Lost n Found Films

Double Deal is a 1939 American drama with an all-black cast (a genre at the time called "race films"), written by Arthur Hoerl, produced by George Randol, directed by Arthur Dreifuss and released on the independent states-rights market by Sack Amusement Enterprises and Astor Pictures Corp. SYNOPSIS In the vibrant streets of Harlem, Tommy McCoy and "Dude" Markey find themselves captivated by the enchanting Nita, a singer and dancer at a local nightclub. However, their infatuation spirals into a dangerous game of deceit and betrayal when Markey, driven by jealousy and desperation, orchestrates a series of criminal acts. It begins with Markey's daring heist of a jewelry store, the stolen goods promptly handed over to the notorious gangster, Murray Howard. Yet, consumed by his desire to eliminate McCoy as a romantic rival, Markey engineers a sinister plan. He manipulates events to frame McCoy for the subsequent theft of the jewels from Howard's safe, hoping to incite Howard to dispose of McCoy once and for all. Unbeknownst to Markey, McCoy's loyal brother refuses to accept the fabricated accusations. With Nita by their side, they embark on a perilous journey to uncover the truth and clear McCoy's name, navigating through a treacherous web of lies and danger in their pursuit of justice and love. CAST & CREW Monte Hawley as Jim McCoy Jeni Le Gon as Nita Edward Thompson as Dude Markey Florence O'Brien as Sally Freddie Jackson as Tommy McCoy Maceo Bruce Sheffield as Murray Howard Charles Gordon as Lanny F.E. Miller as Nightclub Comedian Shelton Brooks as Singer in Nightclub Floorshow Juanita Moore as Nightclub Patron Directed by: Arthur Dreifuss Written by: Arthur Hoerl (story), Arthur Hoerl (screenplay), F.E. Miller (additional dialogue) Produced by: Dixon R. Harwin (producer), George Randol (executive producer) Cinematography: Mack Stengler Edited by: Carl Pierson Music by: Ross DiMaggio Production company: George Randol Productions Distributed by: Sack Amusement Enterprises, Astor Pictures Corporation (US; states rights) Release date: 1939 Running time: 60 minutes Country: United States Language: English

Down the Wyoming Trail is a 1939 American Western film directed by Albert Herman (as Al Herman) and starring Tex Ritter. SYNPOSIS Tex arrives on the Parker ranch on Christmas eve and is given the job of being Santa Claus. Also dressed as Santa Claus, Blackie robs Parker and kills a man. When Tex is arrested for the murder, he escapes and joins up with outlaw Becker and his gang. He finds Blackie's Santa Claus suit but is soon made a prisoner. CAST & CREW Tex Ritter as Tex Yancey White Flash as Tex's Horse Horace Murphy as Sheriff Missouri Mary Brodel as Candy Parker Bobby Larson as Jerry Parker Charles King as George Red Becker Bob Terry as Blackie Jack Ingram as Henchman Monte Earl Douglas as Henchman Silent Smith Frank LaRue as McClellan Ernie Adams as Limpy Watkins Charles Sargent as Ted Kern Edward Coxen as Whiskers (as Ed Coxen) Jean Sothern as Waitress Hilda The Northwesterners as Musicians Merle Scobee as Northwesterners Band Member A.J. Brier as Northwesterners Band Member Wilson F. Rasch as Northwesterners Band Member Ray Scobee as Northwesterners Band Member Charles L. Davis as Northwesterners Band Member Directed by: Albert Herman (as Al Herman) Screenplay by: Peter Dixon, Roger Merton Story by: Peter Dixon, Roger Merton Produced by: Edward Finney (as Edward F. Finney) Cinematography by: Marcel Le Picard Edited by: Holbrook N. Todd Music by: Frank Sanucci Production company: Edward F. Finney Productions Distributed by: Monogram Pictures Release date: June 14, 1939 Running time: 56 minutes Country: United States Language: English

El Diablo Rides is a 1939 American Western film directed by Ira S. Webb and written by Carl Krusada. The film stars Bob Steele, Claire Rochelle, Kit Guard, Carleton Young, Ted Adams and Robert Walker. The film was released on December 12, 1939, by Metropolitan Pictures Corporation. SYNOPSIS Bob rides into a border town, unaware of the dangers lurking within its dusty streets. His path soon crosses with Lambert and his ruthless gang, sparking a confrontation that puts Bob's life on the line. However, before Lambert's henchmen can deliver their final blow, Herb, the local lawman, intervenes. Herb, recognizing Bob's perilous situation, concocts a clever plan to deceive Lambert and his gang. He arrests Bob, publicly branding him as the notorious outlaw El Diablo. Although Bob initially protests his innocence, he soon realizes that Herb's actions are meant to shield him from Lambert's wrath. As Bob and Herb join forces, a newfound camaraderie forms between them. Together, they strategize and lay traps, determined to outsmart Lambert and bring his gang to justice. With danger lurking around every corner, Bob and Herb must rely on their wits and courage to navigate the treacherous landscape of the border town and emerge victorious against the formidable outlaws. CAST & CREW Bob Steele as Bob Claire Rochelle as Mary Kit Guard as Dan Carleton Young as Herb Crenshaw Ted Adams as Buck Lambert Robert Walker as Frank Robert Robinson as Sheriff Hal Carey as Saloon Singer Directed by: Ira S. Webb Screenplay by: Carl Krusada Story by: Harry Gordon, Rose Gordon Produced by: Harry S. Webb Cinematography by: Edward A. Kull Edited by: Dan Milner Music by: Frank Sanucci Production company: Metropolitan Pictures Corporation Distributed by: Metropolitan Pictures Corporation Release date: December 12, 1939 Running time: 57 minutes Country: United States Language: English

Escape to Paradise is a 1939 American film directed by Erle C. Kenton. SYNOPSIS An American tourist, jaded playboy Richard Fleming, embarks on a journey to South America, specifically the nation of Rosarita, where he finds both love and unexpected trouble. Guided by Roberto, a motorcycle enthusiast, Richard discovers not only true love but also a new career path as a Yerba mate exporter. CAST & CREW Bobby Breen as Roberto Ramos Kent Taylor as Richard Fleming Marla Shelton as Juanita Rudolph Anders as Alexander Komac Joyce Compton as Penelope Carter Pedro de Cordoba as Don Miguel Rosina Galli as Brigida, the Dueña Anna Demetrio as Señora Ramos, Roberto's Mother Francisco Marán as Perez Carlos Villarías as Gonzales Frank Yaconelli as Manuel, the Taxi Driver Directed by: Erle C. Kenton Written by: Ian McLellan Hunter (story), Herbert Clyde Lewis (story), Weldon Melick (writer) Produced by: Barney Briskin (associate producer) Cinematography by: Charles Edgar Schoenbaum Edited by: Arthur Hilton Music by: Victor Young Distributed by: RKO Pictures Release date: December 22, 1939 Running time: 60 minutes Country: United States Language: English

