"OLD CLOTHES."

Press, Volume LXIII, Issue 18925, 14 February 1927, Page 6

"OLD CLOTHES."

A DELIGHTFUL COMEDY. LIBKRTY THKATRK. TO-DAY. Two excellent pictures will be presented at tiia Liberty Theatre this week, Jackie Coogan's 'atcst production for Metro-Gold-wyn, "Old ' Clothes," heading the programme. A sequel to "The Kaguian," inasmuch as many of the old characters nppcar again, and the two partners nro still eagerly pursuing their search for fabulous wealth, "Old Clothes" possesses tho same gay and irresponsible comedy, tho same original sensation, the huuio drama and pathos as the former (picturo, with uu appeal and ivn atmosphere all its own. The most outstanding feature of this film is undoubtedly Jackie C'oogan. Although the story is droU and entertaining, it is tho brilliant little star, who commands most attention throughout with swift and unexpected changes of mood and emotion,' his witty sallies, his cheerful interference in the affairs of everyono he meets until this latter aspect brings' him to the role of best man at a wedding be himself had' made.; There appears to bo no limit to tho sparkling versatility of this remarkable child, who can wed comedy to pathos so well and never descend to mere melodrama. "Old Clothes" is a new and novel kind of picture, so new that every scene and action is wholly unexpected, and the characters ure to human that ono never knows what they arc going to do next. There is Max Ginsberg, senior partner in tho nourishing firm, ever complaining about something, always ready with a stinging and witty retort to the most harmless question, an indispensable figure to the success and entertainment of tho picture. There, is little Tim Kelly himself, th« complement of the firm, played by Jackie Coogan with all bis .exuberance and childlike appeal. Joan Crawford has a part which she plays witli charming simplicity, while Lillian Elliott supplies buxom and good-natured comedy in her role.

"The Old Soak," with the famous character actor Jean Hersholt in the title role, is tho other attraction, and is ono of the sincerest and tonderest and most quietly amusing homo dramas ever seen on the ncrcen. A picture like this is very welcomo indeed, for its simplicity, its truth, its realism. Tho humour is mellow but none the less hilarious; its pathos' is effective and deep, but not sentimental. There arc moments of intense drama in "'The Old Soak," and Beqiieiiccl of lavish and brilliant display. It is as near that wonderful film, "Hs People," which- we had the pleasure of presenting somo months ago, as onythilng we have ever seen. The acting of Jean Hersholt is a revelation, while George Lowis 9S th<? juvenile lead, Louise taxonda as the inevitably humorous "hired fiirl," and June Marlowe as leading woman, all put some finished and delightful acting into tho production. , The Liberty Concert Orchestra, under the direction of Mr Ernest Jamie son, will be heard in special orchestral selections, jnclnd;ng tho following numbers:—Overture, "Poet and Peasant" (Suppe); ballet suite, "Feramors" (Rubinstein); fantasia, ''Lohengrin' (Wagner); "Der Freischuti" (Weber); suite, "Belsaxar" (Sibelius); entr'acte, "Hi Diddle Diddle" (Koidel); selection, "William Tell'] (Rossini); song hits, "Pearl of Mnlabnr, "Save Your Sorrow," "Hit Ho! the Merrio." The 'box plans are now opon nt Th-> Bristol Piano Company, where scats may be reserved.