The Brooklyn Daily Eagle from Brooklyn, New York • Page 25

BROOKLYN PATT.Y EAGLE, NEW YORK, SUNDAY, AUGUST 1m 9 Jackie Coogan and Edward Robinson Star in New Films Here This Week Slow Motion Ufa's New Film By HELEN APPLETON READ American Films Popular Abroad Quality of European Films Does Not Measure Up to Hollywood Standards in Long Run Dusseldorf Murders Provide Theme for New U. F. A. Success Presents Problem of the Criminally Insane. written In scarlet on the palm of a giant hand and signifying Mnrd or Murder is the lurid placard advertising one of Oermany's most popular current film.

Even in these hard times, when the Capitol and the Gloria Palest with such favorite stars as Harold Lloyd In "Harold Halt dlch Fest" (Watch Your Step) and Marlene Dietrich in "Morocco" can i draw only a small audience, once a day, Is playing to capacity houses. There Is a rather widespread notion among the more serious minded moving picture enthusiasts that they do thing better abroad, Hollywood has come to be used as a term of opprobrium, a racket, a formula; and UFA and Amkino for quality and Ideas. Just back from Europe where I made a point of visiting motion picture houses of all types 1 find this opinion is by no means accurate. Our flattering estimate of the European moving picture Is based on the fact that we see only the successes. Few of the many mediocre films find their way to this country.

We do not know the depths to which Oerman sentimentalism, Russian propagandists realism and French triangles can descend until we have seen the regular output of the European studios. "Potemkln," "The Last Days of St. Petersburg," "Metropolis" and "The Blue Angel" have given us an exaggerated report of Euro It, is only another example of the Infallibility of the well known adagn about the leopard and hts spots. Rationalize it as they will, divert It into scientific and philosophical channels the Teutonic mind Invariably react. to the morbid and the pathological.

Whereas In less sophisticated time they expressed this predclicMon In stories about vampire, bats and spirit. of evil preying on the young and unusupecting, the Faust legrnd in a variety of forms, today it. takes form In doctors and scientist misusing their knowledge for sinister and criminal purposes. resolves itself Into no less than a dramatization of the Dusscldorf murderer recently executed. In other words It -yaffil Sl wantonly, perversely produce the most unreasonable and implausible Juxtapositions of idle and material and yet get by on the grounds that it Is sur-realisin.

The most advanced of the avant guarde say that Mickey Mouse and the Silly Symphonies are the real thing. The painters were only showing the way to the true possibilities of the idea. Other films which have had enormous success in Europe are the gangster films. Europeans like to think of us as being uncivilized. Now that they know that we no longer have Indian massacres and that the last frontiers have been passed, these evidences of lawlessness satisfy their belief in our incurable inability to ever be completely civilized or stack up beside European standards.

"The Big House" was the great success of the early Summer. view of suggestion the direction Is superb. Nothing more is needed to suggest unspeakable horrors. It requires considerable fortitude for an Anglo Saxon temperament not to get up and leave at this point. With the murder of little Else Becker the city determines to band together to find the murderer.

From this point the story Is concerned with the ways and means used to find him. Not only do detective agencies, hospitals and the citizenry band together to stop this reign of terror but the underworld of gunmen, thieves, beggars, imposters street walkers and safe crackers form a private detective agency ot their own outside the law. And it is through the unique methods they employ that the murderer is finally caught. Every beggar and street vendor Is given a specific territory to watch and thus while plying ht. trade becomes an unsuspected detective.

In every case actual type are nsod and the action staged on Berlin streets. Rest Shots Rest shots. The revealing of the murderer's identity to the audlenra by seeing his face reflected In a shop window In which glistening knives are temptingly displayed and lta Huckleberry Finn Features Week at Downtown Theaters mi I lm fa" 1 fel jjfhA ft frit ft i- l.nii Moran in at thn fax. Local Locw Theaters Offer New Stage and Screen Bills pean film standards. After seeing how technically Inferior as well as mediocre in plot the majority of them are, it is not to be- wondered that European cinema frequenters prefer Hollywood productions to their own productions, and that, with the exception of the few outstanding successes, the pictures which one sees in European houses are American.