The Face at the Window is a 1939 British horror film directed by George King.[1] It was the second sound film adaptation of the 1897 stage melodrama by F. Brooke Warren after the 1932 version. SYNOPSIS Set in France in 1880. A series of murders is attributed to a Wolf Man. In Paris in 1880, a series of murders involving a grotesque face appearing at victims' windows, is attributed to a mysterious Wolf Man. After being accused of being the perpetrator, bank clerk Lucien Cortier (John Warwick) seeks to uncover the true identity of the murderer. Chevalier Lucio del Gardo seems determined to successfully prosecute Cortier for the murders. CAST & CREW Tod Slaughter – Chevalier Lucio del Gardo Marjorie Taylor – Cecile de Brisson John Warwick – Lucien Cortier Leonard Henry – Gaston, the Cook Aubrey Mallalieu – M. de Brisson Robert Adair – Police Inspector Gouffert Wallace Evennett – Professor LeBlanc Kay Lewis – Babette, the Maid Bill Shine – Pierre, Babette's Beau Margaret Yarde – La Pinan Harry Terry – The Face at the Window Directed by George King Written by A. R. Rawlinson, Randall Faye Produced by George King Cinematography Hone Glendinning Edited by Jack Harris Music by Jack Beaver Production company George King Productions Distributed by British Lion Film Corporation (UK) Arthur Ziehm (U.S.) Release date April 1939 Running time 65 minutes Country United Kingdom Language English

Everything's on Ice is a 1939 American musical film produced by Sol Lesser for RKO Pictures, directed by Erle C. Kenton and stars six year old Irene Dare, Edgar Kennedy and Lynne Roberts. The film was released on October 6, 1939, and is also known as Frolics on Ice (American video title). SYNOPSIS In this intricate narrative, Felix Miller, a crafty uncle with a penchant for schemes, sees an opportunity in his 6-year-old niece Irene Barton's remarkable figure skating talent. Despite skepticism from Irene's family, rooted in Felix's dubious financial history, he endeavors to showcase Irene's abilities to a talent scout visiting from Florida. Meanwhile, Irene's elder sister, Jane, finds her romantic prospects entangled in Felix's machinations, especially upon encountering Leopold Eddington, a seemingly modest man hiding substantial wealth. As Felix recklessly squanders Irene's earnings on extravagant luxuries, including opulent hotel stays and lavish expenditures, Jane unwittingly grows closer to Leopold, oblivious to his true financial standing. However, Felix's profligate behavior soon leads to financial ruin, culminating in Irene losing her coveted skating gig and the family confronting overwhelming debts. Amidst the ensuing chaos, Jane and Leopold impulsively elope, using their newfound wealth to purchase a barbershop for Irene's father, Joe, as a surprise birthday gift. Meanwhile, Felix and another debtor, Harrison, find themselves humbled, forced to labor in the hotel kitchen to settle their mounting debts. Ultimately, Irene's fate takes an unexpected turn when it is revealed that Leopold is, in fact, wealthy beyond imagination, leaving Felix and his elaborate schemes dumbfounded as the family navigates the complexities of newfound fortune and reconciles with past misjudgments. CAST & CREW Irene Dare as Irene Barton Edgar Kennedy as Joe Barton Roscoe Karns as Felix Miller Lynne Roberts as Jane Barton Eric Linden as Leopold Eddington Mary Hart as Elsie Barton George Meeker as Harrison Gregg Bobby Watson as French Mary Currier as Miss Tillifer Maxine Stewart as Hat Check Girl Wade Boteler as White Pierre Watkin as Hotel Manager Larry Jackson as Papa Penguin Kenny Williams as Dr. Penguin Directed by: Erle C. Kenton Written by: Adrian Landis, Sherman L. Lowe Produced by: Sol Lesser Starring: Edgar Kennedy, Lynne Roberts Cinematography by: Russell Metty Edited by: Arthur Hilton Music by: Amedeo De Filippi, Max Terr Distributed by: RKO Pictures Release date: October 6, 1939 (United States) Running time: 65 minutes Country: United States Language: English

Everything's on Ice is a 1939 American musical film produced by Sol Lesser for RKO Pictures, directed by Erle C. Kenton and stars six year old Irene Dare, Edgar Kennedy and Lynne Roberts. The film was released on October 6, 1939, and is also known as Frolics on Ice (American video title). SYNOPSIS In this intricate narrative, Felix Miller, a crafty uncle with a penchant for schemes, sees an opportunity in his 6-year-old niece Irene Barton's remarkable figure skating talent. Despite skepticism from Irene's family, rooted in Felix's dubious financial history, he endeavors to showcase Irene's abilities to a talent scout visiting from Florida. Meanwhile, Irene's elder sister, Jane, finds her romantic prospects entangled in Felix's machinations, especially upon encountering Leopold Eddington, a seemingly modest man hiding substantial wealth. As Felix recklessly squanders Irene's earnings on extravagant luxuries, including opulent hotel stays and lavish expenditures, Jane unwittingly grows closer to Leopold, oblivious to his true financial standing. However, Felix's profligate behavior soon leads to financial ruin, culminating in Irene losing her coveted skating gig and the family confronting overwhelming debts. Amidst the ensuing chaos, Jane and Leopold impulsively elope, using their newfound wealth to purchase a barbershop for Irene's father, Joe, as a surprise birthday gift. Meanwhile, Felix and another debtor, Harrison, find themselves humbled, forced to labor in the hotel kitchen to settle their mounting debts. Ultimately, Irene's fate takes an unexpected turn when it is revealed that Leopold is, in fact, wealthy beyond imagination, leaving Felix and his elaborate schemes dumbfounded as the family navigates the complexities of newfound fortune and reconciles with past misjudgments. CAST & CREW Irene Dare as Irene Barton Edgar Kennedy as Joe Barton Roscoe Karns as Felix Miller Lynne Roberts as Jane Barton Eric Linden as Leopold Eddington Mary Hart as Elsie Barton George Meeker as Harrison Gregg Bobby Watson as French Mary Currier as Miss Tillifer Maxine Stewart as Hat Check Girl Wade Boteler as White Pierre Watkin as Hotel Manager Larry Jackson as Papa Penguin Kenny Williams as Dr. Penguin Directed by: Erle C. Kenton Written by: Adrian Landis, Sherman L. Lowe Produced by: Sol Lesser Starring: Edgar Kennedy, Lynne Roberts Cinematography by: Russell Metty Edited by: Arthur Hilton Music by: Amedeo De Filippi, Max Terr Distributed by: RKO Pictures Release date: October 6, 1939 (United States) Running time: 65 minutes Country: United States Language: English

Feud of the Range is a 1939 American Western film produced and directed by Harry S. Webb and written by Carl Krusada. The film stars Bob Steele, Richard Cramer, Gertrude Messinger, Frank LaRue, Jean Cranford and Bob Burns. The film was released on January 15, 1939, by Metropolitan Pictures Corporation. SYNOPSIS Railroad representative Clyde Barton, in a bid to clear settlers from the Los Trancos valley for a railway line, collaborates with Dirk to instigate a range war between the valley's main ranchers, Tom Gray and Harvey Allen. Their scheme involves engineering conflict to force the ranchers to sell their land to them, intending to profit by selling it to the railroad. Sheriff Waters, recognizing the escalating danger, calls upon Tom Gray's son Bob to intervene. Deputized alongside his loyal companion Happy, Bob sets out to halt the conflict and restore peace to the valley. CAST & CREW Bob Steele as Bob Gray Richard Cramer as Tom Gray Gertrude Messinger as Madge Allen Frank LaRue as Harvey Allen Jean Cranford as Helen Wilson Bob Burns as Pop Wilson Budd Buster as Happy Jack Ingram as Clyde Barton Charles King as Dirk Duke R. Lee as Sheriff Cal Waters Directed by: Harry S. Webb Screenplay by: Carl Krusada Story by: George H. Plympton Produced by: Harry S. Webb Starring: Bob Steele, Richard Cramer, Gertrude Messinger, Frank LaRue, Jean Cranford, Bob Burns Cinematography by: Edward A. Kull Edited by: S. Roy Luby Music by: Frank Sanucci Production company: Metropolitan Pictures Corporation Distributed by: Metropolitan Pictures Corporation Release date: January 15, 1939 Running time: 55 minutes Country: United States Language: English

