CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21973, 23 December 1936, Page 7

CITY THEATRES

“IT’S LOVE AGAIN” BRIGHT FILM FOR CIVIC “RHODES OF AFRICA” ENDING THIS WEEK Every now and again there comes to the screen a film great in the true sense of the word. Of such calibre 13 Rhodes of Africa,” which is now showing at the Civic Theatre. It was hailed by the GaumontBritish Company as the greatest picture ever made by a British studio. Whimsical, effervescent, Jessie Matthews has made many appealing pictures before, but she reaches new heights in “It’s Love Again.” This film, although in some parts ludicrous, is clean, bright fun all through, and makes an excellent Christmas attraction for the Civic Theatre. Jessie Matthews is very ably supported by Robert Young and Sonnie Hale. The story is set in extravagant locales, intermitting between hectic Fleet street and the lavish cabarets of Mayfair. Jessie was never seen to better advantage; she is easy to look upon and easy to listen to, while Robert Young is her ideal romantic opposite, with Sonnie Hale playing the fool in his inimitable way. The story concerns Elaine, an aspiring dancer, who, having failed to impress a very eccentric producer, is intrigued by the publicity given to a certain Mrs Smythe-Smythe, a great traveller, big-game huntress, and Indian celebrity, about whose allure and mystery the papers are making much to-do.

Elaine haughtily decides to impersonate the absent lady, and, dressing for the part, successfully makes a sensational appearance. Unfortunately for the intrepid little lady, there is no such person as Mrs Smythe-Smythe. She just doesn’t exist. Peter, a young newspaper “gossip-writer,” has invented the celebrated traveller to make a worthwhile story for his column.

Once started, the two gay deceivers find they have to continue the impersonation. Their adventures are accompanied by glorious songs and dance-sequences, when cabarets and night-clubs welcome the veiled lady from the East.

The adventures of Elaine and Peter fnot to mention Freddie) find climax in the West End Theatre, where Mrs Smythe-Smythe was to have made her debut. The lady’s true identity has been revealed, Elaine goes on the stage as herself —and finds fame. Her romance with Peter brings them together at last, and all ends happily. The acting of Jessie Matthews, Robert Young, and Sonnie Hale is a joyous feature of the show, The music is tuneful, to say the least, the dancing is marvellous, and the settings better than even Hollywood has given us. “It’s Love Again,” directed by Victor Saville, is ah A 1 production passed with honours, and bearing the hallmark “the show that is different.”

MAYFAIR

NEW RALPH LYNN FILM

There is something very attractive about the lilm "Girls’ Dormitory,” which is now in its second week at the Mayfair Theatre, although its title is one that suggests a bedroom comedy rather than the pretty little story which it is. "In the Soup” The Mayfair Theatre heads the Christmas programme with the Twickenham film, “In the Soup,” starring the inimitable Ralph Lynn. Written by Ralph Lumley, this famous comedy has been adapted for the screen by Harry Fowler Mear, and many original gags have been evolved by Ralph Lynn. Tills fine comedian has never been seen to better advantage, and some of the situations are the funniest yet produced, particularly a courtroom sequence with Lynn as a lawyer defending the wrong case. The story concerns Horace Gillibrand. lawyer, who becomes so hard up that he is forced to let his flat. He finds suitable tenants, but unfortunately his wife, unknown to him, also lets the flat. The servants leave unexpectedly, and Horace and his wife are compelled to act as butler and housekeeper, to two families who must be kept in ignorance of each other’s presence. Ralph Lynn surpasses anything he has ever done in the role of Horace Gillibrand, an impecunious young lawyer who, in the hysterica] excitement of obtaining his first brief, gets into the wrong court, and proceeds to defend a case of reckless driving, only to find that in reality he has been defending an undefended breach of promise action! Everyone enjoys a good laugh, and “In the Soup” ensures that they get it. Ralph Lynn has never before been seen to better advantage. Imagine him as a barrister defending a case, and finding that he is in the wrong court! Or as a manservant endeavouring to cook a meal when the gas has been cut off! Poor Ralph is. in tact, never out of the soup until the final shot of this picture, and even then not for long. This is a really enjoyable film, and one of the best British comedies yet made.

Judy Gunn, Twickenham's contract artiste, is delightful as the wife, and a fine supporting cast Includes Morton Selten, Nelson Keys. Bertha Belmorc, and others.

Miss Gunn, in addition to being a very accomplished young actress, is veryl good to look upon, and her presence in a film is always a joy.

