FILMS TO SEE AT CITY THEATRES
SHORTS THIS WEEK AVON “Newsboys’ Nocturne,” musical tabloid; “Speaking of the Weather,” Technicolour cartoon; British Air-Mail News. • 1 CIVIC “Donald’s Ostrich”: Ted Fiorita and his Baod; Pathe News; Fox Australian News. MAYFAlß— “Getting An Eyeful,” comedy: Terrytoon cartoon; Gaumont British News; International News. PLAZA Double-feature programme. CRYSTAL. PALACE—Doublefeature programme.
SEEING LIFE
Specimen”
There are probably thousands of film enthusiasts who regard Errol Flynn, the handsome Irish film star, as “The Perfect Specimen.” It is in a Warner Bros, comedy drama of that appropriate title that Errol is now presenting himself. The film begins to-day at the Flynn, besides being good to look at', can handle himself well in any sort of a situation in which he finds himself. In this film he finds himself in two willing fights. As his leading lady he has Joan Blondell. Also in the show are such favourites as Hugh Herbert, Edward
Errol Flynn in “The Perfect
Everett Horton, Dick Foran, Beverly Roberts, Allen Jenkins, Hugh O’Connell, May Robson, and others. The story of “The Perfect Specimen” was written by Samuel Hopkins Adams, author of “It Happened One Night,” and was directed by Michael Curtiz, who guided Flynn through his early triumphs, “Captain Blood” and “The Charge of the Light Brigade.” The film shows Flynn as being brought up by an eccentric and immensely rich grandomother. who wants him to be perfect in every way—as perfect as scores of tutors can make him. Joan Blondell, curious to get a close view at this paragon, of whom she has only heard, drives her car through a light fepce on his estate, takes her look at him, then drives away. His curiosity aroused by this stunt, Flynn next day gets an old car, drives to where Joan lives in an adjoining village, and runs his machine through her fence. Then he persuades her to take a ride with him. A truck-driver starts an altercation and Flynn, who has been perfected in boxing as in other things, gives him a thorough lacing. Then, told by the driver that he will lose 150 dollars by not appearing in the ring at a teamster’s picnic, Flynn offers to substitute for him—and does so, knocking out a burly heavy-weight much bigger than himself.
-The grandmother, missing Flynn by this time, sends out an alarm that he has been kidnapped. He abets this by keeping out of sight, since he has come to love the kind of life he finds outside the estate where he has been cooped up, especially since Joan sticks by him. A crazy poet—played by Hugh Herbert—helps them, and countless hilarious complications ensue. But everything is nicely straightened out in the end, and “The Perfect Specimen” fades out on an uproariously funny situation.
Extraordinarily fine performances from Flynn and Joan Blondell make the picture outstanding comedy. It has a supporting cast that reads like a roster of the Hollywood great. May Robson is perfect as the peppery old grandmother who thinks she can rule with money. Edward Everett Horton makes every gesture convey a world of laughs, and Beverly Roberts and Dick Foran carry on a subsidiary romance to that of Flynn and Joan Blondell.
FUN BY MISTAKE
Broadway”
Mistaken identity, with a-, good mix- 1, tore of romance and* comedy, makes ‘‘Battle of Broadway,” which is coming .to the Crystal Palace; an entertaining film. There is a suggestion of the; old Flagg and Quirt stories in “Battle of Broadway,” which stars Victor McLaglen.
McLaglen this time is known as Big Ben Wheeler, and his comrade in ad,venture goes by the name of Chesty Webb. Brian Donlevy has this role. They are returned soldiers and the setting for their exploits is provided by a convention •of the American Legion of Veterans in New York. Big Ben; and Chesty have a special reason for . attending, having been commissioned by their employer (Raymond Walbum) to break up a romance between his son and an actress. With no very clear instructions on how to identify the woman in the case, the ; two husky comrades make a
wrong guess and pay lavish attentions to Linda Lee (Louise Hovick), to diher attention from their em--ployer’s son. This mistake leads to ■ hectic complications and much boisterous action. ' ’ \ .» 1 , ' •
SONJA HEME AND JONES . •. J FAMILY / - ' ’ An . attractive double shill, presenting Sopja Henie in “Happy Landing;” and thf .gapes Family in “A Trip to Paris.” theGrystal Palace; “Happy Landing,” set in Norway, Paris,' .and New York, brings Sonja Henie to the arms of her “one in a million” sweetheart,. Don Ameche. Jean : Hersholt, Ethel Merman, and Cesar’Romero are featured in the cast, which includes Billy Gilbert, the Ray-
McLaglen in ‘‘Battle of
mond Scott Quintet, Wally Vernon, and Leah Ray. The Jones Family makes “A Trip to Paris” with the help of some fasttalking neighbours. The film brings Jed Prouty, Shirley Deane, Spring Byington, Russell Gleason* Ken Howell, George Ernest, June Carlson, Florence Roberts, and Billy Mahan back in the Jones Family circle, with Marvin Stephens, Joan Valerie, and Harold Huber also featured.