Fangs of the Wild is a 1939 American drama film directed by Raymond K. Johnson and starring Dennis Moore, Luana Walters and Tom London. SYNOPSIS Foxes are mysteriously disappearing from fox farms and Agent Don has been sent to investigate. Brad and Pete are the culprits and they are using a dog that can climb the security fence to steal the foxes. Don brings a dog with him and when Carol sees a dog stealing a fox, she accuses Don. CAST & CREW Dennis Moore as Don Brady Luana Walters as Carol Dean Tom London as Larry Dean Ted Adams as Fur salesman Lewis Mae Busch as Fur buyer George Chesebro as Fur thief Brad Jimmy Aubrey as Fur thief Pete Bud Osborne as Clem George Morrell as Captain Dwyer Martin Spellman as Buddy Brady Rin Tin Tin, Jr. as Rinty, Don's dog Directed by: Raymond K. Johnson Written by: Carl Krusada Produced by: Harry S. Webb Starring: Dennis Moore, Luana Walters, Tom London Cinematography by: Edward A. Kull Edited by: Frederick Bain Music by: Johnny Lange, Lew Porter Production company: Metropolitan Pictures Distributed by: Astor Pictures Release date: July 1939 Running time: 52 minutes Country: United States Language: English

The Fighting Renegade is a 1939 American western directed by Sam Newfield and produced by Sam Katzman for Katzman's Victory Pictures. SYNOPSIS A government agent, falsely accused of murdering a professor, adopts the persona of "The Puma," a renowned Mexican vigilante leader, to conceal his true identity and pursue the true culprits. In this guise, he not only evades capture but also gains access to crucial information while speaking with a Mexican accent throughout his investigation. CAST & CREW Tim McCoy as Bill Carson Joyce Bryant as Marian Willis Ben Corbett as Magpie Ted Adams as Link Benson Budd Buster as Old Dobie Dave O'Brien as Dr. Jerry Leonard Forrest Taylor as Prof. Lucius Lloyd Reed Howes as Sheriff John Elliott as Prospector Directed by: Sam Newfield Written by: William Lively Produced by: Sam Katzman Cinematography by: Arthur Reed Edited by: Holbrook N. Todd Distributed by: Victory Pictures Release date: September 1, 1939 Running time: 58 minutes Country: United States Language: English

Feud of the Range is a 1939 American Western film produced and directed by Harry S. Webb and written by Carl Krusada. The film stars Bob Steele, Richard Cramer, Gertrude Messinger, Frank LaRue, Jean Cranford and Bob Burns. The film was released on January 15, 1939, by Metropolitan Pictures Corporation. SYNOPSIS Railroad representative Clyde Barton, in a bid to clear settlers from the Los Trancos valley for a railway line, collaborates with Dirk to instigate a range war between the valley's main ranchers, Tom Gray and Harvey Allen. Their scheme involves engineering conflict to force the ranchers to sell their land to them, intending to profit by selling it to the railroad. Sheriff Waters, recognizing the escalating danger, calls upon Tom Gray's son Bob to intervene. Deputized alongside his loyal companion Happy, Bob sets out to halt the conflict and restore peace to the valley. CAST & CREW Bob Steele as Bob Gray Richard Cramer as Tom Gray Gertrude Messinger as Madge Allen Frank LaRue as Harvey Allen Jean Cranford as Helen Wilson Bob Burns as Pop Wilson Budd Buster as Happy Jack Ingram as Clyde Barton Charles King as Dirk Duke R. Lee as Sheriff Cal Waters Directed by: Harry S. Webb Screenplay by: Carl Krusada Story by: George H. Plympton Produced by: Harry S. Webb Starring: Bob Steele, Richard Cramer, Gertrude Messinger, Frank LaRue, Jean Cranford, Bob Burns Cinematography by: Edward A. Kull Edited by: S. Roy Luby Music by: Frank Sanucci Production company: Metropolitan Pictures Corporation Distributed by: Metropolitan Pictures Corporation Release date: January 15, 1939 Running time: 55 minutes Country: United States Language: English

The Fighting Renegade is a 1939 American western directed by Sam Newfield and produced by Sam Katzman for Katzman's Victory Pictures. SYNOPSIS A government agent, falsely accused of murdering a professor, adopts the persona of "The Puma," a renowned Mexican vigilante leader, to conceal his true identity and pursue the true culprits. In this guise, he not only evades capture but also gains access to crucial information while speaking with a Mexican accent throughout his investigation. CAST & CREW Tim McCoy as Bill Carson Joyce Bryant as Marian Willis Ben Corbett as Magpie Ted Adams as Link Benson Budd Buster as Old Dobie Dave O'Brien as Dr. Jerry Leonard Forrest Taylor as Prof. Lucius Lloyd Reed Howes as Sheriff John Elliott as Prospector Directed by: Sam Newfield Written by: William Lively Produced by: Sam Katzman Cinematography by: Arthur Reed Edited by: Holbrook N. Todd Distributed by: Victory Pictures Release date: September 1, 1939 Running time: 58 minutes Country: United States Language: English

