CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22269, 7 December 1937, Page 4

CITY THEATRES

STATE <«THINK FAST, MR MOTO'* I Peter Lorre is an actor of unusual ability. He has shown that clearly in the few pictures in which he has appeared, and he scores another distinguished success in his latest film, ; "Think Fast, Mr Moto," which is having a season at the State Theatre. Happily for audiences that like unflagging action and plenty of excitement, Mr Moto does think fast. His intel' ligence is much too acute for the* criminals who are unfortunate enough to attract his attention. Just what is Mr Moto's occupation is doubtful until near the end of the picture, and that is a tribute to the excellence of the direction. For its quality of suspense this film is remarkable. "Quality Street" The screen version of Sir James M. Barrie's play, "Quality Street," which will begin a season at the State Theatre on Friday, is a brilliant triumph. In a role peculiarly suited to her gifts, Katharine Hepburn portrays a vivacious English girl of the early nineteenth century who suppresses a romantic feeling for years while the man she loves is away warring against Napoleon. When he returns and she believes he has lost interest in her, a dramatic situation that calls forth all her talents is created. CRYSTAL PALACE "A DOCTOR'S DIARY" AND "BORDER CAFE" The picture, "A Doctor's Diary," has second place on the double-fea-ture programme at the Crystal Palace, but it is this picture which most of the audience wished to see. In its story, Ra Hould, the 10-year-old New Zealand boy actor, is given his first part The other picture, "Border Cafe/' as the name suggests, is a western film of cowboys, ranches, and rustlers; but in this picture there is also Armida. MAYFAIR "YOU CAN'T HAVE EVERYTHING" Plenty of melody, plenty of romance, plenty of dancing, plenty of humour, plenty of crooning, plenty of rhythm, plenty of swing, a good story, good principals, and a lavish array of radio and screen talent—those are the ingredients of the main film at the Mayfair Theatre in its second week. Those who like the modern song and dance picture can want little more, and if they do, well, the name of the film is "You Can't Have Everything." "Holy Terror" Starring the mischievous Jane Withers in her best comedy mood, "The Holy Terror," Twentieth Century-Fox picture, comes to the Mayfair on Friday. With Jane Withers are Anthony Martin, Leah Ray, Joan Davis, El Brendel, and Joe Lewis. , CIVIC "SAID O'REILLY TO M'NAB" The farcical clash of Scottish and Irish temperaments is carried to ridiculous, and, it must be admitted, skilful and clever lengths, in the refreshing comedy "Said O'Reilly to McNab," the film now at the Civic Theatre. Will Fyffe, as McNab, a canny Scot with a narrow sense of business and a broad sense of humour, and Will Mahoney, as O'Reilly, a spendthrift Irishman with a weakness for betting and making money as it comes, make the story at once witty, fast, and strongly appealing. The contrast of the dour McNab and the mercurial O'Reilly is one which cannot fail tP appeal to every taste. PLAZA "SAN QUENTIN" "San Quentin," now showing at the Plaza Theatre, must be classed as one of the most thrilling pictures of its type ever produced. With the enormous American gaol as a background, It would have been easy for a film director to produce a cheap melodramatic story of sensational attempts at gaol-breaking, but by capable direction and careful editing, a fine story has been converted into a really fine picture. AVON "KNIGHT WITHOUT ARMOUR" Russia in the grip of revolution makes the thriUing background of "Knight Without Armour," the main picture which is in its second week at the Avon Theatre. This setting has not been neglected by film producers, and it is easy to recall some extremely entertaining pictures notable for their swift action and vigorous drama; but as far as memory serves this latest presentation takes a pre-eminent place in films of this type. It should appeal vividly to all tastes. "Another Dawn" Going far afield for a picturesque setting for a film, Warner Bros, have chosen Iraq (which used to be Arabia) as the locale for "Another Dawn," which is coming to the Avon on Friday. The stars are Kay Francis and Errol Flynn. CHRISTCHURCH CINEMAS, LIMITED Paul Muni and Luise Rainer head the outstanding cast in "The Good Earth," a brilliant story about peasant conditions in China, at the Regent Theatre. The picture is adapted from the book by Pearl Buck. George Formby is responsible for much bright comedy in "Feather Your Nest," the film at the Majestic Theatre. He is ably assisted by Jimmy Godden and Polly Ward. A Spanish war featurette, "Fury Over Spain," completes the programme. Jeanette Macdonald and Clarke Gable are the stars of "San Francisco," which has returned to Christchurch for a further season at the Tivoli Theatre. "Hopalong Cassidy Returns," starring William Boyd and Jimmy Ellison, and "Les Miserables," with Charles Laughton and Fredric March in the leading roles, are the films at the Liberty Theatre. Dashiell Hammett's successor to "The Thin Man," "Mr Dynamite," is being shown at the Grand Theatre. "Alias Mary Dow" and chapter 12 of "Ace Drummohd" complete the programme.