ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 29 March 1930, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE: "MADAME X" "Madame XV Metro-Goldwyn-May-er's newest film and Lionel Barrymore's first feature-length directorial^ opened to an enthusiastic reception from the large audience at the Regent last flight. "Madame X," perhaps the stage's greatest drama of mother love, and incidentally credited with being the first "Courtroom drama" in history, has come to the talking screen, a rejuvenated and certainly much more interesting drama than in its older form. The alltalking version of the famous play, with Ruth Chatterton in the title role and Lionel Barrymore as the director, presents an older drama in a very glamourous new dress. It retains all the drama that made the original practically a classic of the stago<l)ut it presents it in the new, swiftly moving structure of the screen. The dialogue, too, is different—shortened and concentrated to >match the action.. It is in effect a concentrated essence of drama, Ruth Chatterton as the ill-fated heroine, is superb. Rising-to the heights of dramatic emotion and the depths of despair by turn, she gives a performance that is literally a revelation as to what can be done by an artist with this new medium of the screen. The cast is a perfect one. Lewis Stone, r as the stern husband, and Raymond Hackett,. as the son, have the two most important roles, and young Hackett, in the dramatic court room scene, perhaps even surpasses his great role in "The Trial of Mary Dugan." Eugenie Besserer as "Rose," Holmes Herbert as "Noel," Ulrie Haupt, Mitchell Lewis, Sidney Toler, Carroll Nye, Claude King, Chappcll Dosselt, Richard Carle and the rest are all seen in role's that they fill as though they were specially written for their individual talents.

"Madame X" will be screened again to-night and Monday night. Patrons are advised to make their reservations early. MAJESTIC THEATRE: "FASHIONS IN LOVE" In "Fashions in Love," the latest Paramount all-talking picture, which will be screened at the Majestic Theatre this evening, one of the most popular and well known figures of the English stage plays in support of Adolphe Menjou, the star. She is Fay Compton, whose lyric, soprano voice arid 'fine talking are a distinct asset to thfs fine picture. Miss Compton was brought specially from England under contract to Paramount, and in addition to her beauty, she plays an admirable part as the sympathetic wife of the temperamental musician, played by Menjou. Menjou, in keeping with the part he has to play, speaks with an accent but his voice is one that will thrill everyone who has been an admirer of Menjou in his silent pictures. He is the same suave sophisticate of the silent drama and not only does he speak, but plays the piano and sings. His song, "I'm Beginning to Fall in Love With You" will be one of the most popular numbers that have been heard on pictures, and is exceptionally tuneful. Iu support of Mr Menjou and Fay Compton are Miriam Seegar and Joan Standing. The cast is exceptionally well balanced, and this fine alltalking picture sets a new standard. Another excellent supporting programr-.ie includes Martirielli and Bauer in a glorious duet and the latest English alltalking comedy, "Smith Wakes Up."