CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23538, 16 January 1942, Page 2

CITY THEATRES

AVON “ ANDY HARDY’S PRIVATE SECRETARY ” Andy Hardy leaves school and becomes still more important in his newest film, “Andy Hardy’s Private Secretary,” the new attraction at the Avon. This new film deals with the many amusing problems facing high school seniors. Andy, as chairman of numerous senior committees, loses sight of his studies in his effort to make the class graduation a success. In addition, he makes the acquaintance of two youngsters, Kathryn and Harry Land. The Judge becomes interested in the family and attempts to help them, but Andy in an over-enthusiastic moment spoils the deal. How the two youngsters help him out of his difficulties when he flunks his English examination. proves a highlight of the film. The Hardv Family is again assembled for the story. Mickey Rooney is assisted by Lewis Stone, Fay Holden, and Ann Rutherford. STATE “SUN VALLEY SERENADE” The State will present to-day “Sun Valley Serenade." with Sonja Henie in the starring role. With Sonja Henie and John Payne forming a delightful new nomantic team and Sonja performing exciting new skating routines, such as have never before been seen on the screen, this new musical also boasts the irresistible rhythms of America’s number one band. Glenn Miller and his orchestra. Excellent support is given by the other members of the featured cast, which include Milton Berle, Lynn Bar:, Joan Davis (who burlesques the Dying Swan ballet), and the Nicholas Brothers. CRYSTAL PALACE “ PARACHUTE BATTALION ” An American training station is used for scenes in the dramatic new film, "Parachute Battalion," showing at the Crystal Palace. Starring Robert Preston. Nancy Kelly, Edmond O’Brien, and Harry, Carey, the new offering capitalises the romance, thrills, and comedy to be found in the spectacular training ,ol youthful parachutists. The ordeal of the young recruits When, after months of training, they face the test of their first parachute jump from a soaring aeroplane, lends Suspense and powerful dramatic force to the skilfully developed plot. The drama runs at a furious and dizzy pace to the climax. Interwoven throughout is a fascinating love story, marked by bitter rivalry of two of the boys for the only feminine member of the cast. The associate feature stars the popular Gug Kibbee in “Scattergood Meets Broadway,” a hilarious third production In the popular scries. MAYFAIR

“GREAT GUNS”

The first Laurel and Hardy film made for more than a year will open soon at the "Mayfair. This is "Great Guns.” starring the two comedians with Dick Nelson and Sheila Ryan. The absurd story has Stan and Ollie and their pet crow Penelope, taking care of young millionaire Dick Nelson, who is supposed to be allergic to everything. When Dick is drafted, the two comedians enlist so that they can take rare of him.

Dick turns out to be a healthy young man, and finds romance with pretty Sheila Ryan. But Stan and Ollie have their troubles with tough sergeant Edmund Mac Donald. How they first mess up the manoeuvres and then straighten everything out with Penelope's aid, makea a comic story.

LIBERTY « SUNNY ” Anna Neagle’s bright film. “Sunny.” will be shown at the Liberty to-day. The exciting adventures Of a beautiful circus dancer in New Orleans during the colourful Mardl Gras season. and her whirlwind romance with a gay blade from an aristocratic southern family, represent the sparkling dual-theme of Anna Neagle’s newest musical vehicle. Based on the sensational Broadway hit of the same name, and retaining such lilting tunes as “Who?” “Sunny,” “D'Ya Love Me?” and "Two Little Bluebirds,” the RKO Radio film presents the lovely Miss Neagle In the title role of the captivating carnival girl. John Carroll has the masculine lead opposite the star, playing the role of the wealthy New Orleans socialite who falls in love at first sight with Sunny. Edward Everett Horton. Helen Westley, and Frieda Inescort are others in the cast. The associate feature is “Dreaming Out Loud.” with Lum and Abner, the radio stars. PLAZA “ THE HOUSE OF THE ARROW ” Intrigue and mystery are blended to make an exciting plot in “The H.use of the Arrow," which is a feature of the next attraction for the Plaza. Written by A. E. W. Mason, the story revolves round the murder of a wealthy widow, and the use ol a deadly poison which is supposed to leave no trace. The work of unravelling the mystery falls on Inspector Hanaud, a leading Paris detective, who goes to Dijon to commence his investigations. He finds Betty Harlowe, the dead woman’s niece, is suspected by the police. Into the story comes The Scourge, an anonymous letter-writer, who is also interested in the crime. The detective finds a scrap of charred paper, an anonymous letter, and penholder which is not a penholder at all. From

all these fragments he builds up a case against the guilty person. Diana Churchill and Keneth Kent are the players. The associate feature is “Reaching for the Sun,” starring Joel McCrea and Ellen Drew.