CINEMA
THE HONGKONG TER APH FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1933.
SHOTS
"THE SQUEAKER" AVERY
UNINSPIRING FILM.
LIFELESS TRANSFERENCE OF THRILLER TO SCREEN
RICH COMEDY AT THE QUEEN'S
IT'S those American films that's criminal. Apart from these fow the trouble! If we hadn't been points the picture proceeds on, per- educated to understand and enjoy fectly normal lines and honestly their enterprising productions, you can get a laugh hero and there players who can act and talk at the from Gordon Harker. same time with equal success, photo-
.
AND
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"SEQUENCES"
L
am not going to comment on the content of this story, but it is one which should make the people who are. Jealous for the honour of the British, flm Industry do somo hard thinking. There is not a firm Eng Inad which can afford to say, "V don't make pictures of that sort." Maybe that is true, but are the ple- tures that they are making actually so very much better? Do they give ́an'idea of a nation that is any, less artificial, if it is less nordid? Are their films Foteligent enough
cnough, sincere
onough and
to
offset the bad Impression made by stories of this kind on nudiences of mixed race, culturo and colour throughout the English-speaking world?
IT is still true to say that the Amerk can "Cavalcado" is the only real British film to date. Soveral others have had nice glimpses of the Eng lish countryside, but they haven't got beyond the adventitious to the
American fllins are alive because they
CINEMA REVIEW
BY "CELLULOID"
Roscoe Karns, Roland Young. Alison Skipworth, Sarl Maritan 'and Kent Taylog who land tha fun-in Paramount's "A Lady's Profassion”
at the Queen's Theatre...
few years ago Alfred Hitchcock THE nows that the film trade and real bone and blood of the people. Aafked of making a film of Derby the Commission on Educational
graphers with an eye to artistic is not an attempt to "get expression, film editors with an apat" British films, but frankly. preciation of the rhythm of cutting this production does nothing to and directors with Imagination and enhance the reputation of the home.
Frank Morgan, Gwill Andre and John Warburton, in a scene from wit, The Squeaker, which is now industry. The main trouble is that
“Secrets of the French Police" which is now showing at the Central showing at the King's Theatre, Edgar, Wallace directed It. Ho
Theatre.. would have been quite an entertain made a first rate thriller in book ing picture! Alas! Beverley Hilla form, but he demonstrates by this greatest thriller novelist of our uge, present high standard of Gaumont spring hot-and-hot from the national Day. Nothing more has over been and Cultural Films have come to an British pictures will be considerably has progressdi far beyond the late picture that he had no qualities au
temper. They reflect the times like heard of it, and the subject still stands agreement to start a Film Instituto, improved on.
means that an experiment which has a nowsbudget. That is the only way open for some enterprising producer been much talked of during the past Edgar Wallace's Ideas of cinemato- a director and instead of assisting "MARRY ME" which comes to the
King's on Sunday, is a
Ain of
to make pictures. It is something we aa one of the most exciting narrative ver graphy, which, from my point of in pulling the picture together, his
British MARRY ̧Mo” has two outstanding have still to learn. view, wan just too bad as far as the painfully slow,, unintelligent met particular interest to the
pictures of contemporary life. The year is now to be advantages. William Thiele,
scenario of this year's Derby practical will spring up is not, like most of the of body which operation. The Into immediate entertainment to be derived from thods of expression only retard the Producing Industry, because it re-
clear-cut way presents in a
ther na I have said, is the director, and
ly writes itself. The great rolay race Cotal film institutes, a Stato- The Squeaker was concerned. production. The film is a series strength and limitations of the present secondly, the music by the tram not arguing now that our pro- exciting than any finish of an Amo- official institute, in which the film
of Thrapston and Hyperion is more
organisation, but a non- of chapters, which close as obvious-go-ahead policy of Gaumont-British, is about the most tuncful light music we have heard in any pletures this ly na though it were the book itself
ducers should send camera-men all rican racing picture, where the villain trade, education, and the general pub THE plcture is nothing but being projected on THE
the screen.WHEN the Gaumont-British Cor-year. But one of the existing limita- over the country making one-reelers ard
arders the horse to be pulled, the Ilic Interested in good films will parti coll print. It doesn't bonst There is no coherence, and a com- poration announced their productions of Gaumont-British in these of agricultural shows and sheep-dog faithful stable-lad cuts through the cipate on equal terms. Possibly the drama of the stage play plete inck of continuity. The ing alliance with the great German story is definitely weak; the scenarlo towns, though there is no renson in itscif free of the leather and wins by ment has not seen its way to take "musicais" is very noticeable. The trials and market-days in country reins, and the noble horse shakes will be regrotted that the Govern- or the scintillating phraseology actors, setting themselves down to Company Ufa, there was naturally a of the novel. Just cold, cold the tempo, produce their line and fear that such productions would carry an attempt has been made to turn out, ment films based on the real interests obviously dramatic, but full of pos- advantages in flexibility and inltin-
is little hotter. It would appear that th
the world why they should not. What a short head. But there are other some responsibility for the new in
want to see British "entertain stories in English raclag, not so stitute; but there are compensating print. Actionless, disconnected, make the old, old gestures in a
a Teutonic rather than a definitely
cor in the factory, an all-British counter me British imprint. This fear, to a car. ker was one of Edgar Wallace's disinterested manner. best selllors;
Sunje," which, with all its virtues, was great film which Thiele made with mind a bit if the films are built up in nsa stage play it was quite thrilling and
obviously cast in the German mould. Lilian Harvey and Henry Garat. The the studio. That is what studios are of wit; as a screen product it is CORDON Harker has sufficient But, as the alliance has shaken down three incredible boys (not from a for. But the bars of them must be Just too bad. The players give us personality and an indepond- into working order, less and less has petrol station) round whom the thin living and urgent, and must come hot practical demonstrations of the first ence and originality in his acting the German element predominated, plot pivots, all lack the magnetic from the world outside.
