Indianapolis Times, Indianapolis, Marion County, 28 April 1943 — Page 8

VOICE from the Balcony by RICHARD LEWIS

Desert Victory’

BY FAR the best film record of the war that we, in Indianapolis, have been privileged to see is the British 8th army's own cinema report of the battle for Africa, from the environs of Alexandria to Tunisia. Second only to the stirring victory over the Afrika Corps

is the film achievement itself.

As Governor Schricker said in an impromptu speech he was ¢alled

upon to.make after the preview at the Indiana yesterday, “Desert Victory” is probably the greatest record of battle in history. The preview was arranged by the war production board. _ - The governor was speaking extemporaneously, but his reaction to this 60-minute saga of shot and shell, a saga in the truest sense, was shared by many o got an ‘infantryman’s-eye-view of war for the first time. The preparations the 8th army made are reviewed in the most minute detail. The battle plan, which was known to every soldier in the 8th army from Gens. Alex-

. ander and Montgomery on down,

is explained to the audience clearly and concisely by use of maps

and narration. 8 = ”

Sappers Move Up THE NARRATION is very good. There is no -attempt at dramatics, but rather a pedantic, clipped explanation of what is going, on, which synchronizes neatly with film sequences. Without warning the screen goes blank. The voice of the narrator, in its calm, precise acents, says: “At zero minus 30 the barrage will begin.” : A half-minute passes. :I have geen few dramatic moments on the screen that have matched, for sheer. tenseness, the effect produced by those words against blankness. The silhouettes: of ‘helmets and artillery pieces appear in the - darkness. At once, the word “Pire” races - down the line. The blackness is transformed into flashes of fire 80 brilliant one blinks. The . sappers advance, cautiously locating mines, digging * them up and marking a safe path through the enemy’s mine fields . with white tape.

. one of the great moments in the

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The faces of infantrymen are caught. by the camera as they wait to advance with bayonets fixed. Against the lightning of the big guns, the men’s faces are neither proud nor heroic. They are plain scared. ” ” 8

Enemy Ahead

WALKING SLOWLY toward the enemy, they advance through the .smoke and flame, carefully, |! bayonets gleaming in the darkness, their faces bathed in perspiration. A man falls and lies quite still. His comrades move on past him, The helmet of a Nazi infantryman ‘shows through the curling smoke ahead. With a whoop, the advancing men suddenly leap forward, running madly toward the enemy. In scenes like this, the record of the battle for Africa unfolds. The commentator goes only drily, the: reserve in his voice heightening the drama. No one has to tell you that is

history of men, that this is one of the decisive battles of the world. No one has to tell you, either,

Mickey Rooney, the postal boy in William Saroyan’s “The Human Comedy,” rehearses a singing telegram. The “Comedy,” the first work of Saroyan to be brought to the screen, opens at Loew's tomorrow.

that the wide-eyed, staring, frightened faces of the advancing infantrymen belong to heroes. There are the faces of the enemy, too, the faces of men who have ‘been beaten and subdued, faces with a hunted, fearful look like the feral grimace that comes to an animal in a trap. One shot shows two British soldiers leaping into a shallow trench where a German infantryman lies. The man makes a gesture with his hands and points to his wounded leg, as if to say: “What's, the use?” . FJ t J »

Only a Fraction WHAT WE are seeing here is only a fraction of the 200,000 feet of film actually taken by cameramen who not merely accompanied advance units, but the most advanced units. Like the soldiers, the 26 cameramen assigned to cover the battle knew the plan of attack. Only 11 of them returned from that assignment. From the artillery barrage and infantry plunge at El Alamein to the entrance of the skirling Scottish bagpipers into: Tobruk, the scenes are clear and dramatic. Lt. Col. David MacDonald head- - ed the camera units and flew the negatives back to London. He worked day and night for: three months putting the record into shape. Assisting Lt. Col. MacDonald, who is well known to Hollywood, was Capt. Roy Boulting, who directed “Pastor Hall” ;and other British films. Lt, Patrick Jenkins, assistant director of London Films at Denham, was assistant director here. . “Desert Victory” is being released through 20th Century-Fox. It will play at the Indiana next Wednesday.

RIVERSIDE PARK TO OPEN FOR WEEK-END

Riverside! amusement park will throw open its gates Saturday and Sunday for its 40th consecutive season. Beginning May 8, the park facilities will be in daily operation. Hurshal E. Parker, general manager, has announced that prices of all rides and amusements will remain the same as last year, with the usual free parking, -checking, picnic facilities and admission to the grounds still in effect. According to John L. Coleman, park president, the' facilities for family picnics and parties will be ready May 8.

Times Amusement Clock

OPENING TODAY:

INDIANA “White Savage,’ with Jon Hall and ans og 1omueE, at 12:56, 3: 58, 7 and 10 “It ig Up Love,” with Gloria Jean, at 11:51, 2:58, 5:55 and 8:57.

