CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXX, Issue 21354, 22 December 1934, Page 7

CITY THEATRES

PLAZA "THE BLUE SQUADRON" ' The Blue Squadron," a thrilling aerial drama, will tiead the special holiday programme at the Plaza Theatre to-day. In recent years many films have been made round the central theme, of aviation. The earlier pictures of this type were concerned with adventure and romance in the clouds during wartime, but the later ones have concentrated on peacetime flying. "The Blue Squadron" is of the second class, and it is said that no finer picture of the kind has ever been produced. The film which is based on what is generally called "the eternal triangle" was made with the co-operatioii of the Italian air force, and some exciting scenes of peace-time manoeuvres in the Alps are shown. It is the tale of the loves, jealousies, and heroisms of two men and a woman. The story is set in Italy, and concerns the riva'ry of two young Italian flyers, Carlo Banti and Mario Spada. Carlo's daring and courage as a pilot earned him the rank captain, while Mario's inventive talents won him a colonelcy. Mario invented a unique device with which heintended to make an attempt on the world's altitude record. The rivalry of the two officers is friendly at first, but later. it develops elements of reaJ jealousy which raise the film to a great dramatic pitch. Following the brilliant aerial manoeuvres carried out by the Italian Air Force, in which Carlo comes through with flying colours, a special dinner is given in his honour at the home of General Bianchi, who is commanding officer of the squadron and whose daughter, Elene, is the of Mario. During the evening Carlo meets Elene, who begs him to take her for a drive m his new car. Carlo agrees, but the car finishes up in a pond and the two are forced to spend the night in a lonely inn. When they return the next morning, Mario, who has learned of their adventure and is intensely jealous of Elene, refuses to accept Carlo's explanation. A parachute jump in the frozen wastes of the alps, a descent in a s~' * 'vhere chances ol rescue seem negligible, and a wonderful rescue, bring the story to a grand climax. The cast is headed by John Stuart, and his friend and rival is played by Esmond Knight, a newcomer to the screen* who seems destined to reach great heights. Greta Hansen is the heroine, Elene. An excellent supporting programme will be headed by "Our Wife," a screamingly funny Laurel and Hardy comedy, and Steeplechase," which is said to be the best Mickey Mouse cartoon Walt Disney has made. Box plans are now open at the D.I.C.

MAJESTIC » "THE GIRL FROM MISSOURI" Together with Mae West's "It Ain't No Sin," Jean Harlow's "100 Per Cent. Pure," alternatively titled "Born to be Kissed." was the focal point of the recent vigorous attack on the motion picture industry m Hollywood by the combined churches in the United States. The film, they contended, was "bevond the pale." However, with a change in title, it was eventually released, and proved a great success. The picture will be introduced in Christchurch at the Majestic Theatre to-day as "The Girl From Missouri." A rollicking and fast-moving comedy romance, "The Girl From Missouri" provides excellent scope for the capabilities of Jean Harlow, and the laughable antics of Patsy Kelly. Jean Harlow is seen as Eadie Chapman, on the hunt for a millionaire husband, in a role that only this actress could handle. Lionel Barrymore plays the part of T. K. Paige, a financial and political power, who tries with all his power to prevent Eadie from marrying his son, Tom. The son's role is played by Franchot Tone, who was last seen with Jean Harlow in "Blonde Bombshell." Lewis Stone appears as Cousins, a millionaire bachelor, and Hale Hamilton enacts another playboy bachelor who crosses Jean Harlow's trail. Patsy Kelly, as Kitty, Eadie's show-girl friend, serves admirably as a foil for the star. The story, by Anita Loos and John Emerson, tells of Eadie Chapman's hilarious battles to find a husband with money. The supporting programme will include a particularly bright Laurel and Hardy comedy, entitled "Dirty Work." Box plans are now open at the D.I.C. TIVOLI "MALA THE MAGNIFICENT" A great epic of the North, "Mala the Magnificent," will be presented at the Tivoli Theatre to-day as a special Christmas attraction. This production, which is the result of the most adventurous of all film expeditions to the Arctic, presents not only a stirring and engrossing panorama of the life of the natives living in the icy regions, with its dangers and hardships, but also is the first photo-play to treat of the Eskimos' strange code of morals, which permits the lending of one's wife to one's friend and the exchanging of wives freely. It is this extraordinary "matrimonial code" which provides the story's powerful theme. Mala, the principal character, has two wives, and while he does not mind lending one to his brother Eskimos, he deeply resents the desires of a white captain of a whaling ship. This antagonism ultimately culminates in a murder. "Mala the Magnificent" is one of the most extraordinary and amazing productions ever brought to the screen. Sights never before recorded provide breath-taking thrills. It is an adaptation of books by Peter Freuchen, who is the only white man who is known to have "gone native" in the lands of the far north. The actors are native tribesmen and women, and the dialogue is in the vernacular. But the film loses nothing from this circumstance—it really benefits by it, for it conveys the true, faithful atmosphere. Box plans are now open at the D.I.C.

GRAND "TURKEY TIME" The inimitable Aldwych Theatre players are up to all their old-tijne tricks in "Turkey Time," which will begin a return season at the Grand Theatre to-day. There is Ralph Lynn. Robertson Hare; and, of course, the delightful Mary Brough, with all her determination" to "stand on her dignity" and uphold her moral convictions. Written by Ben Travers, the story is naturally an ingemously con structed series of ludicrous situations, to which added zest is given by clever di A°good list of "shorts" will include chanter one of the thrilling serial. Sdon °of Ghost City." which ts based on a story by Peter B. Kyne. The popular Buck Jones is starred in this exciting film, and others in the cast are Madge Bellamy, W ler, William Desmond, and I' rancis Ford. _ T r. Box plans are at the D.i.u.

