CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22309, 25 January 1938, Page 16

CITY THEATRES

CIVIC JESSIE MATTHEWS IN NEW FILM Jessie Matthews. England’s vivacious and popular actress, is as brilliant as ever in her latest film, “Sparkles.” ■which will be showing next at the Civic Theatre. In this film she does not forsake her dancing and singing; but there is the peculiar difference from her usual roles in that she is ‘forced to dance and entertain at the ‘point of a revolver. The story is lively. Jessie Matthews ttells her employers that she is tired |pf an easy life, and they give her an fassignment which brings her excitewnent with a vengeance. She finds (herself in a world of guns and gang’sters, threatened by various forms of fate. The excitement and action, however, seem to suit the star, for she acts, sings, dances, and clowns even more superbly than usual. Current Film i Burlesque, farce, comedy, music, and rendless 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 Jalike, 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.

AVON WALTER W ANGER’S “VOGUES OF 1938” Walter Wanger’s “Vogues of 1938,” which is having a season at the Avon, 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, howscver well designed, could never have “made so vivid an impression in black isand white, are made brilliant and memorable by the use of 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 jcstory that is straight-forward enough, but pleasant for its lack of excessive complication. Baxter appears as the proprietor of Curson’s dress-designing establishment. He has a wife whose only ambition is to be on the stage, in the star roles that were depied when she was a chorus girl. Joan Baxter is the daughter of a fashionbale set, who rejects a wealthy husband on the wedding day, and goes to work for Baxter.

MAYFAIR EDDIE CANTOR’S LATEST FILM “Ali Baba Goes to Town,” Eddie Cantor’s latest film, more than maintains the star’s reputation as America s leading comedian, and creates a desire for more of his infrequent films. The film is showing at the Mayfair Theatre. Bagdad, of Arabian Nights fame, is the town to which the modern Ali Baba goes, and to it he takes modem 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.”

PLAZA “STELLA DALLAS” “Stella Dallas,” essentially an emotional and dramatic film, has been subtly portrayed by a capable cast. It is now being shown at the Plaza Theatre, in its third week in Christchurch. The best picture of its type seen for some time, this picture has a serious theme, dealing with a mother’s 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. CRYSTAL PALACE “THE LAST TRAIN FROM MADRID” The vividly-painted background in the beleaguered capital of Spain has been exploited by Paramount in the thrilling drama, “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.” STATE SHIRLEY TEMPLE IN “HEIDI” Shirley Temple has the best opportunity she has yet had to distinguish herself as an actress in “Heidi," at the State. 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 given a chance to show how well he can act.

CHRISTCHURCH CINEMAS. LIMITED Deanna Durbin'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 Laughton, Clark Gable, and Franchot Tone are the stars of “Mutiny On the Bounty,” which is having a further return season at the Tivoli Theatre. The film is noted for the splendid character acting of Laughton 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 th©