ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 31 March 1930, Page 3

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE: "MADAME X"

Barely is there given to the public a fi 1 111 which couples with the personality of the legitimate stage the breadth ami capacity of I hi' screen in such compelling fashion as '"Madame X" which ou Saturday evening at the Begenl Theatre helil the large audience in a virtual spell. Certainly it created a very profound impression and left the audience with a feeling that, it had been given a lesson both in life and in lifting, but at the same lime a lesson of exceptional appeal. "Madame X," both in personality and picture, is tremendously dramatic. The acting honours arc lavished upon the leading players, and in some parts of the picture it would be hard lo dilicrcnl iale between the work of such accomplished artists as Bulb Chiittertoii, whose "Mad e" is a piece of brilliant characterisation, ami Lewis Stone, cold hard attorney and selfrighteous husband, who 100 lale realises the pal lis into which his uncharitable nature has forced his more human ami fore frail wife. The sou, grown to manhood ami defending in a court id' law the mother he does not know, is played by llayinond Hacked with the utmost understanding and nicety of action. The fussy sell'-coiiliedeiit domineering old doctor appears for only a few brief moments, but, his is a delightful piece of acting that brings a bright ray of humour in an opening chapter that woidd otherwise be oppressive. Both Until Chatterton and Lewis Stone demonstrate that their speech is finished, clear and pleasant. "Madame X" will be screened to-night for the last time.

"THE BROADWAY MELODY" . Song', dance and story are woven neatly into n plot of more than ordinary strength in the ''Broadway Melody" which will commence at the Regent Theatre to-morrow night. It is a metro-(.'oldwyu-Mayer picture, dealing with life ill the New York theatre. There is u liberal slice of comedy, with occasional touches of drama, and even pathos, but, what; is more, there is capable direction, skilful photography and excellent acting. Charles King. Bessie Love and Anita Page are the leading characters in the film. Chillies King, as the singer-composer, after much effort finally attains success on Broadway, and his first thought is for his friends, the Mahoney Sisters. He uses a questionable amount of influence to secure them parts in the show. The whim of a magnate makes one girl more or less famous, but the other is left a little way behind. There is romance in the story, too. and the different efforts of the two sisters to bring one another happiness allow of character studies rare in films of this type. Music, song or dialogue never lag. ami although there are frequent changes in tht! mood of the story, dexterous handling keeps inviolate its theme. Apart from the plot, the construction of "The Broadway Melody" is excellent.. An air of excitement pervades it. Some of the numbers sung from tht! stage are "The Broadway Melody," "Love Rout" and "You Were Made For Me." The dialogue sparkles with lively wit .ind fresh American idiom, and the production work is nothing short, of marvellous. In this respect, the peak is reached in a revue scene, "The Wedding of the Painted Doll," which has been photographed in colour, and provides a gorgeous spectacle.

MATESTIC THEATRE: LAST NIGHT OF MENJOU'S ALL-TALKIE

Adolphe Menjou's first and fascinating all-talking attraction, "Fashions in Love," in which he is supported by Fay Comptoii, the beautiful English actress with a marvellous voice, will be screened for the last time at the Majestic Theatre to-night. Menjou is seen in the role of a sophisticated man who pays the price of fame as a musician with the admiration and infatuation of many of his women ptitronh. "Fashions in Love" tells of one of these flirtations, and of the measures taken by his wife? anil by Hie husband of the woman he is flirting w ith. to cure them.

"FATHER AND SON" TO-MORROW An intensely lmiuiui drama of the .ureal, love existing between n father and son will commence at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow evening. It is ['Father and Son," a Coliimbia production synchonised with dialogue find music and enacted by a powerful cast including .lack Holt, Dorothy Rcvier and .Mickey Mcßan. The story opens showing the motherless Jimmy Fields celebrating his tenth birthday prior to tin' departure of his adored and adoring father on a European business (rip. Tin- return of Mr Field with a new wife, who is really a notorious French countess, introduces the plot complication. The haired of little Jimmy and his stepmother for each other results in dramatic situations culminating in a murder. "Father and Son'' is a colourful, gripping, entertaining drama.

PLUNKET SOCIETY: BENEFIT ENTERTAINMENT

The benefit entertainment which is being generously tendered tlic Nelson Plnnket Society by Mrs Natusch, the well-known dramatic artist of Wellington on Wednesday, 9th April, at the Majestic Tlieiitrc, will provide an unusual treat for llio public Mis Xnlnscli (ncc Elizabeth Blake) wlio is supported by a talented company (the Wellington Players), will present a triple bill of three one-t'ict plays. These arc "The Song of the Seal,"' based mi an flebridean legend.

"The Arbuthnot Diamond Robbery," a short detective play with a novel plot: and unexpected ending; and a dramatised version of "Hans Anderson's"' famous story "The Tinder 1'.0x." The company comes to Nelson after having completed a most successful tour of a number of North Island towns. In view of the excellent programme, the outstanding talent of (lie company, and the worthy object for which (lie entertainment is given, heavy booking is anticipated. As will be sc by an advertisement in this issue popular prices for admission have been arranged and a concession will be made lor students. Tlie box plan opens at Snapshots, Trafalgar street, on Wednesday next.