"MOTHER MACHREE"

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 388, 23 June 1928, Page 14

"MOTHER MACHREE"

THIRD WEEK ENTERED That the story of the little Irish mother and her sacrifice for her son, makes a picture of considerable appeal, is shown by the fact that “Mother Machree” has now entered into its third week at the Strand Theatre. The leading part is played by Belle Bennett, and she is responsible for an excellent performance. In the role of Ellen McHugh she is about to give up her son in order that he should be brought up “a gentleman, like his father.” Miss Bennett, a mother in real life, recently lost her own little son, and she gives a portrayal infused with real feeling. She manages to get him accepted at Miss Studdiford’s aristocratic school, but only on condition that she does not reveal to the boy that she is of the servant class. To keep up his school fees she joins a circus, where she is recognised by her son when Miss Studdiford takes her pupils to the circus. Only on condition that she allows Miss Studdiford to adopt Brian is he allowed to remain at the school. Brian and his mother meet years later. Ellen has been employed for many years in the Cutting family as nurse, and it is to Ellen’s charge, that Brian has become engaged. She keeps the promise given to Miss Studdiford and does not reveal her identity. This Miss Studdiford does herself, however, when Brian is ordered overseas with ; the expeditionary force. Edith Cutting is quite content to call her old nurse mother, and both happily await the return of Brian and Boze, the latter also going overseas to look after Ellen’s boy. With an Irish setting the picture is naturally rich in humorous situations, particularly in the early scenes where life in an Irish village is faithfully depicted. Upon Victor who plays the giant, and Ted McNamara, who is the Harpist of Wexford, the comedy work rests. Phillippe de Loiz is the young Brian and Neil Hamilton has the role of Brian grown into manhood. Both give excellent characterisations. As the sweetheart, Edith Cutting, Constance Howard gives a pleasing performance. The Strand Symphony Orchestra ; plays a specially-arranged programme of Irish melodies, which contributes I largely to the success of the picture. ; As an atmospheric prologue. Mr. Birrell i O’Malley sings with charming effect, j The programme is enhanced bv ! comedies and a Strand Magazine. Out of the land of Oriental mystery, j China, comes the story of "The Crimson City,” which Master Pictures are soon to release. Myrna Loy. John ; Miljan and a host of other screen favj ourites are included in the cast.