s artistry
Tarzan, but its producers do not seem to
in characterization is a delight, and the
realize that the appeal of “Tarzan” lay
story has a nice sense of humor, admirable
in its greater simplicity and in a closer ad-
continuity, and particularly “chuckly” dia-
herence, if not to reality, at least to proba-
logue. It is the story of a parole interlude
bility.These are lacking in “The Jungle
in the life of a much-jailed confidence woman
Mystery” and the whole is overcharged with
and is amusing and entertaining. While the
exaggerated thrills. It is not recommended
production does not put the stamp of ap-
for junior matinees because of the many
proval on the woman, we cannot estimate
younger children who are in attendance.
how accurately children might her judge
code of ethics and we thereforequestion
Passable Too emotional the suitability of the story for their enter-
tainment.
LATIN LOVE » »
Doubtful No
Sari Maritza, William Freshman. Direction •w
by Sinclair Hill. Golden Arrow Production.
(Seen in theatre preview.) THE MAN CALLED BACK » »
Conrad Nagel, Doris Kenyon, John Halliday.
Ahackneyed, story of the loves of a Direction by Robert Florey. Tiffany.
littleItalian cabaret singer. It is a vehicle
to show the charm of the star, but unfortu- Thestory starting amid South Sea scenes
nately it is too poor a story, and is too un- reveals the regeneration of a doctor through
pleasant and tiresome in detail to hold audi- the interest of a wealthy, unprincipled Lon-
ence attention. doner and his young, beautiful wife. There
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 are sufficient variations on the triangle theme
No No to keep one fairly well entertained, but it
should not be seen in a hypercritical mood,
as there are too many weak spots in plot
THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS » » development, dialogue and direction to make
it an outstanding play.
Harry Carey, Hobart Bosworth, Junior Cogh-
lan, Edwina Booth, Lucile Brown, Walter
Better not No
Millar, Bob Kortman, Walter McGrail.
Serial in twelve chapters, adapted from
novel by James Fenimore Cooper. Direction MILLION DOLLAR LEGS » »
by Reaves Easen and Ford Beebe. W. C. Hugh
Fields, Herbert, Jack Oakie,
Susan Fleming, Andy Clyde, Lyda Roberti.
“The Last Mohicans” is an exciting
of the
Direction by Eddie Cline. Paramount.
story of Indian warfare in Colonial days
when France with her Indian allies was This burlesque has a
up-to-the-minute
struggling to hold her colonies against the novel plot and a lot of good clean humor.
English. Excellent explanatory remarks pre- The mythical kingdom of Klopstokia is in
ceed each chapter and help to keep the his- need of money and in order to raise the
tory of the period before the audience so necessary funds, the government officials and
that the personal plot has added significance. some of the citizens organize themselves into
The action is necessarily thrilling and ex- an Olympic team. The story amusingly
citing, with massacres, hairbreadth escapes, illustrates the triumph of brawn over brain
warlike fighting, but the direction is in such and burlesques almost everything in recent
good taste that there are no gruesome touches motion pictures.
and the general effect is restrained without Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
loss of dramatic interest. It is real “story Entertaining Good
book” adventure, a serial of distinction,
which the average junior matinee audience
of nine and over will undoubtedly acclaim THE PURCHASE PRICE » »
as “keen” entertainment. Barbara Stanwyck, George Brent. Direction

Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 by Warren Wellman. Warner Bros.
Very good Very good This adaptation of Arthur Stringer’s
“Mud Lark,” opening in a night club and duction more elaborate and tedious. Artis-
ending in the drabness of a dirty farmhouse, tic settings and a certain amount of good
is the story of a city girl who learns to love acting become ineffective when used to em-
an inarticulate farmer. The soiled realism bellish a production which is grim and
and repulsive brutality are overemphasized, sordid to the core.
and the dramatic possibilities have been Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
sacrificed to sordid details. The film version Decidedly not No
seems to have missed most of the real values xr
in an excellent story. STRANGER IN TOWN » »
Chic Ann Dvorak, David
Sale, Manners,
No No
Noah Beery, Raymond Hatton. Direction
by Erie C. Kenton. From the play “Com-
» petition.”
SKYSCRAPER SOULS »
Warren William, Maureen O’Sullivan, Ver- Chic Sale on the screen is usually a cro-
ree Teasdale, Anita Page, Wallace Ford, chety downright old man with a way of
Norman Foster. Direction by Edgar Selwyn. getting the better of his enemies and worm-
From the story by Faith Baldwin. M.G.M. ing his way into the affections of his friends.
Those who lost money
the descent of in In “Stranger In Town” he appears again as
the stock market should avoid this picture, as the same old codger, this time the proprietor
evokes many painful recollections. The of a grocery store in a one-horse town.
it
main figure a New York banker who
is
Threatened by competition in the form of
combines moral laxity with financial dis- a chain store grocery, he handles the situa-
honesty on a huge scale. To show the extent tion with his usual humor and acumen. In
spite of a somewhat attenuated scenario the
of his power there is an attempt to carry
four concurrent plots in the manner of picture is pleasantly diverting.
“Grand Hotel,” without accomplishing any Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
end, however, except that of making the pro- Good Passable
SHORT SUBJECTS
HOLD THAT LION » » NURI » *

(Three reels) Floyd Pyle, hunter. Photo- Supervised by Elmer Clifton. Made in
graphed by W. Earle Frank. Narration writ- conjunction with a group, headed by
ten by Harry Chandler. A Principal Ad- Lola Krentzberg of Amsterdam, Holland.
venture Picture. Distributed by Principal Released by Beverly Hills Production Ex-
Distributing Corp. change.
Agraphic, beautifully photographed por-
Like a model short story, this projection
trayel of a lion hunt in the magnificent rough
with wealth of detail and delightful in-
a
mountain country of Arizona. The picture
formation, will leave upon an audience a
excels technically. The beauty of scenery,
vivid impression of life among the teeming
the accompanying sounds, and the action all
multitudes of India. The life of a typical
combine to make an unusually interesting
Indian family is shown through the eyes of
whole. The narrative spoken by Wilfred
their old burden-bearing elephant Nuri, and
Lucas is also well chosen. The chase is ex-
his wise comments on the doings of his mas-
citing, and of course these lion hunts are
ters are amusing and interesting. It is an
necessary because the beasts are so destruc-
excellent production for all audiences.
tive, yet one’s sympathy goes out somewhat
to the hunted wild thing which after all was
only living after the tradition of its kind.
ROMANCE SENTIMENTALE » »
Excellent Very exciting

A French picture by Serge Eisenstein.
xr A series of unique and beautiful photo-
MAN EATER » » graphic studies is accompanied by music in
Supervised by Elmer Clifton. Released by
appropriate moods to illustrate the theme of
the Beverly Hills Productions Exchanges. Serge Eisenstein’s “Romance Sentimentale.”
The man-eating shark is the menace that
The blending of sound and visual beauty is
skillfully achieved and actually produces the
titles this which shows men diving
short,
impression of the various emotions.
for pearls and treasure. A tragedy mars the
film for sensitive children. Its most interest- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
ing features are scenes of wharf life in Good Confusing and hard
foreign ports. on the eyes
t
MOTION
PICTURE
REVIEWS

SEPTEMBER 1932
WEBBCRAFT PRINTERS, B5I ARLINGTON AVE , I OS ANGELES

.
MOTION • PICTURE •
REVIEWS
LOS ANGELES BRANCH
EDITORS
Vol. Ill SEPTEMBER, 1932 No. 9
BASIS FOR EVALUATING FILMS FOR

CHILDREN'S ENTERTAINMENT
In deciding what children may or may not of dangers never suspected, and mo-
see in movies we
very definite prob-
find a tives which they never knew existed.
lem because normal, healthy children vary They realize that society may be in-
greatly, and what they get out of a movie securely organized and that there is
will depend upon: a division of authority. This is socially
(1) Physical differences (nervous system disastrous in the training of children.

especially) (2) They need to have curiosity satisfied.
(2) Mental and emotional development. Movies may do this if they portray
true conditions. Most movies do not,
(1) Cultural background.
(3)
and may stimulate morbid curiosity.
(4) Moral background.
(3) There is a need for motor activity.
But there are several specific rules which Movies too frequently indulged in limit
must be insisted upon. Children should not this.
be forced to see pictures which emphasize: There is a need for mental activity, and
(4)
(1) Cruelty pictures too mature or unhealthy in
(2) The criminal side of life. theme may stimulate and precipitate
emotional stages too early in develop-
(3) So called fast society untrue to the fun-
ment.
damental core of life.
Fear of noise and lack of support in infants
And these specifications are necessary be- are said to be the only inherent fear reactions.
cause we
believe that there are several fun- Others are the result of environment and
damental needs of childhood which must be experience. Highly organized nervous sys-
considered. Psychologists tell us that these
tems are frequently shocked, and children
fundamental needs are: may be severly handicapped by visual ex-
A feeling of security. periences.
This is purely physical for infants.
Ethical Standards in Detail
But as children grow older it is dan-
gerous and cruel to condition them by I. Theme
pictures which tend to give them a (1) Is the theme suitable? Is it within a
feeling of insecurity, to inform them child’s understanding? Does it connect
(3)
in any way with a child’s own experience Breaking social conventions
or understanding? If not, when atten- such chance acquaintance
as
tion lags single incidents out of the con- between girls and men, visits
text may give wrong impressions, and to men’s rooms unchaperoned,
the child may lose the meaning of the etc.,for they give children dis-
whole. Nervousness may result from torted ideas of life.
forced attention. A child may become
sophisticated from frequent attendance
(c) Theme should not make light of the
church or church dignitaries, re-
at too mature pictures.
ligion, social workers.
(2) Does it teach a positive morality?
“Good endings” do not offset the impres- (d) Theme should not make light of the
sions of crime which a picture leaves law or police.
(6)
which emphasizescriminal characters (e) Theme should encourage respect for
and criminal activities. the Government.
(3) Are the emotions aroused wholesome
(f) Theme should not foster race prej-
ones? Under stress of intense emotion
udice.
as hate, fear, joy, grief, admiration, love,
experiences may leave an indelible im- Picture should not show excessive cruelty
print on a child's mind and character. to persons or animals.
(4) Are the characters of the story the kind II. Production
of persons you would wish a child to
know ? (1) Is the production of a standard of excel-
lence which will create discrimination
(5) Are incidents wholesome, probable,
the and appreciation? Or are the thrills and
true to life? Ugly scenes may not do action too exaggerated to be reasonable
more harm than an insincere and light or humanly possible?
portrayal of life. Certain standards
should be upheld. (2) Are the titles grammatical, profane,
vulgar ?
(a) Theme should not make light of
social institutions such as marriage. (3) If synchronized, is dialogue in good
taste ?
(1) Farces about ugly family rela-
tions and divorce are unsuit- (4) Is the humor
in good taste? Is the fun
able. in form of pranks, practical jokes,
the
Jealousy between husband and and cruel, thoughtless mischief which
(2)
wife. are made so funny that a child might
think them worthy of imitation?
(3) Infidelity or suspicion of in-
fidelity. III. Is the final impression left an inspiring
(4) Unpleasant family
relations one, leading children to strive for some-
such as irreverent children, the thing fine? Does it arouse constructive,
mother-in-law “problem," etc. wholesome curiosity and intelligent in-
Theme terest? Does it entertain with clean ro-
(b) should not make light of
morality. mantic adventure? Or by wholesome
narrative about pleasant persons and in-
(1) Sex irregularities. cidents? Does it at least amuse, leaving
(2) Breaking the 18th Amendment. a happy remembrance of good fun?
FEATURE FILMS
BIC CITY BLUES » » announcing the approaching arrival of

Eric Linden, Joan Blondell, Walter Catlett. babies, whether ‘ffdessed events” or other-
Direction by Mervyn LeRoy. Warner Bros. wise. His cruelty in publishing the gossip
which ruins one girl’s life is only an incident
In this film we are shown an elaboration in although the crisis it precipi-
his career,
of the old story of what happens to an inno- tates proves highly embarrassing and even
cent country boy when the “big city slickers” dangerous to him personally. The production
get him. The part of the boy is well acted by is swift moving, risque, amusing, and like
Eric Linden, and Joan Blondell as a gold the play will appeal to many adult audiences.
digger who has a change of heart, provides
the sentimental interest. An irrepressible
confidence man is the comedy relief which
Not suitable No
helps to lighten the depressing effect of the
sordid background and a murder. The pic-
ture offers nothing particularly new in enter- BLONDE VENUS » »
tainment.
Marlene Dietrich, Herbert Cary
Marshall,
Grant, Dickie Moore. by Joseph
Direction
Very unsuitable No
von Sternberg. Paramount-Publix.
Thecentral idea of this picture is not easily

