CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22510, 19 September 1938, Page 15

CITY THEATRES

♦ ■ CIVIC v “WISE GIRL” The Bohemian life of artists usually provides amusement for those who are used to a more prosaic type of existence, and this, combined with plenty of action, romance, and comedy, makes "Wise Girl," the new attraction at the Civic Theatre, a film which should appeal to most types of picturegoers. Miriam Hopkins, who plays the leading role, is an actress who undoubtedly brings colour and freshness to the films in which she acts, and Ray Milland, who plays opposite her, ably supports her in these respects. The story has amusing situations and sparkling dialogue. “Four Men and a Prayer,” starring Loretta Young and a new star, Richard Greene, with Aubrey Smith also in the cast, will be the next attraction. Based upon David Garth’s novel, the picture spreads a trail of thrills from India to Buenos Aires, from Washington to Egypt—from the old world to the new and back again. The story is of four gallant brothers, pledged to a difficult and exciting quest, to clear a man’s name, and it is claimed that the film is one of the most thrilling 20th Century-Fox has ever made. The film works to a startling climax, after exciting incidents in iriany continents.

AVON

“THE PERFECT SPECIMEN”

The brilliance of the best of the modem comedies is maintained in the latest presentation at the Avon Theatre, “The Perfect Specimen.” This is polished, witty entertainment from start 'to finish. The story has that spice' of variety so necessary to give the appeal of novelty. Its action never flags, and all the important - members of the cast are established favourites. At the head of the cast are Errol Flynn and Joan Blondell, and supporting them excellently are Edward Everett Horton, Hugh Herbert, May Robson, and Allen Jenkins. The ‘‘perfect specimen” is Gerald Beresford Wicks, brought up in seclusion by his multi-millionaire grandmother, and the fun of the story is provided by his reactions when he comes abruptly out of his seclusion

CHRISTCHURCH

LIMITED

. An exciting story of romance, and adventure, “Test Pilot,” with Clark Gable, Myma Loy, and Spencer Tracy, is in its second lyeek at the Regent. The season of “On Our Selection." the Australian classic, starring Bert Bailey and Fred Mac Donald, at the Majestic, has been extended for another week. “Aussie*” the boxing kangaroo, is appearing on the stage. At the Tivoli, “The Awful Truth,” starring Irene Dunne and Cary Grant, is the current attraction. The film is an entertaining romantic comedy. At the Liberty “Dark Journey," starring Conrad Veidt and Vivien Leigh, and “Love From a Stranger,” starring'- Ann Harding, are being shown.

At the Grand, this week’s programme presents “The Princess Comes Across,” starring Carole Lombard and Fred Mac Murray, and “Fatal Lady,” starring Mary EUis.

. MAYFAIR

“KENTUCKY MOONSHINE*’ “Kentucky Moonshine” a hilarious comedy now at the Mayfair Theatre, is refreshing and clever entertainment. The Ritz brothers are at the top of rlieir form and in their inimitable manner they practically take charge in a'-rollicking series of events that make up the story. In the opening scenes the organisers of a sponsored radio programme are at their wits’ end to find some new feature' that will -appeal to the public. The Ritz brothers and Marjorie Weaver who have failed in repeated attempts to get contracts with the radio organisation, are in equally difficult strait because they have not earned enough to pay their board. The final solution to the troubles is an hilarious climax, part of which is an excellent variety concert. ' CRYSTAL PALACE “THE JONES FAMILY” AND “HAPPY LANDING” There is the samfe bright gaiety in Sonja Henie’s film, “Happy Landing,'* which is having a return season at the Crystal Palace, as has become well known in all its predecessors. A flashing humour and happy strain run through the whole picture, and the music is the best This triumphant star has hardly had time enough for her career to be called a career, and yet she has hurled herself to the foremost position in the musical comedy film world with the same grace and speed with which she is seen pirouetting on the ice in huge ballet scenes in “Hapj>y Landing.” The first presentation in Christchurch, of “The Jones Family in Paris” comes with “Happy Landing,” and this good comedy takes up nearly all the first half of the programme.

PLAZA

"THE GREAT BARRIER*' AND "PEPPER”

“Pepper," starring Jane Withers, and “The Great Barrier,” a story of the finding of a pass through the Canadian Rockies through which to run the Canadian Pacific Railway, are widely contrasting films now showing at the Plaza which go to make a programme that should suit all tastes. Pepper, played by Jane Withers, is the undisputed leader of a gang of children in the lower streets of New York who stops at nothing when she makes up her mind to get some money to help a friend. Fifteen weeks in Canada was needed to make “The Great Barrier,” a fast-action film.

“BALALAIKA”

♦ : ■■ . ’< •. MUSIC SPECTACLE, AND COMEDY The whole of the scenery and effects for the stupendous J. C. Williamson musical spectacle, “Balalaika”—which is to begin a season at the Theatre Royalon Saturday afternoon next with two brilliant gala performances—will arrive from. Wellington to-morrow, in charge of an army of mechanists, electricians, and technicians, all of whom - are from the principal Williamson Sydney Theatre. The stage manager, Mr Nightingale, will reach Christchurch - on Friday morning, and a full scenic and lighting *ehearsal will take place under his supervision on Friday evening. This will assure that no possible ' hitch can happen at the opening* performance on Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately, only 10 nights can be „ devoted to the season here, so w that only a limited number of representations of “Balalaika” can be staged, and for the last few nights the company ' will appear. in a gorgeous production of the popular and tuneful comic opera “The Desert Song,” which was received with great enthusiasm in Wellington last Saturday night. Colour and spectacle are among the many attractions that "Balalaika”

offers to theatre-goers, .‘but combined with its splendour is its tuneful music, its beautiful Russian ballets, and its original and refreshing comedy scenes. The editor of the "Radio Record,” Mr Trevor Lane, ‘ who returned from Europe, recently, saw “Balalaika” in both London and Wellington, and he said that the New Zealand production, the one which Christchurch playgoers will have an opportunity of seeing 1 next Saturday, was superior in many •ways to the London show.

“Balalaika” had a sensational run In New York, where the Schubert brothers produced it The Williamson representation is produced by Mr Frederick Blackman, who, although he has been responsible for most of the big shows staged in Sydney and Melbourne, has never previously been attached to a company in New Zealand. The three acts comprise 11 different scenes, and more than 500 costumes display a gorgeous colour scheme of superlative beauty. Miss Violet Carlson, the brilliant New York comedienne, will appear in a role in “Balalaika” which gives her every opportunity for the display of the artistry that won her a big reputation in America. As Count Peter Karagin, the highborn Russian officer, who loves Lydia, the palace ballerina, George Hancock has, it is said, a role that fits hi™ perfectly, possessing as he does the stage presence, voice, and bearing necessary for such a dashing role. Diana Ducane, a lovely young Bngii'* soprano, will play Lydia, and Don Nicol, the very popular Australian comedian, is said to be extremely humorous in the role of NickL The box plans will be opened at the D.I.C. on Wednesday morning next at 9 o’clock.