ENTERTAINMENTS- STAGE PICTURES MUSIC

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12643, 31 December 1926, Page 7

ENTERTAINMENTS- STAGE PICTURES MUSIC

"THE MIDNIGHT FROLICS” BRIGHT ENTERTAINMENT. The Midnight Frolics Company are providing entertainment that is very much to the liking of patrons, at His Majesty’s' Theatre, as is amply Shown by the enthusiasm of the packed houses that have been the rule since the “Frolics” opened. Not only is the acting thoroughly good throughout, blit it is well supported by Vocalists and instrumentalists of marked ability. Clem Dawe, who is the principal comedian of the, company, keep® the house in roars of laughter whenever he appears. Eric Edgley, Lcs White, and Louis Cottam are also excellent comedians, who back up their principal I splendidly throughout the performance. Three very laughable sketches 'are “The Woman Hater,” “Home Comforts,” and “The Man Down the Hole,” the best of which lias a special appeal to Wellington audiences, as it deals with the digging up of roads. Gregory Ivanoff, an eminent Russian violinist, scores a big hit in the “Goblins’ Danoe,” by Bazzini; in “Moods,” by Zachanewitch, and als6 in “Indian Love Call,”, arranged by himself, and played in‘ Russian national costume. Other excellent items are contributed 'by Phyllis Amefy, .Alec Regap, and Violet Lester. The Frolics’ Jazz band is the beet that has yet visited Wellington, and was deservedly eiicored. The Dick-Dorothy Trio are extremely graceful dancers. Oscar Beck is The possessor of a rich baritone voice, and is heard to advantage in “The Floral Dance” and “Marclieta.” The same programme will be repeated to-night and to-morrow night. There will be a matinee to-morrow at 2.30 p.m. EMPRiSTOEATRE v “RED HOT TIRES” AND “THE FAMILY UPSTAIRS.” In “Red Hot Tires,” the Warner Bros, classic ,qf the screen, which Is eponing to-day at the Empress Theatre, Monte Blue makes his second appearance this season in a speed prof duction. Since the sighing of his new contract with the Warners, he has appeared in “The Limited Mail,” a melodrama- of train wrecks, and now in this picturisation of the Gregory Rogers automobile wrecking story. The story of “Red Hot Tires” concerns a speed-demon who develops a fear complex of automobiles from numerous and serious accidents/ He falls in love with a beautiful girl, who is also speed-mad, and together they are involved in a seriee of amusing inci dents when the girl’s father sends them both to gaol. Ho. is honorary police chief, and suspicious of his daughter’s new acquaintance, especially when she is.kidnapped; so that while the hero is madly searching for/ the girl, her father is following him in hot pursuit. In liis frantic desire to fescue the girl he lovos, the young man forgets all about his fear of motors, and by motor-cycle and roadster he succeeds in saving her from her kidnappers. Cured of his complex, but afflicted with a new malady—love—he speeds off with his fiancee to happiness. : ; Patsy Ruth Miller plays the heroine of “Red Hot Tires” ; Fred Esmelton, her father, and Charles Conklin a coachman. Lincoln Stcdman is the Triend of the hero,' and Tom MoGuire and William Lowery the kidnappers. Jimmy Quinn is a gambler, and Malcolm Waite a crook. The love story of a girl whose-ftfmily was absorbingly interested in’ the'delicate business of marrying her. off is ad- ' mirablv and humorously delineated in celluloid by Director J. G. Blystone in “Tho Family Upstairs,” Fox Films version of Hurry Delf’s play of New York domestic life, now showing at the Empress Theatre sb the second feature. The girl in Hie case is the charming Virginia Vain. Others in tho evenlvbalanced cast are Allan Simpson, J. Farrell MacDonald, Lillian Elliott, Cecille Evans, .Edward Piel, junr., Jacqueline Wells, and others. The Pathe Gazette is particularly interesting, and includes ,scenes of .the famous match between the Maoris and Harlequins. a$ Twickenham. The orchestral items are a feature of the entertainment. . NEW PRINCESS THEATRE LAURA LA PLANTE IN “THE MIDNIGHT SUN.” Dramatie situations and colourful and luxurious settings feature “The Midnight Sun,” a Universal Superjewel production opening to-day at the New Princess Theatre. The picture, a thrilling story of Russia just' before the world war, has been given an allstar