CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23204, 16 December 1940, Page 5

CITY THEATRES

CRYSTAL PALACE “DR. CHRISTIAN MEETS THE WOMEN”

The popular Dr. Christian series is continued this week at the Crystal Palace in the well produced film, ‘ Dr. Christian Meets the Women” a thoughtful study of the effects of dieting on hundreds of women who are not supervised by a qualified doctor, but who follow mass production recipes and fail to consider whether the treatment will suit their particular needs. Jean Hersholt and Dorothy Lovett are the leading players, with Edgar Kennedy and Rod la Rocque in strong supporting The associate feature is “One Crowded Night,” a thrilling drama starring Billie Seward, William Haade, Charles Lang, and Adele Pearce. The whole of the action of this film takes place within 12 hours, and the whole story is set in a tourist camp in Arizona.

PLAZA

“THE 'BISCUIT EATER”

At the Plaza this -week a most entertaining programme, in which tfie thriller “The Green Hornet continues in another exciting chapter, includes a film that must be praised as one or the most beautiful pictures ever produced. This is ‘‘The Biscuit Eater the story of a white boy, a black boy, and a dog that was born the smallest of the litter, to be the laughing stock of the neighbourhood; but the dog was cared for by the two boys, and he grew up to be the champion bird dog of the district. The second film, “Parole Fixer,” stars William Henry, Anthony Quinn, and Virginia Dale,

STATE

“ DANCE, GIRL, DANCE ”

Vicki Baum’s absorbing drama of backstage life has made a truly brilliant film in “Dance. Girl, Dance, which is showing for the first tune in New Zealand at the State Theatre. Comedy, drama, excellent ballet dancing and new songs are combined in the story of two chorus girls, one an artist, the other a gold-digger, whose paths of destiny often cross. A more fitting cast could hardly have been chosen with Maureen O’Hara, Louis Hayward, and Lucille BaL as the leading players, and Ralph Bellamy. Virginia Field and Maria Ouspenskaya supporting. Seldom have so. many prominent and experienced players been seen in one film. Dorothy Arnzer, who directs “Dance, Girl Dance, is the first woman to direct a big Hollywood hit. Erich Pommer produced it for RKO. AVON

“THE GREAT VICTOR HERBERT ”

Now in its second week at the Avon, “The Great Victor Herbert" is drawing large audiences whc, are delighted with the bright romance and music. The film 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 even 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. Walter Connolly takes the part of Victor Herbert, giving one of his most finished performances, and making the great composer a very human and real figure indeed.

LIBERTY

“SAPS AT SEA” In the new Laurel and Hardy film at the Liberty, "Saps at Sea,” in the opening scene the portly Oliver and his dismal pal are employed in the testing department of a horn factory. Little horns, big horns, long horns, short horns, loud horns, and soft horns —all are tested within one small room, on the wall of. which is the notice, “Silence while men are working.” It is Oliver's final collapse under the strain that results in his withdrawal from the firm. , "Convicted Woman,” the associate feature, stars Rochelle Hudson and Frieda Inescourt.

MAYFAIR “ BAND WAGGON ” There are all the ingredients for success in “Band Waggon,” the diverting British comedy which headed the new bill at the Mayfair Theatre yesterday. The audience was kept in high good humour throughout its screening. Indeed, of its kind, "Band Waggon" is one of the best. Bearing all the hallmarks of capable direction, the film is excellently produced, and is interpreted by a very talented group of players. “Band Waggon” sparkles with mirth, and Arthur Askey, the star of "Charlie's (Big-hearted) Aunt,” who is in the main role, is right in his element.

CHRISTCHURCH CINEMAS,

LIMITED “Two Girls on Broadway,” starring Joan Blondell, is at the Regent. “The Man From Dakota,” with Wallace Beery, John Howard, and Dolores del Rio, is at the Majestic. “Strange Cargo,” starring Clark Gable and Joan Crawford, is at the Tivoli.

“Wings of the Morning,” starring Annabella. Henry Fonda, and Leslie Banks is at the Theatre Royal. “Calling All Stars” is also showing. “Love Is a Headache.” starring Franchot Tone and Mickey Rooney, and “Josette.” starring Simone Simon, are at the Grand. VO ’ Shaughnessy ’ s Boy,” starring Wallace Beery and Jackie Cooper, and Bing Crosby in “Sing You Sinners” are at the St. James. CENTURY

Thorne Smith’s comedy “Topper Takes a Trip,” showing Roland Young and Constance Bennett, is featured in the programme at the Century, St. Albans. The second feature is “When You’re in Love.” starring Grace Moore and Cary Grant. “Souls at Sea” and "West of Shanghai” will begin to-morrow.