MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 715, 15 July 1929, Page 15

MAJESTIC

‘THE COHENS AND KELLYS” The way the spectators at the Saturday's performances at the Majestic Theatre behaved was something unusual. “The Cohens and Kellys,” the Universal-Jewel, had them howling with joy one moment as its delicious comedy reigned, then when drama and pathos followed the house was perfectly silent, only to be plunged into laughter again when another comedy bit was flashed on the screen. As the fiery Irish policeman, Charlie Murray has given one of the performances of rare skill for which he is noted. Comedy and not a little real acting fall to him during the picture. Harry Pollard, the director, was careful that the picture should at no time approached slap-stick and there is no hint of that type of humour. Rather the story is a serious heart drama with a goodly dose of comedy thrown in by the clever acting and the intelligent directing—so much comedy, in fact, that the picture is labelled as a com-edy-drama. Vera Gordon first became prominent because of her role in “Humoresque.” That was an exceedingly dramatic part. “The Cohens and Kellys” proves that she is also gifted with the ability to tinge her acting with subtle comedy touches. An exceptionally appealing father is played by George Sidney, while Kate Price does her best comedy work as tlie wife of Murray. Two very appealing newcomers have the romantic leads in the picture. They are Jason Robards and Olive Hasbrouck. The story is clever. It is Aaron Hoffman’s stage play transported to the screen. An Irish and Jewish family are neighbours in the East side of New York City. They have never had money. Beneath all their quarrels they are the staunchest of friends. Then, without warning, the Jewish family inherits a million dollars and moves to Park Avenue, street of aristocrats. That’s where the fun begins and it would detract from the pleasure of witnessing the picture to tell the whole plot. The story can’t be beaten, and the cast was well chosen. A notable attraction on the supporting programme is “The Lotus Flower,” an Oriental stage presentation with Miss Cecil Hall and Miss Peggy Holmes. Delightful music is played throughout by Mr. Whiteford Waugh’s Majestic Orchestra.