CURRENT SHOWS: ° > LYRIC : “Flight For . Freedom,” with Rosalind Russell and Fred MacMurray, at 12:35, 3:40, 6:50 and 10. “Cinderella Swings It,” with Guy ‘Kibbee, at 11:25, 2:35, 5:40 and

8:46. CIRCLE On stage, Earl Carroll “Vanities,” at 1, 4:10, 6:55 and 9:30. “Lady Bodyguard,” with Eddie Al - bert nd Anne Shirley, at 11:25, © 2:35, 5:25, 8 and 10:30.

LOEW'S “The Desperadoes,” with Ran-

dolph Scott, ‘Glenn Ford and Claire - at 12:56, 4:02, 7:08 and

Has What It Takes PR So Ture. .at:11: Ts, f

ORCH ESTRA Featuring -V ROGER NOBLE BUDDY FIELDS

prophecy, binding up the broken-hearted,” he said. mourn the oil of joy and for the spirit of heaviness the garment of praise.

{P.) —Mrs. Owensville, was killed and her husband, Edison Walls, 39, was hurt seriously yesterday in an automobile collision near here. worked in a war plant here. R. L. Grant, alsor was injured.

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

LINKED TO VICTORY

Christian Science is the religion

of intelligent thinking and victorious living, Oscar Graham Peeke, C. S. B., Kansas City, said in a lecture last night at the Murat theater.

A member of the ‘board of lec-

tureship of the mother church, the First Church of Christ, Scientist, Boston, he spoke under the auspices of the Second Church of Christ, Scientist, Indianapolis.

“In ‘ fulfilment of the biblical Christian Science is

“It is giving to those who

“Its feet are indeed beautiful

upon the mountains, for it bringeth good tidings of the coming of a new and true order in international relationships, one which will be established and energized by increasingly intelligent thinking.”

WAR WORKER KILLED EVANSVILLE, Inds, April 28 (U. Ruth E. Walls, 44,

Both

Evansville newspaperman,

NEIGHBORHOODS

|STOR

A PICTURE abiout sioge. life that does nd follow a hackneyed theme begins its neighborhood run this week. “Fhe Hard ,Way,” a Warner Bros. picture, is one of 1943's best. It is different. It is an object lesson for the rest of Hollywood. It is

a musical—but of a different sort.

The film, a psychological: story about a woman's vicarious love

for her sister, is an intelligent | motion picture that. concerns itself with the usual Broadway fanfare but attempts to probe into the minds of those hoofers who make up the life blood’ of the main stem. Ida Lupino as the woman who sacrifices herself for the success i of her sister, : portrayed by Ma Lupine Joan Leslie, gives a superb performance. This is no idle praise. Miss Lupino is one of ‘the premier

performers in Hollywood—in a

class with Bette Davis and Hath. erine Hepburn. The story moves from a: mall Pennsylvania mining town to: the bright lights of New York. It's a long haul, but Helen Chernin (Miss Lupino) allows no one to

' oppose her in her quest for suc-

cess and a better way of life’ for her sister Katherine (Joan ‘Leslie). She bats nary an eyelash as she goes about breaking’ hearts and causing suicides. But the old saying holds true once more: the way of the transgressor is a hard one. Helen Churnin comes to ah untimely end. She learns—but too late—that the soults of people are not ta be toyed with. . Joan Leslie gives: a capable characterization as the younger sister. Her performance is as vivacious and talented ‘as it Joan Leslie . ' vershadowed by that of Miss Lupino. Jack Carson as the unsteady husband whose nerves go to pieces and Dennis Morgan as the: level headed companion also add “to the excellence of “The Hard Way.” The film opens at the Zaring today, at the Ambassador, Irving and Vogue tomorrow and at the Rivoli Sunday. #8. WHEN YOU visit one- of your neighborhood theaters this week to see “Meanest Man in the World,” tacle of Jack Benny, as THE § MAN, taking i candy from a‘ baby. Benny and his & aide-de-camp Rochester go { through a series of laughs that are guaranteed to make you smile, at the : _. very least. Al-. Jack Benny though the plot is not anything to shout about, the various‘comic situations and some of. the gags are humorous. -

STARTS FRIDAY

Every house has its secrets . , , and this one more than most. . .

you'll witness the- spec-

§ Nicary ' Wednesday, a As P. M. Excellent

STARTS TODAY.

The story Ralywon didn’t dare tell : before Pearl Harbor!

nd Smash Week!

