CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22802, 30 August 1939, Page 3

CITY THEATRES

STATE “THE STORY OF VERNON AND IRENE CASTLE” How a girl’s faith in the man she loves inspires him to achieve international fame as a dancer, bringing honours which he enjoys with her, is dramatically revealed in “The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle,” the new musical'film co-starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, which will open at the State on Friday. Based on the sensational career of the world-famous dance team of a quarter-century ago, the sparkling film presents the Astaire-Rogers duo in the roles of their terpsichorean predecessors. The film traces the life of Vernon Castle from the time he was a slapstick comedian “stooging" for Lew Fields in a Broadway show. A

chance meeting with Irene Foote at a New Rochelle beach leads to a close friendship, ultimately to romance a nd marriage. Irene, a stage-struck girl with dancing ambitions, realises Vernon is wasting his talents as a knockabout comic when he can dance so admirably. She prevails upon him to stick to dancing, and the couple spend the following months rehearsing as a team. . , , . Their initial disappointments in New York their subsequent trip to Fans to win the interest of an elderly entrepreneuse, and their sensational success in the exclusive cafes, are the first steps in their dancing career. How they skyrocket to fame and are the toast of two continents until the World War breaks out, are absorbing events leading to the powerful climax. A dozen famous dances created by the Castles, and more than a score of haunting song hits reminiscent of that period, contribute largely to the charm and colour of the captivating story Directed for RKO Radio by H. C. Potter, “The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle” includes in its supporting cast Edna May Oliver, Walter Brennan, Lew Fields, Etienne Girardot, Janet Beecher, and other accredited players; All the charming qualities that have gone to make previous Shirley Temple films so successful are revealed in “The Little Princess,” now in its second week at the State Theatre. The film is produced in technicolour, and the most that need be said is that. the quality of the picture is worthy of the acting of Shirley Temple and the strong cast of well-known players supporting her. LIBERTY “ELEPHANTS NEVER FORGET” Hal Roach’s new romantic comedy, “Elephants Never Forget,” will open at the Liberty on Friday, with a cast which includes Oliver Hardy, Jean Parker, June Lang, Billie Burke, Alice Brady, James Elison, and Harry Langdon. The new., picture, based on the hilarious short Story, “Zenobia’s Infidelity,” by' H. C. Bunner, was filmed from the screen play by Corey Ford, and was directed by Gordon Douglas. The story of “Elephants Never Forget” unfolds in Carterville, Mississippi, in the year 1870. Oliver Hardy plays the role of Dr. Tibbitt. a genial, easygoing doctor, who has two great loves in his' life—his daughter and the Declaration of Independence. His life, however, becomes deeply involved with intrigue' and publicity, when the town’s society arbiters learn that the doctor has treated an elephant, Zehobia, who is “ballyhooing” a medicine show. Further complications follow when Zenobia, to show her gratitude, breaks her chains and hunts out Dr. Tibbitt at his home. Billie Burke and Jean Parker play the roles of Dr. Tibbitt’s wife and daughter respectively. Alice Brady impersonates a society snob, whose son,' played by James Ellison, is in love with Tibbitt’s daughter. A thrilling climax is provided by a court scandal which involves all the important families of the town as well as sentimental Zenobia. ■ ...... “Always in Trouble,” Jane Withers’s latest film, is now at the Liberty. REX, RICCARTON - An excellent programme will be screened at the Rex Theatre, Riccar.ton to-night, Thursday, and Friday, headed by the hilarious mystery comedy “Strange Faces.” starring Frank Jenks, Dorothea Kent, and Andy Devine. Also showing will be “Dangerous to Know,” with Akim Tamiroff and Anna May Wong.

