“THE LIFE OF RILEY”

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 279, 15 February 1928, Page 14

“THE LIFE OF RILEY”

AT PRINCESS AND TIVOLI TO-MORROW “The Life of Riley,’* which will be shown at the - Princess and Tivoli Theatres to-morrow, is described as one of the best mirthquakes that has reached our town. George Sidney and Charlie Murray at their best are co-featured in a pair of corking characterisations and a plot that overlooks nothing of comedy value —with romance and feminine pulchritude and background colour to boot. E. M. Asher produced this hilarious film for First National Pictures, and William Beaudine directed it. Other favourites, including Sam Hardy, Myrtle Stedman, June Marlowe, Stephen Carr, Edwards Davis and Bert Woodruff are also in the cast. “Riley,” the character depicted by Murray, is fire chief and general storekeeper in a rural village, and “Meyer” is chief of police and the iceman. Hardy comes to town with a circus as a sideshow man, and remains to get the rich widow, desired also by the fire and police chiefs ! Myrtle Stedman plays the role. A consistent plot is woven around this rivalry, the invention or a nre extinguisher by Riley, and a very sweet romance between Molly, who drifts into town the day of the circus, and Steve, Meyer’s son. Even a touch of wistful pathos is allowed to enter the junior love affair, contrasting effectively with the breathless succession of comedy scenes. “The Prince of Pilsen,” a new comedy production released by Producers Distributing Corporation which features Anita Stewart and George Sidney, will also be shown at the Princess and Tivoli Theatres to-morrow. The scenes are laid in a mythical principality in Europe and are said to be exceptionally amusing. The various roles are portrayed by screen artists, the supporting cast including Allan Forrest, Myrtle Stedman, Otis Harlan and Rose Tapley.