BILL OF DIVORCEMENT » » determined. The director has used intense
John Barrymore, Billie Burke, Katherine local color and atmospheric details which give
Hepburn. Direction by George Cukor. From the production a certain vividness, but the
play by Clemence Dane. R.K.O. lost threads of the story, abruptly disconnec-
ted scenes, and sudden transitions so destroy
It is a pleasure to be able to recommend this
its continuity both in plot and in emotional
production in superlatives. It is a serious effect that in viewing it one must continually
drama, almost Ibsenesque in its sombre theme shift one's sympathies and readjust one’s con-
of insanity as it affects the various members ception of the characters. Marlene Dietrich
of a family. In the opinion of our reviewers
herself contributes the chief entertainment
it is a splendid example of the possibility
value, but her role is not a convincing one.
that good stage drama may become equally
She plays the part of a woman who is fond
powerful on the screen. It achieves the in- enough of her husband to sacrifice herself to
timacy of the stage, due in part to the excel-
aid him when he is ill but in so doing be-
lence of the seasoned cast. Mr. Barrymore comes infatuated with another man. Her con-
gives a most effective
performance as the sequent tragic decline is dramatically presen-
—
husband the best of his screen career; Kath- ted, but the lack of logic in it all counteracts
erine Hepburn’s sincerity as his daughter is its effectiveness, and the mother’s selfishness
deeply moving, and Miss Burke is also very in subjecting her child to such a sordid and
satisfying in a role which possibly is less precarious living alienates the sympathy of
sympathetic. Special credit is due also to the the audience. One is disappointed that a
taste and care with which the details of set- talented director and a fine cast should not
ting and direction are carried out, making a have accomplished something better.
production which critical audiences will not Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
wish to miss. Unsuitable No
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children,8 to 12
If mature enough, be- No, too mature
cause of merit
BROADWAY TO CHEYENE » »
production
Rex Bell,Marceline Day, Huntley Gordon.
Directin by Harry Fraser. Monogram. (Seen
at a theatre preview and subject to
BLESSED EVENT » »
changes.)
Lee Tracy, Mary Brian. Adapted from the
play by Manuel Seff and Forest Wilson.
Gangsters of Broadway go West, closely
Direction by Roy Del Ruth. Warner Bros.
followed by our hero, a detective on vacation.
Coincidence and melodrama are administered
A picture of this type cannot be said to in a heavy dose. The same machine gun that
be particularly elevating entertainment. It killed the beer baron of Broadway is used on
follows the columnist cycle and portrays a the cattle of Cheyenne. Yes, the villian suf-
ruthless, breezy individual whose specialty is fers, and the hero has his happy reward in
)

the person of Marceline Day. If the plot which touches melodrama in its climax, but it
were not so hypothetical, the scenery and is gaily lightened by humorous incidents and
smoothness of the direction might offset the by the appealing personality of Jackie
ridiculous. A
picture full of “bangs!” Cooper. To those who are willing to concede
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 that a woman is justified in divorcing her
Too juvenile Too distorted husband because of too great devotion
his
to the study of archaeology the story will be
very appealing. In any case it is an interest-
CHANDU, THE MAGICIAN » » ing study of a child’s reaction to an unhappy
Edmund Lowe, Bela Lugosi, Irene Ware. situation which is finally relieved by his
Direction by Marcel Varnel, Wm. Cameron joyous acceptance of two “fine fathers.”
Menzies. Fox.
Questionable Not necessary
Adults may find that “Chandu” is more •w
effectiveon the radio, but these exciting and
fantasic adventures as portrayed on the EXPOSURE * »
screen have at least the advantage of pic- Lila Lee, Walter Bensen, Lee Moran, Tully
turesque scenic background to add credence Marshall, Bryant Washburn. Direction by
to the story. It is not a significant picture Norman Hansen. Tower Productions.
but a romantic tale of magic and
highly (Seen at a theatre preview and subject to
mystery which is not intended to be taken change.
seriously. It will appeal particularly to
youth radio fans, and older children will A famous newspaper reporter of a New
undoubtedl}' appreciate and accept its un- York tabloid awakens in a California rail-
reality. Chqndu, the Magician, rescues his road depot as the finale of a prolonged visit
brother-in-law and family from Raksor, to a speakeasy. After this introduction the
the evil influence of the East, using hypno- story unfolds with newspaper competition,
tism and astounding magic as his tools. varied love interest, and an abundance of
Sound and photography are combined ingen- newspaper characters. The plot is not
iously to create weird effects. Many will find smooth, the climaxes are mild. whole As a
this picture recommends loyalty and temper-
this tale pleasantly entertaining.
ance but borders on melodrama enough to
Probably very entertaining If not too exciting be unconvincing.
Not recommended No interest
DEVIL AND THE DEEP » »
Cary Cooper, Tallulah Bankhead, Charles HAT CHECK GIRL » »

Laughton, Cary Grant. Direction by Marion
Sally Eilers, Ginger Rogers, Monroe Owsley,
Cering. Paramount-Publix.
Ben Lyon. Direction by Sidney Lanfield.
The magnificent performance of Charles Fox.
Laughton, who is to us a new actor on the
American screen, makes this morbid picture
A stale plot poorly presented in a series of
tawdry incidents makes this production a
worth seeing. As the insanely jealous hus-
waste of time and very objectionable. The
band of a beautiful and susceptible wife, his
plot presents the trials and tribulations of
acting is so superb that the inconsistencies
a hat check girl who is surrounded by every
of the plot are not so obvious. The action
possible bad influence and an amazing group
takes place at a submarine base on the coast
of unpleasant people, bootleggers, night club
of Africa, and the naval scenes mitigate
habituees and rich men about town. It exem-
somewhat the sordid trend of the story. It acme of bad taste in motion
plifies the
is, however, one which sophisticated audi-
pictures.
ences will enjoy only for the acting of Mr.
Laughton.
Impossible Impossible
No No -v
'W
HELL’S HIGHWAY » »
DIVORCE IN THE FAMILY » » Richard Dix, Rochell Hudson. Direction by
Jackie Cooper, Conrad Nagel, Lewis Stone,

Rowland Brown. R.K.O.
Lois Wilson, Maurice Murphy. Direction by
“Hell’s Highway” is a convict picture, fol-
Charles Reisner. M.C.M.
lowing “The Big House” and others of that
Divorce in the family brings tragedy to a character, but more tragic and gruesome.
littleboy who loves both parents and who is Here the propaganda is directed against the
called upon to adjust himself to the new hus- horrors of working in prison road camps. It
band. It is a rather pathetic little story is vividly presented with swift and gripping
action in the final scenes. Inasmuch as polated songs adds gaiety and sparkle, and
Richard Dix takes the leading part it will gives the whole a rythmic balance. The pic-
probably be seen by a large number of chil- ture is perfectly cast, even to the most humble
dren, which is unfortunate, as it is over- lackey, but the distinctive quality of the pro-
stimulating and will arouse morbid curiosity. duction is due to the superb direction of Mr.
The treatment is starkly realistic, and one is Rouben Mamoulian, who has managed to
given the impression that such conditions are combine Shakesperian touches with Gilbert
general, whereas in some states excellent and Sullivan nonsense while concocting some-
roads have been built by convict laborers thing entirely original.
who are permitted to do such work only as Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
a reward for good behavior, who take great Good Harmless but mature
pride in their skill and require very few
guards. If the purpose of this film is to pro-
MI5TER ROBINSON CRUSOE » »
test conditions recently reported to be found
Douglas Fairbanks, William Farnum, Earle
in a southern prison camp, it may possibly
Browne. Direction by Edward Sutherland.
have its place, but it is depressing and un-
—
pleasant decidedly not entertaining, and it
United Artists.
is questionable whether a picture of this type Douglas Fairbanks again appears in a

ever accomplishes any social reform. charmingly intelligent and wholesome piece
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children,8 to 12 of entertainment, the adventures of a modern
No Absolutely not Robinson Crusoe, done with a light touch
and a fine appreciation of humorous possibili-
ties. It is not only amusing, but it trans-
» ports the onlooker to a land of romance far

LIFE BEGINS »
removed from everyday problems. It is a
Loretta Young, Eric Linden. From play welcome tonic after a weary array of mor-
by Mary McDougall Axelson. Direction by bid tales.
James Flood and Elliott Nugent. Warner Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Bros. First National. Excellent Excellent
“Life Begins” has the advantage of perfect

v
casting, emotional scenes which avoid maw- THE MOST DANGEROUS GAME » »
kish sentimentalism, excellent dialogue, sus- Joel McCrea, Leslie Banks, Fay Wray, Bob
tained action and a novel setting although — Armstrong. Direction by Edward Schoed-
many will challenge the use of a maternity sack and Irving Pichel. R.K.O.
ward of a city hospital as setting for a motion The picture is horrible in detail. It pur-
picture. Into this ward come cases of many ports to point the moral expressed in the line:
types, and each baby’s birth brings its quota “We call a beast fighting for his life savage,
of joy or sorrow. But the fault of the picture and a man hunting him for sport, civilized,”
lies in the producers’ ignorance or willful dis- A shipwrecked sportsman realizes the force
regard of hospital methods and obstetrical of the sentiment when he encounters a mad-
care, in the vicious disregard of truthful real- man whose passion is hunting men and pre-
ism. To create “drama” they needlessly sac- serving their heads in his trophy room.
rifice a young mother, callously give false Hardly recommended for entertainment!
impressions, implant unnecessary fear and Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
suspicion in prospective mothers. In this Very objectionable No
day of enlightened medical procedure it is
unfortunate that a producer should so un- THE NIGHT OF JUNE I 3TH » »
fairly place a handicap upon hospitalization
Clive Brook, Frances Dee, Charlie Rugles.
and physicians.
Direction by Stephen Roberts. Paramount-
Publix.
No No
•vr
Again we have an innocent man on trial
for murder, but the treatment of the story is
LOVE ME TONIGHT » »
so unusual that it is excellent entertainment.
Maurice Chevalier, Charles Ruggles, Jean- It is a story of life on a street and of the
nette McDonald, C. Aubrey Smith, Myrna manner in which more or less innocently, all
Loy, Charles Butterworth. Direction by of the neighbors are involved in the tragedy.
Rouben Mamoulian. Paramount-Publix. When called as witnesses, each for personal
Here is real entertainment, witty, gay, reasons conceals some facts which would
frivolous, pictorially perfect and enormously clear the suspect, and the interest centers in
satisfying. Froth, spice and sentiment are the character studies portrayed. It is logical
combined in a whimsical fairy story about the and realistic and unusually interesting.
romance of an ultra modern princess and a Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
poor tailor. An accompaniment of inter- If mature enough No interest
“OKAY AMERICA” » » THE PAINTED WOMAN » »
Lew Ayres, Maureen O’Sullivan, Louis Cal- Peggy Shannon, Bill Boyd, Irving Pichel,
hern, Walter Catlett, Allan Dinehart, Nance Spencer Tracy. Direction by John Blyth-
O’Neil. Direction by Tay Carnett. Univer- stone. Fox.
sal Pictures Corp.
While thisis not the most desirable type of
Ever since the Lindbergh tragedy we have
picture, offers both adventure and thrills
it
cringed at the very suggestion of kidnapping.
without introducing the grotesque and super-
In this drama we find a solution such as
natural that have such a large share in many
everybody longed for in that case. It shows
current melodramas. It is the story of a
our desperate situation in the country, with
young girl who is caught in the snares of an
the increasing power of the gangster ele-
unfortunate mode of life in a South Sea
ment, and yet it gives assurance that there
island cabaret, and pictures her almost hope-
are men in our nation who are strong enough
less efforts to escape her fate. Peggy Shan-
and brave enough to save us from the enemy
non in the leading role does a good piece of
within. Action is precipitated by a young
work, and Spencer Tracy as usual is both
columnist (the Walter Winchell idea). The
humorous and likable. To most audiences
story is swift moving, the direction is un-
the intricate plot will seem consistent. Skill-
usually good, and the strongly patriotic note
ful direction and good acting are responsible
makes it far more constructive than the usual
for offsetting the blight of a very bad title
crime picture.
and an old and sordid theme.
Doubtful subject Too mature
Unsuitable No
and exciting
ONCE IN A LIFETIME » »
A PARISIAN ROMANCE » »
Lew Cody, Chester Franklin, Gilbert Row-