It is an interesting corrolary that Hollywood grooming was necessary to Interpret Oar bo and Deitrich to their own public. Oarbo. before Hollywood diets and Chanel dresses brought out her glamorous qualities, was a well-rounded blond, and Dietrich a lovely but "echt Deutsch" maiden. In spile of the fact that when a European film has an Idea, it generally results in definite contribution to the art of the motion picture, the more sophisticated portion of the cinema-going public prefers American films. The reason generally given that they are bored with the European effort (and this applies more especially to Germany and Russia) to present an idea and to be so deadly serious about th mission and future of the film.

American films are so frankly, naively superficial. So Invariably light-hearted and optimistic. Worried Europe wistfully admires our refusal to grow up. And above all, it admires the physical beauty of American film stars, both male and female. For every Grabo, Dietrich and Brigltta Helm, America has a dozen beauties.

Not quite so glamorous, perhaps, but superbly human specimens. Just now it is the fashion among the intelligentsia, who until so very recently have been doing so much talking about the potentialities of the screen as the art of the future and all that sort of thing, to grow bored and discouraged with the whole subject of serious lilm production. So Mickey Mouse is the latest fashionable rage. His newest vagaries are discussed wherever smart people foregather. He is written about seriously and crit- rally.

According to the critics, the Disney cartoons are the real surrealism, if the term does not imply a paradox. I have forgotten for the moment that this is not an art column. "Sur-Realism," let- me hasten to explain. In case some of my readers may be baffled by finding this technical phrase in the space generally devoted to another medium, is the latest fashionable "ism." In European painting It means beyond and above visual reality. You can put anything In a picture.

It can have the unreality and strange romblnations of a dream, or It can Mr. White Imports A Qerman Beauty Behind the bare announcement that George White is ready with his I newest edition of "Scandals" lies the story of a young German girl, who at last is realizing her ambition to become an American actress. She is Margaret Haller, blonde beauty of th Rhine, who arrived from Europe several days ago to Join the "Scandals" ensemble. Barely understanding the language, and even finding it difficult to master the many dance steps being created for his chorus by George White himself. Miss Haller is buoyantly happy none the let, since she row has the opportunity to appear on the Amerln stage.

George White first met the Rhlneland b-rauty several weeks ago when he maue a flying trip to Paris. She had read of his arrival in a local newspaper and immediately despatched a photograph of herself with a letter In German asking for a Job in the "Scandals" chorus. Later she communicated with him In the French capital over the telephone. Rtruck by the girl's beauty and Intrigued by her voice, the producer asked her to come to Paris. This she did, and he Immediately signed her for the show.

"Oh, it ia a wonderful country. America." she confesses with a charming dialect. "I love It so much. And your girls are nil so pretty. I am complimented that I am pretty enough to he on your Broadway.

I have dreamed for years of a Mage career and now It is true." Miss Haller la onlv 18 yenrs of age, has blue eyes and a dimple on eacn cheek. She has never been on the stage before, although she has studied dancing for many years. Her ambition is to become a musical comedy atar. At present she is Inking lessons English from other members of the bemity horns. Several of the chorus girls escorted her around (own for a peek of the sight during (he week end.

She only wanted to see the Brooklyn Bridge. Coney Island, the Wool-worth Building and Mayor Jlmmv Walker. "Why Mayor Walker?" asked one girl. "Reraus he Is the handsomest man in America." Jarkie Cnognn end Mitzie Green in 'Hiirkleberry Finn" nl Paramount. News with Graham McNamee: Jrj Pennor, the comedian.

In "Sax Ap peal;" the eighth of the. Bobby Jones golf series entitled "The. Brassie," and a Looney Tune cartoon comedy, "Trees Knees." "Singing Bill." organist, will present another of his popular organ novelties. 'Transatlantic At Fox "Transatlantic," a story of strange entanglements that occur on board a de luxe ocean-liner Europe-bound, is this week's screen feature at the Fox Theater. Edmund Lowe heads the cast In the role of gentleman gambler.

