CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22747, 27 June 1939, Page 3

CITY THEATRES

AVON “WHITE BANNERS” Fay Bainter’s excellent performance ss the Lindens’ elder sister in “The Shining Hour” will prepare film-goers for her remarkable presentation of the leading part in “White Banners,” coming on Friday to the Avon. like its two predecessors, “The Light” and “Magnificent Obsession,” i which enjoyed, such popular success. “White Banners” has a message to convey—the message of courage in the face of adversity. But the film does no preaching—it simply lets the extremely capable cast live a thrilling human story. That the story seems to be lived rather’than acted is a tribute to the players. Fay Bainter, who has long been . celebrated as a stage played, made her first screen impression with “Quality Street.’’ In her new film she proves, in the part of Hanah Parmalee, the humble peddler of kitchen knives, that she is a most gifted and sincere actress. Se Rains, as Paul Ward, small :hool teacher and amateur ingives a good demonstration of ge of his remarkable gifts as r, for his is a thoroughly sym- ; role, and, as all ‘ film-goers snow. ’ue is usually cast as a villain. -’Joan Crawford’s latest picture. “The Shining Hour.” now in* its second week at the Avon Theatre, is an undoubted success for this popular actress.

PLAZA

“LAST WARNING” AND “GANGSTER’S BOY”

I The attitude of the average Araeiican I family towards racketeers is shown in I the* thought-provoking, picture “Gang- ■ ster’s Boy,”which is part of the double I feature • programme at the Plaza TheI atre. It presents a strange sidelight I on life in democratic America where, I it is suggested, a boy can be persecuted I because his -lather was once a racketI eer - I The second feature is a mystery I thriller, “The Last Warning,” with all the fast action and equally fast dialogue that has made this type of film so popular. Preston Foster and Frank Jenks take the leading parts.

MAYFAIR v- '

“CRACSERJACK” Of the many different characters created by the versatile Toth Walls, "Crackerjack,” the hero of the thrilling film of that name now showing at the Mayfair Theatre, is the newest and the most startUng. Lilli Palmer, the very beautiful and highly-talented actress, who nlays opposite Walls in Cracker jack,” is an actress of German training. CRYSTAL PALACE DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME A struggle to free two innocent men, convicted of murder, provides “Let Us Live,” the main feature on a double-picture programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre, with an abundance of thrills. I The second feature of the programme, “The Sfrange Case of Dr. Meade,” portrays Jack Holt as a worldfamous surgeon. STATE “JESSE JAMES” i "Jesse James,” the technicolour epic, I which had its New Zealand premier iVat Theatre on Friday before . w”ox* "Audiences, is a film that L be remembered by Christ - 1 church theatregoers. m Tyrone Power, in the title part, m shows one of the strongest perfork fiances of his career, and Henry Fonda E as the brother. Frank James, gives B .good support. The cast includes Randolph Scott, Slim Summerville, J. Edward Bromberg, Brian Donlevy, and Henry Hull. This is a picture of the American West, but it is the West with a difference, and will appeal to all those who love fast movement and good acting. CHRISTCHURCH CINEMAS, LIMITED H 3 ■ _< I - “Sweethearts,” with Nelson Eddy, ; i Mac Donald, Frank Morgan, I Mischa' Auer, is showing this week ■ | at the Regent. | Daredevil Drivers," starring Dick ; I an d “The Patient in Room I Kh Patric Knowles and Anne , a T, t » n ’. are a * the Majestic. “Yellow ■ s > with Robert Montgomery, Vir- J H .Bruce, and - Lewis Stone, and ■ With Fate,” in which Joe E. H £f°. Wn and Beverly Roberts star, will g “£ai at the Majestic on Friday. ■ur eanna Durbin, Helen Parrish, and H g an Grey are the stars of “Three Si«n art 9 irls Grow Up,” the popular |*lm which is now at the Tivoli. < ■ the Wodehouse film, “Step Lively, *1 II Jeeves.” with Arthur Treacher, and 1 ■ iilf* * May Live,” with Rochelle i H r~dsOn and Robert Kent, head the 1 If™ programme at the Grand, ._ _ ’

LIBERTY

“I’LL GIVE A MILLION”

The new attraction at the Liberty Theatre, “I’ll Give a Million,” is a presentation bubbling over with sparkling humour. Warner Baxter, whose recent screen appearances have been all too few, gives a fine portrayal as a millionaire who is disillusioned by his friends’ interest in his money and that alone. Besides Peter Lorre, Jean Hersholt, Marjorie Weaver, John Carradine, Lynn Bari, and J. Edward Bromberg have important roles.