ENTERTAINMENTS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIII, 25 July 1929, Page 2

ENTERTAINMENTS

"METROPOLIS" AT THE REGENT "The most notable picture ever seen locally," may fairly describe ".Metropolis," shown yesterday at the matinee and evening performance. "Metropolis differs from the usual motion picture, in that the story deals with mass emotions. Like all great things it is simplo in its terms. The son of the great Money i\laster of the city sees one day a girl of the people, .Mary, who has brought some of the children of the cramped workers for an hour's inspection of a garden of the rich. With dawning love tor the, only being with a soul he has seen in his" pampered life, the boy follows her to the huge underground city, where the people live close to the giant workshops, whoso immense machines make man seem puny. His love gives him understanding,' and he is appalled at the life of the workers. An appeal to his father, Masterman, is futile. The revolt of the people follows the failure of .Masterman to tranquillise them by means of a mechanised human being invented by the crazy Kotwang, who gives (.o it Mary's likeness. How peace comes to tho city through Masterman's acknowledgment that master and man are complementary to each other, is finely told in a series of astonishing scenes that baO'le the imagination even while they- stimulate it. The technical excellence of "Metropolis" is amazing. It will be screened to-night and twice tomorrow—at the matinee at 3.30 and in the evening at 8, which will be the final screening. It should not be missed. The plans are at the Regent Confectionery.

MAJESTIC: "THE LAST COMMAND"

Jannings has seoied again, this time in a- remarkable characterisation as a military general. His newest Paramount picture, "The Last Command," shows for the last time at the Majestic Theatre to-night. This American-born German actor presents in this new production so commendable a figure, that it cannot be compared to those of "The Way of -'-H Flesh" and "Variety." "The last Command" is a story of the red revolt in Russia, showing Jannings as a miglify general, strictly military but beloved by his men. lie befriends a girl but imprisons her companion, the girl in turn saving him from death at the bands of the blood-Iliad revolutionists. lie then goes to America in search of tin's fair saviour, and there the thread of the story takes a strange twist. It is a gripping story, one with poignant iove and drama, mystery, and thrills. Great settings mark "The Last Command" as an elaborate production. The supporting cast is headed by William Powell and Evelyn Brent. Clara Bow in "The Fleet's In," is the star attraction for to-morrow and Saturday, with "Dancing Vienna," featuring Ben Lyon and May McAvoy as the supporting picture. Plans are now open. "GOING UP" The cast for the musical farce "Going Up" to be presented by the Nelson Amateur Operatic (Society next week at the Majestic. Theatre is a particularly strong one. Many well-known local favourites have parts and a number will make their first .appearance in public'. The principal roles are taken by Miss Madge Wilson of Christchurch who plays "Grace Douglas," and Mr A. K. Griffith as "Robert Street." Nelsonians will remember Miss Wilson's delightful playing of "Sophie" in "The Country Girl," a, few years ago. Mr Griffith will be remembered as "Siniplicitas" in "The Arcadians." Miss Beatrice Aydon, who is always popular -with the public, plays the part of "Madeline Manners." The telephone girl "Miss Zonne" has been entrusted to the hands of Miss Sadie Hurling who is making her first appearance in public, and who shows great promise. .Mrs Douglas is being played by Miss Pourie, also another lirst performer. The main comedy role is in the capable hands of .Mr Reg Kingsl'ord who plays the part »f "Sam Robinson' the mechanic. Mr N. V. Wot. ton as "Mr Douglas" has a bright, breezy character to sustain, and Mr Eric Stevens as "Hopkinson Brown" has a heavy part and his pleasing voice will be heard in several musical numbers. "Jules Gaillard," the French aviator, has been entrusted tn Mr E. A. Bradshaw, and he also is making his first public appearance. Mr Charles Hamilton as the proprietor of the Cordon Tim and Mr Tcddv Allan as ••James Brooks." Street's publisher, have fairly huge parts anil Mr A. A lid lea son has been given the part of "Louis." (Jailbird's mechanic, 'flic churns work is very attractive and there, are a number nf very bright dancing and singing items. 'l'lie production is under Ihe charge of Mis .1. Iliilme (nee Miss Kva Moore) and ihe musical side is in I lie capable hands of Mr J If Leimner. 'l'll,, season opens on Tuesdav next and tin- proceeds are m aid ',,f ihe Karlhipiake Relief funds. liisomnia, nut to rout. Hound sleep assured witli :i "UNIQUE"' Hot Water Bottle at your feel. Look for name on stopper