Jack Oakie, Sidney Fox, Aline MacMahon,
land, Marion Shilling. Direction by Chester
Russell Hopton, Louise Fazenda, Gregory
Franklin. (Seen at theatre preview and
Ratoff, Zasu Pitts. Direction by Russell
subject to change.)
Mack. Universal.
Hollywood motion picture people with their A light sophisticated comedy for adults
foibles and their blunders, are the targets of who are not offended by the theme of a girl
this unsparingly satirical burlesque. It ad- temporarily deserting her poor but faithful
heres closely to the original play and will lover for the attention of a rich and profligate
amuse varied audiences whether or not they French baron, with the consequent suggestive-
are familiar with the motion picture industry. ness of his gay life. The cast is good and the
Though the play is almost entirely devoted settings attractive, including Paris streets,
to an expose of Hollywood’s weaknesses, the French countryside, studios and “baronial’’
fun is sufficiently exaggerated not to seem apartments. Its general tone is of comedy,
illnatured. Its humor is of the modern wise although it lapses into melodrama for a few
cracking variety and the vulgarities are held scenes. Not an important contribution to the
down to the minimum. screen but amusing to some audiences.
Entertaining Very little interest No No
'w
PASSPORT TO HELL » »
ONE WAY PASACE » »
Alexander Kirkland, Warner Oland, Paul
William Powell, Kay Francis. Direction by Lukas. Direcfion by Harry Hervey. Fox
Tay Carnett. Warner Bros. Film Corp.
A man and a woman exchange glances in The East African Coast with the physical
a Hong Kong bar and each is instantly in- discomfort of life in the jungle, the uncon-
fatuated with the other. When chance brings ventional social status of the characters and
them together on an ocean liner they fall ro- lax moral background, provides the setting
mantically in love. Though the audience is for an “eternal triangle.” Melodramatic in-
allowed to share in the knowledge that the trigue of a sophisticated nature, in which
lovers are fated to die, she from illness, he questionable sex situations are deftly handled
to pay the penalty for a crime, the picture by inference is presented by Miss Landi as
is neither sordid nor tragic. It is purely a a well born English girl, Alexander Kirkland
romantic episode illumined by the glamorous as the jealous husband, and Paul Lukas as
charm of Kay Francis’ personality. the “other man.” Warner Oland is excellent
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 as a German militaristic disciplinarian.
Too sophisticated No Divorce scandal, stolen war plans, suicide
and espionage are some of the dramatic ele- “70,000 Witnesses” is a mystery melodrama
ments. It is a story well told in smooth, rapid, and as such is entertaining, but it would be
interest-holding action. It is sophisticated a mistake to confuse it with the usual foot-
melodrama but avoids actual vulgarity in ball picture, because the sport is only a back-
its presentation. It is not a child’s picture and might give
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 children a distorted and disillusioning im-
No No pression of amateur games. But for the de-
v votee of mystery tales interest is kept at high
peak, and the audience is baffled till the end.
RAIN »
The murderer’s method might be questioned
Joan Crawford, Walter Huston. From play medically but that is after all not too im-
by Somerset Maugham. Direction by Lewis portant. It seems plausible during the action.
Milestone. M.C.M. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Doubtful No
Any actress who essays to follow in Jeanne
•sr
Eagle’s footsteps in “Rain” labors under a
tremendous handicap. It is impossible for SPEAK EASILY » »
anyone who saw the original to avoid com-
Buster Keaton, James Durante, Ruth Sel-
parisons, which is perhaps unfair to the pic-
wyn, Thelma Todd, Hedda Hopper. Direc-
ture. However, in the earlier scenes others
tion by Edward Sedgwick. M.C.M.
in the cast besides Miss Crawford seemed to
be playing roles and to become unaffected The audience will find this comedy disap-
and real only as the climax neared. In the pointing. monotonous, not very funny
It is
emotional scenes of repentance Miss Craw- and rather vulgar. Buster Keaton is less
ford achieves her most sincere effect. Mr. amusing than he should be, and though the
Huston is admirable as the minister or “re other members of the cast and the director
former” (as censorship demands that he be seem to have struggled hard, we cannot
designated). The play was distasteful to recommend their efforts.
some. The picture will no doubt arouse equal Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
antagonism and controversy. It is the story No No
sr
of a wretched prostitute caught by circum-
stances in the power of a ruthless reformer. TWO AGAINST THE WORLD » »
In the emotional stress of her position she is
Constance Bennett, Neil Hamilton. Direc-
moved to repentance and sacrifice only to
tion by Archie Mayo. Warner Bros.
loose faith in mankind again through a tragic
occurrence. Mr. Milestone’s direction is ex- This production is a skilful combination
cellent, but the play achieved more dramatic of situations apparently gleaned from recent
results without the greater latitude in scene
films and a sensational trial lately reported in
and action which the screen affords. Even the newspapers. It is full glamour and has
of
the steady downpour of rain fails to seem all the trimmings of the sophisticated modern
as depressing as it did on the stage. However social drama. The plot concerns a young law-
it is a sincere effort to reproduce a
dramatic yer who, while taking up the cudgels against
success and as such deserves attention and capitalism,falls in love with the spoiled
commendation. daughter of a very rich man. There is a

murder committed by a brother to protect
No No and inevitably we see
his sister's reputation,
sr
the court room
and the beautiful
interior
heroine on the witness stand. But in spite of
70,000 WITNESSES » » this lack of originality the quality of the act-
Phillips Holmes, Johnny Mack Brown, ing and direction is good enough to make
J.
Farrell MacDonald, Dorothy Jordan. From the picture fairly interesting.
novel by Cortland Fitzsimmons. Direction Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12

by Ralph Murphy. Paramount-Publix. Not recommended No
WHITE ZOMBIE » » tions of Murder, a madman who by means
of drugs induces a state of mental coma in
Johnny Harron, Madge Bellamy, Robert his victims. These “unburied dead” obey his
Frazer. Direction by Victor Halperin. Pro- orders, and under this spell comes a young
bride who becomes the “White Zombie.” Her
duced by Halperin Brothers.
rescue constitutes the action. Into this night-
mare Joseph Cawthorn brings the only breath
While the weird superstitions of the natives
of Haiti offer real basis for a story of the
of reality: The rest of the cast find the story
powers of the witch doctors, this tale is only too great a handicap. The picture is unwhole-
fantastic and unbelievable, like the creation some and tiresome.
of a crazed brain. To many, its horrors are
piled on so thickly that they are only ludic-
rous. The plot concerns the evil machina- No Perfectly terrifying
SHORT SUBJECTS
PATHE AUDIO REVIEW No. 12 » » WALPURCIS NIGHT » »
R.K.O.-Pathe. Ettore Compana. Producers, Kendall-De

Vally Operalogue Company, Direction
Diversified subjects in review beautiful — by Howard Higgin. Educational.
Ltd.
Alaskan scenes; night life at Ciro’s London,

(of little interest) ; interesting shots of curi- Inspired by Goethe’s “Faust” but having
ous creatures of the sea; picturesque scenes more resemblance to a Hollywood modern-
of an ancient towered city in northern Italy istic ballet, this short musical subject is a
compared with modern New York. disappointment. Only the beauty of
distinct
Compana’s voice compensates. Not recom-
mended for any audience, particularly
SATAN’S PLAYGROUND » » children.
•w
Produced and directed by George Allen.
Released by the Beverly Hills Production
WHAT PRICE GLORIA » »
Exchange.
First in a “Baby Burlesque" series. Educa-
This short subject be especially rec-
is to tional Pictures, Inc.
ommended. It is delightfully entertaining, Thissort of picture is inexcusable. It
beautifully photographed, with fascinating
is stupidly vulgar take-off on the most
a
subject matter. Produced by a noted natura-
sophisticated type of war play, and features
list it shows the interesting flora, fauna, in-
baby actors. The association of children with
sects, and reptiles found in Death Valley,
cheap innuendoes is extremely revolting.
California, and is a picture which cannot
fail to arouse enthusiastic approval from
Impossible Impossible
all audiences (of all ages).
t
MOTION
PICTURE
REVIEWS

OCTOBER 1932
WEBBCRAFT PRINTERS. I85t ARLINGTON AVE LOS ANOEl.ES


LOS ANGELES BRANCH
Mrs. Chester Ommaney, Preview Chairman Mrs. Madison J. Keeney, Bus. Manager
Mrs. George Bauer, Assistant Mrs. Bruce A. Findlay, Asst. Business Manager
EDITORS
Mrs. J. Allen Davis Mrs. Palmer Cook Mrs. Arthur Jones Mrs. F. II. Partridge
Mrs. John Vruwink Mrs. Walter Van Dyke Mrs. Margaret Argo
Address all communications to The Women's University Club, 943 South Hoover St., Los Angeles, Calif.
Vol. Ill OCTOBER, 1932 No. 10
FEATURE FILMS
AIR MAIL » » THE BIG BROADCAST » »
Ralph Bellamy, Summerville,
Slim Pat Stuart Erwin, Leila Hyams, Sharon Lynn. Di-
O’Brien, Russell Hopton, Leslie Fenton, Lil- rection by Frank Tuttle. Paramount-Publix.
lian Bond, Gloria Stuart. Direction by John
Anyone who is conversant with the per-
Ford. Universal. (Seen at theatre preview
sonalities of radio stars will find this picture
and subject to change.)
particularly entertaining, for it affords an op-
Tremendously exciting, showing the terrific portunity to come face to face with a dozen
dangers of the air mail service and the dar- favorites performing in a most amusing com-
ing chances with the elements taken by the edy of life behind the microphone. To that
pilots to keep to the mail schedule, this picture rare person to whom the cast are strangers it
has too many thrills for the nervously in- offers a wholesome story, hilarious fun, and
clined. The interest is entirely centered on pleasing music.
the dramatic flying, frightful accidents and Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
heroic rescues of brave pilots. The direction Good Good
is splendid for this type of story and the men TT
in the cast are admirable.
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 BLONDIE OF THE FOLLIES » *
Very exciting Too terrifying Marion Davies, Robert Montgomery, Billie
v Dove. M-G-M.
ALL AMERICAN » » Two little working girls achieve the

Richard Arlen, John Darrow, James Gleason. “Follies,” apartments on Fifth Ave., and
Direction by Russell Mack. Universal.
“patrons.” To insure sympathy with our
heroine her patron seems to be away duck
A pertinent comment on the American cus- shooting most of the time, thus giving greater
tom of idolizing athletes, this cleverly paints assurance of her morals. But her friend’s
the picture of a football star who progresses Prince Charming falls in love with Blondie
into the business world with his “All Ameri- and green-eyed jealousy drives the jilted girl
can” halo as his chief qualification for suc- to revenge. Then we find our injured hero-
cess. He has a bad time but makes his own ine again in her mother’s simple flat to our
adjustment and protects his younger brother bewilderment, and the bitterness of the
from a similar awakening. It has a sound family, be it said, who loved “daughter’s
plot and good comedy, and for lovers of social position.” At last Prince Charming
football, vastly entertaining shots of the game offers her a wedding ring with her next
including famous coaches and players from apartment. It’s pretty bad from any point
many teams of the country.
of view — ethical or artistic.
Good Too mature No No
BREACH OF PROMISE » » help of a young engineer, holds on to his
Chester Morris, Mae Clark, Mary Doran, property and successfully revenges himself on
Theodore Von Eltz. Direction by Paul Stein. the thieves in spite of the perfidy of his son.
Educational Pictures, Inc. His ward supplies the romantic interest. Ade-
quate direction and acting and interesting des-
There is nothing to recommend this dreary
ert and mountain scenery make this simple
melodrama to anyone of any age. A young
story of pioneer days entertaining for those
girl, to escape her sordid surroundings, sues
an innocent man and wins a $50,000 breach
who enjoy the type.
of promise suit. Of course she repents and
confesses, but the whole depressing attempt
Good Yes
is not worth the effort of production!
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 HOUSE OF DEATH »
Unwholesome No N. P. Kemelev, N. A. Podcorny, N. M. Vi-
toiv. Direction by V. F. Fedorer. Produced
EMIL UND DIE DETEKTIVE in Russia by Mejrobpom film. Presented by
(EMIL AND THE DETECTIVE) » » Amkino. (Russian dialogue but English

titles superimposed.)
Fritz Rasp,Kathe Haack. Direction by Ger-
hard Lamprecht. U. F. A. (All German dia- The film dramatizes the spiritual struggles
logue.) of Dostogevski —
his life's history and his final
This Germany’s first contribution to juv-
is acceptance as a prophet in his own country.
enile audiences, and it will appeal equally It is tremendously interesting in treatment,
to American children because of its plot and stressing mood and atmosphere rather than —
the fact that the action is clearly understand- action, building effects photographically and
able in spite of the German dialogue. An by means of music. Undoubtedly propoganda
imaginative boy, who loves to play detective, for the Soviet, it is too depressing in theme
is entrusted with a sum of money for his and treatment to appeal generally to an
grandmother. En route he is robbed, and he American public.
enlists the aid of a gang of Berlin children Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
to track down the thief, who proves to be a No No
long sought criminal. The clever photo-
graphy, naturalness of the children, and un-
usually interesting background combine to THE KING MURDER » »
make a very entertaining picture which chil- Conway Tearle, Natalie Moorhead, Marceline
dren will enthusiastically approve. Day. Direction by Richard Thorpe. Chester-
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 field Production. (Seen in preview and sub-
Cood Good ject to change.)
-v A murder mystery in which the plot is con-
THE COLDEN WEST » » cerned with the mystery rather than the de-
George O’Brien, Janet Chandler. Adapted tails of the killing.No scenes of violence are
from Zane Grey's novel. Direction by David shown and yet the mystery loses none of its
Howard. Fox. interest. The revelation of the murderer
comes as a clever surprise and is not obvious
Adequate comment in the technique of this at anv time. To Conway Tearle goes the
picture is handicapped by the fact that, glory of the solution as well as the laurels for
through an error, one reel was missing at the a good performance. Mr. Tearle is well sup-
preview. It is a Western, opening in the ro- ported and for those who enjoy this type of
mantic South, where a feud between two story the suspense will be sufficiently enter-
families prevents the marriage of the young taining.
people. Next we find their descendants simi- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
larly attracted and their romance meets all Interesting Too mature
the stirring obstacles consistent with the ad-
vance of a railroad through hostile frontier
country. It has perhaps greater interest for KLONDIKE » »
children than for adults. Lyle Talbot, Thelma Todd, Captain Frank
Hawks, H. B. Walthall. Direction by Phil
Fair Fair
Rosen. Monogram.
xr
HERITAGE OF THE DESERT » »