cast, and was directed by Dimitri Buchowetzki, noted .Russian director. Heading the players are such'favourites as Laura La Plante, Pat O’Malley, Raymond Keane, ■ and • George Siegipiann. A dancing girl, by the charm of her beauty and the influence of two of Russia’s niogt powerful men, raises herself to the position of premier bailer ink of tile Imperial Russian ballet. Her sponsors, the Grand Duke and Kusipin, the banker, seek to obtain her fob themselves, but the girl gives her heart to a young officer in the duke’s household. Oiit'of this situation and those that follow comes the dramatic and tenselygripping story of -this production. Costly and beautiful soenes feature this remarkable production, while no greater danoe sequence has ever been filmed than that showing the Ballet of Jewels as once produced by the Imperial Russian Ballet. The cdstumes are gorgeous, colour, being added to them by the resplendent uniforms of the Russian army, navy, and nobility The picture is replete with stirring situations, with drama of the highest typo predominating. The supports include “Jack and the Beanstalk,” with Baby Peggy as the star; “Who Next?” a comedy; and the final of the children’s,' competition. 1 A reduction in day prices is announced. • “islAfsor Opening on Saturday, January 15th. will be something original in theatrical entertainment when Messrs J. and N. Tait present the most laughable. comedy of all time, “Is Zat So?” “Is Zat So?”, ia a unique and altogether different entertainment. A play that combines, the most delightful form of comedy with the most, compelling and absorbing drama. It makes you laugh and at the same time thrills you—it keeps you wondering how it will all turn. out. Happy humour, lively laughter, a real plot, a quick fire wit that, crackles all tho time,. and brings the laughs unceasingly; Three pairs of lovers whose tender passion makep you feel young and envious. All these are the features of the most irresistible and most convulsing comedy ever staged, The characters ate sustained by the original New York .company with the originalNew York production headed by Richard Taber, who not only plays the lead but is also part author with James Gleason. “Is Zat So?” has been running for two years in New York and London, and is generally recognised as the holder of the .world’s long distance laughing recced.

“THE FAKE” TRIUMPH" OF ACTING A crowded .Opera House greeted the fourth presentation of “The Fake” last evening, and accorded a well-merited tribute to Mr Maurice Moscovitch for his dramatic acting throughout the .piece. The play is an appropriate vehicle for Mr Moscovitch to display his accomplishSnents in dramatic art, and his wonderful facial expressions and apt gestures compel an undivided interest, it is also a triumph for Mr Nat Madison, who fills the most difficult role in the play—that of the drunkard and dope-soddened fiend who develops into an almost inhuman husband. Ho convincing is his characterisation as to inspire in the audience a keen desire to kick him all round the stage, n tlie last act his scene with Geoifrey Sandos is the culminating point of as fine a piece of acting as we hare seen in this type of character. Mr George Zucco as Enlcst Stanton, M.P., the unctuous and ultra-snobbish politician, gave a very finished and true-to-life performance. His artistry left nothing to be desired, and in Stanton all counci recognise a type that is only too frequently met with. A healthy character was Reginald Newson, who, as Clifford Hope, the under-secretary and rising young politician, brought a refreshing touch of the cold-tub-overy-morning, clean and wholesome youngster into the piece. Mr George Blunt, as Sir Thomas Moorgate, the very fashionable consultant had an admirable bedside manner, and one would not hesitate to choose a doctor like him, with his cheeriness and profound commonsense. The outstanding feminine performance was that of Miss Ellen Pollock, who made a most amusing waitress at a seaside hotel. Mr and Mrs Hesketh Pointer taken by Mr Alexander Sarner and MisS Bileeii Sparks, were excellent in the they had to do. Miss Kerrie Kelly as Mavis S'tanton, the wife of the drupkard. is charming as a bride, and in her term of trial elicits the sympathy of all. Other parts were taken by Miss Marfaret Murray, Miss Kioto