Critical Moments

If everything moves according to schedule Jewel Productions presented a picture last night at the Mayfair Theatre, entitled “Hitler’s Reign of Terror.” I say “according to schedule” because Mr. Cummins of Jewel Productions says that the New York censor looks upon his efforts to show this film with some hesitancy. Personally I can’t see much reason for its suppression, except on artistic grounds. I saw a preview of it the other day and I assure you there was little to get excited about.

SHOTS FROM OLD NEWS REELS

Although it is claimed that Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr., filmed most of the picture in Germany and Austria, a great portion of it looked like shots clipped from old, and I mean old, news-reels. In its entirety “Hitler’s Reign of Terror” is inferior fare, badly directed, poorly put together and exceedingly long-winded. Structurally it shows Edwin C. Hill, radio news-commentator telephoning from New York to young Vanderbilt, who at the moment is in a Berlin hotel in the midst of the Hitler riots. He is engaged in asking Vanderbilt what is going on and suggesting that “Neal” as he calls him, bring back pictures of what he sses. From that point the film jumps back and forth between shots of action and pictures of Mr. Vanderbilt telling his story. The ex-millionaire is not a bad looking chap but after about thirty profiles of him, one does become a little tired of it all.

STUDIO MADE

An unforgiveable mistake was made by the producers in inserting studio shots into this supposedly authentic film. While Vanderbilt was in Germany he interviewed both Hitler and the ex-Crown Prince. Naturally no cameramen were about. In recounting the interviews the producers have introduced actors into the picture who impersonate these figures. The actors unfortunately hardly resemble the originals. In addition there are scenes of Nazi activities which are palpably faked, such as a Nazi calling Vanderbilt on the phone and telling him that the Nazis are not satisfied with his investigations, or a shot of Vanderbilt’s automobile being searched by German soldiers. This sort of thing does not increase one’s confidence in the film as a whole.

EXHIBIT OF PRIMITIVE MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Over at the Roxy which is fast turning into a museum, the management offers an exhibition of primitive musical instruments. This display was inspired by the dancing of the Gubanacans, native Cuban entertainers who are part of this week’s show. The instruments were borrowed from the private collection of Mrs. Morton C. Kahn, whose husband was a noted explorer. Matove war and sogma drums, rattles, tom-toms and gourds of South American woods are among the noise-makers gathered together. Other unique instruments include a “cajudo-cabello” which is made of a horse’s jaw, the scraped teeth serve as a key board and a “marimbula” which is made of a native vegetable, upon which the player sits while strumming on eight steel prongs to produce a tone akin to that of a bass viol or cello.

SOME STRIKING SCENES

It is only fair to say that some of the scenes are striking, especially those showing Nazi troopers assaulting people on the street, or harrassing Jewish store-keepers or burning books. The last named had a familiarity that reminded of a recent news-reel. Vanderbilt’s direct contribution consists of scenes shot in Vienna before the assassination of the Socialists and scenes of Hitler’s birthplace.

MILKY WAY TONIGHT

Sidney Harmon and James R. Ullman will open their “Milky Way” tonight at the Cort Theatre. It is a comedy by Lynn Root and Harry Clork. This piece concerns the amusing career of the early morning milk-man who forsakes horse and wagon for the prize ring and becomes surprisingly adept in winning fights. All very educational.

RECOMMENDED

Without reservation I recommend the following pictures; “20 Million Sweethearts” at the Strand with Dick Powell and Ginger Rogers, for those who like light entertainment; “The House of Rothschild” for all tastes; “Viva Villa” for those with a strong stomach; and “Riptide” for those who are in need of an emotional cleansing.