A doctor fails in a difficult operation, and in
order to escape disgrace flies to Alaska, where
J. McDonald, David Landau, Sally
Farrell
he finds the opportunity to rebuild his life.
Blane. From the novel by Zane Grey. Direc-
This problem play, melodramatic in tone,
tion by Henry Hathaway. Paramount-Publix.
seems to be lacking in sincerity, possibly be-
A stereotyped and unsophisticated Western cause Lyle Talbot, who takes the principal
tale of an old homesteader who, with the part, does not coincide with our preconceived
ideas of surgeon. As a whole the acting is actually capable of humor and understand-
disappointing, except for the modest role of ing.
Captain Hawks, which is ably performed by Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
the flier himself. At times the movement is Good Very good
deliberate, and again it is jerky; the produc- v
tion in its entirety does not merit any en-
thusiasm.
MADISON SQUARE GARDEN » »
Children, 8 to 12
William Jack Oakie, Warren Hymer,
Collier,
Adolescents, 12 to 16
No Unsuitable Thomas Meighan. Direction by Harry Joe
v Brown. Paramount-Publix.
No doubt appeal particu-

this picture will
THE LAST MILE » »
larly tothose who are interested in prize
Preston S. Foster, Howard Phillips, George
fights and in the men who have been head-
Stone, Noel Madison. Direction by Sam
liners in the sport world of Madison Square
Bishoff. World Wide Production. Garden. It is a clean picture, the story of a
Except for a few explanatory shots, the square sportsman confronting the crookedness
scene of “The Last Mile” is the death house of racketeering in the management of fights
of a prison. It is the development of an inci- and pugilists. William Collier as Doc JVil-
dent and has no plot other than the slim liams gives a sympathetic portrayal of the
thread of events leading to the conviction on honest, good hearted and loyal manager who
circumstantial evidence of an innocent young won’t be bought to betray his “boys.” The
man. It is a powerful drama of fear and hate sets of Madison Square Garden, the really
and futility, with its strongest note the smold- exciting fight and the introduction on the
ering hate of Killer Mears for the death house screen of many well known managers and
guard. The introduction of the outside scenes fighters give realism to the production.
somewhat weakens the picture in comparison Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
with the stage production, but nevertheless it No interest
is very fine and beautifully acted, although
almost unbearably tragic and depressing.
MAGIC NIGHT » »
No Absolutely not
Jack Buchanan, Anna Neogle. Herbert Wil-
cox Production. British Dominion Pictures.
United Artists.
LIEBE 1ST LIE8E (LOVE IS LOVE) » » A sentimental little story telling of a ro-
Kalthe M. Nagy, Haus Albers. Direction by mance between an Austrian officer in the
Paul Martin. Supervision by Eric Pommer. World War and a pretty little flower girl
U. F. A. (All German dialogue.) in Vienna. It is musical and lightly enter-
This German dialogue operetta is very en- taining.

tertaining even to an English speaking audi- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
ence, for the direction and pantomime make Harmless No interest
the action and humor perfectly clear. It is

an amusing comedy, Continental in treatment
and full of absurdities. It tells the story of MOVIE CRAZY » »
an impecunious youth who, through methods Harold Lloyd, Constance Cummings, Louise
Closser Hale. Direction by Clyde Bruck-
acceptable only in farce, wins the wealthy
lady of his choice. man. United Artists.
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Don’t miss this delicious comedy original, —
Passable Mature clean in every detail, different, and in spite
•w of all its slap stick, holding a real interest
in a sincere little love story. The background
LITTLE ORPHAN ANNIE » »
of a movie studio is very intriguing and
Mitzie Green, Buster Phelps, May Robson.
entertaining. We
feel certain in recommend-
Based on comic strip by Harold Gray. Direc-
ing this for fans of any age.
tion by John Robertson. R-K-O. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
An amusing sprinkled with
little tale Good Good
pathos, of two attractive youngsters who •w
win one’s sympathy, and of a crochety but
lovable old lady who finally befriends them PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES » »
both. Children will adore the story and Laurel and Hardy, Paulette Goddard, Donald
especially the michievious (though harmless) Diloway. Direction by Ray McCarey and
adventures of the small orphans. An inter- George Marshall. M-G-M.
esting commentary may be added that for The whole family will enjoy the antics of
once social workers are shown in a favor- Laurel and Hardy as reluctant World War
able light on the screen —
as kindly persons recruits and then as anxious foster parents
of their dead comrade’s child. It's an enter- given the comedy part which she plays with
taining farcical comedy, yet the unexpected consistent ease. Clark Gable is sufficiently
bits of pathos give it depth and a charm that convincing in the personification of carnal
is altogether delightful. man, and Mary Astor contributes the kind
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 of beauty that can survive even tropical
Excellent Good storms.
yr Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Very unsuitable No
PAYMENT DEFERRED » »
Charles Laughton, Dorothy Peterson,
Maureen O'Sullivan, Veree Teasdale, Neil
Hamilton. From play by Jeffrey Dell,
SIX HOURS TO LIVE » »
adapted by Ernest Vajda.

Warner Baxter, Miriam Jordan, John Boles,
Direction Lothar
Ceorge Marion, Sr. Adapted from the story
Mendes. M-G-M.
“Auf Wiedersehen” by Cordon Morris. Di-
This an amazing picture of the disin-
is rection by William Dieterle. Fox.
tegrating effect of fear and of final retri-
In making this picture the producers have
bution being visited upon a murderer after
attempted something so unusual and so diffi-
a respite of years. It is grim tragedy, an
cult that complete success is hardly possible.
approach to the classical form which has for
Its very title compels one to thoughtful con-
its purpose “purging the mind with pity and
sideration of the meaning intended. An in-
fear.” It is a beautiful production, smooth
spirational treatment of a fanciful idea, it
in direction, excellent in dialogue, and dis-
portrays the interval between apparent death
tinguished by perfect casting.
and the final passing of a man who is resusci-
tated and given six hours to live. It is in-
No No
tensely interesting, but fails to be universally
yr
convincing both because the plot relies upon
THE PHANTOM PRESIDENT » » the use of an improbable pseudo scientific in-
George M. Cohan, Claudette Colbert, Jimmy vention, and because the emotional appeal is
Durante. Direction by Norman Taurog. dependent upon the individual spectator’s in-
Paramount-Publix. terpretation of the abstract theories presented.
Jimmy Durante and George M. Cohan (the Mature No
latter in a double characterization) make a
nonsensical trio who rollick their way
through this most exhilirating satire on
modern American politics. Musical comedy
SMILIN’ THROUGH » »
effects adroitly used, witty jibes at the weak- Norma Shearer, Frederic March, Leslie How-
nesses in our democracy and an ingenious ard, O. P. Heggie. From play by Jane Cowl
and Jane Murfin. Direction by Sidney
plot make this picture one to be highly
recommended as excellent diversion for all
Franklin. M-C-M.
audiences. The greatest charm of this sentimental ro-
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 mance on the screen is the very evident sin-
Excellent Entertaining cerity of the production. Exquisite settings,
satisfying casting and the spiritual appeal of
the charming love story combine to create
RED DUST » » something rare and beautiful.
Jean Harlow, Clark Cable, Mary Astor, Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Tully Marshall. Direction by Victor Flem- Excellent Probably little interest
ing. M-G-M. v
This is which seems temporarily
a picture
interesting but which is rather cheap in re-
THIRTEEN WOMEN » »
Ricardo Cortez, Irene Dunne, Myrna Loy,
trospect. the wildnerness of a rubber
Into
Kay Johnson, Florence Eldridge. Direction
plantation where the only white men are
by C. Archainbaud. R-K-O.
the planter, his foreman and engineers, come
two women of opposite types, a prostitute This is the tragic story of a half-caste
and the ultra civilized wife of the new en- girl. Her sworn
revenge on the twelve
gineer. The atmosphere, already over- school girls who barred her from their
charged by monotony, grows increasingly society, and its subsequent working out make
electric and the veneer of civilization wears an unusual theme extremely well handled
very thin indeed. Crude vulgarities in by director and actors. Tragedy comes to
dialogue, scenes, and action are possibly in each one of the twelve girls through means
keeping with the milieu, but many suggestive of hypnosis and suggestion used by the half-
details are both unnecessary and inartistic. caste against them. It is gripping entertain-
To Jean Harlow, cast as the prostitute, is ment for adults interested in the psychologi-
cal significance of suggestion. It is not to be TROUBLE IN PARADISE » »
recommended for the nervous or easily de- Herbert Marshall, Miriam Hopkins, Kay
pressed. Francis, Charles Ruggles, Edward Everett
Horton, Audrey Smith. Direction by Ernest
No By no means
Lubitsch. Paramount Publix.
"V
An international thief loses his heart and
THOSE WE LOVE » »
his money to a charming and clever pick-
Mary Astor, Kenneth McKenna, Lilyan Tash- pocket. He becomes temporarily interested
man. World Wide Production. Direction by in a lovely lady, but she finally accepts her
Robert Florey. Educational. defeat gracefully. Without the arresting
The age old problem of a husband who technique of its presentation the story would
feels himself neglected and succumbs to the be nothing, but the unique use of light and
temptress, is presented by a capable cast. It shade, musics, photographic tricks, and pan-
issimply told and might deserve passing com- tomime embellish the production, and comedy
mendation except for the questionable taste overbalances the sophistication until we have
of discussing the infidelity before a very a fresh, amusing and rather glamorous farce
young son, in spite of the ultimate reconcilia- suitable for adult appreciation.
tion. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 No No
No No
WAR CORRESPONDENT » »
TIGER SHARK » »
Jack Holt, Ralph Craves, Lila Lee. Direction
Edward C. Robinson, Zita Johann, Richard
by Columbia.
Arlen. Author: Houston Branch. Direction
by Howard Hawks. Warner Bros. Jack Holt as a soldier of fortune joins the
National Army of China. Graves is there as
“Tiger Shark” tells the human, tragic story an American war correspondent. Neither is
of the romance of “Mike,” a picturesque Por-
shown in an admirable light, so that one is
tuguese fisherman, uncouth, lovable and kind
not much interested in their rivalry over a
until crazed by the loss of the woman he
girl of questionable character. Violence and
loves. Robinson is remarkable in his por- excitement, and some excellent photography
trayal, and Zita Johann’s unique loveliness
of stirring aerial warfare, add little to a trite
and personality rpake a strong appeal. The and unpleasant story.
story is brutal, not only in the bitter theme,
but in the scenes of mutilation and death in
the attacks of sharks. But the theme is orig-
Hardly No
inal and the background of tuna fishing has
tremendous interest. It is probably best de-
scribed as a man’s picture, virile, thrilling,
WILD GIRL » »
unsentimental, and the treatment makes it
passable for older young people. Joan Bennett, Charles Farrell. From the
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 story "Salomy Jane” by Bret Harte. Direc-
Depends on children Too exciting tion by Raoul Walsh. Fox.
•v A picture to be viewed as pure fiction, and

as such itcan be thoroughly enjoyed. It de-
TOO BUSY TO WORK » »
picts life in the stage coach days, when justice
Will Rogers, Marion Nixon, Frederic Bur-
was meted out to bandits and murderers in
ton, Dick Powell. From a story by Ben
short order. There are beautiful scenes among
Ames Williams. Direction by John Bly-
stone. Fox.
the Big Trees as a background for swift ac-
tion; it is skillfully directed throughout and
The best all-round picture that Will the dialogue adds humor and interest. Those
Rogers has made. The story, sentimental but
acustomed to Joan Bennett in more civilized
pleasant, is a delight, and “Jubilo’s” kindly,
surroundings may doubt her complete transi-
witty philosophy warms the heart. He is a
tion to frontier simplicity, but her delicate
drifting tramp, a returned war veteran who
tries to locate a family which has long since
beauty and charm are inescapable. Eugene
passed out of his life. The sincere presen- Pallette is outstanding, and the minor parts
tation of the character, the deliciously funny are unusually well taken. Too vivid portrayal
situations and natural and amusing dialogue of hangings and killings makes it unsuitable
combine to provide excellent entertainment. for children.
Good Good, but little action Probably good Better not
SHORT SUBJECTS
FLOWERS AND TREES » » Minnie from an Arabian Sheik will delight
A Silly Symphony in color. Produced by the family.
Walter Disney. United Artists. v
An exquisite symphony
of color, sound and WINGS OVER THE ANDES » »
rhythmic action. A
fairy tale of trees and Three reels. Directed and photographed by
flowers. Delightful for any audience. members of the Shippee-Johnson Expedition.
A splendid travelogue taking one by air-
MICKEY IN ARABIA » » plane into a remote country and among un-

