ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20130, 15 December 1928, Page 17

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE MIDNIGHT FROLICS.. Headed by the versatile comedian, Clem Dawe, the Midnight Frolics Comedy Company is enjoying an extremely successful season at His Majesty's Theatre. Always popular, Clem Dawo is at his best in his latest (the second) series of sketches, in which tho original note is introduced right through. The Frolics comprise everything that is bright in the way of music, and the jazz band is particularly effective. Gregory IvanofE is a gifted solo violinist, William Perryman, Oscar Beck and Lillian Crisp are a trio of popular vocalists. Gertie Cremer and Eric Edgley are seen to advantage in sever.fi smart sketches, while Phyllis Amerv, John Robertson and Les and Doiothy White contribute largely to the success of the show. A complete change of programme will be mado on Wednesday, and there will be, a matinee performance to-day. Booking arrangements art: advertised. MAJESTIC THEATRE. To the beauty which must be. one of the chief characteristics of any film bearing the name of a song so universally beloved, there has been added in the film, "Annie Laurie," which commenced a season at the Majestic Theatre last evening, a note of full-blooded adventure of the old Highland days. It is a picture play with a rare sweep of action and emotion. In magnificent settings and by acting which does not make the mistake of being too subdued, it throws on the screen the rivalry between the Campbells and the Macdonalds, the love of a mountain chieftain for a lowland maid, and, in startling realism, the horrors of the Glencoe massacre. It is without doubt a film for the great, public. Wistful and appealing there is the public favourite of many years' standing, Miss Lillian Gish, adding to emotional acting of unquestioned excellence and sincerity a few light touches, admirably deft. Opposite her is Mr. Norman Kerry, a mountain gallant, lordly in form and bearing. For all that Miss Gish is a star of the greatest magniture in the Hollywood firmament, one could be forgiven for thinking that in this picture Mr. Kerry steals from her not a few of tho acting honours. Ho is something of a subdued Fairbanks, a gallant savage and chivalrous, and every note of his performance rings true. The principal players receive support from a most competent cast, and the Highland types have oeen chosen with commendable pains. During the screening of the film, "Annie Laurie" is sung from behind the screen. ' It makes a perfect accompaniment to a beautiful lovo scene. The supporting programme is excellent, embracing jnews gazettes and a couple of comedy interludes in an Aesop Fable and "Dumb Daddies," with the Hebrew comedian, Max Davidson. Scottish music, excellently played, is featured by Mr. Whiteford" Wa ugh'.s orchestra during tho course of the programme. " SPEEDY." Harold Lloyd, the popular star of "College Days," "Safety Last." and many other fine productions, has the leading role in "Speedy," the Paramount picture to commence at the Strand Theatre next Friday. In his latest success Harold Lloyd has the role of "Speedy" Swift, an irresponsible youth who never keeps a position long on account of his continual dreaming over baseball games. Falling in love with Jane Dillon, whose father owns the last horse-tram in New York, "Speedy" determines to becoino famous, but loses another position owing to following the baseball score instead of delivering an important letter. Through a series of fortunate circumstances "Speedy" learns of a plan to defraud Mr. Dillon of tho ownership of his obsolete tram system, which has become valuable, as it runs through a busy part of the city. The impetuous youth succeeds in obtaining permission to drive the tram, and many exciting adventures end in happiness and prosperity for 'Speedy." There will be a strong supporting programme, and the Strand Orchestra will be heard to advantage in many fine selections. REGENT THEATRE. In many respects an unusual production "The Mating Call," which is the main attraction of an exceptionally fine programme now showing at the Regent Theatre, deals with a familiar theme in a highly original manner. The story, from tho novel by Rex Beach, is that of a young man, who, divorced tirom his war-bride, finds solace in the building up of his Florida farm, and marries an immigrant girl in tho hopes of forgetting his former wife. Through tho machinations of his first wife's, husband, ho finds himself suspected of murder, and his efforts at this crisis to protect his immigrant wife awaken both of them to the realisation of their mutual love. Thomas Meighan is supported by Evelyn Brent and Reuee Adorec iu the leading roles. Tho second picture is "Kit Carson,'-' featuring Fred Thomson in a stirring tale of bravery and adventure during the pioneer days of Western America. The usual excellent programme of short pictorial subjects is screened, while under Mr. Maurice Guttridge the Regent Orchestra contributes an enjoyable musical score. PLAZA AND TIYOLI. A stirring drama of immigrants in the lower East Side of New York "Heart of a Nation " is tho principal feature now showing at tho Plaza and Tivoli Theatres. The picture is adapted from the successful play "Wo Americans " by Milton Herbert Gropper and Max Sicgel. Tho cast includes George Sidney, Patsy Ruth Miller, George Lewis and many other well-luiowu players. The story concerns the complications caused when, at • tho outbreak of tho war, neighbours become enemies, and a girl suddenly finds her lover a member of an opposiing army. Tho second feature is "All For Alimony," a picture which gives a graphic account of the mercenary motives behind many modern marriages.

lUVOLI PICTURES, IIOWICK. " Sadie Thompson," tho screen adaptation of " Rain." Somerset Maughan's famous novel of the South Seas, with Gloria Swanson in the principal role, will be shown at tho Kivoli Pictures, Howick, this evening. Lionel Barrymore appears as a religious reformer who attempts, at first with some success, to reform Sadio Thompson. Tho action of tho play takes place on a South Seas island in tho rainy season. A comedian, whoso humour is very natural and appealing equally to adults and children, Harold Lloyd lias nn excellent role in " For Heaven's Sake." which is the second feature on a lengthy programme. A yount; ventriloquist of considerable talent, Daphne Kindley, will contribute ft vaudeville turn. Tho supporting pictorial programme includes a gazetto and comedy.

