“BABY MINE”

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 364, 26 May 1928, Page 15

“BABY MINE”

CHANGE AT MAJESTIC Comedy duos appear to be the order of the day in Screenland. Metro-Goid-wyn-Mayer are following the popular lead. George K. Arthur and Karl Dane, remembered for their excellent fooling in “Rookies,” continue the good work in “Baby Mine.” What one lacks the other provides. Each is amusing in his own peculiar way. George Arthur, as nimble with his brain as with his feet, and the cumbersome Karl, stupidly dull, clumsy, and—Danish. A large Majestic audience last flight decided that the partnership had much to recommend it. The comedians on this occasion are what the Americans term “rah-rah” boys. This may not be altogether intelligent to British audiences; it means, however, that they are college freshmen. Arthur is a “bathroom athlete,” while the plodding Karl has been attempting to pass examinations since 1909, and the proposition is just as hopeless as when he commenced. The fancy of Arthur, as should be the case with every young man, turns to love. The only condition upon which the lady in the case will listen to his suit is that her sister Emma should be married first. Naturally, the ambitious Arthur thinks of his room mate. Poor Karl is thrown as a victim at the feet of Emma literally thrown because Emma proved to be a girl with a strong right arm and a pretty taste in cave men. Charlotte Greenwood is the young woman who brought Karl to heel. Her scenes with him in which he makes love, are among the funniest things the screen has ever seen—and the trials and tribulations growing out of missing babies, a midget masquerading as an infant, and the rest of the comical flurry that results when a borrowed baby is needed to convince Dane of his parenthood are a whirl of hilarity. This week’s Majestic Review is of particular interest, as it presents the arrival in England of King Amanullah and his beautiful Afghan queen. First they are greeted by the Prince of Wales at Dover, and then the Afghan Royalties are seen meeting King George and Queen Mary in London, and driving through the city with them to Buckingham Palace. The courtly bow of the Afghan monarch as he swept, hatless, before Queen Mary, and kissed her hand, was more Continental than Asiatic. The little Duchess is seen presenting shamrock to the Irish Guards on St. Patrick’s Day, an indication that the film has lost no time in reaching this side of the world. In this ceremony the Duchess of York follows in the footsteps of Queen Alexandra, who performed the duty for many years. The New Zealand scenic is descriptive of Stewart Island, a beautiful portion of the Dominion with which Northerners, quite naturally, are not closely acquainted. This former rendezvous for whalers, in the days of blubber and rum. certainly has an historic appeal to New Zealanders. An Aesop fable, a long Lupino Lane comedy, and songs by Birrell O’Malley complete the bill. Mr. O’Malley’s numbers were “Prelude” by Sir Landon Ronald, and “I Heard You Singing” (Eric Coates). J. Whiteford Waugh, as usual, had his orchestra under excellent control. “La Dame Blanche” is this week’s overture selection.