King, apd fr J. B. Atholwood, and *ll gave good characterisations of their various roles. “The Fake” will play for the remainder of this .week, and ■ after that the Moscovitch Company will present “Trilby/’ “The Outcast,” and “They Know What They Wanted.” “TRILBr~ON¥ONDAY moscovitcbTas svengali. The second production of the Moscovitch season is the revival after many years of Du Maurier’s celebrated romnnee of the Quartier Batin of Paris. “Trilby.” The story is unique, and most unusual, and has an appeal to all classes of theatregoers. The play has proved-a great success in Sydney, and the revival there nightly drew, crowded and delighted oudieneps. The “Guardian” critic says:—“Trilby’.’ has done such tremendous business at the Criterion Theatre that it is regrettable Mr Mosoovitch’s season should have to conclude so soon, for “Trilby” is apparently just • as fascinating to this generation as it was to the last. The romance of the motel of the. Latin Quarter, the mystic and mesmeristic Svengali, and the three Musketeers of . the. brush,, are Admirably presented’' by Mr Moscovitch and his clever' asso-ciates,-with Pollock ,as a .charmfin g“Trilby.” Box to-day, are at the, Bristol, to-morrow and Monday at the Opera House confectionery, where day sale tickets are obtainable. QUEEN^THEATRE “THE BLACK""PIRATE.” Following a tremendous opening season at the Be Luxe Theatre, “The Black Pirate” commences its second week in. Wellington at the Queen’s Theatre, at 2.30 this afternoon, and again at 8 o’clook to-night. Douglas Fairbanks is the romantic adventurer who achieves no end of thrills in this stirring story. His ingenuity and athletic prowess are big factors in his struggle to win a captured damsel from a shipload of bloodthirsty .pirates. As was the case with “Robin . Hood” and “The Thief of Bagdad,” the story is from the pen of Elton Thomas, and it was adapted to the . screen by Jack Cunningham, scenarist for. “Don Q,” “The Covered Waggon” and many other noteworthy pictures. The picture tells a highly-exciting story of piracy on the high seas. A young fellow, whose father has been made to walk the plank, swears a vow of vengeance. He dispatches the murderous leader at the point of the sword, and then has to outwit the rascally first mate. The plot abounds in the most thrilling situations, and revives the days when men fought hand to hand with cutlasses and the scuppers ran red with blood. A beautiful girl is rescued from a captured ship, and the rascally crew draw lots for her. It is her misfortune to be won by the villainous mate, but “The Black Pirate” falls in love with her, and after a series of the most. thrilling adventures he succeeds in protecting her and confounding the cut-throat crew. This is not, accomplished, however, until' a ship is blown up and the hero has had to swim to the mainland, eventually returning to rescue the girl. This stirring picture should take one back to boyhood’s days and buried treasure. It recalls Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island,” and “fifteen men on a dead nlan’s chest, . yo. ho, ho, and a bottle of rum.” Douglas Fairbanks, who is at the height of his outstanding fame on the motion picture screen, may be expected to .excel himself in this romantic comedydrama. Billy Dove is the heroine, and she is so charming in this film that she is well worth battling for. The latest gazette ana a merry comedy will support the big picture. This attractive programme will be screened twice daily, at 2.30 and again at 8 o’clock. Special music will he supplied by the orchestra, under the direction of Miss E. Dennehy. THEATRE DE’BtffiE“COLLEGE DAYS” (HAROLD LLOYD), A SCREAM. A wonderful character is Harold Lnnvb, hero of “Collegp Days,” Harold Lloyd’s latest, a. Pathe picture, which commences its Wellington season at the popular De Luxe Theatre this afternoon. in. this production is the most pathetic of all living creatures—r someone wanting to be loved. Admiration, hero worship, he craves too, hut he wants it because it means that be is a jolly good fellow—everybody’s friend and no one’s enemy—because he will stand enthroned in the hearts of all as an ideal to pattern after, even ns he had attempted to model his personality after college heroes of fiction. With this craving to he popular, and his campaign to achieve the goal carefully planned out, Harold Lamb goes to college, and is promptly spotted as a boob. First, Harold is assigned to •■Nfiaxais s3E..uaiiiss *2 sate* Mte

