The Films of January 1942

Text and pictures from
True Comic Book Movie Reviews
True Comics Number 8, January 1942

DUMBO Walt Disney's newest feature length film is the story of Dumbo, the baby circus elephant whose ears were so large he was a disgrace to all elephants (at least you'd think so. the way the gossipy elephants snubbed his mother.) With the help of Timothy Mouse Dumbo learns to fly with his saillike ears and becomes the most celebrated elephant in the world, Hollywood bound at the end of the film, The story, of course, is a mere framework for the antics of Disney characters-the kindly circus train, Casey, Jr., who has such a bouncing personality; the black crows who share the secret of learning to fly; the fantastic pink elephants which visit Dumbo after his accidental intake of considerable spirits; the special delivery stork and a host of others. The music is particularly good, the black crow number sung by the Hall Johnson choir is excellent, and the Casey, Jr. tune will be your whistle-while-you-work number this year. (RKO)

GREAT GUNS Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy think their boss is a sick man so when he is drafted they go along to "protect" him. You can imagine haw the Army feels about that! If they weren't enough, Laurel's pet crow Penelope, goes along too. But the three intruders help bring victory to their side in practice warfare. We won't tell you how-Laurel and Hardy goings-on can't be explained! (Fox)

NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH Bob Hope makes a bet that he can tell the truth for 24 hours. That sounds easy, doesn't it? But three of Bob's friends make it an ordeal for him and a riot of fun for the audience. If it weren't for Paulette Goddard, who trusted him, Bob would have given up after the first hour, but you can always depend on Bob to rescue a fair lady in distress, especially if, as in this case. it's her money he has wagered. (Para.)

ONE FOOT IN HEAVEN It isn't always easy to understand the adult problems of one's parents, but seeing this film will help. The funny side, the serious side, the stern side and above all the kindly side of a boy's father are portrayed so humanly by Fredric March that you'll come away feeling bigger inside and more certain that the world's a good place, after all, so long as there are fine, courageous human beings. But the amusing incidents come faster than the catchin-your-throat ones. For instance, see the scene in a movie theater back in the first days of the films when an old William S. Hart Western is being screened for a children's matinee. Fredric March goes along with his son in order to point out how wicked the movies are, and stays to be delighted with what is shown on the screen. This is really the story of your family, one America is proud of. (Warners)

RIDERS OF THE PURPLE SAGE George Montgomery rides like a volcano, fights like Joe Louis, and talks like a man. Riders of the Purple Sage, from Zane Grey's book, will keep you hopping with excitement so be prepared to follow a new hero who isn't afraid of wild horses or an avalanche. There's a kid sister-ish imp in it (Patsy Patterson) and a sweet girl (Mary Howard) but most of it is man's stuff. (Fox)

TEXAS For scenery, action, personable heroes and comedy this large scale outdoor drama tops them all. Nor do you have to like Westerns to enjoy it, for it tells a grand story and is excellently acted. William Holden and Glenn Ford are ex-Confederate cavalrymen trying to get back to Texas at the close of the Civil War. Their adventures on the way are full of excitement and funny situations. When the first wonderful scenes of cattle country appear you realize why they wanted so much to reach Texas, though the first thing they see is a stage coach hold-up! "The boys watch it from a hill and then ride around and hold up the robbers. Ford intends to return the money to the owners, Holden has other plans so their paths separate. But not for long if you know your adventure yarns! Next to action the film is mostly distinguished for its comedy. Edgar Buchanan who uses dentistry as a respectable front for engineering a gang of cattle thieves gives a side-splitting portrayal of Doc - torn between villainy and a genuine love for fixing an ailing tooth. We almost forgot-Claire Trevor is the girl and the way Holden meets her is one of the funniest scenes ever. (Col.)