An Italian film company has offered to buy the rights of “Quo Vadis?" from M-G-M for £15,000. M-G-M have re : fused the offer.
NATIONAL THEATRE
COMMEMORATING FAMOUS
NAMES
mo* OH COBBMPOXSMT.)
LONDON, August 15.
Mr .Bernard Shaw, who many years *»o made an eloquent appeal for a National Theatre ’in his play, “The Dark Lady of the-Sonnets,” is to endow a-seat in the National 1 Theatre-in memory of Barry Sjullivan, whom the describes -as “the.. the - great •teollipg tragedians;’ 1821’ to 1891.” The stroUing-tragedian; Mr Shaw explains in a note accompanying . ’the m t. “is an extinct species,'though he may revive if the repertory theatres revert to the star system and entertain the ‘guest actor,’ as the Germans call him. His profession ~was very lucrative. His expenses, compared With those of,a London actor-manager, were’negligible. He carried with him only his costumes ,and?his swords, and played with what scenery and what actors .he"could" - find at the stock theatres.’... There were no authors’ lees to pay; Shakespeare provided the big 'stuff on which the tragedian existed.’’ ;- ' • Mrs JobpnMasehdh, the wife-pf^the Poet Laurcater-iSiV one r of the few/living i person!} 'whosemame -w'iir he? ithr mortalise^ih:;Brjtain’s : National Thea-: tre. Seats-are b&trig - endowed there in memory- of Marlowe, Ben Johnson, Irving,nand:-other /great figures ;jn the history of drama, and Mr Masefield has enhdwed a seat in honour: of his Wife..
Although not a writer herself, Mrs Masefield has Been her husband's constant collaborator in his work, and has helped him to produce many plays. Another name to be commemorated is that >of Sir William S. Gilbert, in whose name a seat has been endowed by Miss Nancy Mclntosh, leading lady In a number of his later plays.
GRIME AND COMEDY
“Return of Jimmy Valentine” and “1000/ Dollars a Minute”
, Jimmy the hero of the pnderwprld, makes/his/latest in?‘.the • Republic/ producfioh/Returns of Jinim&i Valentine/’ ■ which: is coming to --the Plaza with- “1000 Dollars a . Minute.” His brave - deeds arid faring exploits are more, interesting than ever. While the story is packed with drama, it is lightly played with the action interesting, and fast moving. Roger Pryor gives another of his personable,’ and true to life portrayals as the ; breezy reporter whose agile brain conceives the idea of the “Find Jimmy Valentine”, contest for his editor. Charlotte Henry is. lovely in the role of “Midge”' Davis,: who unconsciously gives . Pryor, the clue round which the entire story revolves.
•>J. Carroll Naish is villainous in his role of Tony Scapelli, and .Robert Warwick ' and Lois Wilson play true to life characterisations as Midge’s parents. Wade Boteler deserves special mention for his role of loyal pal and family retainer. The comedy is well handled by Edgar Kennedy, James Burtis, and Jeannie Roberts. Kennedy’s slow “turn” is always good for a laugh, and he gathers in more than a fair share.
The story was written by Paul Armstrong, the son of the creator of the character, Jimmy Valentine. The screen play was the work of Jack Natteford and Olive Cooper.
Lewis D. Collins keeps the cast and story moving and mingles the melodrama and comedy, in proper proportions with the result —an excellent piece of entertainment.