Others who become Involved in the general mlx-up with him are Greta Nissen, who takes the role of Swedish' dancer, Lois Moran, as the daughter of an old German lens grinder taking his first vacation, John Halliday, as an absconding banker, and Myrna Loy, as his wife. Quite aside from its Interest as a well-told detective story, the film is significant because of the novel staccato technique that is used throughout and which gives it a distinct resemblance to the stage play "Grand Hotel." Other Fox features of the week are a Fanchon and Marco stage show, "Mickey Mouse," which marks the first personal appearance of Walt Disney, world famous cartoon character; Three Rolling Stones, Toots Novelle, Helen Petch, Chrlssie Daley. Louis and Cherie are other features. Phil Larpkln makes his debut as the new master of ceremonies. Traveling Husbands At RKO Albee The RKO Albee Theater has as Its screen feature for the week "Travel ing with Evelyn Brent In the leading role.

The story relates the travels and travails of the traveling salesman. Supporting Miss Brent Is in an excellent cast which includes Constance Cummlngs, Frank Albertson, Hugh Herbert, Carl Miller, Dorothy Peterson, Purnell Pratt and Stanley Fields. A stage and musical revue featuring Harry Delmar and his 1931 vaudeville revue is presented In con-Junction with the screen showing. Will Rogers at Roxy's Will Rogers Is featured In a film adaptation of George Ades' "As Young as You Feel" at the Roxy Theater. It Is the story of a middle-aged settled-down business man who goes on the loose, doffs his all-wool business suit for an all-broadcloth and satin swallow tall, throws away his dyspepsia tablets for champagne and forgets, business reports for racetrack results.

For the first time Will Rogers dresses up, boasts the latest thing In tonsorial splendor and reveals a hitherto unsuspected interest In the type of life symbolized by night clubs, hot rhythms and silk stockings. The story carries him through new and diverse experiences, with ramifications that Include an Incipient blackmail complication. The east Includes Fifi Dorsay, Lurlen Llttlefleld. Donald Dlllaway, Terranee Ray and Rosalie Roy. Talkies is the story of a pervert who murders little girls In lonely places hy luring them wllh dolls and toy balloons.

Is an UFA dim directed by Fritz Lang, the scenario written by his wife. Thea von Harbou. This gifted couple Is responsible for such outstanding films as "Metropolis," "Sicgried," "Die Nlebclungcn." "Dr. Marbusse," "The Rocket to the Moon," "Spies" and others which have contributed to UFA'S fame. Follows No Formula Thea von Harbou's films Invariably have an Idea.

She follows no Hniiywood recipe. Box office, receipts are pleasant but not at a price and certainly not at the price of sacrificing her very definite point of view. She happens to he a member of a distinguished family, and an authoress who turned scenario writer because she felt that the film was the artistic medium of today. She has been Immeasurably aided In carrying otit her Ideas by marrying one of Germany's foremost, reglsseurs, Fritz Lang, whose Ideas of direction coincide with her Ideas of plot. She that future generations will understand our epoch, how we lived and what we thought by means of moving pictures, Just as we understand the Elizabethans best through the dramas of Shakespeare and Malow, the Renaissance through Michelangelo and Leonardo and medieval Europe through the Gothic cathedrals.

Realistically Presented Is no exception. Technically, It is presented with the objective conviction of a news reel. It is a horrible and as convincing as if a cameraman had been witness to the Leopold and Loeb murder, for example. The story moves with breath taking, ominous suspense from the moment when the mother of little Else Becker commence to worry over her little, girl's failure to return from school at the usual time to the moment when Else. Innocently bouncing a ball against a placard offering a reward for the murderer, Is accosted hy a well-dressed man whose face we do not see and lured by means of a toy balloon purchased from a blind street, vem'or to her death.

The murder is suggested by a trampled patch of grass, the ball rolling aim lessly across It and the toy balloon floating upwards and caught on a telegraph pole. From the point of Madison's Bill The featured screen attraction at. the R. K. O.

Madison Theater until Tttcsdav Is Constance Bennett, In "The Common Law." It Is an adaptation of Robert W. Chambers' old novel, and Miss Bennett has the role of an artists' model. On the stage Gus Edwards' Revue is the featured vaudeville attraction, with a group of youngsters headed by Billy Taylor and the Abor Twins. From Wednesday to Friday the featured screen attraction will be Brosdmlnded." with Joe E. Brown, snd on the stage Joe Daly and hLs Discoveries are the featured vaudeville attraction.

