PLAZA AND TIVOLI

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 540, 18 December 1928, Page 15

PLAZA AND TIVOLI

“HEART OF A NATION” ‘•The Heart of a Nation,” the fine dramatic picture on the American immigration problem, based on the stage play, “We Americans,” will be shown again this evening at the Plaza and Tivoli Theatres. George Sidney is the star and the big cast supporting him includes George Lewis, Patsy Ruth Miller and Eddie Phillips. The story tells of a Russian, a German and an Italian family who have gone to America to -settle in New York’s Lower East Side, and do not understand the rapid assimilation of new customs on the part of their children. Levine drives his daughter, Beth, from home. Then war is declared on Germany. Pete Albertini and Phil Levine enlist. So does Hugh Bradleigh, Beth’s aristocratic sweetheart. Phil is killed saving Hugh, and Pete loses a leg. After the war Pete returns to Sarah Schmidt, and Hugh goes to Beth’s East Side home. His parents follow, disapproving of the match, but when Hugh explains that Beth’s brother gave his life to save him, the aristocratic Bradleighs rapidly consent to the marriage, as do the Levines. An amusing comedy-drama, “For Alimony Only,” with \ Leatrice Joy and Clive Brook in the leading roles, is the second feature. On Thursday next the Plaza and Tivoli will present a fine doublefeature programme, embracing “Waterfront,” starring Dorothy Mackaill and Jack Mulhall, and “The Wright Idea,” starring Johnnie Hines. “RED HEELS” AT BRITANNIA Spectacular scenes abound in the line U.F.A. picture, “Red Heels,” now at the Britannia Theatre. They include elaborate stage settings,' quite unique in their character, ballroom settings, in one of which the star of the story emerges from a giant peacock to entertain the guests; and lavishly appointed interiors. And, by way of sharp contrast, there are scenes in a Montmartre cabaret and in a fisherman's cottage in Brittany. It is the story that matters, and the story of “Red Heels is a gripping story of art and ambition, love and sacrifice, jealousy and devotion. Lili Damita fills the title role—and Lili Damita is a Continental actress of great beauty and charm, who will delight all the male members of the audience and disturb all the members of the fair sex. “The Head Man,” a comedy-drama starring Charlie Murray, is also being shown. v TWO COMEDIES AT EMPIRE In “The Butter and Egg Man,” now’ being shown at the Empire Theatre, Jack Mulhall does excellent work as the country bumpkin who buys a play that is no good, makes it a success through a bit of luck, and then sells it back to the city sharp. After seeing Mulhall as “The Butter and Egg Man,” it is hard to imagine any other actor doing the role as well. Opposite him Greta Nissen, the Swedish beauty, scores with her blonde charm and real histrionic ability. She has a more colourful role than that afforded the stage play heroins* since she is also leading lady in the play within the picture. Gertrude Astor, Sam Hardy and William Demarest appear in the three othei* principal roles with notable performances. “Good Morning, Judge,” a rollicking 'Reginald Denny comedy, is the second attraction. i