PRINCESS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 204, 17 November 1927, Page 17

PRINCESS

“LOST AT THE FRONT” There have been many excellent war comedies since “Shoulder Arms” helped to make Chaplin famous, but “Lo’st at the Front" eclipses them all. Screened for the first time at the Princess Theatre last night, it proved itself to be something altogether novel and unexpected. The two “war lords of laughter,” George Sidney and Charlie Murray are the stars, and the picture concerns their adventures on the Rus-so-German front. Patrick is a typical Irish policeman of New York and his friend August is an equally typical German saloon keeper. They are the best of friends —and friendly enemies. Both become interested in Olga, a sculptress who has her studio in their part of town. A discarded wireless outfit is sold to trusting August by a hobo, as an invention that will help Germany win the war—it being wartime, just before the American participation in the world struggle. August is called to the front as a German reservist. Patrick and Olga think that his “invention” is really a deadly one, and when America declares war, they decide that Pat must go, in order to find August and get the invention away from him before it destroys the American Army. Pat cannot get into the American Army because he is too old, so Olga leads him to the Russian Army recruiting headquarters, where he enlists in the Tsar’s legions, The pursuit of the harmless infernal machine is uproariously funny and amazing adventures crowd around the pair. The famous women soldiery of the Russians, “The Battalions of Death,” have a part in the film. There is another big comedy film, “The Timid Terror,” featuring George O’Hara. O’Hara has been called an “all round Star,” and he seems to qualify in every respect. George is one of the handsomest men in the profession, and is of the romantic and aesthetic type which is a novelty in the field of comedy. This lends a note of whimsy and charm to his characterisations, which set him apart from any other comedians. He is also an allround athlete and can be counted on to do any stunts that the script might call for. This particular picture proved to be j a mine of mirth, and O’Hara, under the direction of Del Andrews, has made every scene an outstanding event. The : cast includes Doris Hill, Edith Yorke, ; ex Lease, George Nichols and Dot | Farley. The story is by Waited A. Sinclair and the continuity bv Gerald C. I Duffy. |