Al the Ken mine Constance Bennett will be seen on the screen at the R. K. O. Kenmore Theater through Tuesday In "The Common adapted for the screen from Robert W. Chambers' popular novel.

Joel MoCrea and Lew Cody nil the more Important roles In support of Miss Bennett. On the stage Herman Timherg Is the itomysoN playing Branklyn Strand. I The Brooklyn Paramount Is celebrating its Familie Jubilee Week with the world premiere film version of Mark Twain's classic, "Huckleberry Finn." The characters which made "Tom Sawyer" one of last season's most notable contributions are again playing the leading roles. They are in case you didn't see "Tom sawyer" Jackie Coogan, Junior Durkin, Mltzi Green and Jackie Searl. Norman Taurog, who was responsible for the skillful handling of "Skippy," again proves his talent for investing Juvenile stories with a quality which makes them appeal to children and grownups alike.

Jackie Coogan Couldn't Finish Dinner When Jackie Coogan and Junior Durkin, a. Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn in Paramount's "Huckleberry Finn," sit down to their first home-cooked meal after they run away from home in the later sequences of Mark Twain's immortal story, it is a real old-fashioned dinner such as would have been put before two hungry boys in the eighteen-lifties. The meal was prepared on a real cook stove on the set by Gertrude Howard, Southern-born Negro character actress. The filming of the dinner for the famished boys started at 9 In the morning and the various scenes, from different angles, were not completed until late In the afternoon. Each time the cameras and sound recording system went into action Jackie and Junior had to dive into the food as if they hadn't eaten anything for several days.

Platters of sweet corn, baked potatoes, greens, cornbread and meat had to be prepared and placed on the table steaming hot for each scene. Incidentally, all the cooking uient ills, dishes, silverware, furniture and other appointment of the combina Hon kitchen-dining room were in keping with period of the story. Many of the real antique pieces on the set were old when Mark Twain was young. Of course, young Coogan and Durkin did not have to eat all the food placed on the table each time by the Negro cook, but they were required to consume enough In each scene to keep the progress of the meal In sequence. By the.

time the boys had reached what today would be dessert but which 80 years ago was Just the pie-stage of the dinner, Jackie and Junior admitted they were "stuffed to the ears." "And I thought you liked pie," remarked Director Norman Taurog. "Smart Money' At Strand "Smart Money," directed by Alfred E. Green, starring Edward Robinson and featuring James Cagney and Evalyn Knapp, Is the screen feature this week at the Brooklyn Strand. In the part of a king of gamblers, who rises to dizzy heights only to meet with an abrupt reversal of his fortunes, Edward Robinson adds another Individual characterization to his repertoire. Other attractions on the Vita-phone screen Include the Strand transformation from a pop-eyed dullard to that of an absorbed sad-dlstlc fiend when a little girl passerby Is reflected In the window and through the association of knlvea and little girls the impulse to murder obsesses him.

The last bit of devastating morbid realism Is when the mother of little Else, a witness at the trial, sobbingly closes the story with the words "We mothers have failed because we do not watch over our children better than we do." Every mother In tha place leaves with an agonized sens of her failure because she has nol seen to It that her child Is guarded against possible murderers from the moment she leaves the house until she returns. Undeniably exciting, significant In Its anlyse. of the habits and motives of the criminally lasane and In Its convincing presentation of reality. could, nevertheless, not succeed In America. For all mrr predilection for gangster and gunmen stories, the murders committed In them spring from such understandable passions as greed and revenge, but the American mind balks at a story which Is after all seen for enjoyment and which uses the ab- normal and saddlstlc for Its them.

featured vaudeville attraction, appearing with his son in a clever dance and humor revue. From Wednesday to Friday Gun Van Ill be the headline stage attraction at the Kenmore. Mr. Van is a local Flatbush boy whose popularity has carried him to success on the screen, the stage. In night clubs, and on the air.

The screen featura will be "Broadminded." starring Jo E. Brown. At RKO Theaters Constance Bennett In "The Cnm- i mn Law" will he the screen fea I lure at the RKO Prospect Or pheum. Oreenpoint, Dvker K.n. more, Madison, Bushwick andRich- rnond Hill Theaters until Tuesday of this week.

