CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22504, 12 September 1938, Page 3

CITY THEATRES

“THANK YOU, MR MOTO”

AVON

“STOLEN HEAVEN”

The appearance of a new star on the ls TT aiwa ys an attraction, but Heaven” which introduces Olympe Bradna to the public, has .even more to commend it than her acting X- llty «, and h er charming personality, ihis mm, which is showing at the Avon Theatre, this week, is an exceptionally good piece of entertainment I , Cal \ y - u - is outstanding; it has a story which involves the introduction of tine solo and choral singing and piano and orchestral performances of the first order, and it is difficult to decide whether one is more pleased with the fine acting or the music The melodies of Chopin, Liszt, Grieg and Strauss provide more than a background to the plot; they are an intrinsic part of the film, and would be a sufficient attraction in themselves. Olympe Bradna, starred in a role to which she is able to do full justice, more than fulfills the expectations which have been aroused among

CIVIC

“LILY OF LAGUNA”

“Lily of Laguna,” now at the Civic Theatre, is a film full of pleasant music and pleasant people. It tells the story of a popular singer on the English stage, who is the idol of millions and the mother of an attractive daughter of 18. Running through the film is a delightful series of songs, the principal of which is the wellknown tune, written by Leslie Stuart, which gives the picture its name. The story is told well in the hands of a competent cast. In the leading role is Nora Swinburne, who plays the part-“Cf Gloria Grey, the popular star of the show, “Lily of Laguna.” The musical numbers, sung delightfully by Nora Swinburne and others of the. cast, include “Lily of Laguna” and “The Banshee/’ by Leslie Stuart; “If You Could Care for Me,” toy Darewskv, “Mighty LaVs. a , Rose,” by Ethelbert Nevin; "Charmaine,” by Erno Rapee and Lew Pollock; “When Flanagan Went to Spain,” by Talbot O’Farrell; and “Potts, the Postman,”,by Edgar Driver. A good supporting programme includes newsreels, a variety film, and a short presentation entitled “The Heritage of the Home.”

CRYSTAL PALACE

There is nothing quite so engrossing as a good mystery story with an Oriental background; but the screen version is often stifled with Oriental atmosphere with a noticeable weakness in the drama. This is not so in "Thank You, Mr Moto,” a gripping film based on a story by John P. Marquand, now showing at the Crystal Palace. The plot is not a completely new one, but the production of this film is excellent in every detail. It would be difficult to find an actor more suited to the title role than Peter Lorre, whose nonchalant manner, at times even savouring of comedy, and mystic personality were the contributing factors in his splendid interpretation of the part of a Japanese sleuth.

PLAZA

“BULLDOG DRUMMOND’S

PERIL”

A story of a war waged by a powerful diamond syndicate to prevent a chemist from manufacturing synthetic jewels in his laboratory, is told in “Bulldog Drummond’s Peril,” which heads the new double programme at the Plaza Theatre. Although there is a murder in the story, the film is not lacking . in humour, which has been very cleverly worked into the theme. As is to be expected of such well known stars as John Barrymore, John Howard, and Reginald Denny, the acting is of a high standard, and the stars are ably supported by the other members of the Swing,” the other feature, is a particularly bright and amusing comedy of American university life. The dancing, and singing in this picture are very good and the story is most original.

CHRISTCHURCH CINEMAS,

LIMITED

An exciting story of romance and adventure, "Test Pilot,” with Clark Gable, Myrna Loy, and Spencer Tracy, is the current attraction at the Regent. . “On Our Selection, the Australian classic, starring Bert Bailey and Fred Mac Donald, is showing at the Majestic. “Aussie,” the boxing kangaroo, is appearing on the stage. Three popular stars, Gladys Swarthoui, John Boles, and John Barrymore, appear in “Romance in the Dark, which is at the Tivoli. The new double bill at the Liberty presents "Ladies in Love,” with Janet Gaynor. Loretta Young, Constance Bennett, and Simone Simon and Sea Devils.” with Victor McLaglen. At the Grand, •“The Widow from Monte Carlo,” starring Warren William and Dolores del Rio, and “Personal Maid’s Secret,” starring Margaret Lindsay and Warren Hull, are showing. '

REX THEATRE

Two very interesting pictures will be shown at the Rex Theatre, Riccarton, to-day and to-morrow. They are “Uncle Scrim” in “On the Friendly Road,” and Columbia’s great laugh special, “It’s All. Yours,” with Madeleine-CarroU an&Fraucifr Lederer.

MAYFAIR

“JOSETTE”

The complications and misundertandings that arise from a mistake in identity make the plot of the musical comedy, "Josette,” now showing at the Mayfair Theatre, with Simone Simon, Robert Young, and Don Ameche in the leading roles. Such a theme is always amusing, and in the competent hands of the director of this picture it has not lost any of its force. The treatment of the story is excellent, and the leading players are fully equal to the demands that are made of them. All of those who have the most to do in the telling of the story are admirably cast. In this picture Young scores a distinct success in his delineation of a light comedy role. The romance is provided by Ameche and Simone Simon, who is cast as the Impersonator ot-iosettfii ..