ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 9 April 1930, Page 9

ENTERTAINMENTS

REGENT THEATRE: "HOTTENTOT"

The largo audience at the Regent Theatre last night gave uproarious evidence of their approval of the "Hottentot." A more ludicrous figure could not be imagined than Edward Everett Harrington, the lovelorn tenderfoot, who lias been edged into the favour of Betty Fairfax (Patsy Ruth Miller) of old Virginia, by false tales told by a matchmaker to the effect that he is an experienced horseman. Patsy Ruth Miller is charming as the enthusiastic horse fancier who . believes llorton to be a real hero of the turf. llorton presented in a wrong light, finds himself brought nearer to the nerve-racking test of riding "Hottentot," the untamable, in the steeplechase, which is to be won for Betty. No finer comedy characterisation lias been given than that of llorton, who previously portrayed the part on the stage. Edmund Breese gives an amusing performance as an extremely loud and horsey individual, and tho part of the groom and tho butler are made very real by those veterans of the screen, Otto Hoffman and Douglas Gerrard. Stanley Taylor is fine as the brother of the heroine and Edward Earle is effective as the forceful Larry Crawford. The "Hottentot" is one of those rare comedies which please people of all ages. It will bo screened again to-night and to-mor-row night.

MAJESTIC THEATRE: "GENTLE* MEN OF THE PRESS"

' Commenting upon "Gentlemen of the Press," the wonderful all-talking newspaper story commencing at the Majestic Theatre to-morrow evening, a Sydney critic said : "Gentlemen of the Press" is the finest thing the all-talking moving pictures have brought to this city. It is big, tremendously big. It is real life transferred, to the screen. When this all-talking picture from the Paramount studio, opened its run the audience laughed and wept and thrilled to its great artistry. It is artistry of plot, of direction and of acting. It is drama dripping with emotion, yet admirably restrained and true-to-lit'e. No picture has ever swayed an audience in this city as "Gentlemen of the Press" swayed the audience last night. gathering has always been a synonym for romance. The real struggles behind the scenes, in tho minds and hearts of those men who follow the "game" with such devotion, has always been the hidden chapter that "Gentlemen of the Press," with that great actor, Walter Hulston, in the leading role, uncovers. Hulston's performance is flawless; it is splendid. And a cast of real artists, artists who have earned their laurels on the legitimate stage before entering motion pictures, supports hinj admirably, especially Charles Ruggles. the comedian, and beautiful Katherine Francis. The direction is perfect. The settings and action are true-to-life. The dialogue is so well recorded that it presents itself naturally, issuing from the mouths of the characters. Technically the picture is a marvel. Artistically it is an achievement that Paramount can view with pride. As entertainment it is sQmetliing that everyone who sees it will talk about and think about for months. The box plans are available at the Majestic Confectionery.