Adapted for the screen from Hob- 7 storv Prl studio life. "The Common Law" provides Miss Bennett with the role of a model Lew Cody. Joel McCrea and Hcdda Hopper fill the important supporting roles. From Wednesday to Friday tries tncators will present Joe Brown In "Broadminded." At the Hippodrome The show is the thing at the Hippodrome this weak, with "A Holy Terror," the screen romance of a rough riding Broadwaytte and a double headline vaudeville bill of eight acts. George O'Brien, Sally Ellcrs.

Rita Le Rov. James Kirk-wood. Humphrey Bogart, Stanley Fields and Robert, Warwick sr featured In this starr-spangled picture. Jed Dooley, the cameo comic, with his pretty company. Audree Evan.

shares headline honors with May Usher, the singing character comedienne. Yale University Glee Club contributes Eight Sons of Ell to the program, and Jack Colbv and Patricia Mtirry star In the "Petf Revue." Preparing Baby Show The 12th annual baby show, parade and coronation will be held at Columbia Amusement Park, Hudson Boulevard, North Bergen, Sept. 11, 12 and 13. The baby show will be Sept. 11, the colorful baby carriage and float parade on the 12th and the coronation of king and queen Sept.

13. Arrangements are now being com-i pleted fo the three-day festival, ahlch will differ it. many wayf from those in previous years. Tolillrs' Held Over Marie Dressier and Polly Moran in the satl on political lifts "Politics." now current at the Car tol Theater. Is being helo) Over lurcond week.

edy, and three additional short subjects, Wednesday to Friday. MELBA "LauRhing Sinners" and a Mickey Mouse cartoon, today; "Lawless Woman" and "The. Fatal Hour," with an all-star cast, tomorrow; "Lover Come Back" and "Wild Horse." Tuesday and Wednesday; "Girl Habit," and an Our Gang comedy. Thursday and Friday. ORIENTAL "Laughing Sinners" and a Mickey Mouse cartoon, today to Tuesday; "Sweepstakes" and "Girl Habit" and an Our Gang comedy, Wednesday and Thursday; "Laughing Sinners" and three shorts, Friday and Saturday.

PRFMIER "Laughing Sinners," today; "Three Who Loved" and a Mickey Mouse cartoon, tomorrow and Tuesday; "Girl Habit" and an Our Gang comedy, Wednesday and Thursday. WARWICK "Just a Gigolo" and a Charley Chase comedy, today and tomorrow: "Transgression" and "Enemies of the Law." Tuesday and Wednesday; "The Prodigal" and three short subjects, Thursday and Friday. WILLARD "Laughing Sinners" and a Mickey Mouse cartoon, today to Tuesday; "Girl Habit," and an iOur Gang comedy, Wednesday to Friday. EDWA1W Starring In marl mmt jorie Rambeau. Neil Hamilton.

Clark Gable, Guy Kibbe, George Marion and Gertrude Short Films at Other Loew Theaters The week's programs at Locw houses are as follows: ALPINE Bene Daniels in "Mai- Iosa P1rnn an4 turn thnrt relc todBV lomorroW; -Sweeps! a kes" Lnrf viirkev Mouse rrlnn. Tnes- day nd Wpdnesday: Nancy Carroll in "Night Angel." an Our Gang comedy, and a Travelogue, Thursday and Friday. BEDFORD "Sweepstakes" and three short subjects, today and tomorrow; Joan Crawford In "LaiiRh- ing Sinners" and three shorts, Tues day and Wednesday: "Olrl and an Our Gang comedy, Thursday and Friday. BORO PARK "Maltese Fsl con" and two short, today snd tomorrow: "Goldie" and Hoot Gibson in "Wild Horse," Tucjday and Wednesday; Nancy Carroll in "Night Angel" and three short subjects. Thursday and Friday.

BREVOORT "Laughing Sinners" and a Mickey Mouse cartoon, today and tomorrow; "Tlje Prodigal" and "Up for Murder," Tuesday and Wednesday; Confessions of a Co-Eri" and In "Alias the Bad Man," Thursday snd P'rldav. BROADWAY "Laughing Sinners" and three short subjects today to Tuesday; "Sweepstakes" and "Oirl Hnbit," Wednesday and Thurs. day: "Woman of Experience" and "Ships of Hate," Friday and Saturday. CENTURY "Just a Gigolo" and a Charley chase comedy, today and tomorrow; "Up for Murder" and "The Flood." Tuesday and Wednesday: "The Prodigal" and two shorts. Thursday: "Chances" and Bohhy Jones in "Big Irons," Fridav.

