“OLD IRONSIDES”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 105, 25 July 1927, Page 13

“OLD IRONSIDES”

AT NEW REGENT Seldom, if ever, has ar.y picture roused an audience to such enthusiastic excitement as does “Old Ironsides,” the Paramount picture now being screened at the New Regent. On Saturday remarkable demonsti ations were witnessed all day long. Commencing at the first screening at 11 a.m., the theatre re-echoed with the shrill cries of excitement and thunderous cheers which arose from a crowded house, including nearly 1,000 children. The theatre was packed all day long and in the evening hundreds were turned away soon after 7 o’clock, the evening performance commencing at 7.45. Certainly “Old Ironsides” is indeed a marvellous production, different and yet greater than any sea picture previously made. An enthralling story of romance is interwoven throughout, but the stirring battle scenes between pirates and marines, grip all with their realism and intensity. For one and three-quarter hours this great picture holds all with its intensity, relieved by the human and clean comedy of Wallace Beery and George Bancroft. Esther Raiston as the heroine completely eclipses all her previous work.

Colin Crane, the eminent baritone, has instantaneously scored a great success. His reception at afternoon and evening performances never failed to draw rounds of applause, and incessant demand for encore numbers. His rendering of “Tramp, Tramp, Tramp” is particularly fine. Other numbers are “The Stoker,” and the dramatic monologue, “The Difference.” Eddie Horton at the Wurlitzer, Maurice Guttridge and the new operatic orchestra, an interesting Australian Gazette, and an exceptionally gne “Buster Brown” comedy introducing the wonder dog, Tige, complete one of the best programmes ever presented at the Regent. Box plane are at the theatre, phone 46-888.

“NEW YORK

A powerful mystery drama, in the heart of America’s great metropolis, “New York,” comes to the New Regent next Friday. The story of circumstantial evidence almost causing the hanging of an innocent man, is the foundation of an absorbing and enthralling melodrama. The high lights and the low lights of Mew York, with some realistic views of this great city, are also portrayed. Box plans arc now open at the theatre, phone 46-888.