Miniature Review
'Unmarried'(Par).
Good programmer for dual support and the family trade.

..... This one is a close remake of 'Lady and Gent' turned out by Paramount in 1932 with George Bancroft, and Wynne Gibson. Present version of the Grover Jones-William Slavens McNutt original shows no effect of age, and emerges as an entertaining offering that will provide good support in the duals and satisfy the family trade in the subsequent runs.
..... Picture marks Buck Jones' first appearance outside of westerns for a number of years, which makes him light on general marquee value except in the action houses. Name of Helen Twelvetrees won't help much in view of her long absence from the screen.
..... Story concerns Jones, a second-rate heavywight, and Miss Twelvetrees, caustic-tongued and quick-witted night club operator in the prohibition era. Couple take their romance for granted. Yarn gains immediate interest with fast-paced opening establishing characters and washup of Jones in the ring and girl's loss of her nitery. Pair go to a small town to relcaim house owned by Robert Armstrong, late manager of the fighter who was killed in a stickup. Armstrong's son arrives from school and couple remain to take care of him. Time slips by quickly, with the pair gradually mellowing in mutual affection for the youngster during his school and college years. Finish is rather weak, however in planting desire of the youth for a boxing career - with inconclusive fadeout having Jones and Miss Twelvetrees - after a dozen years - facing a preacher.
..... There's a neat mixture of warm and sincere sentimentality with some rousing action episodes blended to provide good entertainment for the family trade. Title is a misnomer for the picture and not attractive for audiences at which it is aimed.
..... Deft cutting gets over several fight and football sequences effectively and with brevity. In one bout, Jack Roper, recent opponent of Joe Louis squares off with Jones in a prelim event. Grid stock shots are edited neatly, and intercut with closeups of young John Hartley romping to all-American rating.
..... Kurt Neumann's direction strides though on a straight, clear-cut line with few soft spots along the road. There are several over-dialoged sequences, but easily accepted between the action passages. Lightness and comedy are sprinkled liberally in lines and situations throughout.
..... Miss Twelvetrees handles her dramatic and wisecracking portrayal in fine fashion, while Jones does okay as the mugg fighter. Highlight dramatic sequence is the spot where Jones tells the youngster his father is dead. Situation has been capably steereed for a heart-tug without being maudlin.
..... Donald O'Connor is okay as the boy of 12, with John Hartley displaying possibilites for juve buildup in his work as the college youth. Robert Armstrong and Sidney Blackmer are prominent in support.
..... Picture has been adquately produced on moderate budget, and will entertain general audiences as something different than present formula which prevails in the the program offerings currently.

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