CIVIC

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22661, 16 March 1939, Page 9

CIVIC

“PYGMALION” The remarkable success that is being enjoyed by “Pygmalion,” the picture version of George Bernard Shaw’s play of the same name, is no more than it deserves. Beginning its fifth successive week at the Civic Theatre to-mor-row, “Pygmalion” is a brilliant achievement by the British film industry. It would, indeed, be a sorry reflection on the producers if they had not captured the public’s interest, for the material provided is such as to give an almost unparalleled opportunity to create an outstanding film. The film adaptation of the play has lost nothing in the translation: and its sparkling wit, its pathos, its drama, and its comedy, ali presented by a superb cast, will call forth only admiration. This tale of Eliza Doolittle and Professor Higgins is a gem of comedy. In this is its surface appeal. But Shaw is more than a jester, and in this picture is to be found his mocking scorn of the structure of society, wittily and vivaciously gilding a biting sermon on shallow conventions. There is, indeed, an embarrassment of riches. The first half of the programme will be changed entirely to-morrow. An additional attraction to “Pygmalion” will be an all-colour fashion forecast —a preview of the winter styles in women’s clothes. CHRISTCHURCH CINEMAS, LIMITED “Gold is Where You Find It,” starring Olivia de Havilland and Claude Rains, will begin at the Regent tomorrow. “Jezebel,” featuring Bette Davis, is now showing. “Back in Circulation,” starring Pat O’Brien, Joan Blondell, and Margaret Lindsay, will begin at the Majestic tomorrow. Robert Taylor is the star of “The Crowd Roars,” which is now showing. “The Crowd Roars" will be transferred to the Tivoli to-morrow. “Second Best Bed” is now showing. George Formby will appear in “Keep Fit” at the Liberty to-morrow. The associate feature will be “Portia on Trial.” “Stolen Holiday” and “Empty Holsters” are now showing. “Espionage,” featuring Edmund Lowe, and “Nobody’s Baby” will be the new programme at the Grand. The current attractions are “Park Avenue Logger” and “Without Orders.”