CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22340, 2 March 1938, Page 4

CITY THEATRES

MAYFAIR “WIFE, DOCTOR, AND NURSE” “Wife, Doctor, and Nittse" continues to be a popular attraction at the Mayfair Theatre. Warner Baxter, Loretta Young, and Virginia Bruce are in the The romantic comedy, "Breakfast for Two.” starring Barbara Stanwyck and Herbert Marshall, is the next change for the Mayfair. They are .supported bv a auartet of fun-makers including Eric Blore, Glenda Farrell, Etienne Girardot. and Donald Meek. “Breakfast for Two” is based on David Garth’s novel of the same name. The screen play was written by Chailes Kaufman, Paul Yawitz, and Viola Brothers Shore. This sparkling comedy-romance, directed bv A 1 Santell deals in sprightly fashion "with a rich girl’s efforts to make a man out of a charming idler. Herbert Marshall, as the last x»f the ship-owning Blairs and president of the Blair Steamship Lines, takes no interest in the affairs of the company, and prefers night life in a big way J while the lines are rapidly going into bankruptcy. Barbara Stanwyck is an heiress from Texas, who meets Marshall during a tour of the New York night clubs and escorts him home, only to discover he is practically engaged to Glencla Farrell, a gold-digging actress whose career he is financing. Undaunted, Miss Stanwyck decides to make a man of Marshall whether he likes jt or not. and proceeds to buy control of the lines from under his nose. CRYSTAL PALACE DOUBLE FEATURE PROGRAMME

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

Cesar Romero, who. greatly increased his popularity by his portrayal of Khoda Khan in Shirley Temple’s “Wee Willie Winkie,’’ has been given the leading role opposite lovely Phyllis Brooks, in a new and thrilling drama, “Dangerously Yours,” which is coming to the Crystal Palace soon. Many prominent players are seen in support of Joe E. Brown in “Fit For a King.” his newest starring comedy, which will be the other attraction. AVON “THE PRISONER OF ZENDA”

Enthusiastic audiences are still being drawn to “The Prisoner of Zenda,” which is showing in an extended season at 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. 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 uproarious 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 in the old song. “Non-Stop New York” will be the associate feature. 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 age. "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 Supporting Clive Brook is a strong east headed by Arthur Mafgetson, Ronald Squire, Athole Stewart, Percy Marmont, Frank Cellier, Anthony Holies, and Morton Selten. PLAZA DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME A brilliant programme, with two features, is presented at the Plaza Theatre this week. A drama of mother love, “Midnight Madonna,”’deals with the struggle of a beautiful woman against her unscrupulous husband. 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. With- Glenda Farrell appearing once again as Torchy Blane, the star girl newspaper reporter, and Barton MacLare as Lieutenant Steve Mcßride, her policeman sweetheart, Warner Bros, offer “Fly Away Babby,” a fast-step-ping melodrama, for the next change at 1 the Plaza. There will be a second feaure. “Murder in Greenwich Village.” The stars, George Arlen and Fay Wray, are delightfully refreshing in I roles decidedly different from those in which they have recently appeared. f Arlen is a wise-cracking photographer, and Miss Wray portrays a rich, pretty, and mischievous debutante who finds adventure in Arlen’s association and ultimately falls in love.

REX, RICCARTON ■ “The-Lart Train from’Madrid," starring Dorothy Lamour, Lew Ayres, and Gilbert Roland will be screened at the Rex Theatre, Riccarton, to-night and «>n Thursday, and Friday, . , ’

[ 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 Liberty 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, ,