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The movie. can be seen today at the Rivoli, Uptown and Strand

.and tomorrow at the Granada

and Irving. ; 2 8 =» BELMONT-—Through Saturday: ‘Journey for Margery and “They Got Me Covered.” y CINEMA Through, , Saturday: “Pittsburgh” and ‘Cai DAISY—Throu yr tomorrow: “Once Yoon 4 a Honeymoon” and “Underground

DRIVE-IN—‘Pied Piper” and ou Pace.” Tomorrow through Satur n and “Behind the ont:

a “Iceland” and “Life Bet 8:30.” Tomorrow through Sat“Cat People” and Nantmage "

UIRE—‘‘My Bisel Eileen"

Voyager. Tomorrow thro Glass Key” and “ nay Hardy's ¥ Double Life. FOUNTAIN SQUARE—Throu h Friday: ‘Daring Young Man” “Omaha Trail.” . GARFIELD — Through tomorr “Great Gildersleeve” and “Magnificent

GRANADA— “Random Harvest.” Tomorrow through Wedne sda; : ‘‘Meanest Man in the World’ and ‘‘Chetniks. HAMILTON—Life Begins at 8:30” and ‘‘Casablanca.” IRVING—‘‘They Got Me Covered” and “Seven Miles From Alcatraz.” Tomorrow tough Sunday: ‘The Hard Way’ and “Meanest Man in the World.” nes Mas tomorrow: “Friendly Enemies” and Syarse; for Tonight.” OLD TRAIL ~ ough tomorrow: mai Girl’ and Boy the EightHeart Belongs to

' To8! rday: Doodle Dandy” and “Dr. Renault's Se-

EARANO UNT = “Outlaws of Pine Ridge” and “Two-Faced Woman.” Tomorrow and Friday: ‘Berlin Correspondent” and ‘Youth on Parade. -.PARKER~—Through tomorrow: ‘College Sv Swing” and “Man Who Came to

REX Through tomorrow: ‘‘Big Street” and “Sin Tow: RITZ—Clark bie in “Boom Town,” and “The Philadelphia Story.” RIVOLI-Through Saturday: ‘“Meanest Man in the World” and "Chet iks.” ST. CLAIR—Through tomorrow ‘‘Ranedom Harvest.” SANDERS—Through tomorrow: ican Spitfire’s Elephan nt’ and Trouple Shooters RIDAN— "In Which We Serve” and ges Are Protey Peo] ie Tomorrow won o Saturday: ightmare” and “Life Begins at SPEEDWAY—* Margin 3 Error” and _ nan It’s Secret.” Tomorrow thiough Saturday i “Shadow of a Doubt” and “Pardon My G

STATE—Through A AUTEN: “Confirm or Deny” and “This Was Paris.”

STRAND—Through Saturday:

Mex“Texas

“Mean-

SOLDIERS IN TOWN ~

S a rainy night takes on a

on Main Street

MESSENGER ROBBED AND BEATEN

James Mann, 14, of 23503 N. New Jersey st., a messenger for Steeg’s pharmacy at 25th st. and Central ave., last night was the victim of a holdup for the second time within two weeks. After he had made a delivery of merchandise, two youths grabbed him at 23d and Pennsylvania sts, dragged him into an alley,” beat] } him and took $8.25 from him.

est Man im, the World” and “A Night to Remembe STRATFORD Through tomorrow: “It in Flatbush’’ and “Murder in the Big House.” TACOMA — Th Tough “Mummy’s Tomb” and “Night TALBOTT—Throu Saturday: ar of Fury” and “Behind the Eight-Ball TUXEDO—Through tomorrow: “Ri Rings on on Her Pingers’”’ and “Stand By All Ni

tomorrow: Monster."

NE OWN-~Thiough Saturday: “Mea est Man in the World” and “Chet tniks. .

VOGUE— “Star Spangled Rhythm and ‘Just Off Broadway. ” w through Saturday: “The Hard Way" and

“Apache Trail. ZARING—Through Saturday: “The Hard Way” and “Daring Young Man.” DOWNTOWN

ALAMO—Thréugh tomorrow: *OverBY, pace Coach” and “Mountain Ee 2BAD OR — “Random Harvest.

Tomorrow gh Se Saturday: «Chetnirs" and “The Hard

HURRY! LAST TWO DAYS!

CIRCLE

NOW SHOWING

At ‘Regular Stage

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, LH

JAPS aE FINN N Eva

A Japanese Dome! Domei detch ‘broadcast by the Tokyo radio today Toyochi Nakamura, counselor of the Japanese embassy in Nanking and former consul in San Francisco, has been named minister to Finland.

said

In the shadow of the night she waits.

MARIA MONTEZ JON ng SM

IN GLORIOUS TECHNICOLR “wilh Don Terry Turhan Bey

Sidney Toler

Paul Guilfoyle Thomas Gomez

Gloria

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THIS IS THE HOUSE ~The Macauleys live here — Homer who is the fastest teleqraph messenger in San Joachim valley — Ulysses his urchin brother — Mrs. Macauley who isn't poor if you count her wealth in humanness ~ Bess Macavley who isnt is love yet-but iS just 17-50 wakh out! Marcus Macauley did we here =till he went 40 camp fo serve his country

moonlit brilliance for them

when they take some nice qitls fo the movies and have 3 laugh just like “back hom-*

and dete

THIS IS ABOW-TE

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One day its brakeman waved at Ulysses and made is small boys heart go beat = beat beat |

; J rus IS THE HARP — { Mrs.Macavley wanted ony bich

Mr. Macaule

So she s