CONEY ISLAND "Laughing Sm-nr -s" and three shorts, today and tomorrow; "Gold Dust Gertie" and "Enemies of the Law." Tuesday and Wednesday; "Girl Habit" and ah Our Gang comedy, Thursday and Friday. HILLSIDE "Maltese Falcon" and two short features, today and tomorrow; "Laughing Sinners" and a Mickey Mnus cartoon. Tuesday and Wednesday: "Olrl Habit" and an Our Gang comedy, Thursday and Friday. KAMEO "Laughing Sinners" and tnrM. today and tomorrow: Marion Davies, starring In "Five and Ten," is the week's feature at Loew's Metropolitan Theater.

The film, based on Fannie Hurst's novel of a newly rich family, is of particular Interest because It affords the star new latitudes for her talents, supplying her with a more dramatic vehicle than do the light comedies which heretofore have been her special metier The story deals With the futility of piling Up wealth and the fight of two very modern young women, of opposite ideals, lor the affections of a man. The supporting cast includes Leslie Howard, Irene Rich, Richard Bennett and Mary Duncan. The vaudeville bill is topped by Eric Zardo, well-known concert pianist. Other features are Ca. and Lehn, In a musical revue, and Webb and Douglas, comedians.

'Night Nurse' at Valencia and Paradise The screen attraction at Loew's Valencia and Paradise lor the week of Aug. 8 Is Barbara Stanwyck, In "Night Nurse." Barbara Stanwyck, last seen In "Illicit," takes the stellar role, a night nurse whose first case brings her In contact with potential murderers and thieves. The supporting cast Includes Clark Gs-; ble. Ben Lyon, Charles Wlnninceri and Edward Nugent. The stage of-! ferlng at the Valencia is entitled "Auditions." and features Al Wohl- man, popular master of ceremonies.

Featured with "Night Nurse" at loew's Paradise Is a revue entitled "Syncopations of 1931." The show stars Dave Harris, and he Is supported by a east Including Frankle and Ethel Rhea and Paul Sydell. A selected group of the Chester Hale girls Is also to be seen. Rohcrt Montgomery At Loew's Pitkin Robert Montgomery, In "The Man in Possession," Is on the program at Loew's Pitkin Theater until Tuesday. The film, based on the stage play, is a twentieth century comedy ot errors. Irene Purcell, Aubrey Smith and Charlotte Oreenwood are In the cast.

"Rango," thn astounding Jungle picture In which a water buffalo kills a tiger. Laurel and Hary, In "Laughing Gravy." and other short features will be shown, from The New ALBEE "Traveling Husbands," with Evelyn Brent, Constance Cummlngs, Frank Albertson and Hugh Herbert. BROOKLYN PARAMOUNT "Huckleberry Finn," with Jackie Coogan, Mltzi Green and Jackie Searl. BROOKLYN STRAND "Smart Money," with Edward O. Robinson, James Cagney and Evelyn Knapp.

CRITERION "An American Tragedy," with Rylvla Sidney. FOX "Transatlantic," with Lois Moran, Edmund Lowe, Greta Nissen, Myrna Loy and John Halliday. 1 LOEW METROPOLITAN "Five and Ten," with Marlon Davles. ROXY "Young As You Feel," with Will Rogers. WTNTFRG ARDEN "The Star with Walter Huston.

Wednesday to iriaay. "Sweepstakes" and an Andv Clvde Joan Crawford, In "Laughing enmedv. Tuesday and Wednesday; Sinners." Is the screen fare at Loew's i -Ciirl Habit" and an Our Gang corn-Bay Ridge, Gates and 4fllh St. until edy. Thursday and Friday.

Tuesday. Joan Crawford takes the KINGS "Man In Possession" and part of a Salvation Airiy heroine. ln short, today to Tuesday; The supporting cast includes Mar-' a Laurel and Hardy com-.