1933-06-30 — Page 19

CINEMA

SHOTS

AND

"THE SQUEAKER" AVERY UNINSPIRING FILM

LIFELESS TRANSFERENCE OF THRILLER TO SCREEN

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JUNE

"SEQUENCES"

am not going to comment on the content of this story, but it in one which should make the people who ara Jealous for the honour of the British Alm Industry do some hard thinking. There is not a firm in Eng- land which can afford to say. "We don't make pictures of that sort." Maybe that is true, but are the pic- tures that they are making actually so very much better? Do they give nan iden of a nation that is any loss artificial, if. It is less sordid? Are their films good enough, sincero enough and Intelligent enough to offset the bad impression made by stories of this kind on audiences of mixed race, culture and colour. throughout the English-speaking world 7

RICH COMEDY AT THE QUEEN'S IT'S those American films that's (criminal. Apart from these few the trouble! If we hadn't been points the picture proceeds on per- educated to understand and enjoy feetly normal lines and honestly their enterprising productions, you can get a laugh here and there players who can act and talk at the from Gordon Harker. same time with equal success, photo- graphers with an eye to artistic THIS is not an attempt to "get expression, film editors with an ap- at" British Alme, but frankly preciation of the rhythm of cutting this production does nothing to and directors with imagination and enhance the reputation of the home wit, The Squeaker, which is now industry. The main trouble is that showing at the King's Theatre, Edgar Wallace directed it. Ho would have been quite an entertain-made ʼn first rate thriller in book ing picture! Alas! Beverley Hills form, but he demonstrates by this greatest thriller novelist of our age. present high standard of Gaumont British pictures will be considerably

Frank Morgan, Gwili Andre and John Warburton, in a scene from "Secrets of the French Police" which is now, showing at the Central Theatre.

車

has progressed far beyond the late picture that he had no qualities as “ARRY ME" which comes to the improved on.

of

print.

presents. In

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CINEMA REVI

"CELLULOID"

Roscoe Karos, Roland Young, Alison Skipworth; Sarl Maritza and Kent Taylor who lead the fun in Paramount's “A Lady's Profession": at the Queen's Theatre,

cold print. it doesn't boast There is no coherence, and a com VIIEN the Gaumont-British Cor. year. But one of the existing limita-over the country making one-reelers orders the horse to be pulled, theile interested in good films:

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in the factory, an all-British counter- great film which Thicle made with mind a bit if the films are built up in is the eple story of Brown Jack, nine

the studio. That is what studios are years old and still winning. Brown for three incredible boys (not from " !

a new organisation during its formativo period.

is still truo to say that the Ameri ean "Cavalcade" is the only real British film to date. Several others have had nice glimpses of the Eng. lish countryside, but they haven't got beyond the adventitious to the

few years ago Alfred Hitchcock THE news that tho Alm trade and real bone and blood of the people.

talkod of making a film of Derby the Commission on Educațional American films are alive because they spring hot-and-hot from the national Day. Nothing more has ever bean and Cultural Films have come to an temper. They reflect the times like heard of it, and the subject still stands means that an experiment which has lagreement to stari a Film Institute, a newsbudget. That is the only way open for some enterprising producer been much talked of during the past Edgar Wallace's idens of cinemato la director and instead of assisting

to make pictures. It in something we as one of the most exciting narrative year is now to be put into immedinta on Sunday, is n film of

pictures of contemporary life. The operation. The kind of body which graphy, which, from my point of jin pulling the picture together, his

advantages, William Thiele,.

scenario of this year's Derby practical will spring up is not, like most of the view, was just too bad as far as the painfully slow, unintelligent mot particular interest to the British "MARRY Me" has two outstanding have still to learn.

clear-cut way the as I have paid, is the director, and

ly writes itself. The great relay race Continental, him institutes, a State- entertainment to be derived from thods of expression only retard the Producing Industry, because it res

of Thrapston and Hyperion is more controlled organisation, but a non- The Squeaker was concerned. production. The film is a series strength and limitations of the present secondly, the music by Michael Krausz

am not arguing now that our pro- exciting than any finish of an Ame-official instituto, in which the film of chapters, which close as obvious-go-ahead volley of Gaumont-British is about the most tuneful light music

we have hoofd in any pictures this ducers should send camera-men all rican racing picture, where the villain trad

trade, education, and the general pub- parti THE picture is nothing but as though it were the book itself being projected on the screen.

