“OLD IRONSIDES”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 98, 16 July 1927, Page 16

“OLD IRONSIDES”

AN OUTSTANDING FILM There is no doubt that the Paramount picture, “Old Ironsides,” which will shortly have its New Zealand premiere at the Regent Theatre, Auckland, is one of the truly great motion picture productions. To Director James Cruze and Wallace Beery, that inimitable character actor, goes the credit for this remarkable film. James Cruze is well known for his masterly direction. He gave the screen such masterpieces as “The Covered Waggon” and the “Pony Express.” His work in handling “Old Ironsides” is perhaps the greatest that we have seen on the silver sheet. Cruze has brought into the picture that intangible thrill that is inherent in every man of British stock, the thrill of the fight for freedom. By his work in “Old Ironsides” in which he portrays the part of the cheery bo’sun, Wallace Beery has been acclaimed by English and American critics as " the greatest character actor the screen has unearthed. His comedy relief is a sensation and in association with George Bancroft, the master gunner of “Old Ironsides,” he provides many amusing scenes. Charming Esther Ralston has the lone feminine role as the daughter of the captain of the Esther and her work is perhaps the best of her career. With Charles Farrell a newcomer to the screen, she gives with her work the charm of a delightful romance. The story tells of the early wars against the Troplilitan pirates in the Mediterranean and how the U.S.S. Constitution, manned by a crowd of boys, brought about one of the greatest feats of bravery ever known. In fact, Lord Nelson said that the capture of Tripoli by “Old Ironsides” was perhaps the greatest naval feat of the day. The screen story was written by Laurence Stallings, whose pen was responsible for such great productions as “What Price Glory” and “The Big Parade.” This picture, however, does not in a small way even, resemble either. “Old Ironsides” will thrill those who see it. In fact, it is one of those few motion pictures that can be seen twice.