NEW REGENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 263, 27 January 1928, Page 15

NEW REGENT

MAX, MORITZ AND AKKA Max, Moritz, and Akita, the three monkey actors, whose visit to this city has been long looked forward to by Auckland theatregoers, gave their second performance of the season at the Regent Theatre last evening The capacity house for the time utterly forgot everyday cares of the world in the enjoyment of a pleasureable half-hour's fun as the incorrigible trio disported themselves on the stage in many quaint and original escapades. To see these animals carrying out evolutions on a tight rope that would have made Blondin highly envious was an instruction in itself. Then, again, the amazing balancing feats executed by the clever three on real bicycles should be seen to be believed. Round and round the arena they pedalled, for all the world like three schoolboys showing off their prowess on new “bikes.” The well-nigh impossible tricks of the wheelman’s sport were performed with a carelessness that proclaimed long and patient teaching by the two trainers. Both solo and concerted exhibitions of cycling were effected with apparent ease by Max, Moritz, and Akka. Two rounds of a boxing bout with the third “man” as referee—looked promising until one of the principals showed the white feather, and received a contemptuous kick c-n the seat of his patched pants from his bellicose opponent. , During a large part of their turn, the actors indulged in many unrehearsed acts. Much hilarity was provoked by a jazz band act. Irrepressible laughter greeted the clashing of cymbals, thumping of a big drum, and'the screech of a violin. The “musicians” evidently regarded their task as serious, and succeeded in pounding out a well-defined rhythm. The gaudy wardrobe of the monkeys —Max in “Oxfords,” Akka in a loudcliecked gingham frock, and Moritz attired in red shorts (much patched in the rear)—added to the grotesque effect of the trio. The troupe will appear twice daily at the Regent for a week, and can be assured of a hearty reception on every occasion. Commencing this evening, the picture side of the programme will take the form of a farce developed from an entirely novel theme. “Running Wild,” W. C. Field’s latest and most successful production, tells of a timorous husband who, through the medium of a hypnotist, becomes a “roaring lion.” The hypnotist, a “vaudevillian,” makes Field believe that he can go out and “beat the world.” How he sets off. and the results achieved in the beating up, make an immensely laughable story.

Eddie Horton, who is leaving for Sydney next week, has arranged a special farewell programme of Wurlitzer numbers. Maurice Guttridge’s operatic orchestra is heard in several delightful selections from classic and popular composers.

Again the opening-da3 r record of United Artists’ Theatre Seattle, has been broken. The record for the opening day’s business, hitherto held by “Two Arabian Knights.” is now credited to Mary Pickford’s “My Best Girl,” according to informtaion received recently at United Artists’ Xew Zealand offee. The Pickford film, which was acclaimed by the Press as Mary Pickford’s best picture, broke the opening-day matinee record, and exceeded the record gross takings for the opening night as well.