A Mickey Mouse Cartoon. Produced by Wal- known people; an adventure no one will care
ter Disney. Columbia. to miss. Educational and fascinating enter-
Mickey in an Oriental setting rescuing tainment.
Principal Distributing Corporation
CHICAGO » » SAN FRANCISCO » »

One of “Great American Cities” series. One One of “Great American Cities” series. One
reel.
reel.
A flight over the city, showing the sky line,
Entertaining views of Civic Center, China-
the loop, University of Chicago, stock yards,
town, Golden Gate, University of California,
new Fair site and other points of interest. etc. Interesting but not comprehensive.
Interesting.
w
DANGERS OF THE ARCTIC » »
WALPI » »
Three and one-half reels photographed by
Earl Rossman.
A short subject of India. One reel.
A very interesting selection of scenes por- Ceremonial dances and song of the Hopi
traying Eskimo life. Educational as well as Indians on the Painted Desert. Color adds
entertaining. beauty to this excellent subject.
)
%
I
MOTION
PICTURE
REVIEWS
THE WOMEN S UNIVERSITY CLUB

NOVEMBER 1932
WEBBCRAFT PRINTERS, 1881 ARLINGTON AVE., LOS ANGELES

;
FEATURE FILMS
4
CABIN IN THE COTTON » » one of selfishness and triviality, with a de-
Richard Barthelmess, Bette Davis, Dorothy pressing background of the collapse of the
Direction by Michael Curtis. stock market. We find no grounds upon which
Jordan. First
to commend this production.
National.
Adolescents, 1 2 to 1 6 Children, 8 to 12
Distinguished by beautiful photography, Unsuitable No
and the luxurious setting of the fertile south- •W
ern cotton country, the problem of poor white
tenants and overbearing ignorant planters, is EVENINGS FOR SALE » »
unfolded slowly and without inspiration. It Herbert Marshall, Mary Boland, Sari Marit-
does not pretend to champion either side, and za. From story by I. A. R. Wylie. Direction
the story is depressing in its presentation of by Stuart Walker. Paramount Publix.
dreary conditions. Barthelmess is not in his
best role as the school boy, the planter’s pro- The theme presents a phase of life in which
tege, divided in his loyalty between his people the breaking of home ties creates a release
and his benefactor. Bette Davis is excellent, from standard conventions. wealthy Amer-A
and Dorothy Jordan convincing. To appre- ican widow goes to Vienna in search of love’s
ciate the theme some understanding of the —
“swan song” a last grasp at romance and —
problem is needed, which limits its interest to the guilelessness of the lady and her final
adults who will find it fair entertainment. recognition of latent values are amusing. It
is sophisticated farce deftly treated, and the
result is fresh, light and pleasant entertain-
Too mature and sad No
ment, but not particularly exceptional.
THE CRASH » » Objectionable Too mature

Ruth Chatterton, Ceorge Brent. Direction
•w
by William Dieterle. Taken from the play, HE LEARNED ABOUT WOMEN » »
“Children of Pleasure,” by Larry Baretto. Stuart Erwin, Alison Skipworth, Susan Flem-
Warner Bros. ing. Directed by Lloyd Corrigan. Para-
Like several recent pictures in which Miss

mount Publix.
Chatterton has starred, “The Crash” is thor- This is an uncommonly diverting and gay
oughly disappointing. The plot is illogical comedy, well conceived, well directed
little
the shallow heroine flits from one man to an- and well acted. The story revolves around a
other and back again with perfect composure young man who inherits an enormous fortune,
and smug self-satisfaction ;
the atmosphere is and upon advice of counsel, steps out from
2
his previous bookish existence to learn about cast. It is particularly unique and interesting
life and love. The course of his education

because of this variation in technique and
furnishes good fun, refreshingly natural dia- the theme, in recognizing the frail ideals of
logue and much laughter for all the rest of mankind, is rather biting satire but thor-
us. The direction, cast and story are delight-
oughly human. It is uneven in production
ful —only the title is unwarranted. as might be expected in so great a range in
treatment. If all the sketches reached the
Adolescents, 1 2 to 1 6 Children, 8 to 1
Yes Yes perfection of two or three, it would have

been a production. There are
remarkable
stories as clever as the best of O. Henry or
De Maupassant ironical, witty, perfect, with
HOT SATURDAY » *
outstanding photography, acting and direc-
Cary Grant. Nancy Carroll. Direction by
tion. We recommend especially “The Ex-
William Seiter. Paramount. plosion,” “The Forger” and “The China
silly as its name, “Hot Saturday”
Almost as Shop.” The motivation of the plot is splen-
the story of a small town girl who is ma-
didly conceived by Norman Taurog, and
is
also the opening sequences of “The Old
ligned by ill natured gossips, cast out by her
Ladies’ Home.” The curtain is certainly a
family and her fiance, and rescued by a play
She totters through blinding rainstorms sop to “Pollyanna,” but the whole is vastly
boy.
entertaining and should have appeal for
and limps on high heels through the woods,
even faints at the feet of her childhood sweet-
many audiences.
Adolescent, 12 to 16 12
heart, but still she is misunderstood. Even if
Children, 8 to
one admires Nancy Carroll’s soft prettiness Probably Good Too Mature
and Cary Grant’s suave conceit, the picture
is hard to accept.
Not recommended No IAM A FUGITIVE FROM

•w THE CHAIN GANG » »
Paul Muni. Direction by Mervyn Le Roy.

IF I HAD A MILLION Based on the book, “I am a Fugitive from a
Based on story by Robert D. Andrews.
Georgia Chain Cang,” purporting to be an
Written for screen by: Claude Binyon,
authentic biography. Warner Bros.
Whitney Bolton, Malcolm Stuart Boyland,
John Bright, Sidney Buchman, Lester Cole, Very definitely bitter propaganda against
Isabel Dawn, Boyce DeGaw, Walter De- glaring injustices in the treatment of chain
Leon, Oliver H. P. Garrett, Harvey Gates, gangs, this is a picture to make one’s blood
Crover Jones, Ernst Lubitsch, Lawton run cold. Paul Muni gives an extraordinary
Mackall, Joseph L. Mankiewicz, William performance in his tragic role and has excel-
Slavens McNutt, Seton I. Miller, Tiffany lent support in the cast. The photography and
Thayer. direction also are remarkably good, but the
THE DIRECTORS: Ernest Lubitsch, Nor- insistence on the crusading intent of the pro-
man Taurog, Stephen Roberts, Norman duction makes the whole an impassioned plea
McLeod, James Cruze, William A. Seiter, for reform rather than entertainment.
H. Bruce Humberstone. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
CAST: Gallagher, Gary Cooper; Violet, No No
Wynne Gibson; Eddie Jackson, George
Raft; the Clerk, Chas. Laughton; John
Clidden, Richard Bennett; Mulligan, Jack
Oakie; Mary Wallace, Frances Dee; Henry THE KID FROM SPAIN » »
Peabody, Charlie Ruggles; Emily, Alison Eddie Cantor, Lyda Roberti. Direction by
Skipworth; Rollo, W. C. Fields; Mrs. Pea-
Leo McCarey. Samuel Coldwyn Production.
body, Mary Boland; O’Brien, Roscoe
United Artists.
Karns; Mrs. Walker, May Robson; John
Wallace, Gene Raymond; Zeb, Lucien Admirers of “The Follies” will not be
Littlefield. disappointed in this elaborate extravaganza:
Had a Million” unusual in theme stunning girls, sophisticated costumes, catchy
“If I is
story of a multi- tunes, gorgeously rhythmic ensembles, and
and treatment. It tells the
a bull fight which is “immense.” Eddie
millionaire who presents $1,000,000 to eight
different individuals unknown personally to
Cantor carries the show with his naughty
but absurd humor. Too bad he is not on the
him, and shows the reaction of each to the
scene all the time.
unexpected fortune. The episodes are by
different writers: they are presented by dif-
ferent directors and each has its own star
Cood Passable
MASK OF FU MANCHU » » is based on a belief in the magic power of

Boris Karloff, Lewis Stone, Karen Morley, a monkey’s paw which will grant three per-
sons three wishes each, although each will
Myrna Loy. Direction by Charles Brabin.
regret the wishes he made. The threat of
M-C-M. this prophecy is fulfilled by gruesome trag-
Undoubtedly there is a contest going on edy, but the producer has weakened the
among Hollywood producers as to who can whole by striving only for effects without
regard for story or consistency. The result
make the most horrible and revolting pic-
ture. So far the award goes to M.G.M. for is hodgepodge
—
“neither fish nor fowl, nor
“The Mask of Fu Manchu.” This picture is good red herring.”
not only unpardonable ghastly but, by em- Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
phasizing cruelty and cunning, it gives an Absolutely not Absolutely not
ignorant and offensive portrayal of Chinese
life and character.
THE PHANTOM OF CRESTWOOD » »
Karen Morley, H. B. Warner, Robert Mc-
No No
Wade. Direction by J. Walter Ruben. R-K-O.
This is a mystery tale which sets a stan-
MEN ARE SUCH FOOLS » »
dard above the average. It has a surpris-
Vivienne Osborne, Leo Carrillo, Earle Foxe. ing list of good actors for one picture, and
Direction by William Nigh. R-K-O. they move through a story which keeps one
in high nerve tension. The old California
Little excuse can be offered for this por-
ranch setting, wild storms, mysterious music,
trayal of a distasteful subject. An ungrate- and shadowy photographic work furnish an
ful and immoral woman accepts the help of
appropriate atmosphere. It will interest be-
a man and is the cause of his imprisonment,
cause of its well developed characters, har-
once for beating her paramour and finally
rowing suspense, and logical if somewhat
for killing him. There is little to be said obvious solution.
for the production either ethically or artistic-
ally. A very slight exaggeration would have
placed it definitely in the class of burlesque.
Questionable ethics, very exciting No
No No PROSPERITY » »
yr
Marie Dresslar, Polly Moran. Direction by
MEN OF AMERICA » »
Sam Wood. M-C-M.
Chic Sale, William Boyd, Dorothy Wilson,
Boisterous slapstick, but clean and whole-
Ralph Ince. Direction by Ralph Ince. R-K-O. some nevertheless, this comedy may be
Gangs are moving West! This time they recommended to all ages. The scene is any
pick their locale in a peaceful little Califor- American small town today, turned hys-
nia Valley. Machine guns sputter and a terical by the thoughtless act of a malicious
full quota of murders is committed before person. Miss Dresslar, acting, president of
this crowd of big city racketeers is brought the bank, carrying on the high principles of
to justice by the town’s leading citizen, Chic her late husband, stems the theatrical run.
Sale, and his vigilantes. It is possibly an It is kindly, human, thoroughly amusing, and
attempt to reveal the rugged American encourages a laugh at the expense of “de-
spirit to be found in a melting pot of Chi- pression.”
nese, Indians and Americans. When the Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
peaceful life of Paradise Valley is threatened Good Good
by gangster methods, its inhabitants rise and
crush the menace. But over emphasis of
i
V
brutality spoils the picture for our taste. RACKETY RAX » :
*
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Victor McLaglen, Greta Nissen, NelJ O'Day,
Not recommended Absolutely not Arthur Pierson. Direction by, Alfred
•w Werker. Fox. I
THE MONKEY S PAW » »