dean to the auditorium for his opening address. He is next ushered on to the platform, and told that every new student must make a speech. He complies with the suggestion, and though handicapped in his style by a kitton crawling round under his turtle sweater he “gets it across” that he is just a regular fellow, and everyone should step right up and call him “Speedy.” Thus does Harold make his debut at college, and thus are the laughs started in “College Days,” which is said to work up to a climax that exceeds anything the popular comedian has ever done lor suspense, thrills, excitement, and laughs. The cast presents Jobyna Ralston as Harold’s sweetheart; Brooks Benedict, as the chief persecutor of the little Lamb; James Anderson, as the college hero that Lamb hopes to supplant; Hazel Keener, as a beautiful co-ed; Joe Harrington, as the tailor; ana Pat Harmon as the “hard boiled” football coach. The excellent supporting programme includes an excruciatingly tunny comedy, and popular snapshots. The musical programme is being so arranged that it should appeal to De Luxe patrons, who delight in the superb selections played under the direction of Miss Bryers. REGENTTHEAmE V “THE BARRIER” :" NEW SONGS BY “THE BIG FOUR.” Commencing to-day at the Regent Theatre is “The Barrier,” taken from the famous novel by Rex Beach. This is one of the finest films on record, and from start to finish holds the interest of every member of the audience. In its adaptation to the screen of. Rex Beach’s famous novel, “The Barrier,” Metro-Goldivyn-Mayer has made a noteworthy contribution to the great motion picture creations. Produced under the masterly direction of George Hill, it will enjoy the same popularity as the original story. Thrill piles upon thrill, sensation upon sensation, in this stupendous drama of the Arctic. A pulsating story of the great White North, told as only Rex Beach could tell it—with a passion as strong as the iron men of whom he writes. The east is headed by Lionel Barrymore, H. B. Walthall, Norman Kerry and Marceline Day, and the benefit of entrusting the principal roles to actors of their calibre is shown in the vividly sincere note their finished artistry strikes throughout. Barrymore, as the brutish sea captain, gives a picturesque and forceful characterisation, and Walthall is ideally cast in a sympathetic role. Miss Day makes a charming Necia, and she is shown very attractively as an actress of real merit. Norman Kerry finely interprets his role of a young army lieutenant. The romantic interest of the picture is centred in the characters of the girl and the soldier and their adventures in the lonely, frozen North. Theirs is rather a pathetio loye story, only resulting in final happiness through the man’s loyalty to his sweetheart, although to many others her Indian blood would have been an insurmountable barrier. | The. virile power of Rex Reach’s novel is not lost in its translation to 1 the screen, and the greater range of the camera has given the thrills with which the story abounds.' a definite touch of realism. The other great hit on the bill will be the new programme presented by Messrs Frank' Wignall, Hatty Grim! dell, Charles POrryn and Oliffo O’Keefe, who, under the name of “The Big Four,” have bCen drawing enormous houses to thils theatre, every night. They occupy the stage for a full half hour, and even then the audiences do not want to let them go. They put their songs across in fa breezy manner, and whether singing ballads or comedy songs, they never fail to please. Further numbers from their extensive repertoire will be given tonight, when a record house is expected. Their songs to-night will include "Maggie— Yes Ms,’’ “Arabian Moon,” “Katinka,” “Thanks for the Buggy Ride,” and “Mulligan’s Picture Show,” one of their inimitable Irish oomedy numbers. With such a programme as this, intending patrons can rest assured that they will have presented to them the best vaudeville turn of the year; In addition there will be good supports and beautiful musio bv the orchestra, under the baton of Mr M. Dixon. The box plan is at the Bristol Piano Company, or ring the theatre, 'phone 44-144.