STATE

“SING, BABY, SING”

“Sing, Baby, Sing,” has been described by the “New York Tunes’’ as “one of the most amusing pictures to be shown this year.” Coming from this paper, which is notoriously frank in its criticisms, this is high praise, but it is not unjustified, as may be proved by a visit to the State Theatre this week. "Ladies in Love” An exciting screen event is in store for patrons of the State Theatre, for "Ladies in Love,” the brilliant new Twentieth Century-Fox picture featuring the greatest cast of feminine personalities ever assembled in one film, opens there on Friday. Janet Gaynor, Loretta Young, and Constance Bennett are starred, and Simone Simon featured in this fascinating story of four lonesome young ladies, looking for a love that will last for ever. So romantic about love, so practical about lovers, the picture is a bitter-sweet romance of the adventures and heartaches of the four in search of the men they love. Don Ameche, Paul Lukas, Tyrone Power, Jun., and Alan Mowbray are also featured in the supporting cast in “Ladies in Love.” Janet, who, incredibly, feeds rabbits for a living; Loretta, a chorus girl in a musical show, and Constance, a mannequin who want- a millionaire, pool their resources and take a small apartment. Excitedly happy in their new home, the girls eagerly plan for the romances they intend to have, and dream Of the men they love. Janet adores Don Ameche, a young doctor who accaalonally employs her. Loretta has fallen in love With a wealthy young man, who, however, is already engaged. Constance is enjoying a gay round of pleasure and excitement with Paul Lukas, a mining engineer on vacation from South America, Darryl F. Zanuck, head of the Twentieth Century-Fox studios, appointed Edward H. Griffith to direct the film and B. G. De Sylva associate producer.

CRYSTAL PALACE

“SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR”

“Special Investigator,” at the Crystal Palace, is a tensely exciting film most of the time, with a particularly thrilling climax. “The Border Patrolman” The real fast action of the Wild West will form the basis of tne Christmas attraction at the Crystal Palace where "The Border Patrolman” will be shown. The star Is George O’Brien, who rules the hard men of the West but fails to tame a woman. This film is an outstanding drama full of excitement and I’omance, and George O’Brien, who has shown his ability to portray the type of role offered, is* seen at his best.

Fighting and loving more recklessly than ever, O’Brien this time meets his match in a girl who is the equivalent of a pack of wildcats. Before the film reaches its whirlwind climax, Polly Ann Young teaches O’Brien things he never guessed about the West.

AVON

“THE CASE OF THE BLACK CAT” Detective stories are providing some of the most interesting films at present being produced, and “The Case of the Black Cat,” which is showing at the Avon Theatre, deals with a novel story in a refreshing manner. “The General Died at Dawn” Revolutionr-ridden China is the scene of the first screen-romance between Gary Cooper and Madeleine Carroll, “The General Died at Dawn,” a Paramount adventure-drama, which will be the Christmas attraction at the Avon Theatre. Far from being an hour of mere sweethearting. however, the story plunges its hero and heroine into a maelstrom of complicated Chinese politics amid a world of enemies. Gary, as an American soldier of fortune, takes sides against a ruthless bandit chief, while Miss Carroll, whose father backs the bandit, is inveigled into conniving at his betrayal. And then, ot course, discovers that she loves him.

Among the supporting cast are Russian AkinTimiroff, of “Bengal Lancer’’ and “Louis Pasteur.” old-timer Dudley Digges. and Irish J. M. Kerrigan. Some hundreds of genuine Chinese are in the picture, too.

OTHER THEATRES

Joe E. Brown in “Circus Clown” and George Raft and Alice Faye in “Every Night at Eight” are the attractions on the new programme at the Liberty Theatre.

“Hearts Divided” is the principal attraction on the new programme at the Regent Theatre. The stars are Charles Ruggles, Edward Everett Horton, Arthur Treacher, Dick Powell, Clauds Rams, and Marion Davies. Will Rogers in “Judge Priest” and John Boles and Claire Trevor in “Wild Gold” are the attractions at the Grand Theatre.

Edmund Lowe and Gloria Stuart are starred in “The Girl on the Front Page” at the Majestic Theatre. Aloha Baker, the explorer, will appear on tne stage. . “The Amazing Quest of Ernest Bliss’ heads the programme at the Plaza Theatre. The stars arc Mary Brian and Cary Grant. “The Last of the Mohicans” has been transferred from the Avon to the Theatre Royal The stars ore Randolph Scott, Henry Wilcoxou. Binnic Barnes, and Bruce Cabot. The attraction at the Tivoii is "The Big Noise. ’ starring Guy Kibbec and Alma Lloyd. Warren Hull, and Dick Foran. •