The Flying Deuces, also known as Flying Aces, is a 1939 buddy comedy film starring Laurel and Hardy, in which the duo join the French Foreign Legion. It is a partial remake of their short film Beau Hunks (1931). SYNOPSIS Ollie has fallen in love with the innkeeper's daughter in Paris. The only problem - she's very much in love with her husband. To forget her he joins the Foreign Legion with Stan. Bad idea. During their sojourn in Paris, Ollie and Stan, temporarily distanced from their usual fish market work in Des Moines, Iowa, find themselves entangled in a romantic imbroglio. Ollie becomes enamored with Georgette, the daughter of an innkeeper, yet remains oblivious to her matrimonial ties to Francois, a Foreign Legion officer. Rejected by Georgette due to her existing marital commitment, Ollie experiences despondency, contemplating drastic measures until he is dissuaded by Stan's musings on reincarnation. Following Francois' suggestion, the duo enlists in the Foreign Legion, purportedly to alleviate Ollie's romantic woes. Their legionnaire duties entail menial labor, met with resistance owing to their aversion to the meager wages offered. Subsequently sentenced to rigorous tasks, Ollie gradually relinquishes his romantic affliction amid the toil. Eventually, disillusioned by their laborious predicament, they incite chaos, inadvertently setting the laundry ablaze before expressing their disdain through a defiant letter. Encounters with Georgette reignite Ollie's hopes, leading to a misunderstanding culminating in his arrest upon Francois' revelation of Georgette's marital status. Sentenced to death for desertion, Ollie and Stan find themselves incarcerated, their fate seemingly sealed until a fortuitous escape opportunity emerges. Inadvertent actions by Stan, however, divert their path to Francois' abode, igniting a pursuit culminating in an airborne escapade that concludes with Stan encountering a talking horse, purportedly embodying Ollie's reincarnated spirit. CAST & CREW Stan Laurel as Stan Oliver Hardy as Ollie Jean Parker as Georgette Reginald Gardiner as Francois Charles Middleton as Commandant Jean Del Val as Sergeant Clem Wilenchick as Corporal James Finlayson as Jailor Directed by A. Edward Sutherland Written by Ralph Spence, Charley Rogers, Fred Schiller, Harry Langdon Produced by Boris Morros Cinematography Art Lloyd Edited by Jack Dennis Music by John Leipold, Leo Shuken Production company Boris Morros Productions Distributed by RKO Radio Pictures Release date November 3, 1939 Running time 69 min Country United States Language English NOTES As Laurel and Hardy did not have an exclusive contract with Hal Roach, they were able to appear in films for other studios as they pleased. A remake of Beau Hunks, The Flying Deuces was released by RKO Radio Pictures and was made by independent producer Boris Morros. Director A. Edward Sutherland and Stan Laurel did not get along during filming, with Sutherland having reportedly commented that he "would rather eat a tarantula than work with Laurel again". At the beginning of the film, the innkeeper's daughter is seen looking at a framed photograph of Ollie. The same photograph can also be seen in the short film Our Wife (1931), where the sight of it prompts the father of Ollie's fiancé to forbid the wedding. The "laundry scene" in The Flying Deuces was filmed on the Iverson Movie Ranch in the Chatsworth section of Los Angeles, California, considered to be the most often used outdoor shooting location for films and television shows. In the scene, the characters played by Laurel and Hardy, having disrupted training camp soon after joining the Foreign Legion, are forced to do a massive amount of laundry—seemingly the laundry for the entire Foreign Legion. For the shoot, a facsimile of a huge pile of laundry was built on top of one of the giant sandstone boulders of Iverson's Garden of the Gods, which is now a park. Aerial footage of the scene, including a large spread consisting of laundry hanging on lines, was shot for the movie, and was used briefly in the final flying scene as the set-up for a gag where the pair's cockpit is pelted with laundry. The footage later turned up in a number of other productions, including the Republic serials Manhunt of Mystery Island (1945) and Radar Patrol vs. Spy King (1949), along with the Allied Artists movie The Cyclops (1957). The Flying Deuces is one of two Laurel and Hardy features in the public domain; the other is Atoll K. As such, it regularly appears as part of inexpensive DVD or video compilations. Turner/Warner Bros. currently possesses the original negative but has not released the film.

Fisherman's Wharf is a 1939 American drama film directed by Bernard Vorhaus from a screenplay by Bernard Schubert, Ian McLellan Hunter, and Herbert Clyde Lewis. The film stars Bobby Breen, Leo Carillo, Lee Patrick, and Slicker, "the silly seal". Produced by Sol Lesser for RKO Radio Pictures, who also distributed the film, it was released on February 3, 1939. SYNOPSIS Carlo Roma and his foster-son, Toma, and their friend Beppo, are living a happy fisherman's life in San Francisco until Carlo's widowed sister-in-law, Stella, shows up with her brat-son, Rudolph, and takes over. Poor Toma gets his feelings hurt and the idea he "isn't wanted" and runs away. Carlo Roma has a happy household with his son, Tony, despite being widowed. The two enjoy a very deep bond. Along with a pet seal, Julius, the father and son live with one of Carlo's business partners, Beppo, and a housekeeper, Angelina. Beppo has been romantically interested in Angelina for decades and is constantly proposing to her, which she always declines. He runs a successful fishing fleet of three boats, one of which Beppo captains. His other two equal partners are Luigi and Pietro. When Stella, Carlo's widowed sister-in-law, moves in with her son Rudolph, the harmony of the home is disrupted. First, Stella banishes Julius from the house. Stella then drives both Beppo and Angelina from the house. After leaving, Angelina finally consents to Beppo and the two marry. Stella, not being satisfied with the money being made from Carlo's fishing enterprise, convinces him to demote his three partners to simple employees. Disgruntled, the three leave to begin their own fishing business. As a last straw, Rudolph has been extremely unkind to Tony. When Rudolph learns that Tony is not Carlo's biological son, he cruelly tells him. The disheartened child runs away from home, taking Carlo's fishing boat. Carlo finally understands what has been happening in his house, and orders Stella and Rudolph to leave. With the help of Beppo, the two track down Tony and the family is reunited. CAST & CREW Bobby Breen as Tony Roma Leo Carillo as Carlo Roma Henry Armetta as Beppo Lee Patrick as Stella Rosina Galli as Angelina Tommy Bupp as Rudolph George Humbert as Pietro Leon Belasco as Luigi Slicker, the seal as Julius Dorr's St. Luke's Choristers Directed by Bernard Vorhaus Written by Bernard Schubert, Ian McLellan Hunter, Herbert Clyde Lewis Produced by Sol Lesser Cinematography Charles Schoenbaum, William Dietz (backgrounds) Edited by Arthur Hilton Music by Victor Young Production companies Bobby Breen Productions, Principal Productions Distributed by RKO Radio Pictures Release dates January 25, 1939 (Premiere-San Francisco), February 3, 1939 (US) Running time 72 minutes Country United States Language English NOTES An August 1938 news item let the public know that Breen was attached to the picture, which went on to state that production would begin on September 15 of that year. In October it was reported that Bernard Vorhaus would helm the film. And by late that month, Leo Carillo's participation had been announced. Armetta was added to the cast in early November,[6] while other cast members announced in November included Slicker the seal and Lee Patrick. The Reverend Neal Dodd, who performed hundreds of screen wedding ceremonies, would conduct his three hundredth in this film, overseeing the screen nuptials between Beppo and Angelina.[9] In December it was announced that the St. Luke's Episcopal Church Choristers, also known as Dorr's St. Luke's Choristers, would be appearing in the film. Fisherman's Wharf premiered in San Francisco on January 25, 1939. In attendance were the three stars, Bobby Breen, Leo Carillo, and Henry Armetta, along with Sol Lesser.[1] The film opened nationwide on February 3, 1939. The National Legion of Decency rated the film a class A-1, making it suitable for all audiences. Reception Harrison's Reports called the picture a "pleasant mixture of comedy and drama, with deep human appeal." They felt it was one of Breen's best performances to date, and lauded both Carillo and Armetto for excellent performances. They also enjoyed Galli's musical performance in the film, as well as the contributions of the trained seal, Slicker. The Film Daily described it as a fine sentimental comedy, which had all "the ingredients of a sentimental tear jerker, but..." the producer decided to emphasize the comedic aspect instead, which they felt was a good move. They complimented both the cast and the direction. Motion Picture Daily, in their review of the film, lauded the acting skills of Carillo, Armetta, and Breen, and called the song, "Songs of Italy", with words and music by Frank Churchill and Paul F. Webster, "outstanding." Overall, they felt the film was a "charming picture of a father and son's mutual devotion."

The Flying Deuces, also known as Flying Aces, is a 1939 buddy comedy film starring Laurel and Hardy, in which the duo join the French Foreign Legion. It is a partial remake of their short film Beau Hunks (1931).

