CITY THEATRES

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22518, 28 September 1938, Page 8

CITY THEATRES

AVON f

“THE PERFECT SPECIMEN” ’The Perfect Specimen* which is now in its second week |t the Avon Theatre, presents a stofc sparkling with wii. a talented able direction making it a nofchle p- ;ture. The story has < - lll i'Sh novelty in lake it out of tin* riff and has been handled tln-uughuulfwith a light and agreeable touch. Wi® Errol Flynn and Joan Blundell at Hffhead of the cash supported by Majftßobson, Edward Everett Horton. Hugh Herbert, and Allen Jenkins, there is a brilliance in the acting to satisfy discriminating theatregoers. $7 “Of Human Hearts." 'which is com-, ing to the Avon Theatre shortly is Walter Hustons first screen appearance sdnee his triumphs in “Dodsworfh.” The picture also features {James Stewart, Beulah Bondi, and an elaborate character cast.

PLAZA

“MOONLIGHT SONATA”

Paderewski, the famous pianist, comes to the screen in “Moonlight Sonata,” which will begin on Friday at the Plaza. Another interesting figure in this picture is the veteran stage actress, Mario Tempest, who, at the age of 72 years, makes her debut in a talking film. In the role of a hospitable Swedish baroness, her personality, with its provocative combination of dignity and mischief, makes a most vivid impression. Marie Tempest’s performance in “Moonlight Sonata" "is a clear proof that really first-rate acting can be transferred from theatre to screen without any major operations. It is to be hoped that her success will reconcile her to the cinema, tor, since she can put it over so well, her personality is the kind that is an asset to any film. The supporting feature will be “The Street Singer’s Return,” a sparkling musical comedy romance, which brings together two famous stars of the entertainment world. They are Arthur Tracy and Arthur Riscoe. In “The Street Singer’s Return,” Artnur Riscoe is'seen as a street corner conjurer, with crooked tendencies, and round him revolve most of the film’s laughs. He wears a badly battered bowler, a high celluloid collar, with a ridiculous little bow-tie. and an ill-fitting check suit. This is a cnange from Riscde’s usual make-up, for he is generally regarded as one of the best-dressed comedians on the stage or screen, and his evening clothes or lounge suits are usually faultless and bear the unmistakable stamp of Savile Row. At present showing at the Plaza are “The Return of Jimmy Valentine” and “1000 Dollars a Minute.” CRYSTAL PALACE “SHE’S GOT EVERYTHING” AND “BORDER BRIGANDS”

What to do When a host of creditors threaten to take the very clothes from an orphaned gffl’s back, and stripping her palatial home of all its furniture, forms the opening situation of “She’s Got Everything,” a romantic comedy with Ann SoUiem and Gene Raymond, which is coming to the Crystal Palace. The plot deals with the creditors' plan to finance the society girl in a campaign to mjrry a rich South American which they feel will enable them to get theic money back. In "Border Brigands,” the second feature, excitement, romance, and brilliant horsemanship combine to provide a universal appeal. The popular ; Buck Jones is starred. The absorbing story deals with the activities l<>f the Royal North-west Mounted •’Police in that part of Canada lying against the Arctic Circle, and pictures!** bitter feud between the "Mountics and a band of outlaws which maintains its headquarters in a lawless town on the American side of the international border. “Battle of Broadway” and “Panamint’s Bad Man” are at present showing at the Crystal Palace.

CIVIC

“STAND IN”

Ji chimce to take a peep behind the Hollywood scenes—and laugh—is provided by “Stand-In.” a Walter Wanger comedy, starring Leslie Howard and Joan Blondell, which will begin at the Civic on Friday. “Stand-In” tells the story of Mr Atterbury Dodd,' a shy young banker who went to Hollywood I- r—took over a 10,000,000 dollar studio—fft and tried to run it according to the ■ science of mathematics. v Joan Blondell has her finest role as ’ the “Stand-In” of the title. .-Humphrey Bogart, who plays Quin- ‘ fan, the genius producer who is struggling against the handicap of Kosloffki, a fabulous foreign director, and Thelma Cheri, the glamour star, who are. conspiring with Nassau, a rival /producer, to wreck the company. Alan Mowbray has his maddest and -, funniest role as Koslofski, Marla Shelthe new Wanger discovery, plays Che ti. C. Henry Gordon is his usual villainous self as Nassau, and Jack Canon, an unknown “bit” player, won overflight fame in the role of Potts, the press agent. Gene Towne and Graham Baker

wrote the screen play for “Stand-In,” which was produced by Tay Garnett. . Alexander .Toluboff designed the nlghtmarishly _ extravagant backgrounds. The production is released through United Artists. "At present showing at the Civic is . fFour Men and a Prayer.” starring loretta Young, George Sandefs, Richfd Greene, David Niven, and C.’ Auey Smith.

CINEMAS, LIMITED !’ bright comedy, “Romance ” starring Robert Young, rgan, and Florence • Rice, is ing at the Regent. “That /oman,” with Bette Davis / Fonda in the lead, will ason on Friday. Formby, the popular is at his best in “I See Ice,” at the Majestic. Cyril Ritalso featured. lot,” transferred to the in its third week in ch. Its stars are Clark yrna Loy, and Spencer Ve Dance.” starring Fred d Ginger Rogers, and “For ;ith Tom Walls and Ralph the features at the Liberty. ' programme at the Grand “The Perfect Gentleman,” rank Morgan and Cicely e, and "Absolute Quiet,” 1 Atwill, Irene Hervey, and HEATRE, RICCARTON landing Australian producvilised,” with an all-star “Breakfast for Two,” feaDert Marshall and Barbara will be the two big films : Theatre, Riccarton. tojri'ow, and on lYiday* The -will start at 7.30 pin*

MAYFAIR “BLOCKADE” The Spanish civil war forms the background of the jlove story which is told in “Blockade,” Walter Wanger’s romantic drama, starring Madeleine Carroll and Henry Fonda, which is coming to the Mayfair on Friday. This is the romance of a man and a girl drawn into the conflict almost against their will—lovers who were at the same time bitter enemies. “Blockade,” though it employs the war only as a background and favours neither side in the conflict, furnishes a highly interesting and remarkably accurate picture of Spain’s civil strife. Produced on a lavish scale, its many elaborate settings are outstanding examples of Hollywood’s skill in achieveing realism in locale and atmosphere. One selling, the scene of much exciting action," shows the entire waterfront of a Spanish town, with its sea wall fronting on the Mediterranean, and a mass of buildings crowding almost to the water’s edge. Aeroplane raids, fierce battles in rural areas, the flight of refugees—all are shown in a manner that clearly brings to the audience an understanding of conditions that have disrupted the life of an entire nation. Without being propaganda in any sense, the picture nevertheless demonstrates tire complete futility of' war as a means of solving the problems of the world. At present showing at the Mayfair is “Kentucky Moonshine,” starring the Ritz Brothers.