CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22308, 24 January 1938, Page 4

CITY THEATRES

PLAZA "STELLA DALLAS" An emotional film subtly and carefully protrayed by a capable cast, is "Stella Dallas," which is now being shown at the Plaza Theatre. It is the picture's third week in Christchurch. The best picture of its type seen for some time, this picture has a serious theme, dealing with a mothers love and sacrifice for her daughter. The leading players, Barbara Stanwyck and John Boles, have difficult parts; but their success is all the greater for the ability they show in giving life and character to the film.

CIVIC

"OKAY FOR SOUND"

Burlesque, farce, comedy, music, and endless uproarious dialogue ensure theatregoers continuing amusement in the latest British production, "Okay for Sound," showing at the Civic Theatre. As a revue type, the film must win acclaim from old and young alike, for the entertainment does not wane from start to finish, and the verbal jokes and quips are as suited to all tastes as they could be in any one film.

Six British comedians, Flanagan, Allen, Nervo, Knox, Naughton, and Gold, mingle pantomime and absurd burlesque with a skilful repartee and play on words, and supporting them are accomplished adagio dancers and Russian ballet artists. "Sparkles"

The vivacious Jessie Matthews makes an outstanding success of her newest picture, "Sparkles," which will begin a season at the Civic Theatre on Friday. The story is brightly written and gives Miss Matthews full opportunity to excel.

STATE

SHIRLEY TEMPLE IN "HEIDI"

"Heidi," which is showing at the State Theatre this week, offers Shirley Temple the best opportunity she has yet had to distinguish herself as an actress. It places her in a part that completely suits her engaging personality. With a very fine background and a story that brings a vivid series of adventures and misadventures to an idyllic ending it makes a picture that will undoubtedly prove a great attraction.

The players for the supporting roles have been chosen, and some very fine performances add very greatly to the merit of the picture. Jean Hersholt, a veteran actor, has been boldly taken out of the secondary kind of part which he usually takes and given a chance to show how well he can act in the part of Heidi's grandfather, .

CRYSTAL PALACE "THE LAST TRAIN FROM

Seizing upon a ready-made and vividly-painted background in the beleagured capital of Spain, Paramount has produced a thrilling drama in "The Last Train From Madrid," the new film at the Crystal Palace Theatre. Its story is set in the heart of the war zone in the city and its outskirts, and is packed with romance, mystery, and thrills in plenty. The principal feminine role is taken by Dorothy Lamour, who is well known for her work in "The Jungle Princess."

AVON

WALTER WANGER'S "VOGUES OF 1938"

Many films have endeavoured to make a story out of fashions, with varied success, but Walter Wanger's "Vogues of 1938," which is having a season at the A,von, is an outstanding performance. Fashions are nothing without colours, but "Vogues of 1938" is really remarkable for its use of colour. Frocking and settings that, however well designed, could never have made so vivid an impression in black and white, are made brilliant and memorable by the use ot the three-colour process in this film. Warner Baxter is the star, filling a difficult role with considerable success. Opposite him appears Joan Bennett, more attractive than ever, in a love story that is straight-forward enough, but pleasant for its lack of excessive complication.

CHRISTCHURCH CINEMAS, LIMITED

i Deanna Durbln's comedy-romance, "One Hundred Men and a Girl," is now in its third week at the Regent Theatre. Leopold Stokowski and his orchestra, Alice Brady, Eugene Pallette. and Mischa Auer are the stars of the cast.

"Way Out West," Laurel and Hardy's latest film, which is being screened at the Majestic Theatre, shows the inimitable pair at their best. Their comedy Is as typically riotous as ever. Charles Laughtcn, Clark Gable, and Franchot Tone are the stars of "Mutiny On the Bounty," which is having a further return season at the Tivoh Tneatre. The film is noted for the splendid character acting of Luughton as Captain Bligh. A hilarious comedy, "No Limit" with a brilliant comedy team in George Formby and Florence Desmond, heads the new programme at the Liberty Theatre. The other picture is "Borderland," starring William Boyd as Hopalong Cassidy. The plottings of international spies are exposed in "The Great Impersonation," with Edmund Lowe in the leading role, the new programme at the Grand Theatre. The other picture. "Princess O'Hara," stars Chester Morris and Jean Parker,

MAYFAIR EDDIE CANTOR'S LATEST FILM Eddie Cantor's latest film, "Ali Baba Goes to Town," is now in its second week at the Mayfair Theatre. This picture more than maintains Cantor's reputation as America's leading comedian and creates a desire for more of his infrequent films. Bagdad, of Arabian Nights fame, is the town to which the modern Ali Baba goes, and to it he takes modern ideas. This- modern Ali Baba is transported from America to the Bagdad of the tenth century, where he is hailed as a prophet and becomes its "Prime Minister."