The Flying Deuces, also known as Flying Aces, is a 1939 buddy comedy film starring Laurel and Hardy, in which the duo join the French Foreign Legion. It is a partial remake of their short film Beau Hunks (1931). SYNOPSIS Ollie has fallen in love with the innkeeper's daughter in Paris. The only problem - she's very much in love with her husband. To forget her he joins the Foreign Legion with Stan. Bad idea. During their sojourn in Paris, Ollie and Stan, temporarily distanced from their usual fish market work in Des Moines, Iowa, find themselves entangled in a romantic imbroglio. Ollie becomes enamored with Georgette, the daughter of an innkeeper, yet remains oblivious to her matrimonial ties to Francois, a Foreign Legion officer. Rejected by Georgette due to her existing marital commitment, Ollie experiences despondency, contemplating drastic measures until he is dissuaded by Stan's musings on reincarnation. Following Francois' suggestion, the duo enlists in the Foreign Legion, purportedly to alleviate Ollie's romantic woes. Their legionnaire duties entail menial labor, met with resistance owing to their aversion to the meager wages offered. Subsequently sentenced to rigorous tasks, Ollie gradually relinquishes his romantic affliction amid the toil. Eventually, disillusioned by their laborious predicament, they incite chaos, inadvertently setting the laundry ablaze before expressing their disdain through a defiant letter. Encounters with Georgette reignite Ollie's hopes, leading to a misunderstanding culminating in his arrest upon Francois' revelation of Georgette's marital status. Sentenced to death for desertion, Ollie and Stan find themselves incarcerated, their fate seemingly sealed until a fortuitous escape opportunity emerges. Inadvertent actions by Stan, however, divert their path to Francois' abode, igniting a pursuit culminating in an airborne escapade that concludes with Stan encountering a talking horse, purportedly embodying Ollie's reincarnated spirit. CAST & CREW Stan Laurel as Stan Oliver Hardy as Ollie Jean Parker as Georgette Reginald Gardiner as Francois Charles Middleton as Commandant Jean Del Val as Sergeant Clem Wilenchick as Corporal James Finlayson as Jailor Directed by A. Edward Sutherland Written by Ralph Spence, Charley Rogers, Fred Schiller, Harry Langdon Produced by Boris Morros Cinematography Art Lloyd Edited by Jack Dennis Music by John Leipold, Leo Shuken Production company Boris Morros Productions Distributed by RKO Radio Pictures Release date November 3, 1939 Running time 69 min Country United States Language English NOTES As Laurel and Hardy did not have an exclusive contract with Hal Roach, they were able to appear in films for other studios as they pleased. A remake of Beau Hunks, The Flying Deuces was released by RKO Radio Pictures and was made by independent producer Boris Morros. Director A. Edward Sutherland and Stan Laurel did not get along during filming, with Sutherland having reportedly commented that he "would rather eat a tarantula than work with Laurel again". At the beginning of the film, the innkeeper's daughter is seen looking at a framed photograph of Ollie. The same photograph can also be seen in the short film Our Wife (1931), where the sight of it prompts the father of Ollie's fiancé to forbid the wedding. The "laundry scene" in The Flying Deuces was filmed on the Iverson Movie Ranch in the Chatsworth section of Los Angeles, California, considered to be the most often used outdoor shooting location for films and television shows. In the scene, the characters played by Laurel and Hardy, having disrupted training camp soon after joining the Foreign Legion, are forced to do a massive amount of laundry—seemingly the laundry for the entire Foreign Legion. For the shoot, a facsimile of a huge pile of laundry was built on top of one of the giant sandstone boulders of Iverson's Garden of the Gods, which is now a park. Aerial footage of the scene, including a large spread consisting of laundry hanging on lines, was shot for the movie, and was used briefly in the final flying scene as the set-up for a gag where the pair's cockpit is pelted with laundry. The footage later turned up in a number of other productions, including the Republic serials Manhunt of Mystery Island (1945) and Radar Patrol vs. Spy King (1949), along with the Allied Artists movie The Cyclops (1957). The Flying Deuces is one of two Laurel and Hardy features in the public domain; the other is Atoll K. As such, it regularly appears as part of inexpensive DVD or video compilations. Turner/Warner Bros. currently possesses the original negative but has not released the film.

The Four Feathers is a 1939 British Technicolor adventure film directed by Zoltan Korda, starring John Clements, Ralph Richardson, June Duprez, and C. Aubrey Smith. Set during the reign of Queen Victoria, it tells the story of a man accused of cowardice and his efforts to redeem his name. It is widely regarded as the best of the numerous film adaptations of the 1902 novel of the same name by A.E.W. Mason. SYNOPSIS A timid 1880s British Army officer resigns, burning his last-day summons to war in Egypt. Accusing him of cowardice, his girlfriend and three friends give him white feathers. To gain redemption, he shadows his friends to save their lives. In 1895, the Royal North Surrey Regiment is called to active service to join the army of Sir Herbert Kitchener in the Mahdist War against the forces of the Khalifa. Forced into an army career by family tradition and fearful he might prove a coward in battle, Lieutenant Harry Faversham resigns his commission on the eve of its departure. As a result, his three friends and fellow officers, Captain John Durrance and Lieutenants Burroughs and Willoughby, show their contempt by each sending him a white feather attached to a calling card. When his fiancée, Ethne Burroughs, says nothing in his defence, he bitterly demands a fourth from her. She refuses, but he plucks one from her fan. Harry confides in an old mentor and former surgeon in his father's regiment, Dr. Sutton, that he now realises he did act out of cowardice and must attempt to redeem himself. He departs for Egypt. There, he disguises himself as a despised mute Sangali native, with the help of Dr. Harraz, to hide his lack of knowledge of the local languages. During the army's advance, Durrance is ordered to take his company into the desert to lure the Khalifa's army away from the Nile so that Kitchener's army can sail past. Durrance is blinded by sunstroke, but hides it from his men. The company is overrun. He is left for dead, while Burroughs and Willoughby are captured. Faversham takes the delirious Durrance across the desert and down the Nile to the vicinity of a British fort. As he is putting something into Durrance's wallet, Faversham is spotted and mistaken for a robber. He is placed in a convict gang, but escapes. Six months later, the blind Durrance has returned to England. Out of pity, Ethne agrees to marry him. At dinner with Ethne, her father, and Dr. Sutton, Durrance relates the tale of his miraculous rescue. He pulls out a keepsake letter from Ethne, the only thing he had in his wallet during the "robbery". A white feather and his card drop out, revealing to the others that his rescuer was Faversham. Nobody has the heart to tell him. Burroughs and Willoughby are thrown into a dungeon in Omdurman with other enemies of the Khalifa. Still playing the addled Sangali, Faversham surreptitiously gives them hope of escape and passes them a file, but arouses the suspicions of the guards. He is flogged and imprisoned with the others. He reveals his identity to his friends and organizes an escape during Kitchener's attack. Faversham leads the other prisoners in overpowering their guards and seizing the Khalifa's arsenal, which they hold until the arrival of Kitchener's forces. Durrance learns of Faversham's deeds from a newspaper account and realises who saved him. He dictates a letter to Ethne, releasing her from their engagement on the false pretext of going to Germany for a prolonged course of treatment to restore his eyesight. Later, Harry attends a dinner with his friends and Ethne. Ethne asks him what act of bravery will make her take back her feather. Faversham interrupts General Burroughs, Ethne's father, in the midst of his favourite war story about the Battle of Balaclava and corrects his embellishments (Faversham's father was there too); the general complains that he will never be able to tell that story again. CAST & CREW John Clements as Harry Faversham Ralph Richardson as Captain John Durrance C. Aubrey Smith as General Burroughs June Duprez as Ethne Burroughs Allan Jeayes as General Faversham Jack Allen as Lieutenant Thomas Willoughby Donald Gray as Peter Burroughs Frederick Culley as Dr Sutton Clive Baxter as Young Harry Faversham Robert Rendel as Colonel Archibald Batty as Adjutant Derek Elphinstone as Lieutenant Parker Hal Walters as Joe Norman Pierce as Sergeant Brown Henry Oscar as Dr. Harraz John Laurie as the Khalifa Abdullah Amid Taftazani as Karaga Pasha Directed by Zoltan Korda Written by R. C. Sherriff, Lajos Bíró, Arthur Wimperis Based on The Four Feathers 1902 novel by A.E.W. Mason Produced by Alexander Korda Cinematography Georges Perinal Edited by Henry Cornelius Music by Miklós Rózsa Color process Technicolor Production company London Films Distributed by United Artists Release dates 20 April 1939 (UK), 4 August 1939 (U.S.) Running time 130 minutes Country United Kingdom Language English Budget $1 million

