CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22506, 14 September 1938, Page 5

CITY THEATRES

AVON “THE PERFECT SPECIMEN” The "Perfect Specimen,” which begins at the Avon on Friday, has an individuality of its own, arising from its thesis that a man could be reared in isolation to a state of perfection, but would soon show his human frailty and become a much more likeable fellow when brought into contact with the outside world. The idea in itself is a bright one, and it becomes much brighter through the acting of Errol Flynn and Joan Blbndell, and a supporting cast which includes several of the studio’s most competent players. Errol Flynn is charming and efficient in a light-comedy manner as the apparently spineless young multi-mil-lionaire who is brought up a virtual prisoner on the estate by a dictatorial grandmother. Under her direction he is schooled in all the arts and sciences with a view to excelling all of his 10,000 employees when the day shall come for him to take control of his fortune.

He even submits to his grandmother choosing a fiancee for him. But it is inevitable that the old lady’s plans will go astray when Joan Blondell, a fascinating little minx, crashes into the hothouse in which the “specimen” is being nurtured, and tempts him to join her in gaining a taste of the fun that normal, imperfect beings enjoy. Their runaway adventures make up the rest of the film, and include a prize fight, an encounter with a mad poet, and a great deal of amusing chasing about the countryside in a motor-car. While the “specimen” is at large his grandmother is firmly convinced that he has been kidnapped, and urges on the police force of the whole nation tp frantic efforts.

The film provides enjoyable fare, thanks largely to the brilliant acting of Joan Blondell, who is by Tong odds the best performer in a cast that also includes Edward Everett Horton, May Robson. Hugh Herbert, Dick Foran, Allen Jenkins, and Beverly Roberts. At present shelving at the Avon is “Stolen Heaven,” starring Olympe Bradna. PLAZA “THE GREAT BARRIER” AND “PEPPER” “The Great Barrier,” which begins on Friday at the Plaza, with “Pepper,” starring Jane Withers, is the story of two young men in search of adventure, named Hickey, played by Richard Arlcni.and Steve (Barry Mackay), who find their way to a small town in Canada on the track oi the Canadian Pacific Railway, which is in the late stages of construction. Mary Moody (Antoinette Collier), daughter of one of the "railway bosses,” is here, and they meet her, Steve making up to her; but she rather likes Hickey, who. how’ever, affects lack of interest in women. Through a fight in which, they become involved at the “Rat-Trap Tavern." where the charming Lou (Lilli Palmer) entertains them, they are arrested. and through lack of money to pay the fines, are forced to work on the railroad. With Irvin S. Cobb and Slim Summerville as her hilarious henchmen. Jane Withers starts trouble everywhere in "Pepper.” The film opens in a wild rush of excitement and comedy as Jane leads her “gang” through the streets, celebrating the Fourth of July by creating havoc in the neighbourhood. The fun ceases abruptly when Jane comes upon a family being evicted from the tenement flat. “Bulldog Drummond’s Peril” and "College Swing” are at present showing at the Plaza. MAYFAIR “KENTUCKY MOONSHINE” The three Ritz Brothers make fun of radio stations’ searches for talent in “Kentucky Moonshine," which begins on Friday at the Mayfair. Interpolated through the plot of "Kentucky Moonshine” is a romance between Tony Martin, the popular radio (and more recently screep) crooner, and Marjorie Weaver, who has come a long way toward stardom since her “break” in “Second Honeymoon.” The romance in turn is accompanied by three songs by Lew Pollack and Sidney D. Mitchell, who provided three of the tunes for “In Old Chicago” among nearly 24 other hits during the last year. The story of “Kentucky Moonshine’ is that of a group of unemployed entertainers. Marjorie Weaver, waiting her turn for an audition at a radio station, overhears a conference at which it is decided to send Tony Martin to the mountains of Kentucky to get “real” hillbilly talent. Marjorie Weaver foregoes her audition to rush back to the theatrical bqgrding-house and apprise the Ritz Brothers of the radio company’s plan. “Josette.” starring Don Ameche, Simone Simon and Robert Young, is at present showing at the Mayfair.

REX THEATRE, RICCARTON Two special films will be shown at the' Rex Theatre, Riccarton, to-night, Thursday, and Friday. They present Barbara Stanwyck and Joel McCrea in “Banjo On My Knee.” and Shirley Temple, Jean Hersholt, and Arthur Treacher in “Heidi of the Alps.” Because of the length of this special programme, the session begins each evening at 7.30.