CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23812, 4 December 1942, Page 3

CITY THEATRES

* AVON

“THE LADY HAS PLANS”

A delightful comedy-thriller, “The Lady Has Plans,’’ starring Ray Milland and Paulette Goddard, supported by Roland Young, Albert Dekker, Margaret Hayes, and Cecil Kellaway, will be shown at the Avon to-day. It is high-powered entertainment of the type that is more than welcome in these troubled times. Every moment of it is crammed with fun and excitement.

The story sparkles with surprising situations. Paulette Goddard, a reporter, is hired to assist Ray Milland, ace Lisbon newscaster. Foreign agents in New York-Jhave stolen important United States Navy plans and have had them drawn in invisible ink on the back of lovely Margaret Hayes. They arrange ‘to kidnap Paulette and send Margaret in her place to sell the plans to the highest bidder when she reaches Lisbon. But the arrangements go sour and Paulette, unsuspecting, arrives in Lisbon.

“The Lady Has Plans” is a picture designed for the entertainment of one and all. It more than achieves its purpose.

MAYFAIR

“TO THE SHORES OF TRIPOLI”

The stirring story of life in the United States Marines told in “To the Shores of Tripoli,” isv showing at the Mayfair Theatre. Striking technicolour gives Dfe 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.

STATE

“THE MEN IN HER LIFE”

Lovely Loretta Young, versatile star of comedy and drama, will be seen at the State this week in a fascinating story, “The Men In Her Life,” taken from the best-selling novel by Lady Eleanor Smith. The cast includes such well-known players as Conrad Veidt, Dean Jagger, John Shepperd, and Otto Kruger. Happiness and heart-break, tragedy and triumph mingle against the colourful background of the stages and capitals of the world. Conrad Veidt plays a sympathetic and romantic role which he carried off superbly; Dean Jagger is grand in a rugged type of part, his loyal devotion providing a sharp contrast to the impetuous lovemaking of dashing young John Shepperd and the blundering good humour of Otto Kruger.

CRYSTAL PALACE

“CADET GIRL”

United States Army cadets on furlough in New York for fun and relaxation make a gay story of the new 20th Century-Fox film. “Cadet Girl,” showing at the Crystal Palace this week. Three fast-rising stars, Carole Landis, George Montgomery, and John Shepperd are the leading players in this triangle of love and laughter. Interspersed with the intriguing story are five new songs by Robin and Rainger, including “Uncle Sam Gets Around.” and “I’ll Settle For You.” Carole Landis has many opportunities for showing what she can do with her voice, William Tracy plays a comedy role, while Janis Carter, Robert Lowery. Basil Walker, and others are featured in the cast.

“Castle In the Desert.” a thrilling mystery with Sidney Toler. Arleen Whelan, and Richard Derr, is the supporting film.

LIBERTY

“MY GAL SAL”

Starring lovely Rita Hayworth “My Gal Sal” is the story 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 this film showing at the Liberty. ,

Director Irving Cummings has woven laughter, song, and dance into an interesting yet always merry theme r 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 r has been introduced in the new numbers. "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. “Dead Men Tell,” a Charlie Chan thriller, will be the supporting film.

PLAZA

“TOUGH AS THEY COME”

The popular Dead End Kids and Litttle Tough Guys will be seen together in v “Tough as They Come.” which will be shown at the Plaza soon. This story, full of action and wellpointed drama, is set in the New York slums and deals with the lives of the people and their efforts to rise above their surroundings and circumstances. Involved in the story is the problem of bringing about reforms and breaking the rackets which make the slum dwellers (heir particular prey. Billy Halop. Hunz Hall. Bernard Punsly, and Gabriel Dell have important roles. “Fly By Night” will be the supporting feature, starring Nancy Kelly and Richard Carlson.

CENTURY

“THE MORTAL STORM”

Looking at history in the present tense “The Mortal Storm" is a thrilling document of current world affairs. The story deals with the experiences of a family “somewhere in Europe” who become a house divided as a result of political dissension. It is dramatic, simply told, and effective. “The Mortal Storm” is showing at the Century.