The Four Feathers is a 1939 British Technicolor adventure film directed by Zoltan Korda, starring John Clements, Ralph Richardson, June Duprez, and C. Aubrey Smith. Set during the reign of Queen Victoria, it tells the story of a man accused of cowardice and his efforts to redeem his name. It is widely regarded as the best of the numerous film adaptations of the 1902 novel of the same name by A.E.W. Mason.

Frontier Pony Express is a 1939 American Western film directed by Joseph Kane and starring Roy Rogers, Lynne Roberts (as Mary Hart) and Noble Johnson as the lead villain. SYNOPSIS As Yankee and Rebel forces contend for the allegiance of California, Pony Express rider Roy and his sidekick must round up a pack of villains before Roy can turn his attentions to the girl. At the start of the American Civil War in 1861 the Pony Express is of vital importance to the United States. A Confederate secret agent, Brett Langhorne, is working undercover by purchasing the newspaper in the town of St. Joe. Accompanied by his sister they meet Roy Rogers, a Pony Express rider, who rescues her from a runaway stagecoach. Brett unsuccessfully tries to get Roy to work for money to help the Confederacy. Brett's local contact is Senator Calhoun Lassiter who Brett and the Confederacy believe will assist in bringing California into the Confederacy. But Lassiter betrays both the United States of America and the Confederacy as he wants to make California an independent "Republic of the Pacific" that he will despotically rule. To this end, Lassiter commissions outlaw Luke Johnson and his gang to steal, by force, critical documents being transmitted through the town of St. Joe by Pony Express. Roy risks limb and life to protect the mission of the Pony Express against the vicious outlaws, unaware of the Confederate agents supporting them. He finally learns the full extent of the plot when Lassiter and Langhorne have a falling out, and Lassiter shoots the young man in the back; and Langhorne confesses the plot to Roy as he dies. Rogers, the Pony Express officials, and the cavalry then work out a plan which brings an end to the machinations of Lassiter and Johnson. CAST & CREW Roy Rogers as Pony Express Rider Roy Rogers Mary Hart as Ann Langhorne Don Dillaway as Brett Langhorne Noble Johnson as Luke Johnson Edward Keane as Sen. Calhoun Lassiter Raymond Hatton as Horseshoe the Trapper William Royle as Dan Garrett Ethel Wales as Mrs. Murphy (Langhorne's housekeeper) Jack Kirk as Cavalry Captain Monte Blue as "Cherokee", a rider Directed by Joseph Kane Written by Norman S. Hall (original story and screenplay) Produced by Joseph Kane Cinematography William Nobles Edited by Gene Milford Distributed by Republic Pictures Release date April 12, 1939 Running time 58 minutes 54 minutes (American edited version) Country United States Language English

Girl from Rio is a 1939 American drama film directed by Lambert Hillyer from a screenplay by Milton Raison and John Thomas Neville. The film stars Movita, Warren Hull, and Alan Baldwin. SYNOPSIS A girl who is a famous singer in Brazil comes to New York to help clear her brother, who has been charged with arson and murder. Marquita Romero is a singer in Rio de Janeiro, is engaged to an American newspaper reporter, Steven Ward. The day before she is to have her theatrical singing debut in Rio de Janeiro, she receives a call from New York City. Her brother, Carlos, has been arrested and charged with murder. She decides to rush to his side. When she arrives in New York City, she talks to Carlos' wife, Annette Templeton, and learns that the charges stem from the fire which engulfed the club where they were both performing. Carlos and Annette had been fired shortly before the fire, due to the club owner's jealousy over Carlos and Annette's relationship. The day after he fired them, Mitchell, the club owner, asked to speak with Carlos at the club. After their meeting, Carlos leaves, and the club burns down, which also results in a death. When Marquita goes to discuss the case with Carlos' attorney, she finds out that the attorney believes Carlos to be guilty, and has no plans to offer a significant defense. Ward has followed his fiancé to New York. Learning the story from Marquita, he engages the help of an old friend, Robert Montgomery, who is a renowned New York attorney, and Montgomery agrees to represent Carlos. Ward uncovers the fact that Mitchell has had several clubs burn down, and has collected numerous insurance claims on the fires. With this evidence in hand, he approaches the investigator for the Pyramid Fire Insurance Company, Dennis Slater, hoping that he would dig deeper. However, Slater does not take up the investigation, instead demanding that Ward find more incriminating evidence. Stymied, Marquita goes undercover at another one of Mitchell's clubs as a singer. Shortly after she arrives at the club, Mitchell's girlfriend becomes jealous, and decides to look into her history. She uncovers the fact that Marquita is Carlos' sister, and tells Mitchell about her. Mitchell confronts her in his office, and is threatening to kill her, when Marquita grabs Mitchell's gun and fires it at him. She misses, but the incendiary rounds in the weapon start a fire, which uncovers how Mitchell started all the other fires. As the fire spreads, Ward arrive to rescue Marquita. The following day Mitchell is arrested, and Marquita and Carlos return to their home in Rio de Janeiro. CAST & CREW Movita as Marquita Romero Warren Hull as Steven Ward Alan Baldwin as Carlos Kay Linaker as Vicki Clay Clement as Mitchell Pamela Blake (credited as Adele Pearce) as Annette Templeton Soledad Jiménez (credited as Soledad Jiminez) as Lola Richard Tucker as Roger Montgomery Dennis Moore as Collins Directed by Lambert Hillyer Written by Milton Raison, John Thomas Neville Produced by E. B. Derr Cinematography Paul Ivano Edited by Robert S. Golden, Russell Schoengarth Production company Monogram Pictures Release date August 7, 1939 Running time 63 minutes Country United States Language English

