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Every best-seller sooner or later comes out of Hollywood in pictorial form. Usually the producers can't resist trying to revise the original, with the result that their version bears no other resemblance to it than the title. Admirers of Hans Fallada's "Little Man What Now" will find that Frank Borzage has made a thoroughly enjoyable and faithful version of this much discussed novel, which is to be seen at Keith's this week. Though hampered by a rather sentimental and undistinguished plot, this talented director has nearly succeeded, with the aid of a nearly succeeded, with the aid of a splendid cast, in giving us another "Seventh Heaven."
Lovely, Husky-voiced Margaret Sullavan, who despite all the superlatives that have been heaped on her bids fair to outshine la Hepburn, gives a charming impersonation of Lammchen, the devoted young wife of Hans Pinneberg, played by Douglass Montgomery. Mr. Montgomery suffers considerably by comparison, the best that can be said of him is that he is very earnest and sincere. The plot has to do with the vicissitudes in the life of this unassuming couple trying to live a peaceful existence. Lammchen is to have a baby, Hans loses his jobs through no particular fault of his, but his flighty mother-in-law is indifferent to helping them. Finally they are taken in as boarders by a splendid old furniture-maker, and the baby is born. He restores their faith in life and gives them courage and happiness for the future.
Enlivened by many moments of charm and genuine humor this commonplace story is saved from being wholly doleful or depressing. Miss Sullavan is aided considerably by a distinguished group of players in accomplishing this. Mr. Borgage has created a thoroughly German atmosphere in attractive settings and has made the events believable. Miss Sullavan's ability and beauty and the distinguished direction will make you forget all about the shortcomings of the plot.
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