Submitted by
Mark Fuller
Smith - The Launch
Today's Cinema
June 29th 1939
Cocktails on terrace of Houses of Parliament and luncheons within are somewhat outside my normal orbit. What took me there yesterday, on invitation of Lord Hollenden, was 'Smith', single-reeler advertising excellent work of Embankment Fellowship Centre, which concerns itself with setting down-and-out ex-servicemen on their feet.
Excellent luncheon presided over by Field Marshal Lord Milne was attended by David Rose, Frank Ditcham, Jimmy Squire (S. Eckman being unfortunately unable to attend) Anthony Asquith and other film folk. Film reviewed elsewhere in this issue. At its conclusion, Lord Milne was able to announce that "Three film magnates present" had promised fullest co-operation.
At the luncheon, Lord Milne spoke of the great work of the fellowship, and Sir Patrick Hannon got round of applause by suggesting that "Out of gratitude" for Chancellor's tax concessions film trade should co-operate by showing the film.
Smith - the film review
Smith; prod. Embankment Fellowship
900 ft approx.
Directed by Michael Browne (sic) and produced at Denham, this one-reeler describes, but not in too much detail, the work of the Embankment Fellowship Centre in 'rescuing' down and out ex-servicemen. Ralph Richardson has the role of a married man (Flora Robson is his wife) who, reluctantly sacked by his employer, (Allan Jeayes) is informed by a pal, (Wally Patch) about the Centre, which finds work for him, and puts him on his feet. The story, like the acting, is simple but adequate, and though this picture has little of what is normally meant by entertainment value, its social significance and frank charity appeal may commend it to many audiences. Counting for quota, it has no distribution charge. it should be seen by exhibitors before being booked.
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