The Gorilla is a 1939 American comedy horror film starring the Ritz Brothers, Anita Louise, Art Miles, Lionel Atwill, Bela Lugosi, and Patsy Kelly. It was based on the 1925 play of the same name by Ralph Spence. SYNOPSIS When a wealthy man (Lionel Atwill) is threatened by a killer known as The Gorilla, he hires the Ritz Brothers to investigate. A real escaped gorilla shows up at the mansion just as the investigators arrive. Patsy Kelly portrays a newly hired maid who wants to quit because the butler, played by Bela Lugosi, scares her. CAST & CREW Jimmy Ritz as Garrity Anita Louise as Norma Denby Harry Ritz as Harrigan Al Ritz as Mulligan Patsy Kelly as Kitty Lionel Atwill as Walter Stevens Bela Lugosi as Peters Joseph Calleia as the Stranger Edward Norris as Jack Marsden Wally Vernon as a Seaman Paul Harvey as Conway Art Miles as Poe the Gorilla Directed by Allan Dwan Written by Rian James, Sid Silvers Based on The Gorilla 1925 play by Ralph Spence Produced by Harry Joe Brown Cinematography Edward Cronjager Edited by Allen McNeil Music by David Buttolph. David Raksin, Cyril J. Mockridge, Alfred Newman Distributed by 20th Century-Fox Release date May 26, 1939 Running time 66 minutes Country United States Language English Budget $175,000 NOTES By October 1938, 20th Century-Fox bought the rights to Ralph Spence's play The Gorilla. Fox wanted production on the film to start in January, which would be when The Ritz Brothers finished their tour. The studio wanted Kane Richmond to play a part in the film, but Richmond was replaced by Edward Norris after Richmond signed on for the film Charlie Chan in Reno. Fox signed on Bela Lugosi for the film as the butler. This character was originally meant for Peter Lorre. The death of the Ritz Brothers' father caused production of the film in January to be delayed. Fox placed a $150,000 suit against the Ritz brothers for a breach of contract as the film was stated to start production on January 30, but was halted when the Ritz Brothers did not show up. They were reluctant to appear in a B picture. By March, the film began shooting again with the Ritz brothers returning to the film. The Gorilla became the last film made for Fox by the Ritz brothers. The Gorilla premiered on May 26, 1939. A negative review of the film was written in The New York Times stating, "It's all supposed to be either really funny or shockingly thrilling, depending on how you look at it. We couldn't see it either way." Describing the Ritz Brothers performance in the film as "perhaps best appreciated by those who find the antics of The Three Stooges to be of too high an order of wit," critic Craig Butler wrote in AllMovie that "shameless scenery chewing from Patsy Kelly ... can't distract from the baldness of some of the plot machinations or from the fact that many of the comic moments are shoehorned in with little rhyme or reason." Writing for Turner Classic Movies, critic Jeff Stafford described the film as "interesting primarily for Lugosi's tongue-in-cheek performance," but that the Ritz Brothers "come off like a poor man's version of The Marx Brothers," and that "Patsy Kelly's shrill performance as the terrified maid can also grate on your nerves."

Gulliver's Travels is a 1939 American animated musical fantasy film produced by Max Fleischer and directed by Dave Fleischer for Fleischer Studios.[3] Released to cinemas in the United States on December 22, 1939, by Paramount Pictures, the story is a very loose adaptation of Jonathan Swift's 1726 novel of the same name, specifically only the first part of four, which tells the story of Lilliput and Blefuscu, and centers around an explorer who helps a small kingdom who declared war after an argument over a wedding song. The film was Fleischer Studios' first feature-length animated film, as well as the second animated feature film produced by an American studio after Walt Disney Productions' Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, as Paramount had commissioned the feature in response to the success of that film.[5] The sequences for the film were directed by Seymour Kneitel, Willard Bowsky, Tom Palmer, Grim Natwick, William Henning, Roland Crandall, Thomas Johnson, Robert Leffingwell, Frank Kelling, Winfield Hoskins, and Orestes Calpini. SYNOPSIS A doctor washes ashore on an island inhabited by little people. CAST & CREW Sam Parker as Gulliver Max Smith as Gulliver (singing voice) Pinto Colvig as Gabby, Snitch, Gulliver (water gurgling sounds)[6] Jack Mercer as Prince David,[7] King Little, Twinkletoes, Snoop, Horses, Royal Chef Lanny Ross as the singing voice of Prince David Tedd Pierce as King Bombo, Sneak, Villagers Lovey Warren as Princess Glory Jessica Dragonette as the singing voice of Princess Glory Joe Oriolo as Italian Barber Margie Hines as Lilliputian Woman, Princess Glory (some crying and sobs) Carl Meyer as Lilliputians Directed by Dave Fleischer Animation directors: Seymour Kneitel, Willard Bowsky, Tom Palmer, Grim Natwick, William Henning, Roland Crandall, Thomas Johnson, Robert Leffingwell, Frank Kelling, Winfield Hoskins, Orestes Calpini Written by Dan Gordon, Cal Howard, Tedd Pierce, Edmond Seward, Isadore Sparber Based on Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift Produced by Max Fleischer Cinematography Charles Schettler Music by Victor Young, Leo Robin (songs), Ralph Rainger (songs), Al Neiburg (songs), Winston Sharples (songs), Sammy Timberg (songs) Production companies Paramount Pictures, Fleischer Studios Distributed by Paramount Pictures Release date December 22, 1939 Running time 76 minutes Country United States Language English Budget $700,000 Box office $3.27 million Max Fleischer had envisioned a feature as early as 1934, but Paramount vetoed the idea based largely on their interests in maintaining financial solvency following their series of bankruptcy reorganizations. However, after the success of Walt Disney Productions' Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Paramount wanted to duplicate the Disney success and ordered a feature for a 1939 Christmas release, which would be Paramount's very first animated feature. When the story was first written in New York, Popeye the Sailor had originally been cast as Gulliver. This was scrapped, however, and the story was restructured once the West Coast team of Cal Howard, Tedd Pierce, and Edmond Seward came aboard (although Popeye would later be cast as a Gulliver-like character in an abridged version of the story called "Popeye's Travels", made for the 1960s Popeye the Sailor television show). One of the major challenges for Fleischer Studios was the 18-month delivery envelope, coming at a time when Fleischer Studios was relocating to Miami, Florida. While Snow White was in production for 18 months, it had been in development for just as long, allowing for a total of three years to reach the screen. To meet this deadline, the Fleischer staff was greatly expanded to some 800 employees. Animation training classes were set up with Miami art schools as a conduit for additional workers. Experienced lead animators were lured from Hollywood studios, including Nelson Demorest, Joe D'Igalo, and former Fleischer Animators Grim Natwick, Al Eugster, and Shamus Culhane, who returned after working for the Walt Disney Studios. Several West Coast techniques were introduced in order to provide better animation and greater personality in the characters. Some animators adapted while others did not. Pencil tests were unheard of in New York but were soon embraced as a tool for improving production methods. While the majority of the characters were animated through conventional animation techniques, rotoscoping was used to animate Gulliver, Glory, and David. Fleischer Studios delivered Gulliver for Paramount's planned Christmas release schedule, opening in New York on December 20, 1939, going into general release two days later. Considering the potential demonstrated in the two Popeye specials, Gulliver's Travels lacked the built-in brand recognition of those shorts. This much-anticipated feature produced by Max Fleischer was still met with by an eager public and started out well, breaking box-office records in spite of the inevitable comparisons to Snow White.

