ENTERTAINMENTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20131, 17 December 1928, Page 14

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE MIDNIGHT FROLICS. Clem Dawe, the versatile comedian, and the Midnight Frolics Comedy Company are enjoying an extremely popular season at His Majesty's Theatre. The now sketches now being presented show Clem Dawo at his best, and are refreshingly original throughout. The jazz band with the company is proving very popular, and lho vocalists, William Perryman, Oscar Beck and Lillian Crisp are always well received. Gregory Ivanoff is a clever solo violinist, while Gertie Cremer and Eric Edgley ure seen to advantage in many bright sketches. Phyllis Amery, Robertson and Les and Dorothy White also contribute largely to the success of the programme. A complete change of. programme will be made on Wednesday. Booking arrangements are advernsed. REVUE AT ST. JAMES'. Another popular revue company, headed by George Wallace, the well-known comedian will present an attractive programme at St. James' Theatre on Saturday. The company includes many talented artists who have an extensive repertoire of sorigs, dances and sketches. Booking arrangements are advertised. " SPEEDY." Always popular with picture-goers, Harold Lloyd, one of the cleverest comedians of the screen, has the leading role in " Speedy," the Paramount production which heads the fine programme to commence at the Strand Theatre next Friday. The versatile star of Ihe Kid Brother," " College Days," and many other clever films, is said to be at his best as " Speedy" Swift, a well meaning but entirely irresponsible American boy His devotion to baseball invariably triumphs over his determination to succeed in the world,»and he loses a good position through following an interesting score, instead of delivering an important letter. Falling in love with Jane Dillon, whose father owns an obsolete horse-tram iservice, " Speedy" makes a determined elfort to settle down, but is rudely disturbed on learning of a plan to defraud Mr Dillon of his pronerty, which has become valuable. A series of exciting events find the would-be thieves routed, and " Speedy" wealthy and happy. -An interesting supporting programme will also be shown, and the Strand Orchestra will play many fine selections. REGENT THEATRE. "The Mating Call," the screen version of Rex Beach's popular story, heads the fine programme now showing at the Regent Theatre. The story concerns a young man who, divorced from his warbride, finds solace in the building up of his farm in Florida, and marries an immigrant girl in the hope of forgetting his former wife The young man is suspected of murder and his efforts to protect his foreign wife cause both of them to lealise their mutual love The leading roles are taken by Thomas Meiehan, Evelyn Brent and Renee Adoree The second feature is "Kit' Carson," starring Fred Thomson in a fast-moving story of adventure during the early days of Western America. An additional attraction to commence tomorrow is Schistl's "Wonderettes, v a novel item that should prove very popular. Three hundred little people are said to take part in this unusual presentation. Many charming selections, played by the Regent Orchestra, complete a fine entertainment. PLAZA AND TIVOLI. " Heart of a Nation," a gripping drama of immigrants in the Lower East Side of Now York, is the principal feature now showing at the Plaza and Tivoli Theatres. The picture is adapted from the successful play " We Americans" by Milton Herbert Gropper and Max Siegel. The cast includes George Sidney, Patsy Ruth Miller, George Lewis and many other well-known players. The story concerns tho complications caused when, at the outbreak of tho war, neighbours become enemies, and a girl suddenly finds her lover a member of ar. opposing army. The second attraction " All For Alimony," is a matrimonial drama with Leatrice Joy in the role of u money-seeking wife. EVERYBODY'S THEATRE. A refreshing comedy, " Hot Heels," set in the colourful background of the racing season in Havana, is the principal feature now showing at Everybody's Theatre. The cast, which is headed by tho popular players, Glenn Tryon and Patsy Ruth Miller, includes Gretel Yoltz, Tod Sloano, Jamos Bradbury, sen., and Llovd Whitlock. The story concerns the humorous adventures of a youthful hotel owner who exchanges his hotel for a travelling theatrical company, because lie has fallen in lovo with- tho loading lady. His escapades in trying io put tho company on a paying basis, and bis persistent optimism, make a most enjoyable picture. Exciting scenes of climbing and ski-racing in the Swiss Alps are shown in " Peaks of Destiny," the second attraction. It is a thrilling story in which there is a strong element of romance. Leini Riefenstahl and L. Frenker havo tho leading roles. TUDOR THEATRE. "Steamboat Bill, Jnr.," starring Buster Keaton, is the principal feature now showing at the Tudor Theatie. The story concerns a rather effeminate youth who returns from college to find his father, the owner of an old-fashioned river steamer, on tho verge of financial ruin. Tho young man determines to re-establish the business and succeeds in driving the rival owner off tho river. The second attraction is "The Cardboard Lover," an enjoyable comedy, with Marion Davies in the leading role. ORGAN RECITAL. A number of Christmas pieces were played by the city organist, Mr. Maughan Burnett, in the Town Hall last evening. Items included. Karg Elert's quaint setting of "Adesta Fideles," "March cf tho Magi Kings," by Dubois, a fantasia on the tuno "Mendelssohn," Handel's fifth Concerto, tho "Hallelujah Chorus," and Tschaikowsky's "Sugar Plum Fairy." LUNA PARK. Luna Park, Auckland's amusement area, is proving increasing popular as tho season advances. An abundance of thrills for young and old are provided by tho many devices, and the side-shows are full of interest. The park is open every evening and on Saturday afternoons.