“OLD IRONSIDES”

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 92, 9 July 1927, Page 15

“OLD IRONSIDES”

PARAMOUNT’S MIGHTY EPIC One would not have any fear of contradiction in saying that “Old Ironsides” can be ranked among one of the great productions in the history of motion pictures. It is one of the truly great, and a picture that will be talked about to the next generation in the same way as “Intolerance” and the

“Birth of a Nation” are spoken of now. They were pictures that made history in the last generation and there is not the slightest doubt that “Old Ironsides” will do the same to-day. “Old Ironsides” will be talked about for its story, its historical value, its massive production, its marvellous direction, its tremendous cast, and the impressive work of Wallace Beery. American critics have awarded this great character actor the blue riband of motion picture acting for the greatest work in motion pictures in 1927. His portrayal of the jolly bo’sun of the good ship Esther is a revelation and stamps him as the greatest of presentday comedians and a master of makeup. “Old Ironsides” tells of the early wars against the Tripolian pirates in the Mediterranean and how a party of mere boys sailed gallantly into the pirate stronghold and accomplished what Lord Nelson said was one of the greatest feats in naval history.

To director James Cruze we must pass credit for the masterly handling of this massive production. The direction is perfect and the outstanding feature of the picture. When one looks into the story of how the picture was made you then realise what a feat Cruze has accomplished. An entire island 50 miles long and 20 miles wide was taken over for a location camp where 4,000 men were encamped for nearly three months. For the battle of

“Old Ironsides” against the Tripolians 50 sailing vessels were employed and during the battle, the greatest ever staged in motion pictures, eight threemasted vessels were blown up and totally destroyed. Five tons of gunpowder, the entire output of one factory for a week, was used in this battle, which James Cruze directed by radio. The director has brought into the picture that intangible thrill that is inherent in every man of British stock, the thrfll of the fight for freedom. It is a mighty epic filled with the tang of the sea, with the thrill of battle and with the charm of a delightful romance. Esther Ralston plays the lone feminine role and her work is perhaps the best of her screen career. George Bandcroft as the master gunner of “Old Ironsides” assists Wallace Beery with the comedy. Charles Farrell is a new face, but his work as the lover of Esther Ralston is great.