by Laurel | January 13th, 2014
13 January 1928
Mary and Margaret Gibb
January 1928
Poli’s Palace
Mary and Margaret Gibb, “the only American born Siamese twins,” whose birthplace is Holyoke, are the headliners on the entertaining bill at Poli’s Palace for the last of this week. Ray Traynor acts as master of ceremonies, smoothing the way agreeably between the twins and their audience. The grls appear to be quite poised and their constant smiling seems in no way forced but delightfully spontaneous. They sing a little, words of their own writing, and dance gracefully and without effort, first with the Harris boys and then alone. They are attractive, personable misses, who have developed an admirable philosophy of life as it affects them. Claire Vincent, assisted by Frank H. Gardner and Betty Lee Carter, presents and amusing skit, related to the vagaries and inconsistency of a husband. Miss Vincent encourages the little more in the tale, with the result that once she is minded to let herself go slightly “Zaza.” This out of they way, the skit should be placed on record as the best seen at the Palace in some time. Miss Vincent is a sure comedienne, possessing more subtlety and finesse than the vaudeville stage usually affords.
The Harris boys are excellent dancers of easy grace and versatility. Shelton Brooks, known as a songwriter of established popularity, appears in blackface to tell stories and sing some of his own songs. Frank Viola leaves no doubt in the audience’s mind that his partners are “wonder girls,” as they are billed. Their trapeze and balancing work is as dangerous as it is skillful. Their routine of feats gave the matinee audience something to think about, even during the rest of the bill.
Pauline Frederick is the star of the photoplay “The Nest,” an engaging comedy of love.
Adapted from The Springfield Republican.
More on the Gibb sisters here.
