CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22983, 1 April 1940, Page 6

CITY THEATRES

AVON “DARK VICTORY” The new drama starring Bette Davis, “Dark Victory,” has begun a second week at the Avon. The film is one in which Miss Davis is given a change from her costume roles in “Jezebel” and “The Sisters."’ Her portrayal of the modern young and vivacious society girl who suddenly finds that, because of a serious brain iljness, she cannot live another whole year, is very well done. An equally difficult role is played by George Brent; he is the doctor who operates on the girl, and who later marries her and spends with her the last months of her life. “Yes My Darling Daughter” will be the next attraction. LIBERTY “ON THE NIGHT OF THE FIRE” Diana Wynyard will delight many people by her acting in “On the Night of the Fire,” which is having a return season at the Liberty. And everyone who has lately seen Ralph Richardson in his remarkable performance in “The Citadel” will be more firmly convinced than ever that he is an actor who has very few equals. The second attraction features Jane Withers and the Ritz Brothers in “Pack Up Your Troubles.” STATE “THE RAINS CAME” In'the third week of its successful season at the State, the film of Louis Bromfield’s dramatic story “The Rains Came” is still drawing enthusiastic audiences. Since Bromfield’s story is of human emetions running riot against a background of terrible natural catastrophes, the producer was first faced with the problem of reconstructing a mythical Indian city, Ranchipur, and then having it destroyed by earthquake, flood, and fire. Myrna Loy and George Brent are the stars. CRYSTAL PALACE LAUREL AND HARDY FILM Laughs in plenty are provided at the Crystal Palace this week, with the return of Laurel and Hardy in a film which gives them wide scope for their snecial type cf tomfoolerv, and a happy romance featuring Irene Dare, the six-■vear-old ice-skating champion. The Laurel and Hardy picture, “The Flying Deuces,” shows the two comedians at their best, and added interest is given the film by the appearance of Jean Parker, who is usually seen in more serious pictures. In “Everything’s On Ice,” Irene Dare wins most attention with her really brilliant performances on the ice. The story of “The Flying Deuces” concerns two American tourists in Paris, and is full of brilliant humour and screamingly funny scenes. PLAZA DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME The Plaza presents an outstanding programme'in the new double feature attraction showing this week. “Girls on Probation,” the main feature, stars Ronald Reagan and Jane Bryan, and deals with the struggle bf a girl to break away from the world of crime into which she has been forced. The supporting attraction, “Luck of the Navy,” which stars Geoffrey Toone and Judy Kelly, is a screen presentation of the work of the British navy in time of war. CENTURY THEATRE The next attraction at the Century Theatre will be “Jesse James,” a fine action film, starring Tyrone Power, Henry Fonda, and Nancy Kelly. MAYFAIR “THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME” Now in its second week at the Mayfair, “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” is proving a popular film and a triumph for Charles Laughton. “Henry the Eighth,” “Ruggles of Red Gap,” “St. Martin’s Lane,’,’ and “The Beachcomber,” among other films, made it clear long ago that Charles Laughton was a very good actor; “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” must show most people that he is a great actor, sometimes a brilliant one. Charl<ss Laughton dominates the film; but it could not be the successful film it is if his fellow actors were not also outstandingly good. CHRISTCHURCH CINEMAS, LIMITED “Good-bye Mr Chips,” starring Robert Donat, is at the Regent. Mickey Rooney in “The Hardys Ride High” is the attraction at the Tivoli. Melvyn Douglas and Louise Platt are the stars in the Majestic’s new attraction, “Tell No Tales.” “Damaged Goods” will be the next feature. “The Last Gangster,” Starring Edward G. Robinson, and “The Nurse From Brooklyn," starring Sally Eilers and Paul Kelly, are at the Grand. ‘ ‘Ruggles of Red Gap,” starring Charles Laughton, and “Alcatraz Island,” with John Litel, Dick Purcell, and Ann Sheridan, are at the St. James’.