CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23941, 7 May 1943, Page 3

CITY THEATRES

AVON “ARE HUSBANDS NECESSARY?” A sparkling comedy of domestic ups and downs will begin a season to-day at the Avon, namely, “Are Husbands Necessary?” Starring Ray Milland and Betty Field, and with such capable supporting players as Patricia Morison, Eugene Pallette, Charles Dingle, Leif Erickson, Elizabeth Risdon, and Richard Haydn, the picture tells the hilarious story of a young married couple who try to get ahead in the world by “whiffling”—telling little white lies. Where the lies lead and what complications they cause result in plenty of first-class excitement.

Fresh from one of the top dramatic roles of the year, as Stephen Tolliver in Cecil B. de Mille’s sea saga, “Reap the Wild Wind,” Milland proves himself an excellent comedian in “Are Husbands Necessary?” Betty Field is a startling success as a comedienne in this lively film. Miss Morison gives a superlative performance. The film is made from the popular novel by Isabel Scott Rovick, “Mr and Mrs Cugat." Norman Taurog directed the film. STATE “THE DAY WILL DAWN” Featuring Ralph Richardson, Deborah Kerr (a new star), and Hugh Williams, “The Day Will Dawn” is full of action, romance, and high adventure, and will be shown to-day at the State Theatre. It is spectacular war melodrama, de. scribing the breathtaking adventures of a young British war correspondent who saw the outbreak of the world war from Norway, playing his own part in it later. The film is a just and timely tribute to the indomitable spirit of Norway. It is, in short, one of the greatest of the recent war epics. The story, which is written by Frank Owen, opens in London’s press centre, an introduction which not only gives a shrewd hint of the things to come, but makes a showmanlike springboard for the leap to Norway. The subsequent action is history—the “tourist” invasion of Norway, the activities of Quislings, the interception of U-boats, the raid on the U-boat lair, and the Commando climax—but it is no bald illustration of facts. It is authentic and purposeful, and that purpose is to acquaint the world through the medium of exciting screen entertainment with the heroism and resolution of the Norwegians. It is an indictment, a warning, and an inspiration for all free people. MAYFAIR “TALK OF THE TOWN” An outstanding comedy-romance, “Talk of the Town,” is showing at the Mayfair. It is unusual, in motion pictures, for three such stars as Cary Grant, Jean Arthur, and Ronald Colman to appear in a film which does not, in some measure, permit the overshadowing of one. or two. But in the evenly balanced performances, the thoughtful blending and clash of personalities is splendid tribute to George Stevens’ work as a director, and to the masterful script penned by Irwin Shaw and Sidney Buchman. “The Talk of the Town” introduces a different Cary Grant from the one known previously, a greater Cary Grant. His is a role filled with humour and with resolution, one calling for the utmost in dramatic purpose. As the most lovable person ever wanted for a murder, Grant moves through a whirlwind of excitement. Ronald Colman, similarly, brings to the screen a character not soon to be forgotten, that of a bearded, dignified student of jurisprudence, a man devoted to the letter of the law, who discovers suddenly that there is a human level, in times of crisis, to which one rises..

Miss Arthur’s performance, like those of her co-stars, is equally outstanding, a performance both ingratiating and feminine, heroic in its dramatic scenes and soft and winsome in the gentler moments.

CRYSTAL PALACE “THE JUNGLE BOOK” After months of painstaking preparation and research, Alexander Korda has transferred to the screen the thrilling adventure classic, Rudyard Kipling’s “Jungle Book,” which was filmed in magnificent technicolour and stars Sabu in the role of Mowgli, a creature that is half-boy and half-wolf. Kipling’s “Jungle Book” was directed by Zoltan Korda and will be shown at the Crystal Palace soon. The background of Kipling’s “Jungle Book” is picturesque Northern India during the last century and entailed scenes of authentic jungle beauty, filled with wild animals and tropic bird life, as well as scenes of fantastic splendour completely out of this world. Consequently there were no props available in the vast storehouses of movieland and nearly all had to be manufactured to conform with the designs created by art director Vincent Korda. Among the most unusual props that were manufactured were a heavily jewelled howdah for Sabu to ride into the lost city and 12 jewelled sceptres with delicate filagree designs.

SHORTS THIS WEEK AVON—“Let ’Em Go Alive,” Grantland Rice Sportlight; “Hollywood Sidelights,” a Hedda Hopper film; “At the Dog Show,” a Speaking of Animals Novelty; a Ministry of Information film; and Avon New Service

CRYSTAL PALACE—"lnside Nazi Japan,” latest of World in Action series.

MAYFAIR- “Song of Victory,” a coloured rhapsody; a community sing; and Fox Australian News. LIBERTY “MOONTIDE” “Moontide,” to be shown at the Liberty this week, introduces Jean Gabin. who in recent years has been recognised as the greatest star of French films. Gabin gives a performance •which is said to outshine any of his previous characterisations in a part which is tailor-made for his virile type of acting For a co-star Ida Lupino was chosen. It was decided that she could best complement Cabin’s realistic and powerful role in the film. Thomas Mitchell and Claude Rains, two of Hollywood”s outstanding character actors, were added to the cast, and John O’Hara, the famous novelist, was assigned to the adaptation of the story. “Right to the Heart” features Brenda Joyce and Joseph Allen. PLAZA “BAD MEN OF ARIZONA” A thundering drama of the lawless days on the frontier that could not be brought to law and order is “Bad Men of Arizona,” starring Richard Dix. Kent Taylor. Edgar Buchanan, and Frances Gifford. This film will be shown at the Plaza soon. The story tells of the adventures '.T two prospectors who discover silver in the Arizona hills and name the spot "Tombstone.” Years later the town grows and the two prospectors become rich men but the inhabitants become so lawless that Wyatt Earn • Richard Dix) is asked to become sheriff. From then on there is plenty

The number of registrations with the association for relief or employment had shown a decrease in the last 12 months from the previous year, stated the annual report of the Christchurch branch of the Returned Services’ Association. Calls for financial assistance had also been fewer. Days of employment subsidised by the association totalled 786, and 463 days employment was found without subsidy Disabled soldiers’ and widows’ gardens attended to numbered 87. Twenty-seven men were placed in permanent employment. The goodwill of residents of the Waiau district m sending a consignment of sheep to the association to assist in the relief of distress in the winter months, was mentioned in the report.

of exciting action till the law overcomes the bad men. “Campus Confessions.” a merry story of college life, will also be featured at the Plaza soon. Betty Grable. Eleanore Whitney. William Henry, and Fritz Field are the stars, while Hank Luisetti, an American baseball star makes an appearance. CENTURY “MEN OF BOYS TOWN” “Men of Boys Town." starring Spencer Tracy and Mickey Rooney, is a story even more compelling than that of "Boys Town." dealing as it does with Father Flanagan's two-fisted, fighting attack against the brutality in corrective school treatment of youth. This film will be shown at the Century.