The Great Commandment is a 1939 American Christian film directed by Irving Pichel, which portrays the conversion to Christianity of a young Zealot, Joel, and the Roman soldier Longinus through the teachings of Jesus in his Parable of the Good Samaritan. It was co-produced by Rev. James K. Friedrich and released by Cathedral Films in 1939. Its theatrical release was in 1941 by Twentieth Century Fox. SYNOPSIS n Jerusalem young Zealot Joel wants to fight the Roman conquerors and hopes that Jesus will be their Jewish king. But Jesus is crucified, and Joel becomes an early Christian, learning to live by the divine command, ‚Love thy neighbor.' The film takes place in 30 A.D. Judea in a fictional village near Jerusalem. The protagonist is Joel, the elder son of the village rabbi Lamech. Lamech wants Joel to follow in his footsteps as a scribe and rabbi, but Joel is secretly a zealot leader, believing that more must be done to help his nation than studying the Scriptures. He is also secretly in love with Tamar, the daughter of the carpet merchant Jemuel, and he overhears his father and Jemuel arranging a marriage between Tamar and one of Lamech's sons. Unfortunately for Joel it turns out to be his younger brother Zadok, an impetuous zealot, whom Joel has to protect from his own recklessness. A crisis is brought about by the arrival of a troop of soldiers led by a centurion, Longinus, who issues the demand for a special tax to be collected by a tax collector traveling with them. Zadok and other zealots organize the release of prisoners taken by the soldiers, which moves Longinus to plan a massacre of the men of the village. Zadok wants to attack the Romans right away, but Joel feels that a larger resistance is needed through someone reputed to be the coming Messiah of the Jewish people, Jesus Christ. Joel runs afoul of his father in declaring his love for Tamar, whom his father wants wedded to Zadok, and in revealing that he is a zealot leader. With the sword of the zealots entrusted to him, Joel goes out to find Jesus in order to enlist His leadership of their cause. [Jesus is not presented directly in this film, but only as a reflection in water, as the glow of light on His listeners, and by way of the voice of Irving Pichel, the director.] Joel meets Jesus' disciples, Andrew and Judas Iscariot, who have two different ideas about Jesus' mission. Judas, like the zealots, thinks that Jesus should be a military and political leader who would lead his people against the Romans. Joel confronts Jesus with the sword of the zealots, and Jesus declines his invitation with the words of Matthew 26:52 "all who take up the sword will perish by the sword." Longinus sends word for his soldiers to meet him at the inn, and he has the soldiers arrest Joel and take him to prison in Jerusalem. In prison Joel misses the Passion of Jesus. Tamar is allowed to visit him. They are met by Longinus, who tells Joel that he had him arrested for his own protection from the village mob. He tells him of another wonder: he was a witness of Jesus' crucifixion, and he was the soldier who thrust the spear in His side to make sure He was dead. Longinus throws down the spear, and he, Joel, and Tamar return to the village to witness their Christian faith. CAST & CREW John Beal as Joel Irving Pichel providing the voice of Jesus Maurice Moscovitch as Rabbi Lamech, Joel's father Albert Dekker as Longinus Marjorie Cooley as Tamar Warren McCollum as Zadok, Joel's brother Lloyd Corrigan as Jemuel Olaf Hytten as Nathan Ian Wolfe as tax collector Anthony Marlowe as wedding singer Lester Scharff as first zealot Marc Lobell as Judas Iscariot Harold Minjir as Andrew Earl Gunn as wounded man Albert Spehr as second zealot George Rosener as a merchant John Merton as Roman officer under Longinus Perry Ivins as first elder D'Arcy Corrigan as the blind man Max Davidson as the old man Stanley Price as second elder Belle Mitchell as Jemuel's wife Directed by Irving Pichel Written by Dana Burnet Produced by John T. Coyle Cinematography Charles P. Boyle, A.S.C. Edited by Ralph Dixon Distributed by Cathedral Films, Inc. Release dates 1939 (by Cathedral Films), June 13, 1941 (by 20th Century Fox) Running time 78 min Country United States Language English

The Gorilla is a 1939 American comedy horror film starring the Ritz Brothers, Anita Louise, Art Miles, Lionel Atwill, Bela Lugosi, and Patsy Kelly. It was based on the 1925 play of the same name by Ralph Spence. SYNOPSIS When a wealthy man (Lionel Atwill) is threatened by a killer known as The Gorilla, he hires the Ritz Brothers to investigate. A real escaped gorilla shows up at the mansion just as the investigators arrive. Patsy Kelly portrays a newly hired maid who wants to quit because the butler, played by Bela Lugosi, scares her. CAST & CREW Jimmy Ritz as Garrity Anita Louise as Norma Denby Harry Ritz as Harrigan Al Ritz as Mulligan Patsy Kelly as Kitty Lionel Atwill as Walter Stevens Bela Lugosi as Peters Joseph Calleia as the Stranger Edward Norris as Jack Marsden Wally Vernon as a Seaman Paul Harvey as Conway Art Miles as Poe the Gorilla Directed by Allan Dwan Written by Rian James, Sid Silvers Based on The Gorilla 1925 play by Ralph Spence Produced by Harry Joe Brown Cinematography Edward Cronjager Edited by Allen McNeil Music by David Buttolph. David Raksin, Cyril J. Mockridge, Alfred Newman Distributed by 20th Century-Fox Release date May 26, 1939 Running time 66 minutes Country United States Language English Budget $175,000 NOTES By October 1938, 20th Century-Fox bought the rights to Ralph Spence's play The Gorilla. Fox wanted production on the film to start in January, which would be when The Ritz Brothers finished their tour. The studio wanted Kane Richmond to play a part in the film, but Richmond was replaced by Edward Norris after Richmond signed on for the film Charlie Chan in Reno. Fox signed on Bela Lugosi for the film as the butler. This character was originally meant for Peter Lorre. The death of the Ritz Brothers' father caused production of the film in January to be delayed. Fox placed a $150,000 suit against the Ritz brothers for a breach of contract as the film was stated to start production on January 30, but was halted when the Ritz Brothers did not show up. They were reluctant to appear in a B picture. By March, the film began shooting again with the Ritz brothers returning to the film. The Gorilla became the last film made for Fox by the Ritz brothers. The Gorilla premiered on May 26, 1939. A negative review of the film was written in The New York Times stating, "It's all supposed to be either really funny or shockingly thrilling, depending on how you look at it. We couldn't see it either way." Describing the Ritz Brothers performance in the film as "perhaps best appreciated by those who find the antics of The Three Stooges to be of too high an order of wit," critic Craig Butler wrote in AllMovie that "shameless scenery chewing from Patsy Kelly ... can't distract from the baldness of some of the plot machinations or from the fact that many of the comic moments are shoehorned in with little rhyme or reason." Writing for Turner Classic Movies, critic Jeff Stafford described the film as "interesting primarily for Lugosi's tongue-in-cheek performance," but that the Ritz Brothers "come off like a poor man's version of The Marx Brothers," and that "Patsy Kelly's shrill performance as the terrified maid can also grate on your nerves."

The Gorilla is a 1939 American comedy horror film starring the Ritz Brothers, Anita Louise, Art Miles, Lionel Atwill, Bela Lugosi, and Patsy Kelly. It was based on the 1925 play of the same name by Ralph Spence.