STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 386, 21 June 1928, Page 16

STRAND

“MOTHER MACHREE” The deeply-moving story of “Mother Machree” will begin its third week of screening at the Strand Theatre tomorrow. Upon the announcement that Fox Films were going to make a screen version of “Mother Machree,” Johnson Young’s heart-gripping story of mother love, a number of cameramen, under the direction of John Ford, proceeded to Ireland, and literally dug into the heart of the Emerald Isle. In order to accomplish this, it was necessary to follow the life story of Ellen McHugh. Starting with a tiny cottage in Galway, in the West of Ireland, the company worked many days laying the foundations for this gripping narrative. Scenes were also filmed at Dublin, the port of embarkation of the East Coast. Storms were the greatest handicap and the Irish colleens the greatest joys. Charming native lassies and shy little lads, peasant boys driving donkeys, W’ere available on all sides for extras. The primitive conditions under which these Irish peasants live are almost inconceivable, and their utter simplicity and constant frugality are as unbelievable. These exterior scenes are full of delightful beauty, and admirably blended with the studio sequences, which were photographed in Hollywood. Belle Bennett, in the title role, gives a wonderful portrayal of the Irish mother, who sacrifices her own feelings to bring happiness to her beloved son. Broad comedy is introduced by Ted McNamara, the inimitable comedian of “What Price Glory” fame, who, as the Harper of Wexford, proves that he can twang the strings of the ancient instrument with no mean ability. Others in the cast are Victor McLaglen, Neil Hamilton, Phillippe de Lacey, Constance Howard, Ethel Clayton and Eulalie Jensen. An appropriate prologue is presented by Mr. Birrell O’Malley and Mile. Valeska, while Eve Bentley and her Strand Symphony Orchestra present a special musical programme.