Victor McLaglen, a gangster, seeing his
C. Aubrey Smith, Ivan Simpson, Louise Car- first football game and impressed by 'the
ter. Adapted from the one-act play by W. gate receipts, decides to start a racket in
the game. He buys a bankrupt college, puts
W. Jacobs. Direction by Wesley Ruggles.
his boys on the field and the fun begins. The
R-K-O. humor is broad, and some of it is vulgar.
An unusual and rather remarkable theme It reduces the gangster hero to absurdity'.
has been ruined by its treatment. The story For those who like their9 burlesqued it ii
amusing. However, most people are suffi- logue is also part of the attraction. The
ciently tired gangster pictures to wish
of story tells of the final capture of that arch
that some research be done and the results criminal, Moriarity, and will delight lovers
presented on another phase of life as lived of detective tales.
in these United States. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Good Unsuitable
No No •V
~w
SILVER DOLLAR * »
SCARLET DAWN » »
Edward G. Robinson, Helen McMahon, Bebe
Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Nancy Carroll. Daniels. Direction by Alfred Greene. War-
Adapted from novel by Mary McCall. Direc- ner Bros.
tion by William Dieterle. Warner Bros.
Starting at the time of the founding of
Too bizarre photographic shots and overly Denver, Colorado, this story of pioneer days
pictorial settings show a belabored effort to sketches the dramatic part played by the
catch a fitting Russian atmosphere for a discovery of silver in the life of a fictitious
story of an officer in the Czar’s guards and character, Yates Martin. Probably the model
a peasant servant girl caught in the whirl for Yates Martin is Senator Tabor of Colo-
of revolutions. The sincerity of the cast is rado since the incidents in the story conform
apparent and the love story makes an appeal closely to known incidents in the life of
to the heart in spite of the fact that the plot the senator, and on this account the picture
is melodramatic and fantastic and the whole will have special interest for persons who
uneven in its presentation. are acquainted with this period of political
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 and economic history. Standing on its own
Overemphasis on sordid phases No merits as a screen drama, “Silver Dollar” is
interesting, virile and particularly vivid in
atmospheric details, but falls short in drama-
SECRETS OF THE FRENCH POLICE » » tic value because Edward G. Robinson is
Frank Morgan, Murray Kinnell, Gregory not quite convincing in his role and because,
in an effort to explain the economic signifi-
Ratoff, Gwili Andre. Direction by Edward
cance of the deflation of silver, there is too
Sutherland. Story by Ashton Wolfe. From much dialogue. An overemphasis on the
series of articles appearing in the American vulgar extravagances of the newly rich
Weekly. R-K-O. politicians makes a somewhat one-sided pic-
ture of pioneer life.
A vivid and grotesque picture involving a Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
plot to hypnotise a young Parisian flower girl Mature Very little interest
so that she can the Grand
impersonate •w
Duchess Anastasia. The scene is the castle
of the evil General Maloff, who has con- SPORT PARADE » »
trived a strange method of murdering his Joel McCrea, William Cargan, Walter Cat-
enemies. This is another of the horror lett, Marian Marsh. Direction by Dudley
thrillers, and
while it is developed in a
Murphy. R-K-O.
rather ingenious manner with the fascinat-
ing Gwili Andre as the heroine, it is not The only distinctive part in this picture is
a film which can be recommended except to the uproarious satire on radio broadcasting
those with a taste for the morbid in enter- done to a turn by Robert Benchley. Other-
tainment. wise the plot is a rehash of the much worn
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 theme of athletes going professional and
-
No Impossible then mixing in shady deals. It is reminiscent

'W of “All American” but is too confused in
motives and action to be worth while. The
SHERLOCK HOLMES » » cast is good.
Clive Brook, Miriam Jordan, Ernest Torrence, Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Reginald Owen. Direction by William K.

Better not No
sr
Howard. Fox.
To satisfy the vast following of Sherlock 20,000 YEARS IN SINC SING » »
Holmes an achievement. Clive Brook de-

is Spencer Tracy, Walter Hymer, Bette Davis.
serves great credit for appearing so defin- Direction by Michael Curtiz. First National.
itely in character, and Mr. Howard, for Seen in theatre preview and subject to
building sustained suspense throughout
change.
while adding the thrill of keen satire in
this modernized version. Delightful dia- A dapper and very tough criminal is
—
brought to Sing Sing. His expectations of whose duty it is to supply information to

a favored existence due to his political con- the police but who must work alone and, like
nections are rudely broken when the warden a spy,without recognition from either fac-
informs him that any favors he receives will tion. George Raft plays this part to per-
have to be earned. His somewhat uneven fection, and skillfully makes the most of the
career as a prisoner shows a development many dramatic moments of the plot. His
in character which transcends the swanking quiet restraint gives
significance to each
bravado of his former self, and eventually slight gesture and
carefully spoken line.
leads him to make a brave and thoroughly Though we may deplore the predominance
noble sacrifice. Spencer Tracy imparts to of screen plays dealing with criminals, this
this characterization a gamin-like quality can be recommended to adults at least for
which amuses almost as much his burlesque its dramatic suspense and quality of acting.
of a prisoner in “The Big House.” With him Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12

again is Warren Hymer, though in a less Not advised No
conspicuous part. The theme is fast moving, v
coherent and logically developed.
YOU SAID A MOUTHFUL » »
Interesting Too mature Joe E. Brown, Ginger Rogers. Direction by
v Lloyd Bacon. Warner Bros.
UNDER COVER MAN » » The good natured Mr. Brown gulps and
George Raft, Nancy Carroll, Lew Cody. Di-
wallows his way through surf and seaweed
to win a twenty-mile swimming race and a
rection by James Flood. Paramount. Seen
fiancee. This is absurd nonsense, too long
in theatre preview and subject to change. drawn out perhaps, but delightfully cheerful.
This is not a steoreotyped gangster picture. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
The interest centers in an “under cover man” Yes Yes
FOREIGN FILMS
CITTA ENDECKT IHR HERZ » » ally and dramatically produced with fascin-
(“CITTA DISCOVERS HER HEART”) ating Parisian and Florentine background to
enhance the interest. The interpolated Eng-
Citta Alpar, Gustav Froehlich. Direction by lish dialogue is execrable and takes from
Carl Froehlich. Froehlich Film, Germany. the entertainment value.
A refreshing and charming operetta which
entertains
If it Harmless
is recommended for lovers of light musical
themes. It is a typical romance of this type
—
love at first sight misunderstanding a final —
happy ending. The melodies are tuneful, ZWEI HERZEN UND EIN SCHLAC » »
the cast adequate, and while an understand- (“TWO HEARTS THAT BEAT AS ONE”)
ing of the German language aids greatly
in following the action, it is not absolutely Lilian Harvey, Wolf Albach-Retty. Direc-
essential to enjoyment of the film. tion by Wilhelm Thiele. U-F-A.
The story of this German Operetta con-
Good No objection cerns a young married woman who is in-
•w duced by her worldly aunt to seek adventure
on the stage. The beauty and personality of
THE THEFT OF MONA LISA » » the principals, the charming singing and
Willy Forst, Trude Von Molo. Direction by
dancing have real entertainment value but
the dialogue in a foreign language may seem
Ciza Von Bolvary. A Tobis Super Film Pro-
lengthy to the average American audience.
duction. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
The plot is based on the true story of the Too sophisticated No
theft of the famous painting and is artistic-
SHORT SUBJECTS
COCK EYED ANIMAL WORLD » » accompanying descriptive narrative of life
Four reels. Carveth Wells Production. on a South Sea island. Contains much action,
Principal Distributing Corporation. (Running under water swimming and handling of frail
canoes in the heavy surf of a coral reef.
time 34 minutes.)
Recommended for the family.
A trip from Sydney, Australia, along the sr
South and West coasts, with adventures into
PIANO TOONERS » »
the interior. Very interesting and unusual
A “Tom and Jerry Cartoon.” R-K-O-
pictures of flora, fauna, natives, and the
principle industries. Excellent entertainment. Pathe.
'W A bit of this otherwise
vulgarity mars
HOLLYWOOD, CITY OF CELLULOID » » original and amusing
cartoon on unique
Two Principal Distributing Corpora-
methods of fixing piano keys. Adults.
tion.
reels.
v
Not very interesting sightseeing tour show- PARIS VAGABOND ADVENTURE » »
ing Hollywood and the homes of movie stars. R-K-O-Pathe.
Views of the French capital, evidently not

IMPORTANCE OF SPOKEN ENGLISH » » recent, but interesting. The interpolated
Electrical Research Products.
comments might be improved upon! Family.
-sr
Excellent lesson in correct speaking.
VENICE VAMP » »
ISLES OF DESIRE » A “Tom and Jerry Cartoon." R-K-O-

Three reels. Principal Distributing Corpora- Pathe.
tion.
Syncopated nonsense. Clever and very
Beautifully photographed travelogue with funny traversy on grand opera. Family.
Principal Distributing Corporations
ing narrative dealing with the every day
VIRGIN OF BALI » »
lifeand customs of the natives of Bali. Very
Three reels. Principal Distributing Corpora- well presented with lovely photography and
sustained interest in the fortunes of one par-
tion.
ticular family. More interesting for adults
A delightful travelogue with accompany- than for children.
Walter Disney Productions — United Artists
BUGS IN LOVE » » load of musical instruments up an African
A Silly Symphony cartoon in color. river infested with crocodiles and “hippos.”
Entertaining family picture.
A most delectable Silly Symphony. The
•w
scene is in a dump-pile, where the bugs are
making music on all sorts of discarded junk. THE WHOOPEE PARTY * »
Very good family entertainment. Mickey Mouse Cartoon.

•w Minnie plays the piano, while Mickey runs
TRADER MICKEY » » the whole orchestra, and all the animal
guests as well as the furniture, kitchen
A Mickey Mouse Cartoon.
utensils,and materials for the banquet, dance
Mickey Mouse and his faithful hound merrily. Amusing for the whole family,
emulate Trader Horn and convey a boat- though not one of the best cartoons.
Four Zane Grey Travelogues One Reel Each —
ON THE BLUE PACIFIC » » ISLAND OF LOVE »
The natural beauties of animal and veget- Life on Tahiti —a paradise of beauty.
able life on an island off the coast of Mexico Family.
are presented in delightful fashion. Excellent
for all. PRIMITIVE » »
A modern (Maori)
fascinating picture of a
Robinson Crusoe who emigrates to another
SOUTHERN SEAS » »
island with his wife and babies and starts
A detailed and exceptional portrayal of a new home, having to produce every neces-
lifeon the lonely islands of New Zealand. sity for the venture. Interesting to all and —
Family. especially delightful for children.
MOTION
PICTURE
REVIEWS

