"OLD CLOTHES."

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18922, 10 February 1927, Page 7

"OLD CLOTHES."

A JACKIE COOGAN PICTURE. The eternal Peter Pan ia with us onco again, after an interval of nearly a year. With renewed vigour, with fresher technique, with a more tender pathos and a more amusing type of comedy, Jackie Coogan is to be presented in "Old Clothes" at the Liberty Theatre next week, and. Incidentally, will make bis appearance in what is undoubtedly the finest photo-play of his brilliant career. A picture starring this child prodigy always offers an inducement to excel oneself in tho uso of adjectives and the like, but the danger arises when even glowing phraies and the most elegant turn ot expression looses all meaning, because there have been so many great productions exhibited of late, so many films that make a universal appeal; there has been screened so.much excellent drama and equally excellent comedy that the euphomistic words of publicity often convey no Import to the popular mind. But such mitgivings should be an unknown quantity where "Old Clothes" is concerned. Patrons, we imagine, know why. Tho productions of this merry little star may possess every attribute ot perfect entertainment, but they possess what no other picturo can ever hopo to do, tho pathos and the humour, tho drama and the everlasting appeal that is the personality of Jackie Coogan. And tils pertonality is always a vibrant factor in the success of his films. It makes "Old Clothes," which is one of those human, homely little dramas which may work out their fate any time, any day, any place, just a delightful story of the well-known character, the Irish waif, and another famous person, his Jewish friend. These two first came together in "The Ragman," most unusual ot business partners with the most unconventional methods of transacting business, but through strategies and spoils and not a little brisk ingenuity, mainly on the part of Tim Kelly, the Hibernian complement ot the firm, it Id a flourishing concern before the final fadeout, with a dash of romance and a large quota of thrilling incident to balance the tout ensemble of the picture. Much ot the humour is contributed through the medium of the sub-titles, which are gems of purest and cleverest wit. "Are You Max Ginsberg 1" The retort eourteous comes swiftly from affronted lips. "Do I look to you like Rin-Tin-Tin" 1 There is not a dnli moment in this excellent and diverting piece, which, besides'the faultiest, acting of Jackie Coogan, has the presence of Joan Crawford to lend it beauty and brilliance. Max Davidson is again the main support of the star, just as he wss in "The Ragman," and he is a baffling mixture ot unalloyed drollery and dismal discontent. The box plans for "Old Clothes" open at The Bristol Piano Co. this morning, where teats may be reserved.