CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23882, 26 February 1943, Page 3

CITY THEATRES

AVON “ VANISHING VIRGINIAN » There is the flavour of American tradition and a warm atmosphere of family life in "The Vanishing Virginian,” which will begin a second week at the Avon. The picture is based on the best selling biography by Rebecca Yancey Williams. It closely follows the narrative, with Frank Morgan appearing in the title role as Cap’n Bob Yancey, the author’s father. Morgan is completely in command of the fiery, lovable character he impersonates. The story is without artificiality in plot or treatment. It is merely the account of Cap’n Bob Yancey, for many years the State’s Attorney for the City of Lynchburg, and his remarkable family. The love of home and the lofty ideals fixed by him light the picture as they did the book. The two older daughters enter into their romances with his blessing and he faces triumph and defeat alike with courage and fortitude, but always amusingly. Morgan plays Cap’n Bob to the life, blustering and lovable at the same time. Spring Byington is completely, endearing as his absent-minded but jealous wife, and Kathryn Grayson scores an outstanding success as Rebecca Yancey, the daughter who wants to be a musician, but who is forced to study painting because of family tradition.

MAYFAIR “SWAMP WATER” "Swamp Water,” the unusual story of the foreboding and mysterious swampland that shapes the lives and loves and hates of the people about it, will be seen at the Mayfair again this week. Jean Renoir, famous French director, is responsible for “Swamp Water.” his first American production. Walter Brennan as Tom Keefer, Walter Huston as Thursday Ragan, Anne Baxter as Julie and Dana Andrews as Ben have the leading roles. "Swamp Water” is from the pen of Vereen Bell, and is one of the most unusual serials the “Saturday Evening Post” ever published. It is the story of the people who live in the strange country near the awesome Okefenokee Swamp of Georgia. This is a refuge for the hunted, but few of those who go into the swamp to hide ever get out of it alive. Into this dread wilderness goes Ben Ragan’s dog Trouble, and Ben follows him into the swamp against his father’s wishes, to begin his strange adventure.

STATE “SON OF FURY” In the five years that Tyrone Power has been on the screen, he has given many stirring portrayals—but his latest, “Son of Fury.” the story of Benjamin Blake which is showing at the State, surpasses all. Based on Edison Marshall’s best-sell-ing novel, "Son of Fury” has everything—swashbuckling adventure, action on the high seas, torrid romance in the South Sea islands, realistic fights. The story is laid in the early 1800’s, and depicts the adventures of a nameless urchin who must go through life battling the world for his birthright. It is the blazing history of a man who rises from stable boy to ruler of a South Sea paradise, and who deserts this paradise to claim his name. “Son of Fury” marks another step forward in the career of Miss Gene Tierney, whose portrayal of the exotic native girl is her best to date. As the languorous Tahitian beauty, she makes it doubly hard for Power to return to his native England—and who would blame him for not leaving! George Sanders, Frances Farnier. and young Roddy McDowall complete the top featured cast and each turns in a well rounded performance. Sanders is at his sinister'best as the treacherous conniving uncle, while the talented Miss Farmer makes a most appealing young English girl. Roddy McDowall follows up the splendid work he did in “How Green Was My Valley” with a remarkable portrayal of the youthful Benjamin Blake. Also included in the impressive cast are John Carradine, Elsa Lanchester, Harry Davenport, Kay Johnson, and Dudley Digges.

CRYSTAL PALACE “THE SINGING HILL” “The Singing Hill” will open at the Crystal Palace to-day, starring Gene Autry, the man who revolutionised western films. This, his latest action picture, is a story of a crusading foreman of the Circle R ranch, who is determined to prevent beautiful Jo Adams from selling the property to one Ramsay, who will at once forbid neighbouring ranchmen from using th ? Circle R ranch for free grazing land. Little Mary Lee makes a bid for added popularity in her winsome role of Patsy, the orphan of the range who has been adopted by a contingent of cow hands.

Virginia Dale, captivating blonde, and former Earl Carroll beauty, is cast opposite Autry in the role of Jo, the spoiled society girl. Smiley Burnette, who is to Autry what cream is to coffee, again turns in a winning performance in the role of Frog, Autry’s light-hearted and heavy-footed friend. “A Desperate Chance for Ellery Queen” is the supporting film.

LIBERTY

“THE LADY IS WILLING” Revealing a brilliant understanding of the fine art of farce and frolic, Marlene Dietrich and Fred Mac Murray are co-starred in Co.umbia’s “The Lady Is Willing." showing at the Liberty. Produced and directed in swift, saucy style by Mitchell Leisen. “The Lady Is Willing" includes in its topflight cast such othe. well-known cinema personalities as Aline MacMahon. Stanley Ridges, Roger Clark, and Arline ’Judge. "The Lady Is Wiling" introduces as well a new star, a seven-months old whose photogenic appeal has already • on him the Hollywood accolade < f “wonder baby” This i 1,”l»y Co.ey Marlene is seen iov the first time in an all-out comedy role “The Face hLhind the Mask." starring Peter Lorre and Ev iyn Keyes, is l’-.? supra i; n- fi in T!r:s is a thrilling drama of the underworld.

PLAZA

“THE MUMMY’S TOMB” Hollywood’s newest horror drama, "The Mummy’s Tomb,” comes soon to the Plaza Theatre. Lon Chaney, the star, is said to have been awarded the leading scare-role in the new film after his sensational portrayal of “the monster” in “The Ghost of Frankenstein” and his grim characterisation in “The Wolf Man.”

Heralded as a genuine shocker. “The Mummy’s Tomb” features a cast of talented movie players, including Dick Foran, John Hubbard, Elyse Knox, George Zucco, Wallace Ford, and Universal picturesque character actor. Turhan Bey. The picture, it is noted, comes almost 10 years after Boris Karloff first played “The Mummy." remembered as one of the most memorable creations of make-up wizard Jack Pierce. “Night of Nights" will be shown at the Plaza in the near future. This film stars Pat O’Brien, Olympe Bradna, and Roland Young.

CENTURY “SUSPICION” Joan Fontaine, the star of “Rebecca,” will be seen as star of Alfred Hitchcock’s drama, "Suspicion,” at the Century to-night. The actress won an academy award for her performance in this film. Presenting a vivid and unforgettable story of a woman whose troubled mind leads her to suspect that her husband is a murderer, “Suspicion” stars Cary Grant and Joan Fontaine in what is said to be one of the most gripping and unusual romantic dramas ever seen on the screen.