ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 5 December 1929, Page 6

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE The soprano voice of the gifted Russian artiste, Haclunova, will he featured, singing appealing Russian melodies in "A Dangerous Woman," (he Paramount all-talking picture which screens al the Regent Theatre to-night ami tomorrow. I'.aclauova will sing lour numbers in Hie film, which is a romantic drama of the loves and hales of three white men and one while woman in a civilised colony in the African jungle. Biielly Ihe story is as follows: ('live Brook, commissioner of a British colony ill Central East Africa, loves his Russian wife. Baelunovn, in spite of her repeated infidelities. But when Leslie Kenton, his assistant, shoots himself because of an all'air with her, Brook moves.to a separate collage and lives alone in bitterness. Then his brother, N'eil Hamilton, is sciil out from England as his assistant, and lor the sake of appearances, Brook decides to try again to live happily with his wife. She outrages his code of morals, but her personality is so magnetic Hint Brook has to admit that he still loves her. .Veil arrives, and Brook, to his horror, watches Baclanova deliberately ensnare his clean, up-standing young brother. Clyde Cook, Brook's faithful Cockney servant, also is disgusted by Baclanova's actions. The tropics begin to work their insidious effect on Neil, and at: a native mating dance, bis resistance breaks down before Baclanova's wiles. The next night. Brook brings the all'air to a climax by suggesting that Xeil ask for a transfer. The hoy is torn between his wild love and duty, but Bitclunova finally forces him to admit his love for her. They plan to leave the colony together. Desperate, Brook poisons the lime juice Baclanova drinks every night. But Cook sees him do if, and throws the poisoned drink away, refilling the glass with water. The next morning, almost; mad with jealousy and fear, Brook tells Xeil he has murdered his wife. But just then Cook bursts in to tell them he saw a poisoned snake in Baclanova's bed. She is dead. The drink is untouched. Brook and Neil leave for a vacation in England, never knowing that Cook bought the snake from a native. Also included in the programme are some very line singing and talking featurettes. Tito Schipa in operatic sony is a splendid number for musicloving people. Whereas "What Do I Care" and "The Piano Tuner'' are two all-talking comedies. Another of those pleasing "Pathe Audio Reviews" witli its musical accompaniment and ait photography, and a most interesting "Pathe Round News" completes the list. Patrons are advised to reserve their seats at the Regent Confectionery or by telephoning the theatre 1102.

MAJESTIC: NORMA TALMADGE IN "THE DOVE" Norma Talmadge in "The Dove" is the feature at the Majestic Theatre to-night for the last time. Based on Willard Mack's stage play, which ran for a year on Broadway, "The Dove" is a melodramatic, romantic tale of Costa Roja, the "red coast.'' Miss Talmadge is supported by Noah Beery and Gilbert Roland. Roland West directed the picture from the scenario by Wallace Smith and Paul Bern. "The Dove" is a colourful, quick-action narrative of a virtuous dance hall girl, a courageous young American employed in a gambling house, and "the bos' damn caballero in all Costa Roja," Don Dose Maria y Sandoval. Against a background of guitars, stilettos, roulette wheels fine ladies and grand gentlemen, the characterisation of Miss Talmadge as Dolores, '"The Dove," a beautiful dancer, comes to glowing life, according to advance reports. This picture is probaljly the last special, silent picture that will be screened in the Majestic, as the talkies are to be installed at once. The latest and best type of plant made by the Western Electric Company has been bought for this theatre. It is the largest machine on the market, costing over £SOOO. The equipment arrived from America on Monday and reached Nelson yesterday, and the last of the 100 cases landed this morning. Further particulars will be announced later.

ENGLISH CATHEDRAL AND OPERATIC SINGERS No matter whether it is sacred or secular harmony, the Westminster Clet! Singers display a gift of music and artistry which cannot be equalled. This famous organisation is composed of men and boys from England's celebrated cathedrals principally Westminster Abbey, St. Paul's, St. George's Windsor and Christchurch Cathedral. They will appear in Nelson at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow, Saturday and .Monday evenings with a special matinee on Saturday at 2.30. Tin. tour is under the direction of Henry Hayward who was responsible for the visit of the Sistine Soloists and other celebrity musical attractions. The organiser and director of the Empire tour of the Westminster dec Singers, is Edward Branscombe which is in itself a recommendation for his name is so well known in this part of the world and of course it is to he remembered that he was for ten years tenor soloist in Westminster Abbey. The main attraction for the workaday world lies in this choir's splendid performance of secular music, their singing being marked by a perfection of blend and expression, allied to wonderful unanimity and precision, especially notable in their unaccompanied work. Those who are familiar with the wonderful work of the historic cathedral choirs of England will be able to refresh old memories, while those who have not had this privilege will have an unique opportunity of hearing some of this most beautiful music under ideal conditions. Although a. measure of sacred music will he included in their programmes, it is mainly in the secular forms of singing that their greatest tippeal will lie. (Jlees, madrigals, partsongs, solos with vocal accompaniment, solos with harp accompaniment, sailor shanteys, humorous quartettes, vocal dances and song scenes will all be represented while the delightfully novel and artistic stage setting and presentation of the whole entertainment adds charm and makes it distinct from that of the customary concert. A complete change of programme: is oll'ered nightly. The box plans for the three evenings and matinee performance are now open at the Majestic confectionery. Parties of pupils from schools and college arc afforded liberal concessions, particulars of which may be obtained at the box office.