CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 25021, 1 November 1946, Page 9

CITY THEATRES

STATE “SPELLBOUND” After record-breaking runs in the United States. England and Australia, Alfred Hitchcock’s “Spellbound,” starring Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck, has arrived in Christchurch and will open its season at the State Theatre to-day. The story of “Spellbound.” concerns a mysterious young man known only as J.B who is suffering from amnesia. He is suspected of murder and, with no memory of the past, believes that he might be guilty Ingrid Bergman, as a psychiatrist who falls in love with him tries to save him from a crime she is sure he has not committed. How she manages to reach into his mind and bring forth the baffling secret which his temporary loss of memory has hidden from the police, forms the basis of this fascinating mystery story. David O. Selznick and Alfred Hitchcock are largely responsible for the excellence of this production. / MAYFAIR - “BRIEF ENCOUNTER” To NOel Coward’s brilliant line-up of film successes, which included such hits as “In Which We Serve,” “This Happy Breed.” and ‘Blithe Spirit,” is now added a powerful dramatic romance which opens this week at the Mayfair Theatre. Starred in the new picture are Celia Johnson, who will be remembered for her fine portrayal in “This Happy Breed.” and Trevor Howard, a comparative newcomer to British films. His career on the London stage was interrupted by the war, and he spent three years in the Army, finally winning the Military Cross as a member of the famous “Red Devils” air-borne division With ‘Brief Encounter” the production team, headed by Coward, has taken the story of an “Indian summer” romance that threatens to overwhelm two marriages and has presented it impressively in settings which are typically English throughout. Also in the cast are Stanley Holloway, Joyce Carey, and Cyril Raymond. CRYSTAL PALACE “CAPTAIN KIDD” A swashbuckling story of piracy on the high seas, “Captain Kidd.” a Benedict Bogeaus presentation starring Charles Laughton, continues its season to-day at the Crystal Palace. Laughton, famous for his bold portrayals\of Captain Bligh and Henry VIII, fills out his newest role as a swaggering buccaneer with vitality and keen perception Kidd is presented against the background of his times. This is a background of extremes On the one hand is the bewigged, perfumed aristocracy, and on the other the fierce men of action who hunted the seas in search of fabulous treasures. It is a lusty story with an ever-mounting mood of suspense to an exciting climax Laughton is supported by an excellent cast of players, including Randolph Scott, Barbara Britton, Reginald Owen, John Carradine, and Gilbert Roland. PLAZA “BAD BASCOMB” Wallace Beery comes through with another Western bandit role in “Bad Bascomb,” the M.G.M film which continues its season to-day at the Plaza Theatre He is starred with Margaret O’Brien Beery’s characterisation is given added warmth and humour in this story of an outlaw by the influence of an orphan girl who refuses to believe he is bad The action of the film takes place an Wyoming. The scenes between Beery and Margaret O’Brien are completely captivating; sometimes tender, more often humorous. The child star again proves herself one of the most versatile performers on the screen Marjorie Mann also is in top form as Beery’s unwanted "lady friend,” and an excellent cast includes J. Carrol Naish. Frances Rafferty. and Marshall Thompson.

MAJESTIC “ADVENTURE” Clark Gable makes a welcome rer turn to the screen in “Adventure,” an exciting film, in which he is starred with Greer Garson In ‘Adventure,” which continues its season at the Majestic Theatre to-day Gable fits perfectly into his role of a tough, carefree bo’sun of a merchant ship He has a love in every port until he meets Greer Garson, enacting a San Francisco librarian and a model of deportment At first repulsed by the bo’suns down-to-earth exterior, she soon falls victim to his charms and before she quite realises what is happening has married him i She is disillusioned about any dreams of domestic bliss, however when she learns that Gable does not intend to give up his sea-roving life. In an unexpected climax she finds a way of winning her husband back for good The strong supporting cast includes Joan Biondell and Thomas Mitchell. T LIBERTY “LEAVE HER TO HEAVEN” Psychological problems are apparently gaining popularity as subjects for film treatment. An unusual problem forms the basis of “Leave Her to Heaven.” the current attraction at the Liberty Theatre. The film deals with the effect on her family and on her own character of a woman’s overdevotion to her father; a' devotion which, even after her father’s death, causes her to choose a husband because of his resemblance to her father. This devotion, transferred in part to her husband, takes the form of a love so possessive that it seeks to destroy every person in whom her husband shows any interest No solution to the prpblem presented by such an attitude of mind is suggested by the film, but the conclusion is logical and satisfying. The technicolour photography is well handled. Heading the cast is Gene Tierney, and she is ably supported by Cornel Wilde and Jeanne Crain. “Behind Green Lights, a gripping murder mystery, is thei supporting feature. The film stars Carole Landis and Gargan. 1 CENTURY “THAT NIGHT WITH YOU” A new combination of Hollywood stars is offered in “That Night With You.” Universal’s romantic musical film . which is the current attraction at the Century Theatre. Franchot Tone. Susanna Foster. Louise Allbritton. and David Bruce have the main roles, and are supported by Irene Ryan and Jacqueline de Wit. The action of the story breezes in and out of a variety of settings. With the action comes an accompaniment of tuneful music. Some of this includes original arrangements of numbers by Tchaikovski and Rossini. i

ST. JAMES’ “SHADOWS IN THE NIGHT” The study of criminology, and the detection of criminals, is a science which is becoming more and more exacting. Psychology plays a great part in the success of Dr. Ordway. Colombia Pictures’ and radio’s famous “Crime Doctor.” whose latest case is the basis of the main film opening at the St James’ Theatre. In the past, on the screen and over the air, the doctor has i done some quick work to solve murder cases, but in “Shadows in the Night.” the third film of the series, the "Crime Doctor” (played by Warner Baxter) is really put to the test. Nina Foch. an heiress who is being haunted into madness George Zucco. Edward Norris. and Lester Matthews have the leading support roles. “Shadows in the Night” was directed bv Eugene J Forde. A humorous journey into heaven 1 provides an unusual and fantastic twist to "That’s the Spirit” an enter- ( taining musical which is the supporting feature. Jack Oakie. Peggy Ryan. 1 Arthur Treacher, and June Vincent ■ head the cast list EMPIRE “THE NAUGHTY NINETIES” Bud Abbott and Lou Costello pro- , vide most of the laughs in “The Naughty Nineties.” the Universal film , which is one of the current attractions at the Empire Theatre. This comedy drama of old time Mississippi river steamboat days presents the two stars in separate dramatic roles, although Abbott is still the "straight man” and Costello on the receiving end of the joke routines Assisting the comedians in this enjoyable film are Alan Curtis. Rita Johnson Henry. Travers, and Lois Collier The supporting film in this laugh- I packed programme is “The Dancing Masters.” which shows Stan Laurel , and Oliver Hardv at their best. i