Republic Pictures purchased a sparkly story, gathered together ■ a first-class comedy cast and director, and the resultant production, “1000 Dollars a Minute,” is one of the year’s most hilarious comedy treats. It has everything to.make an audience laugh, from subtle comedy to slap-stick farce. Romance, ■ which, of necessity, takes second place to the laughs, is charmingly handled by Roger Pryor and Leila Hyams, both of whom manage to combine their love scenes and their comedy in a most satisfactory manner. One glance at the cast list gives the names of some of the best comedians that Hollywood has to offer and audiences will not be disappointed. .Laugh after laugh goes to the credit of Edgar .Kennedy, William ■ Austin, Edward Brophy, Herman. Bing, Franklin Pangborn, and Arthur Hoyt. Amusing situations usually arise out of freak bets and “1000 Dollars a Minute” turns out to be one of the best examples. When Wally .Jones, a freshly fired journalist, walks into the office of Big Jim (a. gambler) and “Sonny” Ruycross (a playboy), it turns out to be an opportune, or inopportune moment for him. He is chosen to be the official spendthrift to see if a person can spend, not give away, 720,000 dollars in the brief space of 12 hours. Out Wally goes to “give it a go,” and then the fun begins—for he almost loses his girl, his mind, and his health.
Thanks to Aubrey Scott for his excellent work as director, the production never loses its snappy, pace. “1000 Collars a-minute” issparkliag^oma&t
SUDDEN FAME
and a Prayer”
Richard Greene, who has just completed his first role opposite Loretta Young in “Four Men and a Prayer,” which is coming to the Civic, is just about getting his breath back after his first few weeks in America. He has yet to . see New York, although he landed there after crossing the Atlantic.
‘ Greene had been working in England. His screen test was shown to Darryl Zanuck in America. “Four Men and a Prayer” was already “shooting” in Hollywood. Greene was just the man wanted for the romantic role. So he .signed a contract and was on his way "to Southampton before the ink was quite dry on his signature. When the ship arrived at New York five days later a cab literally snatched the young man off the gang plank and he was given a snack and change of shirt in a New York hotel. His trunks already were on their way to Newark airport. Off he was taken in another taxicab, to the aerodrome, and within five days and 21 hours after he stepped off British soil he was being taken from a Hollywood aerodrome to the 20th Cen-tury-Fox studios. “I’m begininng to realise that Mr H. G. Wells’s idea of shooting passenger rockets from England to America is not half the idle dream that people imagine,” he remarked. “Except for a slight bounce in the lobby of the hotel in New York, I feel as though the rocket idea is already a reality.” Loretta Young and Richard Greene head the cast of “Four Men and a Prayer,” with George Sanders, David Niven, and C. Aubrey Smith featured. J. Edward Bromberg, William Henry, John Carradine, Alan Hale, Reginald Denny, Berton Churchill, and Barry Fitzgerald are also included.
"Four Men and a Prayer” is the story of the endeavours of four young Eng-
Richard Greene in “Four Men
lishmen to vindicate their father’s honour. Richard Greene, George Sanders, David Niven, and William Henry are the four men who forsake everything in their careers to track down rpund the "world, the menace which cashiered their ' beloved father, C. Aubrey Smith, out of the army in disgrace and then brought death to a great soldier. '
FUN IN THE HILLS
Moonshine”
The Ritz Brothers present their familiar antics in a new setting in “Kentucky Moonshine,” which will begin to-day at the Mayfair. The film is a gay comedy, and contains three new songs by the same team which made the college picture a tuneful sensation. Lew Pollack and Sidney Mitchell wrote “Moonshine Over Kentucky,” “Reuben, Reuben, I’ve Been Swingin’,” and “Sing .a Song of Harvest.” The singers are Tony Martin and Marjorie Weaver.
