ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 20 June 1932, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS

“THE COMMON LAW,” MAJESTIC TO* NIGHT. “The Common Law." starring Constance Bennett in n vivid, .realistic drama with excellent entertainment value showing to-night at the Majestic Theatre. It is an ideal story for Miss Bennett, giving her splendid opportunities 10 display tier histrionic talents, her charm, and* her ability to wear clothes smartly. There are many tense moments in the picture which Miss Bennett handles skilfully. In fact, throughout the play she gives a fine performance. “The Common Law" was adapted from Robert W. Chambers’ famous book by John Barrow. While the story has been modernised, it still retains the vital situations of the original novel. Constance Bennett plays the role of the artists’ model who believes that conventions should not interfere with love. Jool MeCrea does excellent work in the role of the conservative artist who is in*love with Miss Bennett. Lew Cody and Hcdda Hopper give their usual intelligent performances. One of the outstanding scenes of the picture is the reproduction of the famous Parisian “Four Arts Ball” which the art colony of Paris holds yearly. Paul L. Stein did splendid work in directing the picture. “WICKED”, REGENT TO-NIGHT Those who favour stark human drama in their picture faro will he highly pleased with the Fox production, “Wicked,” finishing to-night at the Regent 'Theatre. “Wicked” brings to the screen for her third sti/ning role the beautiful young English actress Eligsa Landi and 'she has eclipsed her former sensational dramatic work. As a young wife, widowed on her honeymoon through the death of her husband from a bullet fired by a detective from whom lie tvns tiering, disillusioned when she learns, the husband she adored was a bank robber instead of a bank clerk, sent to prison as an accomplice and while in prison allowed to •leave for a hospital outside of prison walls that her baby may be. born without the stigma oi' a prison—Miss Landi has full play for the, exceptional dramatic powers she possesses. Victor McLaglen gives a fine portrayal also as the tried and true friend who sticks to her ihroirgh it all and Director Allan Dwan has given the finest dramatic effort of

his long and successful career. Olliers who contribute fine performances include Theodore Von Eltz as the young husband ; Una Merkel as a little Southern girl; Allan Dincliart as a detective and Mae Busch, Eileen Percy, and Alice Lake.