CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22516, 26 September 1938, Page 9

CITY THEATRES

.. ♦ CIVIC !«FOUR -MEN AND A PRATER" LoreUa Younsj is starred in "Four and a Prayer,'" the film which is showing this week at the civic Theatre. The story is taken from the David Garth novel dealing with the disgrace and death of a colonel of the Indian army and the mystery surrounding the trasedy. The colonel, played by C. Aubrey Smith is court-martialled and returns to England to put the proofs of his innocence before his sons But before he can explain his case he is murdered and his papers are Stolen.

tn tiie supporting programme a short i shows some of the thrills to be j .in ftunt aviation, aquatic sports ar.d motor-cycle racing. The "Marcn cl Time" No. 10, 1938 series, is as interesting as this series usually is.

MAYFAIR

"KENTUCKY MOONSHINE"

Where the Ritz brothers are, there is sure to be hilarious comedy. Th°y have shown this in their all too few picture;, and "Kentucky Moonshine" which is now in the second week of its season at the Mayfair Theatre, >s no exception. Their comedy is in-' imitable and in "Kentucky Moonshine" they have excellent material Those who have seen this madcap trio at work before will need no recommendation to see this picture; and those who do not know the Ritz brothers need have no fear that they will not be thoroughly entertained. PLAZA "THE RETURN OF JIMMY VALENTINE" Jimmy Valentine, daring, courageous, altogether a most engaging personality. is back again at the Plaza this week in "The Return of Jimmy Valentine'" Jimmy Valentine needs no introduction. All readers of crime fiction follow his adventures with interest. In his latest picture he is the centre of a newspaper contest arranged by an up-to-date reporter. "Find Jimmy Valentine" is the slogan, and the whole population of the United States flocks to the call of the banner headings, inspired by the promise of a 5000 dollar reward.

The second attraction on the programme is "1000 Dollars a Minute," a film with a fast-moving story, full of humorous situations.

AVON

•'THE PERFECT SPECIMEN"

A story sparkling with wit, a talented cast and able direction, make a notable picture of "The Perfect Specimen," which is now in the second week of its season at the Avon Theatre. The successful modern comedy has now reached a high standard, and "The Perfect Specimen" compares favourabry with the best of them. The story has enough novelty to take it out of the rut, and it has been handled throughout, with a light and agreeable touch. With Errol Flynn and Joan Blondell at the head of the cast, supported by May Robson, Edward Everett Horton, Hugh Herbert, and Allen Jenkins, there is a brilliance in, the acting to satisfy discriminating theatregoers. /f- CRYSTAL PALACE "BATTLE OF BROADWAY" AND «PANAMINT»S BAD MAN" The whole atmosphere of. "Battle of Broadway," which heads the new double-feature programme at the Crystal Palace Theatre, is permeated with a brightness and originality which has much general appeal. Perhaps the most pleasing feature of this clever comedy is the originality ,of the theme, which is altogether different from that of the usual film and takes some surprising turns as the story advances.

The second film, "Panamint's Bad Man," deals with the efforts of Smith Ballew, a special United States deputy, who is out to stop the robberies from an express coach.

CHRISTCHUBCH CINEMAS,

LIMITED "Romance For Three," a really bright comedy starring Robert Young. Frank Morgan and Florence Rice, is the current attraction at the Regent. George Formby, the popular comedian, is at his "best in "I See Ice," which is at the Majestic. Cyril RiU chard is also featured. "Test Pilot," transferred to the TivoU, has begun its third week -in Christchurch. Its stars are Clark Gable. Myrna Loy, and Spencer Tracy. "Shall We Dance." starring Fred Astaire-and Ginger Rogers, and "For Valour," with Tom Walls and-. Ralph Lynh, are the features at the Liberty. The new programme at the Grand comprises "The Perfect Gentleman." starring Frank Morgan and Cicely Courtneidge, and "Absolute Quiet," with Lionel Atwiil, Irene Hervey, and Stuart Erwin.