“THE RINGER”

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 190, 14 May 1928, Page 11

“THE RINGER”

MYSTERY PLAY BY EDGAR WALLACE

THE . RETURN OF MAURICE MOSCOVITCH

“The Ringer,” a mystery play in four acts by. Edgar Wallace. Cast:- —

Central Detective-Inspector Bliss Ashton Jarry Detective-Inspector Weiubury Reginald Newson Col. Walford. C.B. Hal Percy Samuel Hackitt Nat. Madison Maurice Meister .. Maurice Moscovitch Dr. Lomond Patrie Curwen Cora Ann Milton .... Mary MacGregor Mary Lenley Bertha Riccardo John Lenley ............ Jack Duhne Station-Sergeant Carter .. George Blunt Benny Leslie Donaghey Mrs. Hackitt ..... Kiore King P.C. Field Richard Webster Detective-Constable Graves Herbert Leigh Detective-Constable Brown Richard Fair Detective-Constable Jones Guy Hastings P.C. Smith Carleton Stuart “The Ringer,” the mystery play presented before a crowded Grand Opera House by the Moscovitch Company, under the management of J. C. Williamson. Ltd., on Saturday night, is the first tangible evidence we have had of the talent of Mr. Edgar Wallace. This extraordinarily prolific writer has for the past six or seven years been swamping the Press —daily, weekly, and monthly—and also the publishing houses, with all manner of articles, essays, stories, sketches, etc., to such a point indeed that it would almost be unique to pick up a magazine without something or other by Edgar Wallace. Whilst he may make no claim to permanent greatness in the world of letters, this author has the trick of writing with inventive entertainment, and, naturally, he pleases all who merely look for entertainment, which to-day is about 95 per cent, of the reading community. His play, “The Ringer.” is certainly capital entertainment. In'it the essential element of suspense in mystery plays is so well sustained and the mystery involved so cleverly. concealed that the audience are immensely intrigued. “The Ringer” is a master criminal, a- real killer with a method of.his own; a man so clever in disguise that Scotland Yard is powerless to apprehend him; but it is known that he had-left England for Australia, and after a term of years it was reported to Scotland Yard that he had been drowned in Sydney Harbour. Later he is reported to have returned to London, much to the consternation of everyone who had ever had anything to do with him, even to the sleuths of Scotland Yard, who are no match for him. Seemingly “the Ringer” (so-called for his aptness in ringing the changes in disguise) has returned because of the betrayal of his sister by Maurice Meister, another extraordinary character—a “shyster” lawyer, art critic, dope fiend, accomplished pianist, dandy, receiver of stolen goods ( and betrayer of women. It is Meister who betrays the most fear when he is informed by the Yard that “the Ringer” has returned, but his nonchalant, , bantering poise quickly returns. His wife, Cora Ann Milton, will not believe that her husband has .returned ; but Sub-Inspector Bliss,' scoffing and snarling at a 11,.. .believes it and gets to work. There is also a police. surgeon, Dr. Lomond,, a wise old Scot, who is no tyro as a detective.He dodders round, making sage remarks to anyone who may be present. It is this man who closely questions Cora Ann as to the movements of her husband, and who by turn frightens and consoles her. Meister, however, is always a picturesque central figure, and when it becomes patent that Mary Lenley is more than his typist and that Meister is double-crossing, her criminal brother,'this character assumes a sinister aspect, so that when at last Meister is stabbed to the heart in a crowded room during a moment’s darkness the big surprise of the play arrives. Who committed the murder? The assassin’s identity should not be disclosed by anyone who desires others to enjoy this excellent play to the full. The cast is very sound., Mr. Maurice Moscovitch returns to favour in a role that suits him admirably. He has all the weight, savoir faire, and poise to convince in this many-sided .character. His undoubted capacity as an actor was best shown in his scene at the opening of the play with the Scot'aiid • Yard authorities, his ecstatic moo*s at the piano, and that fatal moment where he collapses- through sheer exhaustion caused by the steady use of the hyperderinic needle. Equally as fine was the characterisation by Patrie Curwen of the old Scotch doctor, with his easy-fitting trousers and oversize in coats, his quaint cackling laughter and his humorous philosophisings. That he was permitted to take a call solus at the end of the performance - was no more than Mr. Curwen’s due. Another good performance was that of the Cockney thief Hackitt, very humorously characterised by Mr. Nat Madison. < Mr. Ashton Jarry was as nasty as Sub-Inspector Bliss was meant to be, and Detective Wembury was briskly played by Mr. Reginald Newson. Outstanding among the female members of the cast was Miss Kiore King, who plays a drunken wastrel of the streets, and is brought into the Yard police station in a screaming state of liquor. Ip make-up, dress and action this was a cameo that might have come from Hogarth’s gallery of low life in the metropolis. Miss Mary MacGregor was vital as Cora Ann Milton (the wife of the “Ringer”), and Miss Bertha Riccardo made a pretty picture of the hypocritical Mary Lenley. Other roles were well sustained by Jack Dunne (John Lenley), George Blunt" (Sergeant Carter), Leslie Donaghey (Benny), and Hal Percy (Commissioner of Police). The play is admirably produced. and the impression created by the play and its presentation was distinctly favourable. The play was produced by Mr. Gregan McMahon. “The Ringer” will be played throughout the week.