BRITISH FILMS

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22110, 4 June 1937, Page 16

BRITISH FILMS

REOPENING OF CIVIC THEATRE NOTABLE PRODUCTIONS COMING Preliminary to the reopening of the Civic Theatre, which has been closed during the Christchurch competitions, Mr Barrie Y. Marschel. special representative for Gaumont British Dominions Film Distributors, arrived in Christchurch yesterday. The competitions will end to-morrow, but so mat some alterations and improvements maybe made, the theatre will remain closed on Monday and Tuesday. The reopening all-British picture attraction on Wednesday next tinKing's Birthday) will be the G.KI). production, "The Great Earner This feature has been especially selected as a fitting presentation for the occasion "The Great Barrier" is the second Empire epic produced by Gau-mont-British. The first was Rhodes of Africa," a memorable success The Great Barrier" is heralded as bettei. even than Rhodes," which is nign Pr " The Great Barrier" will be followed by Jessie Matthews in her latest musical, "Head Over Heels, after that will be the eagerly-looked-for-ward-to production of Shakespeare s immortal comedy, "As You Like It, with Elisabeth Bergner as Rosalind. "As You Like It" is now running long extended seasons at the Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne, and the Liberty Theatre, Sydney. , Then will follow, Mr Marschel states such a series of outstanding features as the Civic Theatre has never previously known, for the five major British producing units in England are in full swing. Among them will be "Wings of the Morning, the altcolour film which has been highly praised by the Sydney critics. its new French star, Annabella, is spoken of as "a supreme artist of rare beauty, whose acting is a revelation.' Other Films Coming: The latest Jack Hulbert and Cecily Courtneidge song and dance comedy, "Take My Tip." is considered to be the brightest film to have come from Gaumont-British. It has a special appeal to Australian and New Zealand audiences in its riotous comedy and

in its novel situations. Jack Hulbert himself rises to new heights. Annabella appears again in Under the Red Robe." With her are such splendid actors as Conrad Veidt. Raymond Massey, Romney Brent, and Sophie Stewart. Paul Robeson's latest picture. King Solomon's Mines," has been completed and received very favourably in London. In "King Solomon's Mines" Paul Robeson does magnificent work and has three songs. Anna Lee. Roland Young, and Sir Cedric Hardwicke are in the cast. Olhers on the Civic roster for this year will be "His Lordship" (George Arliss), "All In" (Ralph Lynn, Claude Dampier. and Gina Malo). "Windbag the Sailor" (Will Hay. Graham Moflatt, and Norma Varden), another Will Hay comedy. "Good Morning. Boys" (with Lilli Palmer). "Sally of the Regiment" (Wallace Ford and Anna Lee), "Chick" (Sydney Howard), "Dusty Ermine" (Ronald Snuire, Jane Baxter, and Anthony Busnell). "Talk of the Devil" (Ricardo Cortez and Sally Eilers), and "Calling All Stars," with specialties by the biggest stage and radio performers in England. Amalgamated Theatres will continue the direction of the theatre. The new manager of the Civic will be Mr F. W. Jacomb, who is already in Christchurch.