CIVIC "LILIES OF THE FIELD" Theatre-goers in search of bright, happy entertainmeiat should not miss "Lilies of the Field," British Dominions Films' special Christmas attraction. which will commence at the Civic All-British Theatre to-day. For the last*two Christmases the Civic has been in the position to offer patrons entertainment in keeping with the occasion. Two years ago the theatre opened on Christmas Eve with the popular "Sunshine Susie," and its first birthday was celebrated with a record season of "Thark." In order to provide a Merry Christmas for theatregoers and at the same time celebrate two years of success, "Lilies of the Field" has been chosen for this year's attraction. Of the Wellington season, the "Evening Post" critic wrote:—"lt is one of the most wholesome and delicious films that has been screened here this year; with its witty dialogue, clever acting, humorous situations, and beautiful scenery, it provides excellent entertainment for young and old." Winifred Shotter, the charming feminine lead of the Walls-Lynn comedies, heads the cast, and in a role entirely different from anything she has yet been seen in is credited with her best performance. She and Judy Gunn, according to one critic, "make the most delightful twins you could wish to meet." Brought up in a country vicarage, both have nevertheless up-to-the-minute ideas, and when a young and handsome expert on antiques arrives, Winifred very cleverly poses as a Victorian maid to engage his attention. Taken to London, where she still continues her pose, she creates a sensation in modern Mayfair, and from then on still further hilarious situations arise. The story finally ends on a bright comedy note. A splendid supporting programme includes ihe latest Pathe gazettes and a delightful scenic of Devon. Intending patrons are advised to make early application for reserves at the theatre, no extra charge being made.

REGENT "GREAT EXPECTATIONS"' "Great Expectations," the talking screen version of Charles Dickens's immortal tale, is a magnificent production, which follows faithfully the story conceived, by thp . great English novelist. Brilliantly acted, photographed with an amazing fidelity to the period, and well directed, this film, which starts at the Regent Theatre today, fully measures up to the standards unconsciously set by anyone who has read the book. Charles Dickens might have written "Great Expectations" expressly for the screen, for its absorbing story contains scenes and characters that only the camera and the art of the actor can do justice to. There is the terrifying figure of Magwitch, the escaped convict, looming up through the marsh mists of the churchyard to frighten young Pip; the eccentric Miss Havisham hiding from the sunlight in her wedding dress, while dust and cobwebs gather upon the wedding cake which was never eaten; and Molly, the gipsy woman and murderess, her wild fury subdued by the suave lawyer Jaggers, suddenly seeing Compeyson, the man who had betrayed her. There are such scenes as the one in which Magwitch comes back from Australia to tell Pip that he was his unknown guardian; and his death in prison after Pip had told him that his daughter is alive. To those who have read "Great Expectations," the picture will be a vivid recreation of the book, while those who have not read it will realise the incomparable genius of Dickens as a weaver of plots. The acting in this picture Is outstanding and every Dickens character comes to startling and vivid life. Honours go to Henry Hull, one of America's leading interpretative actors, as Magwitch, and Florence Reed as Miss Havisham, but the acting of Phillips Holmes as Pip and Jane Wyatt as Estella is of an equally high standard. Brilliant performances are also contributed by Alan Hale as Joe Gargery, and Francis L. Sullivan as Jaggers. Box plans are now open at the D.I.C.

CRYSTAL PALACE "AFFAIRS OF A GENTLEMAN" Can a man love more than one woman at a time? Can he discard old loves to marry and hold a new love for all time? These age-old problems are deftly discussed in "Affairs of a Gentleman," the absorbing drama which will begin at the Crystal Palace Theatre to-day. This film shows Paul Lukas at his best in the role of a modern Don Juan, who as a famous author is constantly surrounded by women. No fewer than half a dozen charming women figure in this modern, up-to-date story. They are Leila. Hyams, Patricia Ellis, Lilian Bond, Joyce Compton, Dorothy Burgess, and Dorothy Libaire. There have been affairs of all sorts, but none like the affairs of this gentleman, who could not distinguish between liking and loving, and who made each romantic adventure the basis of a new book. When this literary Don Juan is found dead in his apartment in mysterious circumstances, each one of the ladies is suspected. Besides, there are several jealous rivals, including a publisher, a butler, and a secretary. The remainder of the cast includes Phillip Reed, Onslow Stevens, Sarah Haden, Richard Carle, and Murray Kmnell. Box plans are now open at .the D.I.C.

LIBERTY "THANK YOUR STARS" AND "SLEEPERS EAST" "Thank Your Stars," a bright musical production, will head the new double programme at the Libei ty Theatre to-day, and ' Sleepers East, a gripping drama, will be screened in support. In "Thank Your Stars " Jack Oakie appears as the vain but lovable owner of a musical company. His portrayal is a fine one, and he has ample opportunities to display his abilities as a comedian. Alison 'Skipworth also gives a clever performance. An amusing scene is that in which Oakie imitates the "crooning" of Bing Crosby. Among the songs played by Ben Bernie's band are "Do I Love You? I m Dreaming," "In the Good Old Winter Time," and a comedy number, A Bowl of Chop Suey and You-ey." „ The mystery drama. Sleepers Eastdeals with the adventures of a girl who is an eye-witness to a murder. She tries to avoid being questioned, for she finds that both her speaking and her silence would involve the fate of some human being. She chooses to remain out of sight for the sake of her own reputation, but the battle ot the opposing factions does not leave her as peaceful as she hoped to be. The-> principal roles are t>' a y ed b >' Wynne Gibson and Preston Foster. Box plans are now open at the D.I.C.