DECEMBER 1932
WOMEN’S UNIVERSITY CLUB
WEBBCRAFT PRINTERS .
I3SI ARI INGTON AVE l OS ANGEI ES
MOTION • PICTURE * REVIEWS

LOS ANGELES BRANCH
Mrs. Chester Ommaney, Preview Chairman Mrs. Madison J. Keeney, Bus. Manager
Mrs. George Bauer, Assistant Mrs. Bruce A. Findlay, Asst. Business Manager
EDITORS
Mrs. J. Allen Davis Mrs. Palmer Cook Mrs. Arthur Jones Mrs. F. H. Partridge
Mrs. John Vruwink Mrs. Walter Van Dyke Mrs. Margaret Argo
Vol. Ill DECEMBER, 1932 No. 12
FEATURE FILMS
CALL HER SAVAGE * » and because it attempts to prove the folly
Clara Bow. Monroe Owsley, Gilbert Row. of economic despair. It is too long a pic-
land. Direction by John Francis Dillon. Fox. ture, introducing so many episodes and crises
that the dramatic effect is weakened. The
Clara Bow is the heroine of what might cast inevitably leads to comparison with
be called an old-fashioned melodrama. Given “Cimarron” but it fails to have the epic
a mixture of White and Indian blood boiling significance of that film probably because
in her veins she flames her way through
one feels that this is more of a glorified
every situation known to an experienced news reel than a human narrative. How-
director: wild parties, marriage to a crazed ever, it is very sincere and Ann Harding’s
playboy, poverty, death of her child, street personal charm (especially as the pioneer
walking, finally rest in the arms of Mother woman) and Edna May Oliver’s flair for
Nature and a faithful half-caste sweetheart. comedy make one remember the play in spite
It is an unimportant, cheap portrayal, and
of the distracting elements.
a pathetic exploitation of Clara Bow’s very
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Chldren, 8 to 12
apparent and much publicized charms. Mature Too brutally realistic in
several scenes.
No No
v
THE CONQUERORS » » CYNARA » »
Richard Dix, Anne Harding, Edna May Oli- Ronald Colman, Kay Francis, Phyllis Barry.
ver, Cuy Kibbee. Direction by William Based on the stage play of the same name.
Wellman. Story by Howard Estabrook. Direction by King Vidor. A Samuel Gold-
R.K.O. wyn production. United Artists.
A cross section of an epoch, following par- “I have been faithful to thee Cynara in
ticularly the changes which have occurred in my fashion.” This quotation is the motivat-
the economic structure of our nation from ing stimulus for the problem of whether a
1873 to the present time. Three major de- woman can forgive a man who has been
pressions are portrayed with their effects unfaithful to her but who nevertheless loves
on various members of one family through her devotedly. The play is sincere, charm-
three generations. It is chiefly interesting ing and sympathetic in its interpretation.
because of the historical period covered and Without being clinical, Mr. Vidor has suc-
the effort which has been made toward ceeded in presenting us with a graphic psy-
authenticity in costumes and setting. It is chological study of three people whose in-
stimulating because of the problems involved, stincts lead them into conflict with tradition
and social standards. Technically it is an MAEDCHEN IN UNIFORM » »
harmonious welding of all the elements of Emilia Unda, Dorothea Weick, Hedwig
the modern talking picture. The characteri- Schlichter, Herta Thiele, Ellen Schwannecke.
zations are so well done as to warrant a
Directed by Leontine Sagan. Artistic super-
recommendation for acting merit to each
member of the cast. Mr. Colman’s is especi- vision by Carl Frielich. Dialogue in Cer-
ally noteworthy for its restraint and delicate man. English titles.
shading. The picture has unusual interest
This is a penetrating study of adolescent
for an adult audience.
psychology, direct and simple in presentation,
exquisitely natural in casting. Perhaps un-
No No
familiarity with the actresses creates a
v greater illusion of reality for us in America,
but we do not believe that we have ever seen
FAITHLESS » » a picture in which personality is more sub-
Tallulah Bankhead, Robert Montgomery. servient to the characters portrayed. Here
Direction by Seymour. M.C.M. is perfection of art without exaggeration in
acting, setting or story. It is suggested that
A luxury-loving, selfish girl, losing her it depicts the decline of Prussian disciplinary
money, descends the social ladder, touching educational methods. This we cannot know,
every rung of humiliation and degradation. but it is an amazing picture of girls in board-
The wretched vehicle effectively conceals ing school, of one particularly sensitive in-
any personal charms of the stars. dividual, and of a just but understanding
woman. Whether the school be German or
No No English, French or American, adolescent
v problems seem much the same, and “Maed-
»
chen in Uniform” brings us closer to them.
FLESH »
Wallace Beery, Karen Morley. Direction by
Good but emotional Too mature
John Ford. M.C.M. •w
A simple hearted, kindly German waiter ME AND MY CAL » »
who is also a wrestler in a beer garden be-
Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett. From the
comes champion, and brought to America
is
where he is exploited by unscrupulous story by Barry Conners and Philip Klein.
men and women. The director has created Direction by Raoul Walsh. Fox.
very interesting and Continental atmosphere In spite of the good cast there is nothing
Germany, the people
in the earlier scenes in
praiseworthy about this picture. It is a con-
seem human, and Wallace Beery gives a sin- glomeration of gangsters, low comedy and
cere and lovable portrayal of the credulous vulgar drinking scenes with a confused
and amusing athlete. But under the high scenario. It tells the morbid story of a girl,
pressure of life in America the plot acquires once enamoured of a gangster, who is black-
a more melodramatic cast, professional sport
mailed and terrorized by him when he is
is again shown in a disreputable light, and
released from prison.
the resulting tragedy leaves us sad and dis-
illusioned. The picture is, however, better
No No
than its misleading title leads us to expect.
~w
Not recommended No THE PASSION PLAY » »
w Filmed by Passion Players, Freiburg, Baden.

(Silent film.) Release, the Passion Play
THE HALF NAKED TRUTH » »
Committee, 1576 West Washington Blvd.,
Lee Tracy, Lupe Velez, Eugene Pallette.
Los Angeles, Calif.
Direction by Gregory La Cava. R.K.O.
Views of the Holy Land and a dramatiza-
A trouper in a cheap carnival becomes a tion of the Passion Play as presented by the
Follies’ starthrough the original and absurd German peasant players of Freiburg. It is
publicity of her manager who then super- done with sincerity and reverence. Interest-
sedes her by publicizing another girl in even ing and educational for the family.
more outrageous “stunts.” Lee Tracy as the •w
manager is noisy, reckless, daring, unmoral, PENQUIN POOL MURDER » *
rather funny. It is very light entertainment,
Edna May Oliver, Robert Armstrong, James
not very elevating, but gives perhaps a well
deserved dig at modern publicity methods. Gleason. From novel by Stuart Palmer.
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Direction by Ceorge Archinbaud. R.K.O.

Not recommended No The Aquarium in New York is the scene
)
of a mysterious murder which is solved by STRANGE JUSTICE » »

the persistence of an old maid school teacher, Reginald Denny, Richard Bennett, Marian
Edna May Oliver. The story is one of the
Marsh, Norman Foster, Irving Pichel. Direc-
best of its kind, original in idea, full of
surprises, laughter, novel situations and tion by Victor Schertringer. R.K.O.
thrills, and the speed with which things An
exceedingly melodramatic story of an
happen reminds one at times of “Seven Keys embezzling bank president who is black-
to Baldpate.” James Gleason as a “dyed mailed by his villainous vice-president into
in the wool” detective is the foil for Miss framing an innocent boy for his own faked
Oliver’s dry humor. murder. Whatever
interest the picture can
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 claim is good acting and the nerve
due to
Amusing Too mature wracking suspense of watching an innocent
'W victim almost brought to execution by a chain
of circumstantial evidence.
RENEGADES OF THE WEST * »
Tom Keene, Betty Fellows. Direction by
No No
Albert Shelby Levino. R.K.O.
Tom Keene, with his very likeable per-

sonality, isan ideal cowboy and deserves a
better opportunity than he receives in this TESS OF THE STORM COUNTRY > »
stereotyped melodrama of the Wild West.
Janet Gaynor, Charles Farrell, Claude Cill-
There is a good deal of fighting but it is
too improbable to be really objectionable, ingwater. From story by Grace Miller
and the lines are obvious. But it is hum- White. Direction by Alfred Santell. Fox.
orous and full of action which will appeal
The story is the romance of a sea captain’s
to children.
daughter living in a squatter settlement, and
the son of a rich and tyrannical land-owner.
Fair Exciting
It is old fashioned, pleasantly sentimental
yr
melodrama with a measure of pathos, and
ROCKABYE » * a dash of comedy supplied by a very divert-
Constance Bennett, Paul Lucas, Joel Mc- ing monkey. The Gaynor-Farrell whole-
Crea, Jobyna Howland. Direction by George someness is maintained in this little tale of
the “rough and stony path of true love” with
Cukor. R.K.O.
its happy ending.
A lachrymose and sentimental tale of an Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
actress whose reputation (past and present) Good A little mature
prevents the satisfaction of her maternal in-
stincts by adopting a baby. The story is
curiously hectic, resorting to slapstick of the
custard pie vintage and a continuously
THREE ON A MATCH » »
drunken woman as comedy relief. One is
quite unimpressed by the heroine’s “noble Joan Blondell, Bette Davis, Ann Dvorak,
gesture” of renunciation in the face of defeat. Warren William. Direction by Mervyn Le
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Roy. First National.
By no means No
•w Pare Lorenz in “Vanity Fair” magazine
suggests calling certain pictures “toughies.”
A STRANGE ADVENTURE » »
“Toughies” he says are lively and dramatic
Regis Toomey, June Clyde, Jason Robards. and deal with contemporary life in “no minc-
Direction by Phil Whitman. Allied Pro- ing manner,” but they contain no good writ-
ductions. (Seen in Preview, subject to
ing and have little value artistically. “Three
on a Match” seems to belong in this category.
change.
It is a story of three young women who have
A murder mystery with all the accompany- been little girl chums at school. Meeting
ing “scares,” the only innovation being that accidentally they lunch together and light
the audience is very much present at the their three cigarettes on one match. Hence
murder yet does not see how it happens until the rather obscure title. The plot thereafter
it is later diagramed and shown from an- is developed by following the fortunes of the
other angle by the camera. There is the three through various vicissitudes and the
atmosphere of a mystery thriller, but the plot utter degradation and final suicide of one.
is melodramatic and far fetched and serves The acting and direction are better than the
to provide only a quota of spinal chills. story.
Doubtful No No No
TRAILING THE KILLER » » secondary to the sincere effort of the play to
Caesar the wolf dog, Francis McDonald, show the menace of gigantic boss manipula-
dog owner. Direction by Herman C. Ray- tion of government, and the crime of indif-
ference on the part of the voting public. It
make. World-Wide-Zeidman. Educational
is entertaining and thought provoking. (It
Pictures, Inc.
is not a dramatization of the book with same
A simple story of herding and trapping title.)
with a wolf-dog as the hero. Caesar is Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12

falsely accused of killing sheep and accom- Interesting Mature
plishes his own vindication. He is an ad-
mirable actor and with his mate and puppies
will undoubtedly win his audiences (especi-
ally the juniors). WILD HORSE MESA » »
Randolph Scott, Sally Blane, Lucile La
Interesting Good
Verne, Fred Kohler. From story by Zane
v Grey. Direction by Henry Hathaway. Para-
mount Publix.
WASHINGTON MERRY GO ROUND » »
Lee Tracy, Constance Cummings. Direction Western melodrama with a new twist to
the plot, superb scenery and a competent
by James Cruze. Columbia.
cast to recommend it. The action is swift,
Aglimpse of national politics for the un- retribution certain and the lovers are left
initiated in which Lee Tracy is a newly to “live happy ever after.”
elected congressman who exposes and cleans Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
up a powerful political ring. The thread
Entertaining Good
of romance running through the story is
FOREiCN FILMS
LIEBESWALZER » » MAGIC NIGHT » »
(LOVE WALTZ) Jack Buchanan, Anna Neagle. Direction by

Lilian Harvey, Willy Fritsch, Ceorg Alex- Herbert Wilcox. British and Dominion Film
ander. Direction by Wilhelm Thiele. U.F.A. Corp., Ltd. English dialogue. United Artist
The plot of this German musical comedy release.
is pleasantly entertaining; the cast, delight- A light, romantic operetta with Viennese
ful; and the music, tuneful. The heroine is characters and setting, tells the story of
a princess who falls in love with the wrong lovers parted by the sudden doom of the
person, in this case a rich young American, Great War, and of their reunion years later.
and the audience has the opportunity to ob- British direction, and Cockney humor lessen
serve royalty in the light-hearted pursuit of the illusion of Vienna of the period and while
diversion. the musical score is alluring, the whole is
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 disappointing.
Harmless No interest Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
Passable; not recommended No
LUISE, KOENIGEN VON PREUSSEN » » ZWEI HERTZEN AUF DRE!

