Rhoda Bernard took up the running, opening intermission, getting little with two published numbers. Her third was a “wop” song, the dialect being off. Her dialect with the finale, a Yiddish comedy lyric, was better, though it was not especially well chosen. Miss Bernard will fare better with a brighter routine and something newer.
Swain’s Cats and Rats ran third, proving amusing. Up to the time this turn closed with the comic boxing bout between two tabbies there was very little stirring. The “bout” is a smart bit of animal training and the pussies will grab a smile from anyone.
It was Bob Calvert and Tony Shayne who were spotted next to closing. Theirs is a straight singing routine, the men duetting throughout, with a dash of action inserted here and there. With “Oriental Chinatown” they got into stride and followed up well enough with “Minnie-Ha-Ha.” The men jazzed up “Manyana Land” for a closer and could have encored.
Saxton and Farret, on after the Englishman, were another comedy riot. The dark stage entrance with the male as the house electrician gumming up the lady’s son gave them a whale of a start and they never let down for an instant, At the finish, when both have changed to evening attire, the team make an excellent appearance. It’s a good act written around an old idea.
Robert Hodge and Co. in familiar comedy sketch kept up the comedy sketch kept up the comedy average and breezed in. he has two new assistants, both up to the standard of the last pair. Hodge does an excellent bit of characterization as the garrulous old lawyer and kept them laughing consistently from curtain to curtain.
Harvey De Vora Trio, in No. 4, disclosed two men and a woman, one couple doing “high brow” and the featured male comic an “ace of spades” nance. The offering is titled “A Darktown Cabaret” and carries with it some furious funnies and azure lines that are stingless, bow over.
16 Mins.; Full (Special). In addition to George Murphy and Joe Ratcliffe, Ellis Mattin is of this turn. Mr. Murphy is offering a German impersonation that will go a long way to making this act a favourite with small time audience’s. The straight is a mighty good feeder and has a nice singing voice. The act comprises a number of “bits” that have been seen before, but nevertheless are funny. The turn will stand featuring on the small time.
17 Mins.; Full Stage (Parlor) “The Kleptomaniacs.” Miss Florence and Mr. Ely are presenting the former Rice and Cohen sketch on the small time. A good laughs producing farce as ever in their hands. Barring a tendency to overplay Mr. Ely, the act can play on any bill that has a spot for a sketch.
[New Act] Acrobatic, 8 mins; three. Two man acrobatic team in a familiar routine of hand stands and pivots, executed with precision and further enhanced by clean cut appearance and ease of manner. Acceptable closing turn.
[New Act] Hand Balancing, 10 mins; full stage. Man and woman. Man seated at table opening. Phone rings. He answers. Partner enters. Somebody wants to engage them for a show. The decide they need practice. “Let’s try a few tricks before we go over to fill the date,” the man says. Business of man peeling off coat and woman exiting and changing from street to athletic costume. Routine of hand to hand stunts follows. All of the familiar lifts and balances are offered and neatly executed. Several lifts from the floor to a hand to hand brought applause responses at the American Monday night. Good small time openers of closer of the standard variety.