Wporation announced their produc-musicals" is very noticeable.

tions of Gaumont-British in these of agricultural shows and sheep-dog faithful stable-lad cuts through the cipato on equat terms. Possibly, it The trials and market-days in country reins, and the noble horse shakes will bo regretted that the Govern- the drama of the stage play plete lack of continuity, The ing alliance with the great German

stury is definitely weak; the scenario towns, though or the scintillating phraseology actors, setting themselves down to Company Ufs, there was naturally a

they should not. What a short herd. But there are other sono responsibility for the now. In the novel. Just cold, cold (the tempo, produce their line and fear that such productions would carry/is little botter. It would appear that the world where is no reason in itself free of the leather and wins by ment has not seen its way to take ely an attempt has been made to turn out, ent films based on the real interests obviously dramatic, but full of pos- advantages in flexibility and initia- want is to see British "entertain-stories in English racing, not so stitute; but are compensating. n Teutonic rather than a definitely Actionless, disconnected, banal. As a novel The Squea-make the old, old gestures in British imprint. This fear, to a part to Le Chemin du Paradis, the and dramas of British life. I don't aibilities for the film producer. Thers tive which will be of particular value.

mournful, uninspired and totally

tala

"Sunshine Wallace's

extent, was realised by ker was one of Edgar

disinterested manner.

Susie," which, with all its virtues, wan obviously cast in the German mould. Lilian Harvey and Henry Garat. The for. But the bass of them must be Jack is as much a symbol of sentiment | best sellers; as a stage play and fall it was quite thrilling

alliance the

has slinken down ORDON Harker has sufficient But, na of wit; as a screen product it is

personality and an Indepand-Into working order, leas und less hus petrol station) round whom the thin living and urgent, and must come hot to English people to-day as his literary FOR the field which tho Beltish Film forerunner, Black Beauty, was to the F Instituto will have to till in as just too bad. The players give us

English people of the last generation-vast as it is unexplored. Apart from practical demonstrations of the first once and originality in his acting the German element predominated, plot pivots, all lack the magnetle from the world outside.

Garat can bring to this sort of

Why shouldn't we make him the hero the regular trade channels of dis- three lessons in the primary text to make something worth while of until in "Marry Me," which is directed personlity which actors like Henry book on "How to Act", and, to his part, but the rest of the cast be one of the best of the net romantic-fantastic picture. In the WHAT, for instance, could be more hy hou

German directors, William Thiele, same way, George Robey has fow renl

tribution, no machinery at present exciting as the basis for a flm few act like pawns in the hands of an is impossible to detect anything it a

exlets for viewing, criticising, cir un-story than the events which led up to make the leason complete, a

opportunitien of developing his and unconfident British, Influence.

culating, or advertising the increasing deniably comie film personality. Even Hyperion's win last Wednesday on pointers on "How Not To Act". inexperienced-

ភម Indeed they were.

Renate Muller has not the Epsom Downs? The lanting of the THE ordinary man or woman is not number of sims that are being pro The photographer illustrates to a player,

favourite, Rodosto, a few days before Temarkable degree of conviction. Neither Percy Marmont, nor AnnHIS holding of the notional balance charming spontaneity which was 50 the race, the last-minute finding of n that are going on about him. Drama- tional selentific, ar social purpoaus.

trained to see drama in the things duced for industrial, religious, educa how boring, how dreary and how Grey succeed in rising above the Is a remarkable tribute to Michael noticeable in Sunshine Susic,

Documentary films are made, shown, mount for Steve Donoghue, the tie perception is a faculty that has to and often relegated to a

limbo univiting can be a succession of cinematic shortcomings of the film, Balcon, who not only supervisek every seems clear that in his first English mou vincos us beyond measure how Maturin is entirely unsuited to his Grove, or the Gainsborough Studios i material, and all his art of directioni Tuppence; the clean start, with Steve to see shades and forms in an objecs; There is obvious need for some con- straight shots. The cutter con-but tend to accentuate them. Eric production which is made in the Lime atm. Thielewas given uncertain mysterious shortening of the odds-on be nequired, just as an artist learns ich they are lost to. human ken.. mathematically correct, but how part, whereas Nigel Bruce, as the or the associated producing companies Į cannot overcome these fundamental on Thrapston leaping into the load, that are indistinguishable to a latrol agency which can form" a per- making the pace for his stable comman. When you or I walk through manent collection of films that pos as his sole benchman at

panion; 'the

old St. James's Park on a Buvonty-two-year-old cinematically ugly and stilted can journalist who finally obtains the in England, but who also, with Robert dieulties.

