CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22338, 28 February 1938, Page 5

CITY THEATRES

AVON "THE PRISONER OF ZENDA" The popularity of "The Prisoner of Zenda," which has been proved by enthusiastic audiences at the Avon Theatre throughout the last week, fully justifies the management's decision to extend its season. Based on the book by Anthony Hope, it has a background that would ensure even a most mediocre picture from failure, but a' firstclass cast and equally talented direction have taken this film into the realms of the truly great and brilliant class of entertainment. Those who have treasured memories of the book will be hypercritical if they find fault with the presentation ot the story. As to the acting, there is nothing to be desired. Ronald Colman has the principal part. CRYSTAL PALACE DOUBLE FEATURE PROGRAMME The efforts of a property agent to complete a deal with an eccentric family for their beautiful home in South Carolina provide the plot for an amusing film, "Danger—Love at Work," which i.s the chief attraction at the Crystal Palace Theatre. Jack Haley is an exasperated and misjudged agent. The romance of the West is the theme of "Roll Along, Cowboy," a story by Zane Grey, which is the second attraction. Picture-goers are provided with the first opportunity of hearing the leading American orchestra and singer, Smith Ballew. | PLAZA DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME Two excellent films of outstanding brilliance make the double feature programme at the Plaza Theatre the best seen in Chrislchurch for some time. "Midnight Madonna," a drama of mother love, deals with the struggle of a beautiful woman to keep her child from a divorced and unscrupulous husband. The associate attraction. "Who's Your Lady Friend," is a vivacious story with any amount of chaotic and farcical situations brought about by a Parisienne heiress' visit to an eminent Viennese plastic surgeon. CIVIC TWO PICTURES OFFERED A comedy of matrimonial affairs, in which a famous novelist is the bom? of contention between two couples, and a mystery film, i.s the attractive programme provided for patrons at»the Civic Theatre. "School for Husbands" and "Dusty Ermine" comprise the double-feature programme. Maintaining that husbands are wise to invest in what he describes as wife insurance, Leonard Drummond (Rex Harrison), the novelist in "School for Husbands." makes it his practice to follow his own advice in the case of other men's wives. Fast action, which reaches a climax in an exciting ski chase across the snow-covered Alps, is a feature of "Dusty Ermine." • MAYFAIR "WIFE. DOCTOR, AND NURSE'* In "Wife, Doctor, and Nurse," which is showing this week at the May fair Theatre, one might expect a brilliantly acted picture because Warner Baxter, Loretta Young, and Virginia Bruce are in the main roles, but a conventional plot because the theme deals with a man who is married to one attractive woman and works with another. The expectation of brilliant acting by these outstanding players is not disappointed. The plot is by no means conventional, but is treated" in an unusual and striking manner. George Sanders gives an outstanding performance in "Lancer Spy," the 20th Century Fox picture, also starring Dolores Del Rio arid Peter Loire, which will be the next picture to be shown at the Mayfair Theatre. STATE "VICTORIA THE GREAT" The romance of a great era in English history is revived in "Victoria the Great," which has entered the fourth week of a successful season at the State Theatre. Interest is provided by many sidelights on the industrial development which characterised this period. The political movements provide a fitting background for an epic of the majesty and pageantry of a great nation during its most glorious age. Deep human interest is provided by Victoria's romance with Prince Albert. The Queen i.s, of course, the central figure of the drama, and she makes a strong appeal as the shy girl who is suddenly awakened to a realisation of her high position. "Action for Slander," 1938 United Artists' picture, brilliantly produced by Alexander Korda, will be the next attraction at the State Theatre. The story is taken from the famous novel by Mary Borden. Clive Brook, Ann Todd, and Margaretta Scott are the principal artists. REX THEATRE, RICCARTON At the Rex Theatre, Riccarton, tonight, the Hon. Robert Semple will show films and speak on public works in New Zealand at the conclusion of the screening of "The Charge of the Light Brigade," Warners outstanding special, starring Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. The pictures will begin at 7 p.m. CHRISTCHURCH CINEMAS, LIMITED "The Emperor's Candlesticks," a story from the novel by Baroness Orczy, is being shown at the Regent Theatre. William Powell, Luise Rainer, Maureen O'Sullivan, and Robert Young have the principal parts. George Formby is at his funniest in "Keep Fit," his latest comedy, which is at the Majestic Theatre. The double-feature programme at the Tivoli Theatre consists of "Road to Glory," starring Warner Baxter, Frederick March, and Lionel Barrymore, and "Counsel for Crime," starring Otto Kruger. "The Awful Truth" a 'popular comedy starring Irene Dunne, Cary Grant, and Ralph Bellamy is in its fifth week in Christchurch at the Tivoli Theatre. . "The Plot Thickens," featuring James Gleason and Zasu Pitts, is at the Grand Theatre.