CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23109, 27 August 1940, Page 4

CITY THEATRES

* CRYSTAI PALACE A GENE AUTRY FILM With Gene Autry and Jane Withers singing together and showin" a small Western town how things should be run in ‘‘Shooting High,’’ and Syd Walker telling one of his famous "help your chums” stories from his 8.8.C. broadcasts in "What would you do, chums?’’ visitors to the Crystal Palace this week will be given good value for their money. This double-feature programme is filled out with a news item about the Canadian fleet. STATE “PINOCCHIO” The well-received "Pinccchio,” Walt Disney’s second full-length colour cartoon, is now in its second week at the State. It will be seen again and again by those who are young enough in heart to appreciate the charm of Disney’s art. “Pinocchio” is technically an improvement on its forerunner, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” The colouring and the settings ot “Pinocchio” are as picturesque as those of “Snow White,” and the characters are as fascinating, and if anything more real. For example, there is Pinocchio himself, a funny little puppet who comes,to life but cannot discriminate between right and wrong. AVON “JUAREZ ” “He is a little, ugly man in a black frock coat —he is Juarez.’’ This is the description given of the great leader of the Mexican republic by one of his followers in the film "Juarez," which is now showing at the Avon, but, by his portrayal of this remarkable character, Paul Muni, who created the outstanding screen personalities of Pasteur and Zola, has established Juarez as a man who will never be forgotten by those who see the film. The part calls for no extremes of emotion nor does it depend on the majesty of his V'Ords to make Juarez an immortal character, but purely by the simplicity and sincerity of his ..cling does Paul Muni achieve what must be the perfect portrayal of a unique personality. MAYFAIR « THE STARS LOOK DOWN ” Coal and the men who dig for :t make the theme of A. J. Cronin’s great drama, “The Stars Look Down,” showing at the Mayfair this week. Michael Redgrave and Margaret Lockwood, who will be remembered ■for their fine acting in "The Lady Vanishes," are co-starred again. They are supported by a splendid cast, in which Emlyn Williams is outstanding. “The Stars Look Down” is a story told with the realism for which Cronin is famous, and Gaumont British Dominions could hardly have chosen a more fitting cast. LIBERTY \ “ SWANEE RIVER ” The double-feature programme at the Liberty this week includes “Swanee River,” which has been kept for an extended season, and “Star Dust,” transferred from the Mayfair. "Swanee River,” which tells the life-story of Stephen Foster, American song writer, is screened in vivid technicolour against a new and fascinating background. “Star Dust” is a film about the struggle for success of two young players trying to get on in Hollywood. PLAZA NEW DOUBLE BILL Thrills and stirring human drama are combined in the new double bill at the Plaza this week, the pictures featured being “Devil on Wheels” and "Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase.” The essential element of both is the uncertainty and excitement which is shown in every foot of the films. Probably the most outstanding picture of its kind ever filmed, “Devil on Wheels” is a story of the racetracks. CHRISTCHURCH CINEMAS, LIMITED “Babes in Arms," starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, is at the Regent. . . The Majestic’s programme is Destry Rides Again,” with Marlene Dietrich and James Stewart. ‘‘lt’s a Date," starring Deanna Durbin. is at the Tivoli. . „ “China Clipper,” starring Pat O’Brien, and “Radio City Revels,” are at the Grand, Theatre. ."Suez,” starring Tyrone Power and Loretta Young, and “Heart of Arizona,” starring Bill Boyd, begin today at St. James’. „ , Sacha Guitry, the famous French actor, appears in "The Cheat/’ which is at the Theatre Royal. CENTURY “TROUBLE BREWING” AND “NURSE EDITH CAVELL” “Trouble Brewing,” with George Formby. which will begin a season at the Century, Theatre, St. Albans, tonight, is a hilarious comedy with Formby in the role of a detective. On the same programme will be shown "Nurse Edith Caveß.”