ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 23 February 1931, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS

MAJESTIC THEATRE: “THE DAWN PATROL” TO-MORROW

From any angle it may be viewed “The Dawn Patrol,” a Vitaphone super picture starring Richard Barthelmess, is a splendid production. Widely heralded as an epic of the air, showing the heroism of youthful aviators “The Dawn Patrol” surpasses anything of the kind that has been seen on the screen. This may sound like an exaggerated statement, but actually it is justified by the all-talking feature coming to the" Majestic Theatre to-morrow. While Richard Barthelmess is the outstanding figure in the role of a squadron commander, other characterisations are so splendidly conceived and presented that no one individual stands out pre-eminently. As in any true work of art, there is a harmonising of action that creates a definite impression and leaves the spectator vividly conscious of having witnessed something true and fine and lasting. The screen has brought nothing more poignant than several of the scenes as acted by Barthelmess and Douglas Fairbanks, Junr. Without being over sentimental, they go straight to the heart in arousing sympathy for the young flier played by Fairbanks, who is ready to go to his doom with a smile on his lips. In following the picture, one is made to feel the devastating effects of war, the breaking down of nervous resistance and above all, the incomparable spirit manifested through unselfish heroism. Prominent in the cast assembled under the direction of Howard Hawks are Neil Hamilton, William Janney, James Finlayson, Clyde Cook, Gardner James, Edmund Breon and Frank McHugh—surely a striking assemblage of names. Each one of the players is ideally suited to the type needed and from beginning to end no false note is sounded. “The Dawn Patrol” is an adaptation of “The Flight Commander” by John Monk Saunders, author of “Wings” and “The Legion of the Condemned.” The box plans are now open at the Majestic Confectionery.

“THE BIG HOUSE” NEXT SATURDAY Another sensational attraction will be seen at the Majestic Theatre on Saturday next when Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer will present what has been named “The colossus of the modern screen-’ —“The Big House.” This is the dramatic masterpiece that recently completed a record season in Wellington. It takes its audiences behind the walls of a mighty prison where there is enacted with startling realism, one of the most remarkable dramas ever conceived. A superb cast includes Wallace (Beery, Lewis Stone, Leila Hyams, Chester Morris and J. C. Nugent. Patrons are reminded that the first all-talking serial to be presented since the introduction of talkies, will commence on Saturday afternoon next, when “The Indians Are Coining” will commence.

REGENT: “THE BETTER WIFE” TO-NIGHT

The large number of patrons unable to gain admission at the Regent on Saturday night demonstrated the popularity of the two great screen artists starring in ’’The Better Wife. This is a superb drama revealing the depths of a woman’s soul —a woman fighting to prove worthy of her husband—and win liis love. Iluth Chatti rton creates one of the most interesting roles of her career in this all-talking dramatisation of the well-known Gouverneur Morris story, “The Better Wife.” Portraving the role of Pansy Gray, who mauwl a socially prominent, brilliant attorney and then fights desperately to be worthy of his love, Miss Lhatterton rises to superb heights. A master of mood and character interpretation, Miss Chatterton brings to her portrayal a believable, stirring quality that compels sympathy. Playing the role of Neil Dunlap, the attorney whom Miss Chatterton marries, is Clive Brook, the distinguished and debonair English actor. "The Better Wife” will be finally screened to-night.

“CANARIES SOMETIMES SING” Mr Tom Walls, an established favourite with movie audiences first began to gain the earnest attention of the, theatrical world when his conviction that what the theatre needed to liven things up was a dose, and a big one, of farcical plays, bore fruit. Friends predicted horrible failure for Tom’s venture, but he had his way. and produced and acted in the farce comedy, “Tons of. Money.” The play brought him world-wide recognition and fame. After becoming one of the most outstanding figures on the English* stage. Walls attacked the talking screen. His first missile was “Rookery Nook,” and it expelled gloom all over the world. Then came “On Approval,” the adaptation of the Frederick Lonsdale play which had a wonderful run in the West End. “Canaries Sometimes Sing,” anothe.r Frederick Lonsdale play, will commence a season at the Regent Theatre to-morrow.