personlity which actors like Henry three lessons in the primary text to make something worth while of until in "Marry Me," which is directed Carat can bring to this sort of
banal.
As a novel The Sques- mournful, uninspired and totalstain extent, was realised by "Sunshine part to Le Chemin du Paradis, the and dramas of British life. I don't ; sibilities for the Alm producer. Thera tive which will be of particular value
full
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make the lesson complete, a few act like pawns in the hands of an pointers on "How Not To Act".Inexperienced and unconfident Да Indeed they. wore. The photographer illustrates to a player, remarkable degree of conviction, Nelther Percy Marmont, nor Ann
by one of the of the many Gerninn directors, William Thiele, it is impossible to detect anything but a British influence.
THIS
*
same
*
Brown
is the epic story of Brown Jack, nina years old and still winning. Jack is as much a symbol of sentimient to Engish people to-day as his literary forerunner, Black Beauty, was to the English people of the last generation. Why shouldn't we make him the hero of a film?
to
how boring, how dreary and how Groy succeed in rlaing above the holding of the national balance chang spontaneity which was favourite, Rodosto, a few days before trained to see drama in the things, scientifle, or social purposes.
is a remarkable tribute to Michael
❤
60
human ken.
some
'cen.
a now organisation during itm formative period.
on the field which the British Film. Institute will have to till is as vast as it is unexplored. Apart from the regular trade channels of dis- the WH
WHAT, for instance, could be more exciting as the basis for a film
tribution, no machinery at present paper way, George Robes has few real story than the events which led up to
exists for viewing, criticising, cir- opportunities of developing his un Hyperion's win last Wednesday on
culating, or advertising the increasing Renate Stuller personality. Even Epsom Downs? The faming of the THE ordinary man or woman is not number of time that are being pro- duced for industrial, religious, educa- univiting can be a succession of cinematic shortcomings of the film, Balcon, who not only aude In the Lime seems clear that in his first English mysterious shortening of the odds on be acquired, just as an artist learnt which they are lost to
in Sunshine Susie. the race, the last-minute finding of a that are going on about him. Drama Documentary films are made, shown, It mount for Steve Donoghue, thetic perception is a faculty that has to and often relegated to limbo in straight shots. The cutter con- but tend to accentuate them. Erle production which is made film Thiele
was given uncertain Tuppence; the clean start, with Steve to see shades and forms in an object vinces us beyond measure how Maturin is entirely unsuited to his Grove, or the Gainsborough Studios material, and all his art of direction on Thrapston leaping into the lead, that are indistinguishable to a lay. There in obvious need for
these forummented media cinematically ugly and stilted can journalist who finally obtains the in England, but who also, with Robert difficulties.
the pace for his stable com- man. When you or I walk through tral: agency which can form a per series of equal length shots "scoop" for his paper, clothes his Neubabelsberg, equally superintendsHE delicious sang froid of the radio to the grand strategic pro- suburbs on a crisp autumn afternoon, to discharge.
Stevenson as his sole benchman
the seventy-two-year-old St. James's Park on a fine spring nanent cellection of films that pos without even the rellef or variety performance in a sense of reality. Neu
Ill at Newmarket, listening on morning, or take a 'bus out into the terity will wish to see, and this fune tion the British Film Institute intenda of a fade out. The action (sic) and oven manages to make one be the faint Gaumont-British Ufn pro-
ductions there. It is only through blooded financial schemer makes Weston's
Allison Skipworth as
п blue gress of his two horses; Tommy we are not consciously aware of
grent shout to his fellow dra
drama. But the drama is implicit in (n) who the Squeaker is (b) who ever, this is one the most dis-mcult (because во widespread) Captain Leslie really is (c) who he appointing pictures seen here for a schento or production has been Profession, the current Queen's beneath him, "Out of the way, Stevel round us, and a godd scenario-writer go for information about flims; a will oventually marry (d) the man long time and is not a testimonial successful. There are indientions also Theatre attraction. She is a Lady and Donoghue's“ who will, and does, kill the nasty to the undoubted genius of the that, in the immediate future, the Bonnoll, who in partnership with perion, the midget the laser trou "laxlest threo, her brother, Lord Reginald Withers your-old in England," to gallon home (played with rare comedy point by in record time to victory. Roland Young) goes to America for some of the easy money which she has heard is floating around there. To the lady's horror, Re- xinak takes over 21. speak-ensy rigged op as a stable, and there la an amusing interlude when the pair. pooh-pooh the place to a man whom they think is a detective, but who. really wanted to buy it.