TUDOR THEATRE,

"Steamboat Bill, Jnr.," a particidarly bright comedy with the popular Buster Keaton in the leading role, is the principal feature now showing at tho Tudor Theatre. Tho story concerns the adventures of a rather effeminate youth, who returns from college to find his father on tho verge of financial ruin. Tho despised son determines to build up tho business, and finally succeeds in running tilio rival boat-owner off tho river. Tho second feature is "The Cardboard Lover," an enjoyable comedy, starring Marion Da vies.

PA UN ELL PICTURES. An attractive double-feature programme will bp shown at the _ Parneil Pictures litis evening. Tho principal feature is " The Sunset Legion," a thrilling Western production, starring Fred IhomBon. The second film is " Something Always Happens," an unusual picuue with Esther fiajston in tho leadiit|J folo.

sr. JAMES' THEATRE. George Ward's " Whirl of Mirth" R®« vue Company at St. James' Theatre contiriues to dispense all the melody and dance which won it instant favour with Auckland audiences on its initial appearance. The programme presented last evening, entitled "Bon Vovago," combines new numbers with popular request items aud forms the most attractive offering the company has yet presented. Dispensing varied humour with a lavish hand, Mr. Ward was erected on every appearance with the applause which was his just due. In the midst of one sketch ho was greeted with a most apt aside from the gallery, which ho turned to instant) effect with a devastating retort. Employing his one character of Hermie in a diverse scries of characterisations, he dominated the entertainment. In his numerous appearances he was excellently seconded by Charles Sherman aud Frank Moran, who also was seen in one of his popular parson roles, giving a highlvdiverting sermonctte, which was greatly appreciated. The musical offerings comprised solos by Vernon Sellars, Patsy Hill and Jean Keith, who effectively combined song and dance in several pleasing items. Mrs. Kathleen Ward'again contributed a pianoforte solo in addition to conducting the orchestra. The Charleston Jazz Band demonstrated the unfailing appeal of such a combination, their efforts meeting with unstinted applause. Swinging from the latest dance tunes to classical numbers and national airs, they played everything with an infectious spontaneity and enthusiasm. Every player revealed his powers as a soloist. There were numerous short sketches, in which Curlev Sherwood and Gus Dawson took a prominent part, while light vocal numbers were given with refreshing gaiety by Colleen Hope. The ballet performed splendidly, two of their number, Polly Sharp and Dell Barnes, appearing in a charming song and dance scene. The whole production was elaborately presented. and should prove even more popular with audiences than its predecessors. MUNICIPAL BAND. The Municipal Band will play at the Zoological Park to-morrow afternoon. An interesting programme will include the marches, " Adolphe," " The Advance Guard," and "Far Awav;" overture, "Crown Diamonds;" selections, " Prociosa" and "Lilac Time;" " Amorettan Tanz," waltz, a suite of four dances from "The Rebel Maid;" cornet solo, "The Holy City" by Mr. Fred Bowes, and Handel's Celebrated Largo. ORGAN RECITAL. The city organist, Mr. J. Maughan Barnett, will play a number of Christmas pieces at the recital in the Town Hall tomorrow evening. Items will include: Karg Elert's quaint setting of " Adeste Fideles," "March of the Magi Kings" by Dubois, and a fantasia ou the tune, " Mendelssohn." Mr. Maughan Barnett will also play Handel's fifth Concerto, the "Halleujah Chorus," and Tschaikowski's " Sugar Plum Fairy." CAROL CONCERT. A carol concert., comprising many fine items, will bo given by the Municipal Band and tho Minster Singers in the Town Hall next Saturday eveuing. Old Christmas carols will bo sung to special band accompaniments, and with bells effects there should bo a charming ensemble. The singers will be supported bv the full band, the reed instruments only, and the brass section only, making for variety. Tho Minster Quartette will sing two of their special numbers. Miss Ruby Moselen will sing "The Holy Child" and Mr. Hoy Stephenson will sing "The Jester." Tho hand numbers will comprise 'Poet and Peasant" overture, tho Miserere Scene from "11 Trovatore," a bright selection from "Tho Yeomen of 'the Guard," Dvorak's Slavonic Dance, No. 8, "William Tell" overture, an Impromptu by Schubert, and the "Hallelujah" chorus from Handel's "Messiah."* Instrumental solos will bo rendered by Messrs Fred Bowes (cornet), Hal C. McLennan (flute), and Rowland Jackson (xylophone). Mr. Christopher Smith will conduct, and Mr. Walter Impett will be the accompanist. Booking arrangements are advertised. PUPILS' RECITAL. A pianoforte and elocutionary recital will bo given by the pupils of Miss Erica Blamires, assisted by Miss Alma McGruer and Mr. F. W. Barker, in the Devonport Parish Hall this evening. The Thespian Orchestra will also render items. CHORAL SOCIETY. School children are invited to a special free performance of Handel's "Messiah" to be given by the Auckland Choral Society in the Town Ilall to-morrow afternoon. No adults other than school teachers in charge of classes will be admitted, as it is desired to have as many children present as possible. The fmo music and impressive solos should prove of exceptional interest and of great educational value.