CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22435, 23 June 1938, Page 17

CITY THEATRES

AVON “MARIE WALEWSKA” Starring Greta Garbo, for the first ♦ime in partnership with the. noted vrencb star, Charles Boyer, and difirtcd by the eminent, director, Clarke Brown, the latest Garbo film, •■Marie Walewska,” begins to-morrow at the Avon. With its background jn the spectacular Napoleonic period, “Marie Walewska” tells the love story of Napoleon and the Countess Marie Walewska. In point of its magnitude of setting, lavishness, and the importance of a cast which numbers 32 speaking roles together with hundreds of extras, “Marie Walewska” is said to surpass even such previous spectacular Garbo hits as “Camille” and “Queen Christina.” The role of the Polish countess is Said to offer Garbo her greatest acting opportunities as well as offering her an opportunity to appear in a wide variety of new fashion creations designed by the famous Adrian. Here is acting of a new high order, states ah American critic. As the young Polish countess, Marie Walewska. who encourages the infatuation of Napoleon to further the interests of her own country, but ultimately falls in love with him herself, Garbo once again stands out as the most distinguished actress on the screen to-day. Boyer, likewise, wins fresh laurels in the role of Napoleon, a portrayal which shows the man not in the exaggerated terms in which history has painted him, but as a living and breathing man with a passion-crazed ambition to rule the world, but with a tenderness .and understanding for those he loved. The plot of “Marie Walewska” deals with Napoleon’s visit to Poland, where he meets the Polish countess who becomes the great love of his life, and follows their romance to their final farewell at Elba. Among the historic characters brought to life are Talleyrand, played by Reginald Owen, Alan Marshal’s Captain D’Ornano, Count Walewska, played by Henry Stephenson, Napoleon’s mother, enacted by Dame May Whitty, and Prince Poinalowski,. played by C. Henry Gordon.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer provided the itory with settings and costumes of a spectacular nature, among the outstanding scenes being Napoleon’s tragic retreat from Moscow, the idyllic scenes at the beautiful Castle Finckenstein where Napoleon and Countess Walew*ka made a temporary home, and the spectacular ballroom of the Poinatowski palace in Warsaw.

“Wells Fargo,” starring Joel McCrea, Frances' Dee. and Bob Burns, - is at present showing at the Avon.

MAYFAIR “HAWAII CALLS” Who has not longed to make a trip to the Hawaiian Islands? Who that has been there has even been able to lose the desire to return? Who has not thrilled at the very mention of Honolulu’s Waikiki beach, with its dusky men, and girls riding the waves on surfboards or in picturesque outrigger canoes? Who could fail to be interested in the hula and other ceremonial dances of the natives, performed in the colourful surroundings of these tropical islands? These questions are suggested by the film “Hawaii Calls,” Bobby Breen’s latest musical, which begins to-morrow at the Mayfair. The story of “Hawaii Calls” follows the adventures of Bobby Breed and his Hawaiian friend. Ptia Lani; two boys who have earned their living on the streets of Sari Francisco. They make their way to the Hawaiian Islands as stowaways. Befriended by Ned Sparks, the ship’s musician, the beys escape from the ship at Honolulu. The singing of Bobby Breen is a feature .of this picture during which he is heard in six songs, including classic favourites of Hawaii, and also such new hits as “Hawaii Calls,” “Down Where the Trade Winds Blow,” and “That’s the Hawaiian in Me,” all specially written for the picture. The music is unusually haunting, being supplied by Raymond Paige and his orchestra, who are featured, in addition to numerous native musicians. In addition to Sparks and Cobb, Bobby s supporting cast in “Hawaii Calls” includes Gloria Holden, Warren Hull. Herbert Rawlinson. Juanita Quisley, and many other favourites. "Stage Door,” presenting Katharine Hepburn and Ginger Rogers in an unusual story, is the current attraction.

PLAZA ‘‘FOLLOW YOUR HEART” AND “RECKLESS LIVING” The story of “Follow Your Heart,” which begins at the Plaza to-morrow with “Reckless Living,” concerns the impoverished Forrester family, Uncle Tony, Aunt Louise, Papa .Henri, and •laughter Marian, who occupy a rundown mansion near Louisville. Tony is offered a band-directing job in a neighbouring town, but when,, after a lew weeks, the show falls through, he and Louise bring home the whole 3e to stay with them indefinitely. >n Talley, the famous coloraturasoprano, has the leading feminine role, opposite Michael Bartlett, America’s aandsome young tenor, who scored such a sensational success as Grace Moore’s singing partner in “Love Me

Of special interest is the mixed chorus of dancers assembled and directed by Larry Ceballos, celebrated screen impresario. They appear in soveraj numbers in support of Marion ralley and Michael Bartlett during wc production of the musical roman- * .Magnolia” sequence, which is one °fthe features of the film. "Reckless Living.” a story of love ana adventure on the race track, presents Robert Wilcox and Nan Grey in tne chief parts. It tells of the endeavours of Danny fwu- to ma ke enough money to en®We him to return to his home town, "ike the rest of his friends who all "VC m the same boardinghouse, he is woke; ■ A further complication is that 2® is in love, and the girl seems to lavour someone else. Everything he *nes turns out wrong until he is hit a car, and receives a substantial ip damages. He thinks he is made D HL«ns many difficulties still to face, r-45 e current attractions are “When JjjMenStep In” and “She Married an

CHRISTCHURCH CINEMAS, LIMITED Mae West handles a political camPjugn like a veteran in Paramount’s every Day’s a Holiday,” which opens -iv e . Majestic Theatre to-morrow. - Cloistered,” which deals with life in a convent, will begin at the Tivoli «n Friday. “London By Night” is ‘“own for the last time to-day. Rainbow on the River,” starring «onby Breen, and “Silent Valley,” with *o!n Tyler, will begin at the Liberty ‘O-morrow, “King Solomon’s Mines” joeing shown for the last time to-

Love on a Bet,” starring Gene Ray~ond and Wendy Barrie, and “We’re yj«y,. Human,” with Preston Foster and •axe Wyatt, will begin at the Grand g-mprrow. “Road Gang” and “The “Wroer of Dr. Harrigan r ’ are being “■gjwi for the last time to-day. Mad About Music,” starring Deanna {JttWn and Herbert Marshall, is. prqvtVery popular at the Regent, and J® Season -is . being extended for .answer week.