CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24587, 8 June 1945, Page 3

CITY THEATRES

AVON “THE THIN MAN GOES HOME” One of the most exciting and fastmoving screen mysteries of the year. “The Thin Man Goes Home,” will continue its season at the Avon Theatre to-day. In this latest film of the “Thin Man” series, the leading parts are played as usual by William Cowell as Detective Nick Charles, and Myrna Loy as his wife. Nora. Nick Charles plans a vacation in his home town, but, as usual, involved in a highly baffling murder mystery. The film also boasts an outstanding supporting cast including such wellknown players as Gloria De Haven Donald Meek. Harry Davenport Lucile Watson Helen Vinson Anne Revere and Edward Brophy Asta the famous wire-haired terrier, is given a chance to perform some new tricks in the film “The Thin Man Goes Home" is a Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer release. It was directed by Richard Thorpe. STATE “THIS HAPPY BREED” In “This Happy Breed,” the current attraction at the State Theatre, Noel Coward sets out to portray the essential greatness of heart of all the “little people” of Britain “This Happy Breed" recites the tale of great events of all those things which stirred or afflicted Britain in the 20 years of uneasy peace between the- first world war and the present conflict The greatness of the people is sho - n in the humdrum everyday occurrences in two houses of London’s suburbs A critic has said of the film; ‘lt is a irue invocation to greatness Throughout its passage it never loses hold oi us high purpose Noel Coward hss ashioned a tapestrv of England’s pride He has made also one of ' e most entertaining pieces of motion picture entertainment which have ever graced the screen.” The leading roles are taken by Robert Newton and Celia Johnson. MAYFAIR “THE WAY AHEAD” “The Way Ahead,” which will continue its season to-day at the Mayfair Theatre, is a story of British soldiers. It is the plain tale of typical‘Britons of this generation who were called from the plough, the bench, and the office. It is the tale of men full of private ambitions, tribulations, human happiness, and plans for the future, who gave tlmm up to join the army. “The Way Ahead” lays no claim to a “message” or to “uplift.” There is more laughter than tears in it. more excitement and suspense than argument. Its quality and character are derived from its subject, the British soldier. The cast includes such well-known actors as David Niven, Raymond Huntley and Stanley Holloway The film, which was produced by Norman Walker and John Sutro, is from an original story by Eric Ambler. CRYSTAL PALACE “CONEY ISLAND” “Coney Island,” the Technicolor musical film which will be shown again this week at the Crystal Palace, has been hailed as one of the best musical films of the season. Betty Grable, George Montgomery, and Cesar Romero have the leading roles in this 20th Century-Fox production. Coney Island, New York’s famous amusement resort, has provided the background for countless film sequences, but not until now has an entire production been devoted to this gay seashore resort. Among the new tunes in the film are “Take It From There,” “Beautiful Coney Island,” “Miss Lulu from Louisville,” and “There’s Danger m a Dance," by Leo Robin and Ralph Rainger. Charles Winninger and Phil Silvers head the featured cast. The dances were directed by Hermes Pan, and the original screen play was written by George Seaton. LIBERTY “THE DEMI-PARADISE” “The Demi-Paradise,” starring Laurence Olivier, which will be shown this week at the Liberty, is a story of England and of English people as seen through the eyes of a foreigner. Ivan Kouznetsoff (Laurence Olivier), a young Russian engineer, inventor of a new type of propeller for use on icebreakers, arrives in England in 1939, some months before the outbreak of war. During his stay in the small provincial town of Barchester he is bewildered by its petty conventions, its seeming smugness, its tendency to live in the past at the expense of the present, and its apparent love of muddling through. Penelope Ward was chosen as leading lady because she embodied the spirit and characteristics of a typical English girl. She plays the role of a girl who teaches the young Russian engineer English ways and brings him to an understanding of English people. The film was produced bv Anatole de Grunwald, and directed by Anthony Asquith. “The Dancing Masters” will be shown again this week.

PLAZA “IN THIS OUR LIFE” One of the year’s most poignant dramas, “In This Our Life,” will continue its season to-day at the Plaza Theatre. The film has a brilliant cast with Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, Dennis Morgan, and George Brent m the leading roles. The supporting cast is headed by Charles Coburn, Frank Craven, and Billie Burke, The story concerns a once proud family, the Timberlakes, who have lost much of their prestige. Bette Davis plays the role of Stanley, a capricious, inconsiderate girl who believes her own happiness is the only thing that matters. The role of her sister Roy is taken by Olivia de Havilland; George Brent appears as Stanley’s fiance, and Dennis Morgan as 'oy’s husband. Christchurch audiences who enjoyed the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo, which appeared some time ago at the Plaza in “The Gay Parisian,” will welcome “Spanish Fiesta,” featuring a cast almost identical with that in the previous ballet number. “Spanish Fiesta” is included in the programme for this week. CENTURY “SONG OF THE ISLANDS” “Song of the Islands,” presenting Victor Mature, Jack Oakie, and Betty Grable, will be shown to-day at the Century. Betty Grable, who has the role of a South Sea Island princess, is seen in a number of hulas and more modern interpretations of South Sea dances. Miss Grable sings in accompaniment to her dancing a number of songs written specially for the film by Mack Gordon and Harry Owens. Walter Lang directed the picture, which was produced by William Le Baron.