(LOUISE, QUEEN OF PRUSSIA) VIERTAL TAKT » »
(TWO HEARTS IN WALTZ TIME)
Henny Porten. From novel “Luise” by Wal- Walter Janneson, Willy Forst, Oscar Katl-
ter von Mold. Directed by Carl Froelich. weiss, Irene Eisenger, Gretl Theimer. Direc-
Associated Cinemas. (Titles in English.) tionby Geza von Bolvary. Lichtspiel Pro-
ductions (in Cerman).
A beautifully produced historical film giv-
ing episodes in the life of Queen Louise of Delightfully romantic comedy based on
Prussia during the Napoleonic era. It car- the idea that musicians must be inspired to
ries a plea for the futility of war. achieve their best. It combines beautiful
Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 music, delicious humor, and an interesting
and unusual plot. It is well worth seeing.
Cood Good but rather tedious Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12
because of German dialogue Good Good
SHORT SUBJECTS
FLAME OF THE PACIFIC » * SANTA’S WORKSHOP » »
Three reels. Producer and Director, Elmer Silly Symphony in color. Walt Disney Pro-
Clifton. Beverly Hills Exchanges. duction. United Artists.
Afantasy of the South Seas, based on the “Santa’s Workshop” deserves to be placed
legend of appeasing the wrath of the spirit in the category with “Peter Pan” something —
of Pelee through human sacrifice. Good that every child should see at Christmas.
photography and interesting details of native It is the personification of the jolliest Santa
life and customs. Family. Claus any child ever imagined, and a record
of rollicking Brownies who hammer and
chisel at as fascinating a bundle of toys as
ever were loaded into a reindeer sleigh.
HOW TO FLY » »
w
Supervisor, Jack Nelson. Air Epics, Inc.
An interesting lesson in flying, demon- TERRORS OF THE AMAZON » »

strating the plane and its use. Family. Three reels. Producer and Director, Elmer
JClifton. Beverly Hills Exchanges.
Well chosenepisodes depicting native

KING NEPTUNE » » family life on the Amazon its pleasures and —
Silly Symphony in color. Walt Disney. dangers. Interesting and educational. Family.
United Artists.
•w
Neptune sendsall the creatures of the sea TRAPPING KENTUCKY

to rescue a mermaid captured by pirates. MOONSHINERS » »
Beautiful color effects, and good music com- Two reels. Supervisor, Jack Nelson. Borden
bine to create an exquisite cartoon. Family.
Picture Co.
An interesting picture of the sparsely set-

tled hills of Kentucky, the Cannel coal mines,
KLONDIKE KID » » and a raid of “revenuers” on a hidden still.
Mickey Mouse Cartoon. Walt Disney. Family.
United Artists. yr
Mickey rescues Minnie from a bandit in TOUCHDOWN * »
the Klondike gold rush. It has more plot Mickey Mouse Cartoon. Walt Disney.
than usual, but not in as good taste as
is we United Artists.
expect from these cartoons. Adults.
Burlesque on football. Entertaining for
all.
w
MICKEY’S REVIEW » » A HOLIDAY SUGGESTION
Mickey Mouse Cartoon. Walt Disney. “Mr. Robinson Crusoe” has at last reached
United Artists. Southern California. What better vacation
treat could a family desire than to be trans-
Mickey leads the orchestra; Minnie dances
with a chorus of strange animals. Ingenious ported by Douglas Fairbanks into this land
and amusing for all. of gay and fanciful romance?
INDEX JULY TO DECEMBER, 1932
FEATURE FILMS )
A Jewell Robbery - _ August

Jungle Mystery, The “ • August
Age of Consent, The _ . August
Air Mail - . _ October
K
AllAmerican _ _ October Kid From Spain, The November
American Madness - . _ July King Murder, The . _ October
A Nous La Liberte . _ _ July Klondike - - - October
Attorney for the Defense " - July
L
B
Lady and Gent - July
Bachelor’s Affairs July Last Mile, The - . _ October
Back Street . _ - August Last of the Mohicans, The _ . August
Beyond the Rockies . . - July Latin Love - - . August
Big Broadcast, The . _ October Life Begins - - - September
Big City Blues - - - September Little Orphan Annie _ October
Bill of Divorcement . . . September Love Is a Racket - . July
Bird of Paradise - - August Love Me Tonight - - September
Blessed Event - . - September
Blonde Venus - - - September M
Blondie of the Follies . - October
Breach of Promise _ _ _ October Madame Racketeer _ August
Bring ’em Back Alive - - July Madison Square Garden _ October
Broadway to Cheyenne - - - September Make Me a Star - _ _ July
Brown at Culver July Man Called Back, The - _ August
Man from Yesterday - _ July
C Mask of Fu Manchu _ _ November
Me and My Gal - _ December
Cabin in the Cotton _ _ November Men Are Such Fools _ November
Call Her Savage . - - December Men of America - _ - November
Chandu, the Magician - - September Million Dollar Legs _ August
Congorilla - - August Miss Pinkerton - . _
-
July
Congress Dances - - July Mister Robinson Crusoe - _ September
The Conquerors . - December Monkey’s Paw, The . _ November
Crash, The - - - November Most Dangerous Game, The - _ September
Crooner, The . - . August Movie Crazy - - - . - October
Cynara - December My Pal the King - - July
D Mystery Ranch - - - - July
Dark Horse, The _ _ _ July

N
Devil and the Deep - - - September New Morals for Old _ . July
Divorce in the Family - - September Night of June 13th, The - - September
Downstairs _ - - August
Down to Earth - July 0
Dr. X " August
Okay America - _ September
E Old Dark House, The - - July
Once in a Lifetime - _ September
Evenings for Sale November One Way Passage _ - September
Exposure - September
p
F
Pack Up Your Troubles October
Faithless - December Painted Woman, The - - September
False Justice - - - December Parisian Romance, A - - September
First Year, The - - August Passion Play, The - - December
Flesh - _ _ December Passport to Hell - - - September
For Glory and a Girl (Reviewed as “Huddle”) June Payment Deferred - - October
C Penquin Pool Murder _ _ December
Phantom of Crestwood _ . November
Golden West, The _ _ _ October Phantom President, The _ _ October
Guilty as Hell August Prosperity - - ' - - - November
Purchase Price, The ” August
H
R
Half Naked Truth _ _ _ December
Hat Check Girl . - - September Rackety Rax - November
He Learned About Women _ _ - November Rain - - - September
Hell’s Highway - - - September Rebecca of Sunnybrock Farm - - July
Heritage of the Desert - - October Red Dust - - - October
Hold ’em Jail - - August Red Headed Woman _ _ July
Horse Feathers - - August Renegades of the West - - December
Hot Saturday " " November Roar of the Dragon, The - - July
Rockabye - * “ December
i
s
I Am a Fugitive From the Chain Gang November
If I Had a Million . - _ November Scarlet Dawn - November
Igloo - - . August Secrets of the French Police - . November
Is My Face Red - - - July 70,000 Witnesses - - - September
Strange Adventure _ - December

Sport Parade - - - November SHORT SUBJECTS
Sherlock Holmes - - - November
Silver Dollar - - - November Engineer’s Daughter, The - -
- July
Sinners in the Sun - July
Six Hours to Live - - - October Golf Chump, The - - July
Skyscraper Souls - - - August How to Fly - - - December
Smilin’ Through - - - October Importance of Spoken English - - November
Speak Easily - - - - - September
Strange Interlude - - July Mad King, The - - - - - July
Strange Justice - - - December Magic Carpet Series - - July
Stranger in Town - - August
( ) With the Foreign Legion
1
Strangers of the Evening - - July
Street of Women, The - - July (2) Over the Yukon Trail
Successful Calamity, A July (3) The World at Prayer
T Trapping Kentucky Moonshiners - - December

Mickey Mouse Cartoons
Tess of the Storm Country December
Thirteen Women - - - October Klondike Kid - - December
Those We Love - _ - October Mickey in Arabia - - October
Three on a Match - - December Mickey’s Review - - December
Thunder Below - -July
Tiger Shark - - - - - October Touchdown Mickey - - December
Too Busy to Work - - October Trader Mickey - - November
Trailing the Killer - - December Whoopee Party, The - - November
Trouble in Paradise - - October
Twenty-six Martyrs of Japan - - July Pathe Audio Review No. 12 - September
20,000 Years in Sing Sing - - November
Two Against the World " September Piano Tooners - - - November
u Romance Sentimentale - - August

Silly Symphony Cartoons
Unashamed - - - July
Man - - November Bugs in Love - - November
Under Cover
Flowers and Trees - - October
V King Neptune - - December
Venice Vamp - - - _ _ November Santa’s Workshop - - December
What Price Gloria - - September
Travelogues
w Chicago - - - - - - October
War Correspondent October Cock Eyed Animal World - - November

Washington Masquerade - - July Dangers of the Arctic - - October
Washington Merry Go Round - - December Dream World - - July
Week Ends Only - - - July
What Price Hollywood - - Flame of the Pacific - - December
July
White Zombie - - - - - September Forgotten Island - - - July
Wild Girl - . - October Hold that Lion - - August
Wild Horse Mesa _ - December
Winner Take All - - - - July Hollywood, City of Celluloid - - -November
Island of Love - - November
Y
You Said a Mouthful ... November
Isles of Desire
Man Eater
-
-
- - -
-
-
-
-
November
August
August
Nuri -
FOREIGN FILMS On the Blue Pacific - - November

Emil und die Deketive - - October Paris Vagabond Adventure - - November
(Emil and the Detective) Primitive - - - November
San Francisco - - October
Gitta-Endeckt Ihr Herz - - November
Satan’s Playground - - September
(Gitta Discovers Her Heart)
Southern Seas - - November
House Death
of - - - October
Terrors of the Amazon - - December
Liebeswalzer (Love Waltz) - - December - - November
Virgin of Bali
Liebe 1st Liebe (Love Is Love) - - October Walpi - - - October
Luise, Koeniger on Preussen - December Wings Over Andes the - - October
(Louise, Queen of Prussia)
Walpurgis Night - - September
Maedchen in Uniform - - December
Magic Night - October and December
Opera Ball - - - July
Theft of Mona The
Lisa, - - November
Zwei Hertzen in Viertal Takt - - December
(Two Hearts in Waltz Time)
Zwei Herzen und Ein Schlag - November
(Two Hearts That Beat As One)
Scanned from the collection of
Margaret Herrick Library

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences
Coordinated by the
Media History Digital Library
www.mediahistoryproject.org
Funded by a donation from

University of South Carolina Libraries and
College of Arts and Sciences

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Motion Picture Reviews (1932)

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MOTION PICTURE

WOMEN’S UNIVKSI17 CLUB

Vol. Ill 1932

THEWOMEN'S UNIVERSITY CLUB

Telephone DRexel 2177

WEBBCRAFT PRINTERS. 1051 ARLINGTON AVE , LOS ANGELES

MOTION • PICTURE • REVIEWS

Mrs. John Vruwink )

CORSAIR » » chilling moments, and in the working out of

enough to disguise its stupidity and not con- EMMA » »

the picture seems unreal and arouses little Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12

Harmless Little interest

Winnie Lightner, Charles Butterworth.

Barrymore, Lewis Stone. Direction by Better not No interest

George Fitzmaurice. M.G.M.

Very unsuitable No e-to

mer production but has indeed more charm 0-9

Louise Dresser, Minna Gombel, Jobyna Direction by William de Mille. Para-

Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12 Slim Summerville, Zazu Pitts, Cora Sue

THE WOMAN FROM MONTE CARLO » » WORKING GIRLS » »

Santa Barbara Sea Scouts. Direction by Direction by Ben Stoloff. Universal

Grantland Rice Sportlight. R.K.O.- 0-9

THEWOMEN’S UNIVERSITY CLUB

Telephone DRexel 2177

WEB9CRA FT PRINTERS. 1851 ARLINGTON AVE.. LOS ANGELES

MOTION • PICTURE • REVIEWS

Mrs. John Vruwink ) .

This screen play taken from “The Pluto-

solution which we are led to believe pro- HIGH PRESSURE » »

vides a happier life for all concerned. Old

George O’Brien, Victor McLaglen, Con- C'f-O

chita Montenegro, Linda Watkins. From

Edward G. Robinson, Loretta Young. Adolescents, 12 to 16 Children, 8 to 12

Direction by William Wellman. Warner Good Harmless

Six Motion Picture Reviews

Good Very exciting

strikes the keynote of Rostand’s belief, “Good-

This film presents the predicament of a

Eight Motion Picture Reviews

is acceptable as a heroine. Not recommended No

Ruth Chatterton, Paul Lukas, Robert

the station, types such as one sees always in Excellent Good

Educational Pictures, Inc. Grantland Rice Sportlight. R. K. O.-

Vagabond Adventure. A “wanderlust” picture.

THE LAST DANCE » » "Happy Hunting Grounds" 8 8

In this Aesop Fable, good music and a Ward Laselle.

0-3 Ray Cooke, Dorothy Dix, Franklin Pang-

"City of Faith" » 8 Aesop Fable. R.K.O.-Pathe.

"Boston Common" 8 8 Grantland Rice Sportlight.

THEWOMEN’S UNIVERSITY CLUB

WEBBCR AFT PRINTERS, 1S5I ARLINGTON AVE LOS ANGELES

Motion Picture Reviews Three

Vol. Ill MARCH, 1932 No. 3

Motion Picture Reviews Five

not only for children’s recreation, but also to CORRECTION

ALIAS THE DOCTOR « « CARNIVAL BOAT « «

in the leading role will enlist the sympathy Adolescents, 1 2 to 16 Children, 8 to 1

and admiration of the audience. Good Exciting

Joe Brown, Evalyn Knapp, Lilian

Six Motion Picture Reviews

Adolescent's, 1 2 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 2 Adolescents, 1 2 to 16 Children, 8 to 1 2

FREAKS « « LOST SQUADRON « «

Direction by Christy Cabanne. Tiffany. Passable No

Motion Picture Reviews Seven