CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23806, 27 November 1942, Page 3

CITY THEATRES

AVON “THE FLEET’S IN” Entertainment and tunes are provided on a grand scale in “The Fleet’s In,” a new Paramount musical comedy showing in its fifth week at the Avon, starring Dorothy Lamour, William Holden, and Eddie Bracken. Among the many entertainment stars featured in the new comedy with music are Betty Hutton, America’s No. 1 jitterbug; Betty Jane Rhodes, song stylist; Leif Erickscn, popular screen favourite; Jimmy Dorsey and his orchestra, with Bob Eberly and Helen O’Connell, vocalists; Cass Daley, who sings novelty numbers while making horrific faces; Gil Lamb, lunatic with a harmonica, and the comedy dance team of Lorraine and Rognan. Dorothy Lamour, minus her famed sarong, appears in “The Fleet’s In” as a star ballroom singer who is noted for the fact that no sailor has ever been able to kiss her. William Holden, with his shipmates betting on him, marries her. Seven brand-new hit tunes are offered in "The Fleet’s In.” STATE “MY GAL SAL” One of the most lavishly-produced technicolour films ever presented to the Christchurch public, “My Gal Sal,” is the attraction at the State Theatre. Starring lovely Rita Hayworth, the story tells of the career of Paul Dresser, the popular American composer of such familiar tunes as “My Gal Sal,” “On the Banks of the Wabash.” and “Mr Volunteer.” A rising star, Victor Mature, takes the hero’s role in the film. Director Irving Cummings has woven laughter, song, and dance into an interesting yet always merry theme a. 1 among the favourite comedians chosen for supporting parts are James F. Gleason, Phil Silvers, and Walter Catlett, John Sutton and Carole Landis being featured players. While the story is essentially one of the “Gay Nineties,” an up-to-date no’ 2 has been introduced in the new nummers, “Here You Are” and “The Great White Way." The colourful costumes of the period give plenty of scope for effect in the use of technicolour, and the 20th Century-Fox directors have left no avenue unexplored to make “My Gal Sal” a musical extravaganza in the fullest sense of the word. MAYFAIR “TO THE SHORES OF TRIPOLI” The stirring story of life in the United States Marines told in “To the Shores of Tripoli,” is showing at the Mayfair Theatre. Striking technicolour gives life to activities of this colourful corps of American fighters. The romantic interest is supplied by John Payne and Maureen O’Hara, who are supported by Randolph Scott, but throughout the film may be seen excerpts as nearly as possible portraying the actual training and methods of operations of this famous band of fighters. The film will have added attraction for ;he part played by the Marines in the recent fighting in the Solomons. “To the Shores of Tripoli” had long seasons in Wellington and Auckland. LIBERTY “JEANNIE” “Jeanrie” is an enchanting story of a Scots lassie who found gaiety, romance, and adventure in the exciting, cosmopolitan social whirl of pre-war Vienna, a poor Cinderella whose father’s will left her a lease of life .or one month in her luxury dream land. The stars are Michael Redgrave and Barbara Mullen. This attractive light entertainment is assured of widest appreciation, and will be shown this week at the Liberty. The fortunes of the winsome little heroine will be followed with keenest sympathy through her bemused reactions and her emergence as a gay butterfly, “Jeannie” is bubbling over with good fun and enlivened with a frequent touch of compelling hu 'an interest. The story has been produced with_ a generous and lavish hand, while the supporting :as'. includes a host of wellknown players, among whom Wilfrid Lawson. Kay Hammond, and Albert Lieven stand out conspicuously. “The Cowboy and the Blonde’ is the supporting film, which stars George Montgomery and Mary Beth Hughes. CRYSTAL PALACE “DOWN MEXICO WAY” Here is a picture that will give much entertainment even to the most critical audiences. “Down Mexico Way” opens with Gene Autry journeying to Mexico in search of Gibson and Gerard, two fraud niotion picture producers. When he finds that they are about to swindle the prominent Don Alvarado and his charming daughter, Maria Elena, he sets about exposing them for the schemers they are. Autry’s friendly personality has always pleased, and his performance in "Down Mexico Way,” showing at the Crystal Palace, has winning persuasiveness. Smiley Burnette is “Frog Millhouse” again. Brunette Fay McKenzie, makes an auspicious debut as a leading lady, for her acting as Maria Elena is well done. Miss McKenzie’s singing and dancing ability promise to take her a long way up the Hollywood ladder of fame. Edith Fellows, Wilbur Evans, and Jacqueline Wells are the leading players in “His First Romance,” the supporting film. PLAZA “THE ARKANSAS TRAVELLER” “The Arkansas Traveller,” a happy-go-lucky printer, stops his wanderings in a small town to help a lady in distress. This film will be shown at the Plaza soon. Another arrival at the same time is Johnny Daniels, the son of the local mayor, who split with his father a year before because the elder Daniels was content to take orders from the local political boss and financial giant, Matt Collins. Seeing his chance to help Mrs Allen and the youngster at the same time, “The Traveller” convinces the young man to stay in town and help him run the Allen newspaper. Johnny’s love for Mrs Allen’s daughter, Judy, helps him make up his mind, and he stays. Then begins a powerful story of the struggle of a county newspaper. Bob Burns, Fay Bainter, John Beal, and Jean Parker play the leading roles. Another Jean Parker film, “Roar of the Press,” will be the support. CENTURY “THE TREE OF LIBERTY” Cary Grant and Martha Scott are co-starred in “The Tree of Liberty,” showing at the Century. This is a story of a simple man of the soil. How his bride adapts herself to a life in an unnamed wilderness provides a great and moving romance. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Elizabeth Page, and is produced by Frank Lloyd. "When Air Raids Strike" will also be shown at the Century.