ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 November 1926, Page 11

ENTERTAINMENTS.

THE PEOPLE’S. JACK HOXIE IN “THE DEMON.” A whirling Blue Streak Western, “The Demon,” starring Jack Hoxie, is to be shown at the People’s Theatre to-night and to-morrow. Built along the accepted lines, full of dash and pep, and the villains and the dangers that appear to flourish in the Golden West, this picture has yet a new interest in that the love story it contains deviates . somewhat from the ordinary. Mystery, romance and adventure in plenty feature “The Demon," with Hoxie given every opportunity of displaying the wonderful horsemanship tiiat has made him famous, and the producers have brought into it some really beautfiul seenic effects that would do credit to any picture. It is a rousing, cattle-country story with a great finish. All the wellknown ingredients of the typical Western, pass in rapid succession across the screen, with Hoxie and the Universal Ranch Riders giving some thrilling exhibitoins of rough riding. The story is an unusual one in at least one respect, and in that a relief from the average romance that finds its way into plays. Lola Todd is the star’s leading lady, and dees excellent work in an interesting role. “The Demon” is supported by two great comedies, the second one of which stars Wanda Wiley. EVERYBODY’S. JACK HOLT IN “SEA HORSES.” A spectacular melodrama of love, adventure and romance under tropic skies is the chief feature of a noteworthy programme. Those who choose their film fare on the basis of dramatic strength of story, excellent characterisation, pictorial beauty and able direction should make a point to see “Sea Horses.” Advance reports and the verdict of last night’s audience definitely place it as the best production of its type for thjs season. Allan Dwan, producer of “Robin Hood” and many of Gloria Swanson’s successes, directed the picture, and showed good judgment by choosing Jack Holt, Florence Vidor, George Bancroft, and William Powell for the principal roles. “Sea Horses” is fully supported, and a novel and welcome addition to the evening’s enjoyment is “The Go-Get-ters,” a series of complete short-story films played by those versatile entertainers the stars of “The Telephone Girl.” IRVING’S IMPERIAL MIDGETS. The box plans for Irving’s Imperial Midgets and the Chefalo-Palermo Company, who are to appear at the Opera House, New Plymouth, commencing on Friday ne.— will open to-morrow at Collier’s. The Midgets are a highly-talent-ed organisation of fifteen of the world’s smallest people, all perfect pocket editions of the average adult, who present a programme of musical comedy, dancing, acrobatic work, etc., the whole forming a programme full of novelty and charm. The act was specially engaged in Europe by Sir Benjamin Fuller and is being presented here by Messrs Palermo and Tishman. In addition to the Midgets, there will appear the ChefaloPalermo Company of illusionists. Chefalo is billed as “the merry monarch of magic,” and. he offers an act vastly different from the usual ryn. Birds, animals, ete., are used in large numbers, and a specialty is made of new “cabinet” illusions, the whole amidst gorgeous settings. Palermo is the only lady illusionist in the world, and her main offering is “The Garden of Mystery,”’ a most beautiful “turn,” in which Signorina wears some very entrancing frocks. Irving’s Midgets and the Chefalo-Paler-mo Company will appear this week, on Friday and Saturday next. A. special matinee will be given on Saturday ternoon next, when children will be admitted for half price. The company will also play at Hawera on Thursday next. “DOROTHY.” Tlie production of “Dorothy" will always appeal to and please audiences. Ils diologues retain a distinct snappiness, its solos, quartettes and swinging choruses will haunt the memory, and will leave an impression not lightly thrown off. As produced by the Eltham Operatic Society under the direction of Messrs Cardston and Baxter, “Dorothy’’ promises to attain well-nigh professional standard and local theatregoers are assured of. an opera that will set a high standard for the society’s future productions. The costuming and scenic effects of the play are strikingly beautiful. The choral work and orchestra under the direction of Mr. A. Beesley is one of the outstanding features. “Dorothy” will be produced on a scale of magnificence as yet never attempted in Taranaki. The Wardrobe Mistresses Mesdames Ca’rson, Marchant and Parsons, have been congratulated on all sides, for the wonderful colour scheme they have presented. In all over 200 frocks are worn in "Dorothy.” The scenery has been admired by all privileged to view* it, The "Dorothy” season promises to be an assured success. The Taranaki itinerary is as follows: Town Hall, Eltham. Wednesday and Thursday next, Box Plan at Carman’s; Town'Hall, Stratford. Tuesday next, Box Plan at Grubb’s; Opera House. Hawera. Thursday and Friday, November 25 and 26. Show nights, Box Plan at Miss Blake’s Confectionery Shop.