CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23740, 11 September 1942, Page 2

CITY THEATRES

AVON “THE MAN WHO LOST HIMSELF” The English novelist, H. de Vere Stacpoole’s famous story, “The Man Who Lost Himself," is now in screen form, and is coming to the Avon. There is much comedy in the unusual picture, starring Brian Aherne and Kay Francis. Entirely farcical in nature, the offering presents Brian Aherne in two'roles. In one, Evans, he is a respectable businessman; in the other he is Scott, a worthless eccentric who sees, in the discovery of his exact double, a way out of his difficulties. He installs Evans in his own home, where Evans cannot convince anyone, including Mrs Scott, that he is Evans and not Scott. In supporting roles are Henry Stephenson, Nils Asther, S. Z. Sakall, and others. MAYFAIR “DANGEROUS MOONLIGHT” Anton Walbrook, Derek de Marney, and Sally Gray are the stars of “Dangerous Moonlight,” in its second week at the Mayfair. Stefan Radetzky, a famous Polish pianist serving with his country’s air force, meets Carole Hughes, an American newspaper-woman, during a vicious air attack on Warsaw. After the fall of Poland, Stefan and his friend, Mike Carroll, an intrepid Irish flyer, go to New York, where the musician is to start a concert tour in aid of Polish relief. . Stefan and Carole meet again and after a short romance are married. The tour proves successful, but Mike comes to England to join the Polish forces in this country. When France falls, Stefan feels an irresistible urge to follow Mike. Despite Carole’s entreaties that.he is better serving his country through his music, Stefan leaves America. Mike is killed in aerial combat with the enemy and, later, Stefan himself is seriously injured, losing his memory. There is an interesting last chapter. STATE “THE LITTLE FOXES” The story of a woman’s struggle for wealth, a struggle in which she sacrifices her husband, her daughter, and her soul, is the compelling theme of Bette Davis’s newest film, “The Little Foxes,’’ in which the star is supported •by k brilliant cast headed by Herbert Marshall. This will begin to-day at the State. . The film is set against a background of a little Southern town at the turn of the century when the industrial development of the South was just be- . ginning. Bette Davis portrays the am-' I bitious and ruthless wife of a kindly bank president (Marshall), who is dangerously ill of a heart ailment. His wife selfishly urges him to join a with her avaricious brothers in financ- 1 ing a big cotton mill that promises « to bring them huge profits. He re- 1 fuses: he wants no part in exploiting the poor people of the district. And the wife, caring for nothing but making money so that she can become a social leader, finds her brothers are planning to cut her out of the scheme. The climax is most dramatic. A new star, Teresa Wright, appears in the film. LIBERTY “HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY” Beginning a season at the Liberty to-day, “How Green Was My Valley’’ is delighting hundreds who enjoyed the book. Seen through the eyes of the youngest member of the family—Huw Morgan—“ How Green Was My Valley" traces the threads of life of the Morgan family over a period of years—revealing their trials and loyes,. their joys and sorrows. It is the brave story of a family never conquered, not by armed men cr hardship, hunger or hat£—nor by the turbulent years that stole the greenness from their valley. Walter Pidgeon, cast as Mr Gruffydd, the minister, gives a splendid performance. Maureen O’Hara portrays Angharad. the lovely Morgan daughter who captivates the pastor. Anna Lee in the role of Bronwen, Donald Crisp as Gwilyn Morgan, and Roddy McDowall as the boy Huw, all give good portrayals of the characters. “We go Fast,” a comedy drama with Lynn Bari and Alan Curtis playing leading roles, is the supporting feature.

CRYSTAL PALACE “THUNDERING HOOFS” “Thundering Hoofs,” starring Tim Holt, is the feature showing at the Crystal Palace this week. The era when stage coach lines were spanning the western plains iorms the background to the story of a battle between two rival stage coach lines. Tim Holt as Bill Underwood is the hero of gunfire, fist fights, and daring horsemanship, through whose efforts the mail reaches its destination. Ray Whitley. Lee “Lasses” White, Luana Walters, and Archie Twitchell are also in the cast. The support is “Playgirl,” the story of a dangerous lady of leisure played by Kay Francis. Clever dialogue and sophisticated comedy are features of this film. James Ellison’, Mildred Coles, Nigel Bruce, and Margaret Hamilton will also be seen. PLAZA “SOUTH OF TAHITI” A colourful and romantic adventure story, “South of Tahiti,” opens a season at the Plaza to-day. The exciting melodrama begins when’ three pearl fishermen, Brian Donlevy, Brod Crawford, and Andy Devine drift to an island after their boat developed motor trouble. Maria Montez, a new LatinAmerican star, is the beautiful native girl who rescues Donlevy from an attack by a leopard, and bewitches the hardy seaman. Angry natives take the castaways to their blind chieftain, who warns them to leave the island. At a lavish tribal ceremony the men look on in wonder to see precious pearls thrown into the fire in sacrifice, and plan to steal them and then to escape, but many adventures befall them before the end comes. “Federal Bullets,” featuring Milburn Stone and Terry Walker, is the supporting film. FRUIT AND PRODUCE CARTAGE ' ; * —— An analysis of loads carried by motor vehicles visiting ’the fruit and produce markets in Christchurch is being made through inspectors of the Transport Department, to enable the South Island zoning officer (Mr T. H. Langford) to negotiate with growers, who have been asked to form plans to eliminate unnecessary vehicle operation; ■