STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 193, 4 November 1927, Page 14

STRAND

“CALLAHANS AND MURPHYS”

Possessing variety and humour the programme which commences at the Strand Theatre to-day offers exceptional entertainment. “The Callahans and the Murphys,” an All-Irish comedy, is the chief attraction on the programme. Kathleen Norris’s famous book of Irish life in America has been transformed into one of the most hilarious film offerings of the season under the ministering hands of Marie Dressier, Polly Moran, Sally O’Neil, Lawrence Gray, and others of the big crew of laughmakers that Metro -GoldwynMayer marshalled Jor its new classic in comedy.

Comedy it is—from, the moment the Callahan family and the Murphys start their first fight across the alley. There is a touching little love story in it, too —a few heart throbs—but the background in glorious, uproarious laughter. “The Callahans and the Murphys” is a story of two Irish families in New York —fighting one minute—falling on each other’s necks the next—with two of the youngsters in love —and a mass of comical complications. It is a simple little plot of the lovers of the second generation from the “ould Sod” —but what a background!

Marie Dressier and Polly Moran as Mrs. Callahan and Mrs. Murphy do battle royal through the picture—then defend each other against all comers— Sally O’Neil and Lawrence Gray, and Gertrude Olmsted and Eddie Gribbon work out two tangled love affairs —and then all hands do battle again.

Supporting the main picture is a strong programme composed of the Strand Magazine, of the latest world news and topical events, an Aesop Fable, “Farmer Alfalos’s Cat,” a New Zealand scenic, and a screamingly funny Hal Roach comedy, “Your Husband’s Past.”

A bright and appropriate musical programme will be provided by the Strand Symphony Orchestra, under Eve Bentlqy. “Little Nellie Kelly” will be specially featured as an interlude. Other Irish gems included are an Irish comedy overture by Ansell, “Legend of Erin,” selections from “Eileen,” and “Emerald Isle, “Eyes of Irish Blue,” and “Irish Dances.”