“OLD IRONSIDES”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 104, 23 July 1927, Page 15

“OLD IRONSIDES”

AMERICAN NAVAL EPIC What Nelson characteris as one of the most daring adventures of his period, the blowing up of the United States warship Philadelphia in the harbour of Tripoli, is an exciting episode in “Old Ironsides,” the Paramount feature for which Auckland has waited so long. The screen version of the bad old days, when the Tripoli pirates infested the Mediterranean, and made the high seas unsafe for peaceful merchantmen, is undoubtedly one of the notable pictures of recent years. A stupendous task was set the promoters of this scheme, the magnitude of which was fully appreciated by the Regent Theatre’s audience last night. “Old Ironsides” deals with that period in the history of the American nation 22 years after the Declaration of Independence, when they were minus a navy, and, like certain other Powers, forced to pay tribute to the North African corsairs. To dispel this reproach, the Philadelphia and the Constitution were built. The pirates seized the former after she

had drifted on a sandbank. And it was the daring and valour of a ship’s party from her sister ship which was responsible for her destruction in the heart of the Tripolitans’ stronghold. Naturally the American admiral did not want the Philadelphia brought into action against him by her conquerors. “Old Ironsides” is another veritable triumph in characterisation for Wallace Beery. The expectorating old bo'sun, with a kindly heart beneath an exceedingly rough exterior, and a penchant for “shanghai-ing” greenhorns from the country, was a remarkable piece of work. Noteworthy, too, was the impersonation of the master gunner by George Bancroft, who unwittingly allowed him* self to be hied away by the shrewd old bo’sun. “Old Ironsides” will al-

ways be remembered for the exceedingly fine work of these two actors. Charles Farrell was the youth who desired to see the world per medium of the fo’castle of a man-o’-war, and was also a victim to the shanghai-ing prowess of the bo’sun of the Esther. The role of heroine was entrusted to Esther Ralston, an attractive young actress, who possesses the divine combination of the two B’s—brains and beauty. Though we have waited long for “Old Ironsides,” it lias been well worth while. Auckland picture-lovers should not miss this convincing portrayal of American naval history. All honour to James Cruze, whose keen brain directed it. A vigorous rendering of “The Stoker” was the initial offering from Colin Crane, the J.C.W. Celebrity Vaudeville baritone, whose turn at the Regent is likely to be exceedingly popular. “Tramp, Tramp, Tramp!” and a dramatic monologue, ‘“I ,ie Difference,” were other items. Colin Crane’s reception was a most cordial one. Maurice Guttridge and his new operatic orchestra gave a colourful interpretation of Keler Bela’s “Hungarian Lustpiel,” and likewise presented a notable score in connection with the screening of “Old Ironsides.” Eddie Horton was responsible for the “Cavalleria Rusticana” intermezzo on the Wurlitzer, and a number of popular songs in conjunction with his series of slides.