CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22432, 20 June 1938, Page 17

CITY THEATRES

“ WELLS FARGO ” DRAMATIC FILM AT AVON GRETA GARBO PICTURE COMING

Commemorating a dramatic and romantic period of American history, “Wells Fargo,” which is being presented at the Avon Theatre for a second week, is probably one of the finest pictures that has ever been shown in Christchurch, It shows how, from the eastern seaboard on the Atlantic coast the great republic of America spread overland across the continent to San Francisco and the west, and tells a story of adventurous daring stranger almost than any fiction, and doubly impressive because it is based on truths. It tells how a great firm and banking company “kept the United States united,” and in doing so provides a cavalcade of men, women, and their exploits, in stirring and magnificent review. The setting of the film is splendidly donfe, and it is not surprising to see the enthusiasm that "Wells Fargo” has aroused wherever it has been presented. “Marie Walewska” Greta Garbo and Charles Boyer are starred in “Marie Walewska,” a dramatic film dealing with an episode in the life of Napoleon, which will begin at the Avon on Friday.

CIVIC

“INTERNATIONAL SETTLE-

MENT”

In intrigue and adventure, “International Settlement,” the picture which is now showing at the Civic Theatre, reaches an unusually high standard. Gun-running is a hazardous undertaking at the best of times, and the gun-running that forms the basis of the story in this film is carried out against very heavy odds; and then for added measure of excitement the chief agents are involved in some more stirring exploits in Shanghai when it is bombed by Japanese aeroplanes. This film has the merits of being topical, swiftmoving, and excellently produced. And most important, the acting is extremely competent. The chief roles are taken by Dolores del Rio and George Sanders. MAYFAIR

“STAGE DOOR”

The lives of stage people—from the highest-paid actors to the hard-worked chorus girls—have provided material for a great many films. “Stage Door." which is showing at the Mayfair, is not just another of these films. It takes a familiar subject, but gives it a new twist. In addition, “Stage Door” brings together for the first time on the screen Katharine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers. The two are so different in type that thcii appearance together is bound to be interesting.

PLAZA

DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME

Fast-rtioving icomecfy comprises the first film on the new double-feature programme at the Plaza Theatre. “She Married an Artist” has a title much belying the merit of the film, which brings into prominence Luli Deste, a most attractive and capable player, who has a flair for the light-hearted madcap role she is called on to play. She is supported by John Boles. The methods by which the United States Government agents work and the clever dodges which they have to circumvent are well displayed in the second film on the programme, “When G-Men Step In.” CRYSTAL PALACE

TWO EXCELLENT FILMS A

“In Old Chicagd,” with its spectacular scenes of the great Are, has received such an excellent reception from film-goers in Christchurch that its season has been extended, and it is now showing at the Crystal Palace. The story told in “In Old Chicago" is of the strange bond that binds the O’Leary family, together in spite of their conflicts and contrasts. Dominating the O’Leary family, just as she dominates the whole story, is Alice Brady, who plays the part of a fine, outspoken Irishwoman. Outstanding performances are also given by Tyrone Power, Don Ameche. and Alice Faye. “This Marriage Business,” a comedydrama, is a new support film which affords Victor Moore exceptional opportunities to display his mirthmaking talents.

CHRISTCHURCH CINEMAS. LIMITED

“London by Night," an exciting mystery, starring George Murphy and Rita Johnson, is now at the Tivoli. "Cloistered” will begin on Friday. The new programme at the Majestic is headed by “Bulldog Drummond’s Revenge,” starring John Barryrpore and John Howard. The associate feature will be “Thrill of a Lifetime,” featuring the Yacht Club Boys. “Every Day’s a Holiday” will begin on Friday. “Mad About Music,” starring Deanna Durbin and Herbert Marshall, has proved so popular at the Regent that its season there-is being extended for another week. “King Solomon’s Mines,” starring Paul Robeson and Roland Young, with "Extortion" as the .associate feature, is now at the Liberty. At the Grand the new programme comprises “Road Gang." starring Donald Woods, and “Murder of Dr. Harriaan,” starring Ricardo Cortez and Mary Astor. NEW PRINCESS

An excellent British comedy, “Keep Fit,” starring George Formby, is showing at the New Princess Theatre, New Brighton. The picture has an amusing plot, and gives Formby every opportunity to show his absurd drolleries to best advantage. There are plenty of farcical episodes, and the boxing match which concludes the story is a piece of unsurpassed comedy. “Elephant Boy” will begin a season at the theatre on Friday.