The story tells how a radio company sends its talent scout, Tony Martin, down to Kentucky to -get some real hillbillies. Marjorie Weaver, waiting for an audition, overhears the plans and hurries back to her theatrical boarding-house to tell the Ritz Brothers. ’£hey go down to the hills,
Ritz Brothers in “Kentucky
disguise themselves as mountaineeers,' get mixed up in an old feud, hoodwink Tony Martin into putting on a broadcast im the mountains, and when the smoke clears away a romance nearly goes on the rocks,- is patched up again, and fame on the radio comes to. all. The cast includes Slim ville, John Carradine. Wally Vernon, Berton Churchill, and Eddie Collins, Marjorie "Weaver _was just , one of. many “stock” girls hi Hollywood only; a few months ago. She had won a 5 fan magazine contest which resulted in a contract with a studio which let her go after a. brief trial. Then 20th- - Century-Fox gave her a contract. Like all stock girls she was given some atmosphere' and - small! bits to play, aud then, all of. a sudden, a big role in “Second Honeymoon” was given her. v, : ,
Immediately .-after the preview • of “Second Honeymoon” Marjorie . won one of the title roles in “Sally; Irene; and Mary.” Then came her first-real leading role in “Kentucky Moonshine,’’ and everybody- knew that Marjorie' Weaver had arrived—that is. .everybody bjut Marjorie. She still continues to worry and fret and fear, but worst of all, she Is .unable to get over the feeling that she is dreaming it aIL
Goldwyn has asked Adolphe Menjou to be back in Hollywood to play Andrea Leeds’s father in “The Daring Age” this month. Joel McCrea, David Niven, and the violinist Jascha Heifetz are in the cast.
Charles Boyer will star with Irene Dunne in “Love Affair” at RKO Radio. Then Irene Dunne goes .to Paramount for “The Pushover” with Fred Mac Murray.
Brian Aherne and Vincent Price are both being tested for the part of Maximilian in “Juarez” with Paul Muni. Price was Helen Hayes’s leading man in “Victoria Regina.”
RKO Radio are - planning .a remake of “The Woman- in JHs-House.” William Gargan will -play: .“his ori--ginal part as the cheeky butler. Leslie Howard and Ann Harding- previously starred in it with Myrna :Loy featured.
Notes From , the Studios
Danielle Darrieux’s second American film will be a serious drama called “Rio,” Joe Pasternak is "preparing it from a story by Jean Negulesco. The star is due back from France this month. '
. Gary Cooper and Joel McCrea are both down to be in “Seveiith Cavalry,” the story of Custer’s Last Stand. McCrea will play Custer, who lost his life to the Indians, and Cooper an officer on frontier duty. *■ * s .*
RKO Radio have borrowed Henry Fonda to star with Barbara Stanwyck
M-G-M are again considering filming the life of George M. Cohan, the veteran stage star. Cohan might come to Hollywood to play himself. He appeared with Claudette Colbert in “The Phantom President.”
Allyn Joslyn, who made his debut as the reporter in “They Won’t Forget” has a featured part, in “Sweethearts,” the Eddy-MacDohald musical.
Eduardo Ciannelli has been signed to play the villain in “Gunga Din,” with Cary Grant, Douglas Fairbanks, jun., Victor McLaglen, and Joan Fontaine. .
“BALALAIKA”
The JI C.- Williamson , .spectacular'; musical comedy, “Balalaika. _has bad-', .a phenomenal season in' Wellington,! where, it is being followed by a re-> vival of - the lovely “Desert- Song. ,v | “Balalaika” with its colour and move--’ merit, tuneful -music, ' scintillating! scenes, singing: rising" -to "operatic 1 heights, and stage ensembles -of un-’ usual beauty, is the last word in splen- * dour. ” ■- - ■ ■ v; -
Billed as a musical play, “Balalaika""■ has a strong vein of humour running - through _ it, -and the - treatment is thoroughly modern, with many unex-. pected ■ jturns. Dancing is a special feature -of the show, and the’ demanded in an impersonation of the -Russian'ballet is stated to be one of ; "tlie most delightful interludes in a show filled with brightness. With tuneful music, lilting melodies, dancers moving, to modern music, “Balalaika" promises remarkable entertainment. Heading a superb cast of 120, which also includes a lovely’ Russian ballet—under the expert' direction of, Thadee Slavinsky (late of the Monte Carlo ballet), are George Hancock, a-very .likeable. Englishman .with.i a . glorious baritone yoice; Diana Ducane, a charming English girl with a hig stage-and picture' " reputation;' Violcf * ‘Carlson, straight frqm-New York; -Yvonne Banvard, - Don Nicol, well-known comedian; Gaston Mervale, a veteran stage star well known : in the Dominion; Douglas Herald, and other notabilities. The .Christchurch season of “Balalaika" and .‘'Desert Song”, begins September .24, -ending on October 5. The Timaru dateeare October 8 and %
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Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22508, 16 September 1938, Page 5
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2,841FILMS TO SEE AT CITY THEATRES Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22508, 16 September 1938, Page 5
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