MONKEY MARVELS

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 114, 11 February 1928, Page 5

MONKEY MARVELS

MAX, MORITZ, AND AKKA AT TILE REGENT.

Roars of laughter greeted the appearance at the Regent Theatre last evening of Max, Moritz, and Akka, the three chimpanzee screen stars, now known the world over through their comedy pictures. Clever as they are upon tho screen, these denizens of the African forests displayed in. their act last evening such keen intelligence and complete understanding as to give a very substantial reason for the continued existence of the Darwin theory. Tho three animals are introduced (Behind a net) having their evening meal, seated at a table, chattering and munching away in social amity, comically dressed for the occasion, and pausing at intervals in a curious way to gazo out upon tho audience, as though summing up tho receipts of tho house. Having concluded their repast, tho revels begin, to the accompaniment of gales of laughter? Akka slips round tho stago on roller skates ns though to the manner born, whilst Max stumps round on stilts, and little Moritz does a skilful tight-rope act, even sitting and lying at full length, perfectly balanced on the wire. Akka, who is a real peppy comedian, appears in a ridiculous skirt, to do tho rhythmical "black bottom" dance, which had the audience soaring with laughter. But even better was to follow. Two of the monkeys gave a burlesque boxing contest, wearing 4oz. gloves, whilst the referee climbed the net to keep out of the danger zone. Akka won, having at his disposal a powerful kick in clinches that always caught his opponent unawares. Following the boxing bout, all three took to safety bicycles, which they wore able to manage as well as any human. Akka is a trick cyclist, who can ride any way, the absurd sigjlit being presented of him pedalling with one foot, steering with the other, and playing a pair of cymbals with his hand. Max succeeded in equalling this performance by scraping away at a fiddle as ho whirled round tho stage. As showing the intelligence of the chimpanzee, Akka was asked to steer a course between close-sot obstacles without touching them, which he did successfully. Ono of the funniest of his mannerisms was to jump from the bicycle on to the net at the end of each trick. The gymkhana ended in the three monkeys cycling round the stage abreast. Tlie net, which is continuously entertaining and amusing, shows how wonderfully these animals can bo trained to simulate human effort.

Other than the monkey net the programme adhered to’comedy. "Tell It to Sweeney,” starring Chester Konklin and Goo. Bancroft in a funny railway farce. Tn view of tho record houses booked for the short season of Max, Moritz, and Akka. the management has arranged a special children’s session to take place nt 11 o’clock this morning, when Mnx. Moritz, nnd Akka will norform specially for the young folk. The session will be preceded hy n reception nt 10.30,. when the "linman” animals will attend in the vestibule of the theatre, nnd the children Will have an opportunity of meeting them in person. Max. Moritz, nnd Akka. he'd the record for booking at tho Regent Theatre. The phenomenal interest being taken in the sorsntionnl net has resulted in an unprecedented number of reserves being recorded for the short season, which closes on Tuesda, February 21.