CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23198, 9 December 1940, Page 2

CITY THEATRES

♦ MAYFAIR “ANNE OF WINDY POPLARS” Another of the popular series on novels bv Miss L. M. Montgomery, "Anne of Windy Poplars.” with Anne Shirley again in the role of the heroine, is now showing at the Mayfair Theatre. The film is a sequel to popular and well-rendered ’’Anne of Green Gables.” which was received with such enthusiasm by Christchurch audiences. The latest of the series contains a happv human appeal that has made the “Anne” books favourites of readers all over the world. It is a heartstirring drama with one of fiction s best loved heroines, sparkling with life and the happiness of youth. CRYSTAL PALACE “ SOUTH OF THE BORDER ” With Gene Autry serenading a beautiful senorita, and with several new songs as well as the very popular theme-song, “South of the Border,” which is now showing at the Crystal Palace, has been eagerly awaited ny Autry fans and by those who follow the films that introduce. American songs that are first known here over the air. The associate feature, “The Secret Seven,” is a mystery film about the activities of seven men of science who decide to work to rid their city of crime, LIBERTY DOUBLE-FEATURE PROGRAMME At. the Liberty “Four Sons" tells a story ot the people ol the Sudeten area of Czechoslovakia which was ceded to Germany under the terms of the Munich settlement in 1938, Eugenie Leontovich plays the part of Frau Bern, the mother of four handsome sons who live happily and peacefully at their farmhouse close to the German border. As the story develops the black shadow of Nazi aggression falls swiftly over the old farmhouse. STATE “THE DOCTOR TAKES A WIFE” Loretta Young and Ray Milland star in the bright comedy, "The Doctor Takes a Wife,” now in its second week at the State. This is Loretta Young’s first comedy role, and her first lead opposite the very popular Ray Milland They make a hectic team, and to add that Alexander Hall directed the film is a guarantee, that it is a riotous comedy of the first order. The new conception of Loretta Young, though as ravishing as ever, is most refreshing, for she makes a charming comedienne. Ray Milland gives a splendid portrayal of a serious young doctor who finds himself in an awful predicament with the type of woman he just can’t tolerate. Edmund Gwcnn. Reginald Gardiner, and Gail Patrick head the supporting cast in one of Columbia’s liveliest hits, PLAZA THREE THRILLERS A generous programme of thrillers is offered at the Plaza this week with two full-length features and a chapter of an exciting mystery serial. The first film. "Hot Steel.’’ stars Andy Devine, Anne Nagel, and Richard Arlen, and has its moments of comedy as well as its constant supply of fast action. “Enemy Agent” is also a thriller and with Helen Vinson, Richard Cromwell, and Marjorie Reynolds in the leading roles it gives the audience an entertainment of high value. “The Green Hornet” is a serial that will be enjoyed by grown-ups as well as children. AVON “THE GREAT VICTOR HERBERT ” "The Great Vidor Herbert,” which is showing at the Avon Theatre this week, is a film full of delightful singing, gaiety, romance, and the human interest that arises from a sympathetic treatment of the lives of real people. It is the story of the stars who interpreted the work of Victor Herbert, the famous light opera composer. There is every opportunity for presenting fine and tuneful singing, and the singing is oven finer than one might have expected. The story, too, holds the interest of the audience from the beginning, making as good a piece of entertainment as could be wished. CHRISTCHURCH CINEMAS. LIMITED "Strange Cargo.” with Clark Gable and Joan Crawford, is now at the Regent. “Talking Feet” is now at the Majestic. It is a 26-star musical hit. “Virginia City,” starring Errol Flynn and Miriam Hopkins, is at the Tivoli. Anna May Wong in “Daughter of Shanghai," and John Barrymore in "Bulldog Drummond Comes Back." are at the Grand. Nelson Eddy and Jeanette Mac Donald in “The Girl of the Golden West” and William Henry in “Television Spy” are at the St. James. “Shipyard Sally” starring Gracie Fields, and Errol Flynn in "Green Light” are at the Theatre Royal. CENTURY “Beau Geste," now at the Century. Si. Albans, stars Gary Cooper. The story deals with the adventures of the eldest of three brothers who sought adventure in the Foreign Legion so that a beautiful woman might not suffer.