CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22271, 9 December 1937, Page 9

CITY THEATRES

CRYSTAL PALACE “HORN RECKLESS” AND “MOUNTAIN MUSIC” | "Born Reckless," starring Rochelle iT Hudson, Brian Donlcvy. and Barton Mac Lane. is the main film in the new ysvogvaiw.ic which wiii connhencc at Urn Crystal Palace to-morrow. The lilm is based on a story of ruthless taxi-cab racket warfare, in which a group of gangsters begin a programme of violent assault on legitimate operators, on whom they have tailed to levy a “protection” tax. Harry Carey and Robert Kent play (he roles of the owners of a taxi-cab company which is being attacked by a group of racketeers headed by Barton Mac Lane. Donlevy joins the taxicab company, and after a scries of quick moves he manages to get criminal evidence against Mac Lane. In “Mountain Music” the stars arc Bob Burns, Martha Ray, and George Hayes. The current programme, which features Ra Hould, the 10-year-old New Zealand boy actor in “A Doctor's Diary,” will conclude to-day. MAYFAIR I “THE HOLY TERROR” Two child actresses of recent years have managed to captivate the public’s imagination to a far greater extent than possibly ever before. These are Jane Withers and Shirley Temple, and though the latter at one time held supreme sway, the excellent accomplishments of the former have been ousting Shirley Temple from her throne. Jane Withers will return to Christchurch to-morrow in “The Holy Terror,” a brilliant combination of music, laughter, romance, and dancing, which will be shown at the Mayfair Theatre. The background of the film is an American naval aviation station, and Jane Withers is cast in a role much more congenial than those which she has been asked to play in most of her recent films. The strong supporting cast is headed by Tony Martin, Leah Ray, and El Brendel. The film Is sure to have a wide appeal with its clever cast and entertaining story, which throws Jane Withers in amongst some spies who arc seeking the plans of a new aeroplane. “You Can't Have Everything,” which lias had such a successful season at the Mayfair Theatre, will be shown this evening for the last time. PLAZA DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME "Forlorn River,” a Zone Grey story of western range warfare between two cowhands (trying to protect a herd of 2000 horses belonging to the United Slates Government) and a band of horse thieves, is the main film in the doublefeature programme which will commence at the Plaza Theatre to-morrow. The roles of the two cowhands arc played by Larry Crabbe and Syd Saylor, while Henny Stephens plays the part of the bandit leader. Few authors have equalled Zaire Grey in the writing of thrilling stories j of the West, and as usual he adds just j the right touch of romance to this story. John Patterson and June Martel supply the romantic interest. The other feature of this programme will be “Blonde Trouble,” an excellent comedy romance, with Eleanor Whitney, Johnny Downs, and Lynne Overman in the leading roles. “San Quentin,” a drama with a large American gaol as a background, will conclude at the Plaza Theatre to-day. Humphrey Bogart and Pat O'Brien have"the leading roles in this film. AVON “ANOTHER DAWN” “Another Dawn,” with Kay Francis. Errol Flynn, and lan Hunter in the leading parts, will be shown at the Avon Theatre to-morrow after “Knight Without Armour” has been showm for the last time this evening. “Another Dawn,” the setting of which is placed in Iraq, concerns the life of a British garrison surrounded by wild natives, and the danger they run in their daily routine and the difficulties in saving the soldiers and officers and their wives. Errol Flynn and lan Hunter are two of those in the garrison who are in love with Kay Francis, both of them having a chance of saving her and the garrison. There are plenty of thrills in the film which must lake its place among the best action and romantic pictures of the year. Errol Flynn is said to surpass his performance in that history-making film, “The Charge of the Light Brigade.” It is said, 100, that Hunter (once the idol of all the matinee girls in London) has the best opportunity that has come to him since the Warners Imported him to play the Duke of Athens in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” CIVIC “SAID O’REILLY TO M’NAB” Scotland and Ireland each has its own type of humour, and very effective each is, so that when they arc joined in one film there arc the makings of an excellent comedy. Such a film Is “Said O’Reilly to McNab,” which is now showing at the Civic Theatre. The part of the Irishman O’Reilly is taken by the well-known humourist Will Mahoney, and the Scottish comedian Will Fyffe lakes the part of the hard-headed McNat), The film is an ideal vehicle lor the two comedians, and it has been designed fully to exploit their particular brands of humour. It is their first film together, and already there have been demands that they should be starred again.

STATE “QUALITY STREET” Katherine Hepburn, the brilliant and vivacious star of many triumphs, scores a further success in the immortal story by Sir James Barrie, “Quality Street,’’ which is the attraction due to be shown at the State Theatre 10-mor-row. But Katherine Hepburn is not the only star in the picture, as she shares the honours with Franchot Tone, whose rise to stardom was very quick indeed. in a vole pavVicuiaviy suited to Rev gilts Katherine Hepburn takes the part of a bright young English girt of the car ly nineteenth century who suppresses a romantic feeling for years while the man she loves is away fighting against Napoleon. When he returns and she believes that he has lost his interest in her a dramatic situation arises which brings out all the best in her acting. The part of the soldier, who is a doctor as well, is taken by Franchot Tone, who mingles the humour and drama of his character in an admirable fashion, Relieved for once of his usual role as a butler, Eric Blorc gives a masterly characterisation as a flippant army sergeant. “Think Fast. Mr Moto,” an excellent exciting film starring Peter Lorre, will be shown at the Stale Theatre for the last time this evening.

DAILY MEMORANDA—Thursday, Dec. 9. AUCTIONS. The City Market, at Kaiapoi, at 1 p.m.— Property, furniture, and effects. Hutchinson, White, Ltd., at their Rooms. at 1.30 p.m.—Special auction sale. Ford and Haddoid, Ltd., on Promises. 2. Braddon street, Spreydon, at I p.m.— Property, furniture, and effects, H. Matson and Company, on Premises, 30 Grimsey’s road, at 1 p.m.—Clearing sale. E. R. McDonald and Son, at their Rooms, at 1.30 p.m.—Weekly auction sale.