CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22167, 10 August 1937, Page 3

CITY THEATRES

STATE “CAFE METROPOLE” "Cafe Metropole,” at the State Theatre this week, reaches the front rank in light cinema entertainment. It is a polished piece of comedy, competently acted by a skilfully chosen cast, every leading member of which is a wellknown and accomplished actor. The principals are Loretta Young and Tyrone Power. They are supported by Adolphe Menjou, who has seldom been seen in a better role, Helen Westley, of “Roberta" fame, and Charles Winninger. The story is full of comedy and romance, and has some exciting and dramatic moments, making in all a really good evening’s entertainment. AVON “DARK JOURNEY” A battle of wits between the spies of two European countries is the basis of the story of “Dark Journey,” which is having a season at the Avon Theatre, and it makes an excellent subject. Many theatregoers will see it mainly because the leading role is taken by Conrad Veidt, an outstanding actor whose talents they know by experience are never wasted on inadequate material; but even with an actor of less ability to take the leading role this picture would still be remarkably fine entertainment. There have been many other pictures with much the same theme, but it is difficult to recall any which approach the same high standard as “Dark Journey,” or are so well-knit and so finished in their production. The drama is intense, and it moyes to a really gripping climax. "Elephant Boy” One of Rudyard Kipling’s famous stories of life in India and the East has been adapted for the screen, in “Elephant Boy,” which will be the next attraction at the Avon Theatre. The film is adapted from his story “Toomai Of the Elephants,” and has as its leading player, a native, Sabu. MAYFAIR “CAN THIS BE DIXIE?” All the elements that have made stories of the American southern states popular have been combined in “Can This be Dixie?” which is at the Mayfair Theatre. It combines darkies and their singing and dancing, cotton fields, magnolia trees, and moonlight, true southern hospitality dispensed by the type of all the southern colonels, mint juleps, a beautiful daughter, a scheming villain, and a rescuing lover, and exciting horse-racing. In all this Jane Withers, the remarkable child star, and the amiable Slim Summerville have the lead. CIVIC “HIS LORDSHIP” A clever impersonation of two widely-differing characters is the outstanding feature of “His Lordship,” George Arliss’s latest picture, at the Civic Theatre. It has been said by critics that Arliss in the past has tended to dominate his roles with his own personality; but a satisfactory and complete answer to this is provided in his latest characterisations. The plot which forms the basis of the film is. like his previous efforts, a substantial and clever story' with a fictitious political crisis in English history as its main ingredient. The minor parts have been capably filled, and an attractive newcomer, Renee Ray, has the leading feminine role. PLAZA DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME * In many double-feature programmes one of the pictures spoils the pleasant taste left by the other. A double programme is at the Plaza Theatre, however, in which each of the features contributes to the success of the other. Both are extremely funny comedies, comedies which provide their humour without unnecessary complications. The main one is "Mind Your Own Business,” a picture which shows Charles Ruggles at his best. Mary Maguire has lived up to the promise which she showed in her Australian pictures and she has plenty of scope in “Here’s That Man Again.” CRYSTAL PALACE “GIRL IN A MILLION” Excellent entertainment is being provided for Carnival Week, in the form of the outstanding film, “Girl in a Million,” featuring Sonja Henie, formerly world’s champion figure-skater, which is being shown for a return season at the Crystal Palace Theatre. A remarkable picture in many ways, it is well calculated to please all tastes. Sonja Henie’s is an unqualified success. In “Girl in a Million,” she makes her first appearance on the films since she turned professional. CHRISTCHURCH CINEMAS, LIMITED "Rose Marie,” the musical film starring Jeanette Macdonald and Nelson Eddy, is continuing for another week at the Regent Theatre. The singing of the principals is the main attraction in this picture, whicn, however, has also a good story. This week’s film at the Majestic Theatre is “It Isn’t Done,” the Australian comedy starring Cecil Kellaway. Cecil Kellaway recently appeared on the stage in Christchurch in “The Merry Widow" and "The Maid of the Mountains.” “Escapade,” starring Luise Rainer and William Powell, is showing at the Tivoli Theatre this week. The other stars are Reginald Owen, Virginia Bruce, and Mady Christians. The story is set in Vienna in the early part of the century. "The Private Secretary,” starring Edward Everett Horton, and "The Wildcatter.” With Jean Rogers, and Scott Colton, are at the Liberty Theatre this week. Comedy and drama are both provided in the programme. ' The Grand Theatre this week is showing “The Silk Hat Kid,” with tew Ayres and Mae Clark, and “Boys Will Be Boys,” starring Will Hay, the English comedian.