ENTERTAINMENTS.

Taranaki Daily News, 18 November 1926, Page 12

ENTERTAINMENTS.

EVERYBODY’S THEATRE. “KIKI”—THE NEW TALMADGE. Two of the most popular stars in screendom are to ibe seen together in the First National picture, “Kiki.” which is to be presented at Everybody’s Theatre to-night. In this delightful comedy-drama of every-day Paris—the real Paris—Norma Talmadge plays the leading role, with Ronald Coleman supporting her, and rarely has Norma had a more interesting part than she has in “Kiki.” Gone is the queenly beauty of so many royal romances; gone is the becurled and deniure maid of character roles, and in her place is a waif of the Paris streets, the golden-voiced Kiki, who sells her “Echo de Paris” to the patrons of the opera. Kiki gets her chance to twinkle before the footlights, and the resulting story is a glittering comedy-drama that spells only mirth and happiness from the moment the gods begin to smile. This picture is a big departure for the star, but she emerges with more laurels to her already illustrious name. In. the past she has proved that she can play comedy just as brilliantly as she can play straight drama, but in “Kiki” she blossoms forth as a comedienne of rare charm and vivacity. The story of “Kiki” is fascinating and full of unexpected little twists that have the spectator constantly guessing, and the picture, jumping from the streets into the Parisian theatre, ends in brilliant surroundings, and little Kiki the toast of the boulevards. Ronald Colman, maintains his great popularity, his penchant for quiet and subtle humour standing him .in good stead in this picture. “Kiki” is finely supported by short films of interest and Everybody’s orchestra contribute a delicate entr’acte, “On the Riviera” orchestrated by Mr. Chas. H. Fox. THE PEOPLE’S THEATRE. THE SPORTING CHANCE. “The Sporting Chance,” the Tiffany production to be shown at The People’s Theatre to-night and to-morrow night, is one ’of the most magnificently thrilling films seen for a long time. It is a turf story, but with what a difference! There is nothing old or familiaj about the story, despite the fact that it celitres round the Sport of Kings. The suspense is admirably sustained, the story betrays flashes o 4 comedy, but through it. all is the story of a girl who was willing to relinquish all that life held out to her, so that, financially, her father might be strengthened, and how “Kentucky Boy” came home and so brought back to her all that she was giving up. It is a story that has its quota of human interest as well as its great thrills, and in the hands of experienced artists it becomes one of the outstanding pictures of the year. Lou Tellegen and Dorothy Phillips play the leading roles, and Geo. Fawcett plays as always the “old man” to perfection. A good range of supports and a comedy are also on this new’ programme which screens to-night and tomorrow night only. IRVING’S IMPERIAL MIDGETS. The combined shows—lrving’s Imperial Midgets and the Chefalo-'Palermo Company—which are to appear at the Opera House to-morrow and Saturday nights, are thus referred to by the Auckland Star: “Their popularity is being well maintained at the Opera House, another crowded attendance being recorded last night (the fourteenth performance in Auckland). The Midgets are an intriguing novelty. Humorous patter, dancing, singing, comedy, boxing, wrestling, wire walking, and a most effective Apache scene is included in their programme. The miniature conductor of the orchestra, Willie Rolle, wields his baton in capable manner, while ha causes much fun with his announcements before and after each item. Remarkable sleight of hand tricks and baffling illusions, all being entirely new’, won enthusiastic applause for the great Chefalo. He is a brilliant showman, with a pleasing line of bright patter which makes his offerings the more enjoyable. Chefalo is assisted by Madame Palermo, Miss O’Neill and Messrs. Fremlin and “Valantino.” The Midge'ts-Chef-alo Company will appear in its entirety in New Plymouth, the show being in every respect identical with that given in all the larger towns. A marked feature of the performance is the stage settings. Particularly is this the case during Chefalo’s act. Practically no scenery in the accepted term is used, the settings consisting entirely of tapestries gathered in many lands during the.travels of the performer. A special matinee is announced for Saturday afternoon, commencing at 2.15. The box plans are at Collier’s. To-night the company appear in Hawera.