fino spring ginosaties of equal length shots "scoop" for his paper, clothes his Neuenbelsberg, equally, superintends THE delicious sang froid of trainer, i at Newmarket, listening on morning, or take a 'bus out into the tion the British Film Institute intends

terity. will wish to see, and this func-.. T without even the relief or variety performance in a senso of reality Ne

Allson Skipworth as a blue the radio to the grand strategic pro-suburbs on a crisp autumn afternoon, to discharge, It is only through ductions there," of a fade out. The action (sic) and even manages to make one be the joint Caumont-British Ufa pro-

not consciously aware of reveals to us in the first 500 feet lieve in him. On the whole, how- Balcon's generalship that this very blooded financial schemer makes Weston's great about to his follow drania. But the drama is implicit in

widespread merry entertainment in A Lady's jockey as Hyperion gathered: pase the place and the day and the people T (a) who the Squeaker is (b) who ever, this a one the most dis- dimeults, (because Captain Lasile really is (c) who he appointing pictures seen here for a scheme of production has been so Profession. the current Queen's Leneath him, "Out of the way, Stavel" round us, and a good scenario-writer Ao for information about lime, will eventually marry (d) the man long time and is not a testimonial successful. There are indications also Theatre attraction. She is a Lady and Donoghue's swerve, leaving Ily could, and should, pick out of it school, a settlement, a liner, a club, to make million a church, or a film society-all in who will, and does, kill the nasty to the undoubted genius of the that, in the immediate future, the Bonnell, who in partnership with perion, the midget, the "lazlest, three motives enough

her brother, Lord Reginald Withers year-old in England, to gallop home Londoners homesick in every part of their own way want help and advice. (played with rura.comedy point by in record time to victory.

(Continued on Page 9.) Roland Young)oca to America for some of the easy money which she has heard is floating around there. To the lady's horror, Re- ginald takes over a speak-easy rigged up as a stable, and there is 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.

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WRIGHT'S COAL TAR SOAP

MISSING LINE

"LIMERICK" COMPETITION

3.

PRIZES 3..

AWARDED EACH WEEK

FOR WHAT ARE ADJUDGD 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,

If you reach for your

"WRIGHT'S"

You will know the delights

NOM DE PLUME –

NAME & ADDRESS(Not 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 hectic nights,

The decision of Gilman & Co., Ltd. must be accepted as final.

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It

FOLLOWING some crisp satire

_on_the_benevolence_of_bootleg- gers who are outraged at The coming repeal of the Prohibition Act and plead pitifidly 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

own back by filling the ginger ale, bottles with champagne, and it is ina spirit of alcoholic kilarity, that the original would-be-buyer does in fact take over the entire concern- just in time to be raided by the polies. However, Lady Bonnell and Reginald have got theirs, so what mattera? ·

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THE entertainment is mainly a matter of sparkling charactori- sation, 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 diverl- 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 seasoned comedians as Warren Hymer, Roscoe Karna and George Barbier, the latter especially scoring as a choleric Amerfene magnate who la the chief victim of Lady. Bonnell's aristocratic neldities.

MO

TORE 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 content- tions expressed in these columns nearly a year ago. This is what the eminent Observer Alm critie. writes:

give, suppressing only the name of the film, which I do, not wish to advertise, the following extract from A trade paper announcing a new Bri- tlah production..

will be one of the mont important films turned out in Eng- Iand this year. The settings and backgrounds will be spectacular, the scene changing from night club 10- quences and hilarious cocktail to the vivid and dramatic

the trial of the girl at the Old Bailey, for a murdor which she cannot 104] member having committed at a vicious drinking: party,”

Creas of his two horses Tommy we

дго

the earth.

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go

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

aro CONTROLLED for your PERFECT COMFORT

C

TO-DAY

We assure you of

OOL LEAN ONDITIONED

AIR

and for your better entertainment

"A LADY'S PROFESSION?

with ALISON SKIPWORTH, ROLAND YOUNG, BARI MARITZA

SUNDAY METRO'S VARIETY. PROGRAMME

SHORTLY

TWO HOURS OF FUN AND BURLESQUE

"HELL BELOW"

ROBERT MONTGOMERY, MADGE EVANS, JIMMY DURANTE

in