NATIONAL AND LYRIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 25, 21 April 1927, Page 15

NATIONAL AND LYRIC

“MCFADDEN’S FLATS” The comedy of racial contrasts appeared to be a well-worn field after recent efforts, but “ McFadden’s Flats ” has come along with refreshingly funny situations to prove that one has been under an optical illusion. It is not extravagant praise to say thtit this picture is an excellent comedy; it has those splendid qualities which open up the seams of one’s mirth and then leave one at peace with the world. The National and the Lyric Theatres screened “ McFadden’s Flats ” last night as the prime attraction on a big new bill and neither public nor management will have cause to regret the venture. Freshly funny pictures are to be seen and not missed; they come about as seldom as drinks 14 on the house,” or blue moons or other pleas-antly-strange phenomena. “ McFadden’s Flats ” put everyone in a good mood at the National. It is absurdly true to life; a screen version of artificial comedy, a playful pretence with truth lurking in it. Not one, but two comedians provided merriment in it and these are our old laugh-makers Charles Murray and Chester Conklin. Murray is the Irish builder, McFadden and Conklin is the tight-fisted Scot who runs a hairdresser’s saloon. McFadden’s main object in life is to build a block of flats and he succeeds in this after much mirthful incident. There are no rough edges about either of these roles; they are skilfully portrayed by real comedians, who have learnt their trade. One of the problems in the picture is what McFadden is to do with his daughter when she is ashamed of her parents after going to “ finishing ” school. He adopts a very old-fashioned method. The Irishmen carrying the golden hod in the- hodcarriers’ procession, the Scotsman’s giving a free shave, are marvellously humorous situations. “The Dice Lady” is a tale of an adventurous girl, Priscilla Dean, who is after every thrill that her father’s millions can provide her with. The title comes from her habit of tossing the “ bones ” at every opportunity. Her wilfulness eventually places her in j the harem of an eastern potentate. A well-produced comedy-drama this, with enough thrills to suit any jficture fan. The winners of the First National screen tests in the Australian States and New Zealand appear in a special film. They actually produce a one-act picture each, Miss Billie Andreassen, of Auckland, having the role of a potentially unfaithful wife. The merits of the candidates may be clearly judged in this film.