MAYFAIR

DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME A new Will Hay film is always an eagerly anticipated event. This peerless comedian, whose facial antics and irresistible wise-cracks- are always hailed with uproarious enthusiasm py filmgoers of every age and type, will be seen in his latest comedy, H®y* Hey! U.S.A.” at the Mayfair oh Fnby Marcel Varnel, the master film creator whose name is iueu“' fied with such riots of mirth as Oh. Mr Porter” and “Convict 99,” this picture introduces Will Hay in his most popular characterisation —that of Dr. Benjamin Twist, who this time has the most amazing and thrilling adventures in the heart of Chicago’s gangsterland. “Hey! Hey! U.S.A.” boasts a strong cast of supporting players among whom are David Burns and Eddie Ryan as the notorious gangsters, Fred Duprez, Paddy Reynolds. Arthur Goullet, Gibb McLaughlin, and Eddie Pola. Also on the double-feature programme will be “The Edge of the World.” The story is based on the evacuation some years ago of the isle of St. Kilda, where on the cliff tops roOgh memorial stones’ bearing such inscriptions as “Peter Manson —Gone Over” can still be found, and where the deserted villages still stand. This film is one of which the British film industry should be proud. The mam players are Niall MacGinnis Belle Chrystall, Eric Berry, and John Laurie. Michael Powell was responsible for the direction. , . . , , , “King of the Turf,” starring Adolphe Menjou and Dolores Costello, is the current feature. PLAZA “THE GAUNT STRANGER” AND “MY WIFE’S RELATIVES” A killer whose disguises are so numerous and effective that he can confidently enter into the search which is being made for himself without being detected is the central figure in the new Michael Balcon Capad production, “The Gaunt Stranger,” adapted from Edgar Wallace’s famous comedy mystery thriller, “The Ringer, which comes to the Plaza on Friday. The accompanying feature. My Wife’s Relatives,” stars James. Lucille, and Russell Gleason, Harry Davfnport, and Mary Hart. “All Quiet on the Western Front will end its season to-morrow. AVON “THE SHOPWORN ANGEL” “The Shopworn Angel.” which is now at the Avon Theatre. is a film which will be remembered bj» most of those persons who see it. Lacking the artificiality which clothes many pictures, “The Shopworn Angel is one of those intense human dramas which were an everyday occurrence during the Great War. Simplicity of production is the keynote of this film, and this feature is particularly welcome, because the attention of the audience is not diverted from the James StewarT. Margaret Sullavan, and Walter Pidgeon are the players starred. ’ CHRISTCHURCH CINEMAS, LIMITED The film version of Dr A. J. Cronin’s remarkable storj The Citadel, with Robert Donat and Rosalind Russell. is now at the Regent. _ r)0+ _ < „ ““Storm Over Bengal* with Paine Knowles and Richard Cromwell, is the current attraction at the Majestic. “The Son of Frankenstein,” with Boris Karloff, Basil Rathbone, and Bela Lujosi, will begin at the Majestic on Friday. “Spring Madness,” starring. Lew Ayres and Maureen. O’Sullivan, and “Fra Diavolo,” a Laurel and Hardy comedy is now at the Tivoli., ‘ Peg O’ My Heart,” starring Marion Davies and Alan Mowbray, will be the Tivoli’s new attraction on Friday. Alice Brady arid Charles Ruggles in “Mind Your Own Business,” and Gail Patrick and Ricardo Cortez in “Her Husband Lies,” are the currerit features at the Grand. . The new programme, at the St. James’ Theatre comprises “Souls at Sea,” starring Gary Cooper and George Raft, and “Think Fast, Mr Moto,” with Peter Lorre.

CRYSTAL PALACE

“THANKS FOR EVERYTHING” Expounding the droll idea that there is such a thing as a Mister Average Man, and that he would be worth a fortune to any promoter, who knew how to handle him, “Thanks for Everything,” which will head the new programme at the Crystal Palace on Friday, is one of the most attractive comedies of -recent months. With a great cast of high and loiy comedy experts, the picture merrily proceeds to proi>e and explore this hapless .common denominator of the American male to see what makes him tick, and the process gets more hilarious as each layer is exposed. Wide-eyed Jack Haley was a happy choice for the role of Mister Average Man, and he plays it for all it is worth, which is plenty. As Haley’s tormentors, saturnine Adolphe Menjou and Jack Oakie were never better, while blonde Arleen Whelan represents the emotion in the life of Mister Average Man—who therefore proves himself a rare picker of feminine charm. Binriie Barnes. Tony Martin, George Bartaier, and Warren Hymer are as expertly funny as ever, and Gordon and Revel have written some rollicking new tunes which Haley and Martin “Jesse James” and “Winner Take All” will end their season to-morrow.