CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21974, 24 December 1936, Page 4

CITY THEATRES

"THE GENERAL DIED AT DAWN" CHRISTMAS FEATURE FOR AVON FINE DRAMATIC PICTURE Detective stories are providing some of the most interesting films at present being produced, and "The Case of the Black Cat," which concludes to-day at the Avon Theatre, deals with a novel story in a refreshing manner. Revolution-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, beginning to-morrow. 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 Ga.y. 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 the Russian, Akin Timiroff, of "Bengal Lancer" and "Louis Pasteur," an old-timer, Dudley Digges, and an Irishman in J. M Kerrigan. Some hundreds of genuine Chinese are in the picture, too. "The General Died at Down" moves to the tune of fast action, seething turmoil, desperate conspiracy, appealing love interest, and whimsical humour. An ambitious war lord dreams of conquering all China. He needs arms and munitions for his rebel army. Powerful forces upholding law and order, realising the menace of the war lord's depredations, raise a vast sum to purchase munitions with which to ffrht him. They hire an American adventurer to buy them. The war lord learns of the plan. He sets out to frustrate it, to get the money : and equipment for himself. Into the turmoil of the situation is hurled the American who is to be the instrument to end the reign of terror. A colourful, vivid story, it seems to be of the same dramatic, romantic, and eruptive quality as China itself is to-day. To produce the story, realistically and on an impressive scale, Paramount spared nothing. In order that the dynamic quality and atmosphere of the plot might be retained in a setting authentically reproduced, Clifford Odets was engaged to write the screen-play. To obtain the sweep and drive of action, conquest, and resistance inevitable in a nation ruled by self-appointed commanders of loot-inspired militia, the direction was placed in the hands of Lewis Milestone, who made "All Quiet" and other pictures demanding similar talents. CIVIC "IT'S LOVE AGAIN" Every now and again there comes to the screen a film great in the true sense of the word. Of such calibre is "Rhodes of Africa," which concludes to-day at the Civic Theatre. 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, L clean, bright fun all through, and makes an excellent Christmas attraction for the Civic Theatre, beginning to-morrow, 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. ; 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" bears the hallmark "the show that is different."

PLAZA "ACCUSED" "The Amazing Quest of Ernest Bliss" will conclude at the Plaza Theatre today. Ranging in tempo from gay musical comedy to the gripning drama of a murder trial, "Accused," the United Artists production, which will start tomorrow at the Plaza Theatre, embraces within its plot all the elements of entertainment. In the leading role, Douglas Fairbanks, jun., consolidates the position he gained with his acting in "The Amateur Gentleman," and he receives admirable support from Dolores Del Rio, the noted British actress, Florence Desmond (widow of CampbellBlack), Basil Sydney, and Esme Percy. The film strikes a genuine note of novelty with its impressive reconstruction of a French crimi .t 1 trial. This is the climax of the story, and the legal procedure is so different f-om that of British or American courts that itjpannot fail to interest all sections or the audience. The two leading characters are Tonv -nd Gaby, husband and wife, and partners in a spectacular dancing act which calls for some sensational knife-throwing on the part of the girl.