The Screen, 1 By MARTIN DICKSTEIN 'The Champ' Pleanen Firrt ISighler. at Astor The Champ A Metro-Ooldwvn-Mayer production, directed by Klni Vldor from a atory by Prancea Marlon and presented at the A.tor Theater. THS CAST Champ Dtnk Linda Sonne. Tim Tonv Jonah Mary Wallace Beery Jackie Cooper Irene Rich Roacoe Atel Edward Brophy Hamilton Jesae Scott M. Jones TYPE OP ENTERTAINMENT: STORY Once heavyweight champion of the world but now "pork-and-beaner," who doesn't know where his next meal Is coming from. Champ 'Wallace Beery) Is still a hero to his small son, Dink (Jackie Cooper). It's for Dink's sake that Champ periodically resolves to quit drinking and go into training for the fight that might start him back along the road to the title. But It's no use; he has become just a booze fighter. Pinallv. ih despair. Champ sends little Dink back to his mother (Irene Rlchi. who nas since become the wife of a wealthy sportsman Hale Hamilton), but the boy shows vhere his real affection lies when he returns to his' father and the dingy little room above a Tla Juana saloon. The Champ -makes a last effort to pull himself together, lands the contract for the big fight and goes forth to battle for hia hoy. But, it's his last fight. Though knocks out his opponent, the strain proves too much for him. and he dies in his dresslngroom while the crowd is still cheering his victory. Dink goes back to his mother, heartbroken but proud In his belief that hia father was the grandest guy that ever lived a real champ. COMMENT: Directed by the brilliant King Vidor. who was responsible for the talkie version of "Street Scene," and with Its two leading roles, played by Wallace Beery and Jackie Cooper, the new film at the Astor la one of Ihe Important productions to come out. of Hollywood this year. A picture which might easily have become maudlin In its appeal for tears. It has been handled with a restraint that is a credit to director and players alike. There is an undercurrent of reality, of honest pathos, In this story of a pugilistic has-been who fights his way back to the limelight for his boy. Yet. the producers have not made the mistake of making "The Champ" an altogether heartrending exhibition Mr. Beery characterization of the lazy, dull-witted and unconditioned fighter is marked with flashes of precious humor, which, together with Jackie Cooper's unaffected rtrayal of a real, red-blooded kid, make the new picture at the Astor an unusually satisfying entertainment. BEST SHOTS: The episode where Dink visit his father In the Tla Juana jail has been handled with a good deal of feeling and Is, i consequently, one of the high spots of the drama. The climactic scenes of the fight also have been photographed most effectively. BEST PERFORMANCES: Mr. Beery and little Jackie Cooper are easily outstanding. PHOTOGRAPHY: Excellent. AUDIENCE RECEPTION: Spontaneous applause Indicated first nixhters' unanimous approval. SUITABLE FOR FAMILY AUDIENCES: Yes. FOR CHILDREN: Recommended. GEN'RAL RATING: An Intelligently directed, superbly acted drama. Majestic lo Get Play Rooked for FJalbiia.li By arrangement' with William Brandt. John Golden' new play. "All Points West," originally scheduled for Brandt's Flatbush Theater next week, will be presented at the Majestic Theater Instead, on account of th- present scarcity of good productions. A similar arrangement will prevail for the balance of the season. Beginning next week motion pictures will be presented at the Flatbush until further notice. RESTAURANTS BROOKLYN TABLE d'HOTE DINNER, 2.00 r.OYFR CH4RGE to i at I 1 1
