Connolly and Francis

Singing, comedy talk and music.

Connolly and Francis were "No, 11" on a thirteen-act bill at the Harlem. It was getting, near to closing time and the audience, while saturated with singing singles and doubles, was be- coming fidgety. Then came Connolly and Francis. Their talk wasn't much and their opening wasn't much, but once the musical part of their turn' came into play their success was instantaneous. The act woke 'em up, It was one of the best things on the bill. It was the combined efforts of the duo, with the melodeon. harmonica and ukelele that placed them in big favor. The woman first appeared is a hoopskirt outfit and played, the melodeon. The man affected a boobish mannerism and makeup. They sang and sang effectively "The Old Horse That Knows the Way Home," with the woman playing the accompaniment. Then after the man had sung an individual number that had the lyrics bringing a laugh, the woman returned in conventional attire; a dress that was becomingly attractive to her. Then the man introduced the harmonica and the girl played the ukelele; the combined playing proving a large sized hit when the man 4 jazzed the mouthorgan on topical numbers. Jazzing a harmonica proved a big novelty and the man did it above the average. Connolly and Francis have a happy vaudeville medium. They will fit in anywhere.

Variety, 54:3 (03/14/1919)