LIBERTY

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21387, 1 February 1935, Page 7

LIBERTY

"SAY IT WITH FLOWERS" AND "ELMER AND ELSIE" "Death on the-Diamond" and "Wild Boy" will be screened finally to-night at the Liberty Theatre. Two good pictures —'Say It With Flowers" and "Elmer and Elsie" —will comprise the new double programme at the Liberty Theatre to-morrow. A simple, human story of the London Cockney in which laughter and tears are delightfully intermingled is contained in "Say It With Flowers." The picture takes one back to a London now almost shrouded in the mists of memory, a London when musical history was made by such well-known stars as Florrie Ford and Charles Coborn. The singing of "The Man That Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo" and other songs made famous by the oldtime musical-hall stars, is one of the highlights of the film. The theme of "Say It With Flowers" is original. It deals with the happy-go-lucky and hard-working Cockney, and illustrates in graphic manner how the East End section of London's community holds together in times of adversity. Mary Clare, Ben Field, and George Carney play the major roles. "Elmer and Elsie." starring George Bancroft and Frances Fuller, presents Bancroft in a new type of role. He is cast as a gruff, likeable, bashful truck driver who rises to great heights m business through the unselfish devotion of his wife. Because he reads "success stories," he believes that his wife should confine herself to cook books. However, unexpected emergencies arise, and it is his wife's quick thinking and ingenuity that enable him to succeed. Box plans are now open at the D.I.C. TIVOLI "LADIES SHOULD LISTEN" Bing Crosby's latest picture, "She Loves Me Not," will conclude its successful season at the Tivoli Theatre to-night. "Ladies Should Listen," a production marked by brightness and wit, combining to form very enjoyable entertainment reminiscent of "The Thin Man" and "It Happened One Night," will head the new programme at the Tivoli Theatre to-morrow. The film is a comedy of the ultra-modern type, and abounds in the laughter and farcical situations which have recently proved so popular with Christchurch audiences. Cary Grant is cast in the leading role as a wealthy Parisian with an option over a nitrate mine, and a singular incapacity for keeping himself tree from the wiles of his lady admirers. As the telephone operator who watches over his well-being, Frances Drake is delightful, and forms an admirable foil for the designing Marguerite Cintos, who is endeavouring to get control of the young man's valuable option. Edward Everett Horton is responsible for much of the humour as a very shy young man who nearly remains a bachelor, and Nydia Westman, as his bespectacled fiancee, is also a very humorous figure. Rositu Moreno, as . the South ' American woman, Rafael Corio, as her husband, and Charles E. Arnt, as an inventive butler, are all admirably cast. "Ladies Should Listen" is a snappy, breezy Parisian farce, with one highly amusing situation following another. Box plans are now open at the D.I.C.

REGENT "THERE'S ALWAYS TOMORROW" "Waltzes From Vienna," which will be screened finally to-night at the Regent Theatre, has a wealth of wonderful music and a magnificent cast headed by Jessie Matthews and Edmund Gwenn. With two of the outstanding players of to-day together in what Hollywood has termed "the season's perfect cast," the most distinguished drama of family life of the year, Ursula Parrott's "There's Always To-morrow," will open at the Regent Theatre to-mor-row. It features Frank Morgan and Binnie Barnes, and marks the American film debut of the fascinating second wife of "Private Life of Henry VIII." The story by Ursula Parrott pictures two years in the life of a typical father of five children, whose sole function seems to be that of providing a "meal ticket." The existence of the family is tranquil until a girl who understands the husband-father re-enters his life. Gay and hilarious in its earlier scenes, the picture builds to one of the most tense situations created on the screen for some time. In addition to Morgan and Binnie Barnes, the cast includes Lois Wilson, as the wife, Louise Latimer, Universale latest importation from Broadway, Elizabeth Young, who won distinction with Greta Garbo in "Queen Christina," Robert Taylor, Alan Hale, Maurice Murphy, Dick Winslow, Helen Parrish, and the noted New York comedienne. Margaret Hamilton. The film, which is said to be one of the most wholesome of the year, derives its sparkling, buoyant humour from the counterplay in a typical home. Box plans are now open at the D.I.C.

ST. JAMES' "A DAY AT THE RACES" In spite of the crowded houses attracted to St. James' Theatre by Stanley McKay's "Gaieties'* Company, the present popular revue, "Rays of Sunshine" must be withdrawn to-night, and will be succeeded by the fourth production, "A Day at the Races," tomorrow. Excellent reports have come to hand of this novel offering, which includes the latest in song, dance, and specialty acts. In order to secure the right atmosphere, real racehorses and jockeys have been engaged, and will be seen in one of the big scenas. Ike Delavale, the Australian Jewish comedian, who has become so popular since his debut a week ago, will share the comedy honours with the popular Frank Perrin, so a week of merriment may be expected. The talented American comedienne, Nell Fleming, will appear in a round of character studies, and Ted Stanley and Dot Arnold will assist the comedians. Victor Burke and Rae Foster, whose singing has been a feature of each show, will be heard in the very latest solos and scenas, and will be assisted in the latter by the charming "Gaieties" sunkissed ballet. The clever English artist, Cecil Perry, has a big share in the new programme, and will be sure to be well received. Lee and Barrie, the Alexanders, Fred Argyle, Esma Roach, and Phyll and Verna, will take part in the many excellent speciality acts in the new show.

At the special children's matinee tomorrow afternoon at 2.30 the chief attraction will be "Uncle Teddy's Birthday Party," in which there will be fun galore for the children. As it is the final week of the school holidays, the "Gaieties" management will give to each child attending free ice creams. The little ones will be delighted with the act of Brutus, the educated dog, who is specially engaged for the matinee only. Seats may be reserved at the D.I.C. till 5.30, and then at the theatre. Day sales are at Knight's milk bar, and the Theatre sweets shop.