CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22339, 1 March 1938, Page 5

CITY THEATRES

CIVIC TWO PICTURES OFFERED A comedy of matrimonial affairs, in which a famous novelist is the bone of contention between two couples, and a mystery film, is the attractive programme provided for patrons at the Civic Theatre. “School for Husbands” and “Dusty Ermine comprise the double-feature programme. “Oh, Mr Porter!” the hilarious new Will Hay film, which will head the next programme at the Civic Theatre. presents this popular comedian in his most brilliant screen role. Directed for Gainsborough by Marcel Varnel, the film abounds in rich, spontaneous humour and moves through side-splitting situations and upi'oarious complications to a climax filled with suspense. The star is cast as William Porter, railway employee —the bane of the company’s existence, who causes as many vagaries on the railway as the famous Mr Porter m the old song. . , “Non-Stop Now York” will be the associate feature. MAYFAIR “WIFE, DOCTOR, AND NURSE” “Wife, Doctor, and Nurse” continues to be a popular attraction at the Mayfair 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. PLAZA DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME Films of outstanding brilliance arc shown at the double-feature programme at the Plaza Theatre this week. "Midnight Madonna." a drama of mother love, deals with the struggle of a beautiful woman to keep her child from a divorced and unscrupulous husbnnd. The associate attraction, "Who s Your Lady Friend.” is a vivacious story with any amount of chaotic and farcical situations brough. about by a Parisienne heiress’ visit to an eminent Viennese plastic surgeon. The next programme at the Plaza Theatre contains two more excellent pictures. These are “Murder in Greenwich Village,” an exciting mystery stcry, starring Richard Arlen, and "Fly Awav Baby.” a Torchy Dane “thriller," which contains whirlwind action. Glenda Farrell and Barton McLane are in the cast. AVON “THE PRISONER OF ZENDA” Showing in an extended season, “The Prisoner of Zenda” is still drawing enthusiastic audiences to the Avon Theatre. Based on the book by Anthony Hope, it has a background that would ensure even a most mediocre picture from failure, but a first-class 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 of the story. As to the acting, there is nothing to be desired. Ronald Colman has the principal part. STATE “VICTORIA THE GREAT” "Victoria the Great” is now showing 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 ago. “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. A big personal success in the picture is scored by charming Ann Todd. Playing opposite Brook as his wife, Miss Todd gives one of the most delightful performances seen on the screen for a long period.

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 is the chief attraction at the Crystal Palace Theatre. The romance of the West is the theme of “Roll Along, Cowboy,” a story by Zane Grey, which is the second attraction.

PREMIER, NEW BRIGHTON

A good double-star feature comprises the new programme which will commence a three-day screening at the Premier Theatre. New Brighton, tonight. The main attraction. “Melody for Two.” stars James Melton and Patricia Ellis. The second attraction, “Two Hearts in Harmony,” stars Bernice Claire.

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.