CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22507, 15 September 1938, Page 3

CITY THEATRES

AVON “THE PERFECT SPECIMEN” A variety of novelties is made use of in “The Perfect Specimen,” which begins at the Avon to-morrow. It 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 Blondell, 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 to frantic efforts. The film provides enjoyable fare, thanks largely to the brilliant acting of Joan Blondell, who is by long odds the best performer in a cast that also includes Edward Everett Horton, May Robson. Hugh Herbert, Dick Foran, Allen Jenkins, and Beverly Roberts. In the centre of “The Perfect Specimen” set at the Hollywood Warner Bros.’ studios was a regulation boxing ring, surrounded by a cheering crowd of fight fans. In the ring were the fighters —Gerald Beresford Wicks (Errol Flynn) v. Chloroform Conley (Jack Roper). Present, too, were the referee, the seconds and other officials. But that was as close as this “reel” fight came to being a real one. From then on, the bout was “framed” by the scenarists, primarily because the “cheering crowd,” the fi~hters and the referee knew what the result would be. They knew that the bout would last only four rounds, and that in the fourth round Errol would stage a remarkable comeback to knock out Chloroforfn. There are two fights in the show, both of which Errol wins; there is a kidnapping scare: there is a mad poet, played by Hugh Herbert; a whimsical secretary to the old lady, played by Edward Everett Horton: a tough truck driver, played by Allen Jenkins; an energetic youth, played by Dick Foran, of western-movie fame; an attractive girl played by Beverly Roberts—and no end of other amusing characters. At present showing is “Stolen Heaven” starring Olympe Bradna.

MAYFAIR

“KENTUCKY MOONSHINE”

The popular Ritz Brothers find endless opportunities for fun in a skit on American radio stations’ searches for talent in “Kentucky Moonshine.” which begins to-morrow at the Mayfair. Interpolated through the plot of “Kentucky Moonshine” is a romance between Tony Martin, the popular radio (and more recently screen) crooner, and Marjorie Weaver, who has come a long way toward stardom since her “break” in “Second Honeymoon.”

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 boarding-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.

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. At the Tivoli, “The Awful Truth, starring Irene Dunne and Cary Grant, begins to-morrow. Three popular stars, Gladys Swarthout, John Boles, and John Barrymore, appear in “Romance in the Dark,” which is at present at the Tivoli. . , The current 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.

CRYSTAL PALACE

“HAPPY LANDING” AND “A TRIP TO PARIS” Sonja Henie, whose films have astonished the entire world with her skill as a skater and an actress, is reunited with Don Ameche, in her third hit, “Happy Landing,” which begins at the Crystal Palace for a return season to-morrow. Surpassing the breathless sensations of “Thin Ice,” with sparkling songs, by Pokrass and Yellen, the Norse star, breathlessly in love, brings happy tidings. . Cesar Romero, cast as an egocentric orchestra leader who, with his companion, Don Ameche, flies across the Atlantic, starts this musical on a fastmoving pace. An ocean fog puts the airmen off their course and they land in Norway, where Jean Hersholt’s five daughters (one of them Sonja) are happily engaged in a “brides’ fair” festival. The local custom that a young man who dances twice girl is proposing to her gets Romero involved in a love affair which is all hero-wor-ship on the part of the lovelorn Sonja, and all basking in the ever-satisfying warmth of egotism by Romero. The two airmen swing from Norway to Paris. Miami, and New York during the story. How Romero finally is caught provides a really entertaining ending. m . The second feature, “A Trip to Paris,” presents the popular Jones family in a new setting. When dad gets seasick aboard a France-bound liner it is not the first nor the last time he regrets being talked into a trip to Paris. Cousin Willie (Harold Huber) meets the family at Paris and conducts them on a highly expensive sightseeing tour, gladly creating the impression that his relatives are wealthy. Young Jack (Ken Howell) has become very interested in Joan Valerie, the daughter of a French countess whom he met on the boat. Roger .(George Ernest) is absorbed only in his candid-camera hobby. A maid sees some of his photographs and creates a spy-scare. This becomes exciting when it is learned that Jack has gone to fly Joan across the border. At present showing is “Thank You, Mr Moto,” starring Peter Lowe. PLAZA “THE GREAT BARRIER” AND “PEPPER” Contrasted entertainment is presented in the now programme bQginning at the Plaza to-morrow. “The Great Barrier,” which is being shown with “Popper,” starring Jane Withers, is the* story of two young men in search of adventure, named Hickey, played by Richard Arlen),and Steve (Barry Mackay), who find their way to a small tewn in Canada on the track of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which is in the late stages of construction. Mary Moody (Antoinette Cellier), daughter of one of the “railway bosses.” is here, and they meet her. Steve making up to her; but she rather likes Hickey, who, however, affects lack of interest in womsn. 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 opensAn 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.

CIVIC

“WISE GIRL”

Comedy and romance are combined in a story with unusual situations and sjjarkling dialogue in “Wise Girl.” which stars Miriam Hopkins and Ray Milland. It begins to-morrow at the Civic. The romance concerns two natural enemies—a tempestuous Park Avenue beauty and a defiant Greenwich Village artist. The girl has promised to help her wealthy father to gain custody of his two orphan grandchildren who live with their uncle and legal guardian, a youth with a precarious income.

Upon this premise are built the story’s dramatic and comic situations, the chief of which is the love affair between Milland and Miriam Hopkins when the latter, posing as a destitute actress, meets the artist with the idea of double-crossing him, but suddenly finds herself in love with him. Tense moments arise when the grandfather, in spite of the girl’s protests, carries out his scheme, to gain custody of the children, - whereby Miriam Hopkins’s real identity and her apparent treachery are revealed to the. artist. In a hilarious climax the heiress manages to convince him of her love and at the same time forces him to mend his idle ways.

At present showing at the Civic is “Lily of Laguna,” starring Nora Swinburne.