PICTURE THEATRES.

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 20903, 10 July 1933, Page 6

PICTURE THEATRES.

♦- THE CIVIC. " THE FLAG LIEUTENANT." Evidence of the strong appeal made to British communities by films based on incidents in which the British navy figures prominently, was given at the Civic Theatre on Saturday night when a large audience was present and saw the British Dominions Films' production, "The Flag Lieutenant," start on its second week. The exciting adventures of Dicky Lascelles, the romantic love story interwoven with the main plot, and the admirably selected cast that interpreted the different chaiacters all contributed to the enjoyment of the film. All the indications point to the second half of the season being as successful as the first, and very many will be glad that the management has provided the additional opportunity to witness such a highly successful picture There is exciting adventure and the finest romance with life in the navy as its setting, and all through the picture duty nobly done is the theme, in war or in peace. The devotion to dutv and faithfulness of superior officers which are characteristic of the British Navy, give the story a particular attraction. Its peak is reached when one officer gives the glory of his own heroic deed to his fellow, who has spent his whole life striving after an opportunity to distinguish himselt. The co-operation of the Admiralty has given the picture a true setting and provided mnny glimpses of life m the navy. There is a fitting dignity and reserve in the portrayal of the senior service, and all through there are evidences of the strict discipline yet ciose companionship found everywhere in the fleet. Dicky Lascelles, the happy-go-lucky flag lieutenant, is in love with the admiral's daughter—Anna Neagle. His ever care-free attitude towards everything has made him almost the ,|oke of the navy, and soon after the story begins he is mimicking the admiral in giving orders to the midshipmen, when the admiral himself and his daughter appear. Dicky is later reproached by the girl and promises to forget his foolery and behave as a flag lieutenant with a sense of his position and duty should act. While a ball is in progress on the flagship the admiral receives a message from the civil authorities in a Mediterranean town asking for naval assistance in combating an attack by Eastern hordes. Ho at once dispatches a destroyer. Dicky Lascelles's greatest friend, the major of marines—played by Peter Gawthorne —is dispatched in charge of the destroyed. The major had been waiting for years for an opportunity for advancement and Dicky has been full of sympathy for him. Eventually Dicky persuades the admiral to send him, the flag lieutenant, with the major as interpreter. The naval forces from the destroyer land and expel the natives from the fortress. In spite of the gravity of the situation, with thousands of natives swarming outside the fortress, Dicky Lascelles takes things as casually as if the whole thing were a game. When wireless communication with the fortress is broken and the position seems hopeless, the major of marines, considering things with Dicky, conceives the idea of dresssing in the clothes of a native shot inside the fortress and getting through to the sea to yell a message to the fleet, which is standing off the coast. The major is wounded on his way out. Dicky dresses in the garments and carries the plan through successfully. He gives the major the credit for the heroic deed in a dispatch to the officer-in -command, sacrificing his own opportunity for distinction for the sake of his friend: The major, having suffered concussion from the shot, has lost his memory and does not know that Dicky and not himself has carried out the plan. Back on the flagship after the skirmish rumours go about that Dicky had hidden from danger in an embrasure during the time he was actually out getting the message through. For the sake of his friends he does not reveal the fact. Perhaps the greatest moment of the story is reached when he refuses to clear himself at the expense of his friend, and the admiral's daughter stands by him in his disgrace. The part of Dicky Lascelles is a particularly difficult one, for the irrepressible flag lieutenant has to be irrepressible in the most grave situations, and without the greatest ability it would appear often ridiculous. But Henry Edwards might have had the play written especially for him so well does he portray the part. Anna Neagle, although she does not r.ppear so often, proves herself among the best of British stars. Peter Gawthorne, as the major of marines, Michael Hogan, Euis Goodrich, and O. B. Clarence, are all included in the list of fine supporting players. The first part of the programme reaches a standard far above the average. A New Zealand Government publicity picture shows an ascent of Mount Sebastopol, near Mount Cook, and a Gainsborough film gives glimpses of Canterbury, England, and many glimpses of its ancient cathedral. The third film on a remarkable programme, "In Hour Time," presents a novel collection of instructional matter with a clever running commentary. Theatre Royal—"Rain," 2.30 p.m and 8 p.m. Regent Theatre "Christopher Strong," 2.30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Plaza Theatre—"To-night is Ours ' 11 a.m., 2.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. Crystal Palace Theatre—"Tho Crooked Lady," 12, 2.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. Everybody's Theatre—"The Maid of the Mountains," 12, 2.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. Liberty Theatre—"Forbidden Trail" and "Lucky Devils," 2.15 p.m. and I 7.45 p.m. Majestic Theatre—"l Am a Fugitive," 12, 2.30 p.m., and 8 p.m. Grand Theatre—"His Royal Highness," continuously from 11 a.m.