ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 November 1921, Page 8

ENTERTAINMENTS.

ST. LEON’S CIRCUS. A CLEVER PERFORMANCE. It is an old saying that if you see one circus you see the lot, but St. Leon’s Circus, which opened a twonights’ season at New Plymouth last evening, must surely be the exception that proves the rule. From start to finish there was not one dull moment, with thrilling acrobatic acts, clever animal performances, numerous novelty acts, not to forget the initiative and original clown comedy numbers following each other in quick succession. Senorita Dolores, on the flying trapeze, was a revelation, her graceful aerobatic acts in mid-air being nothing short of marvellous. Millie Golda, on the tight-wire, was another star performer, and the manner in which she vaulted over chairs and did other equally amazing “stunts,” unassisted by balance pole or umbrella, gained her unstinted applause. A plea-sing number was the acrobatic turns of the juvenile Honey Trio, who displayed remarkable agility for ones so young. The Odessa Sisters performed the dizzy feat of whirling round on the high trapeze at a terrifying rate, all the while supporting themselves by their teeth alone. This was a feat ’full of grace and skill, and earned the applause it well merited. The three Odessa Brothers proved to be gymnasts and acrobats of the first flight, their triple somersaults proving especially popular. Their feats of tumbling and their work on. the seesaw were also excellent.

St. Leon’s is especially strong in animal performers, including horses, mules, dogs, and even two small white pigs. Roy St. Leon managed his four flying steeds in a masterful manner, besides performing hair-raising feats on horseback whilst travelling at full gallop. The pony Reuben was the last thing in equine sagacity, whilst another popular performer was Maudie Mule. Professor Morris, with his trained and pigs, was instructive and amusing. A picturesque number was the riding'act of Mervyn King, dressed as a huntsman. A thrilling fire-jumping act was given by Conchita, the Indian rider, and her Arab steed. The purely comic part was in the capable hands of three clowns —Joey, Woolum and Gus, and this trio, with their breezy jokes and amusing antics, kept the large audience in fine good humor. Madam Zootrina, the female masquerader, also added to the general enjoyment with “her” equine turns. A most interesting and diversifying enter-

tainment was brought- to a close by a sensational ladder-revolving act by the two clowns —Joey and Woolum. A full brass band rendered musical items during the performance, its lively strains i evoking much appreciation. St. Leon’s Circus appears finally at New Plymouth tonight. The location is Devon Street West, just beyond the post office. * EVERYBODY’S. LAST NIGHT OF "GOOD REFERENCES.” I “What is a little thing like references?” says Constance Talmadge in "Good References,” concluding to-night, at Everybody’s, as she steps into a peavh of a job with an old maid, moneyed and religious. From her previous state the day before —moneyless, jobless, re- ■ fercnceless?, tuckerless—it was quite a step to ncr present state of affluence — that is. to any other girl but the saucy Constance. But to her it was, of just a matter of personality. An ordinary girl might weep and moan, but not Constance —she gets out and hustles, through five reels of gurgles and giggles. Then, as if there is not enough comedy in a Constance Talmadge comedy, there is Larry Semon’s latest funniosity, “The “Rent Collector.” on the same programme. Larry the inimitable is made of Indiarubber and unbreakable. A veritable feast of laughter is provided in these two pictures. Seats may. and certainly should, be reserved at Collier’s. THE PEOPLE’S. TOM MIX IN “THE ROAD DEMON.” This thrilling, speedy comedy of. Western Jife, commencing to-night, at the People’s, is declared to be the best Mix has made—'which is saying something for the clever Fox star. He begins by swapping his horse (not Tony, of course) for a broken-down auto on the desert, and, finding the steering-gear broken, he uses his lariat to guide the pesky thing. He finally gets it going, lie rides back to the ranch. He can’t stop the car. He rides through a fence and then a barn, and at length lie yells to his cowboy friends to shoot a hole in the gas tank’ to make it halt. The pace set in the opening scenes is maintained throughout the picture. He wins a road race with the car. But the finish comes after thrilling stunts. He does some rescue work that is hair-raising—and he wins the hand of pretty Claire Anderson, his leading woman. A big {Sunshine , comedy and Fox gazettes are also on the bill. GREAT MAORI REVUE. Our readers’ special attention is drawn to the Great Maori Revue Company’s advertisement in this issue. A glance at the programme will reveal the fact that there is something good in store for the residents of this town, and those who desire a good seat will be well advised to book .-early. The natives comprising the company all belong to Taranaki, and those who have beqn to their previous entertainment? say that it is the best combination of Maoris that has ever appeared on the stages of this district. Crowded houses have greeted the company everywhere, and hundreds have been turned away. The programme includes hakas, poi dances and dish band selections, all of which are rendered to most accurate time and in an effective way. The rest r of the items include vaudeville effects, ’ comic songs, etc. The whole programme is first-class, but perhaps the finest items are the “Hawaiian ITaka Lelis” and “Turi Leaving ITav.aikt With His Canoe Aotearoa.” In the latter “Ratoia,” who i» a direct descendant of Tari, plays the leading part. Ail the performers are attired in attractive costumes specially made by a Maori tailor. Clowns and dummies are present to play effective parts. Charlie Chaplin is also to be seen. Altogether the entertainment is well above the average, and the only ones disappointed to date are those who have been unable (to be present at the entertainl menti. It lias been said that the ; word? “Maori Revue” mean the same as I “superior entertainment.” The revue f comp&ny will be iu New Plymouth for one ijight only.