reveals to us in the first 500 feet love in him. On the whole, how-icon's generalship that this very merry entertainment in A Lady's Jockey na Hyperian' gathered, pace the place and the day and the neoplo AT present no one knows where to
WRIGHT'S COAL TAR SOAP
MISSING LINE
"LIMERICK” COMPETITION
3-PRIZES
AWARDED EACH WEEK
3
FOR WHAT ARE ADJUDU. D TO BE THE THREE BEST WINNING LINES.
The Prizes Consist of
KODAK HAWK-EYE BOX CAMERAS
KENT'S SHAVING BRUSHES
LADIES' HANDBAGS.
FILL IN THE LAST LINES
and address your entries (accompanied by a wrapper of Wright's Coal Tar Soap).
to-
THE COMPETITION EDITOR.
GILMAN & CO., Ltd.
Entries must be received not later than TUESDAY July 11th...
When you wake on the Peak in *
the morn: With the fog you will not feel forlorn,
"WRIGHT'S"
If you reach for your
You will know the delighte
NOM DE PLUME-
.............
NAME & ADDRESS-~(Noi for publication)
HONGKONG.
With water restrictions and heat,
Life isn't so much of a treat;
If it were not for "WRIGHT'S"
And a few heelle nights,
The decision of Gilman & Co., Ltd. must be accepted as final.
AD
*
OLLOWING some crisp satire on the benevolence of bootleg. gers-whoare outraged at the coming repeal of the Prohibition Act and plead pitifully for their starving wives and mothers—our opportunists dismantle the stable and turn it into a respectable club, liquor being barred. The bootleg. ger chief, however, gets his back by filing the ginger ale bottles with champagne, and it is in spirit of alcoholic hilarity that the original would-be-buyer does fact take over the entire concern- just in time to be raided by the police. However, Lady Bonnell and Reginald have got theirs, so what matters?
*
OWN
in
THE entertainment is mainly a matter of sparkling character- isation, novel comedy situations and polished dialoguz, burnished here and there with a touch of simple romance from Lady Bonnell's niece and her wealthy American boy friend. It is put over with divert- Ing zest by all concerned, and in addition to the sparkling work of Alison Skipworth and Roland Young, there are some hilarious Interpolations from such sensoned comedians
Warren RS
Hymer, Roscoe Karns and George Barbier, the latter especially scoring as a choleric American magnate who is the chlof victim of Lady Bonnell's aristocratic acidities.
+
MORE wisdom from the pen of
that very
discerning critic, C.A. Lejeune, and if I may be permitted to make the reminder, it' supports very largely my conten- tions expressed in these columns nearly a year ago. This is what the eminent Observer film critic writes:
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give, suppressing only the name of the slim, which I do not wish to advertise, the following extract from a trade paper announcing « new Drl- lsh production.
will be one of the most important films turned out in Eng. land this year. The settings and backgrounds will be spectacular, the scono changing from, night club no quences and hilarious cocktail parties to the vivid and dramatic ėlimaxi the trial of the girl at the Old Bailey, for a murder which the connot -ro- member having committed at a vicious | drinking · party,"
out and should, pick out of it school, a settlement, a liner, a club, motives enough to make a million a church, or a film society-all in Londoners homesick in every part of their own way want help and advice, the earth,
(Continued on Page 9.)
الناصر
QUEEN'S
HONG KONG'S PREMIER THEATRE
SCIENTIFICALLY REFRIGERATED
The Management of the Queen's Theatre takes pleasure in announcing that the theatre is now equipped with Messrs York Shipley's most up-to-date.
AIR-CONDITIONING PLANT
The Theatre is now COOL
The Theatre is now AIR-CONDITIONED
The TEMPERATURE and the HUMIDITY
are CONTROLLED for your PERFECT COMFORT
C
TO-DAY
OOL
LEAN
We assure you of
ONDITIONED
AIR
and for your better entertainment
A LADY'S PROFESSION"
with ALISON SKIPWORTH, KOLAND YOUNG, SARI MARITZA
SUNDAY METRO'S VARIETY PROGRAMME
SHORTLY
TWO HOURS OF FUN AND BURLESQUE. “HELL BELOW.
ROBERT MONTGOMERY, MADGE BVANBA JIMMY DU
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