“NIGHT MUST FALL”

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 200, 21 May 1936, Page 3

“NIGHT MUST FALL”

A Murder Play Without a Mystery A murder story without a mystery sounds a difficult conception, but in "Night Must Fall.” of which a further two performauees were presented at the Opera House yesterday by the .1. C. Williunisou conipuiiy, Emlyn \\ iliuiins not only makes no secret, of the murderer's idenlify bill inlroditees him convicted and condemned. Nevertheless the story swiftly lays hol,| of the imagination, and there are moments of suspense which almost hurt. . As I lie domineering im.mst, old inv lid," thrusting her misery on all around her, Miss Ethel Morrison is magnetic and stage-tilling. the most difficult role is that of "Baby-I'ace Dan. the murderer, vho lives in a land of his own creation, but the role is admirably sustained by Mr. Lloyd Lamble. The other outstanding character, the old woman's weirdly psychic niece. who, while loathing the murderer, endangers herself to shield li'm. is convincingly interpreted by Miss I’.laitm Hamill. "Night Must Fall” will be played again this evening and to-morrow evening. "Tin- Shining linin'.'" Commencing a week's season with a

matinee and evening performance on Saturday next. Keith Winter's delightful domestic play. "The Shining Hour,'’ will close a season at the Grand Opera House that will long be remembered by Wellington theatregoers. The cast lias illustrated its amazing versatility in two plays entirely dissimilar, and in "The Shining Hour." it is claimed, several of these artists have ebaraeteis which give even greater opportunities to reveal their talents. "Sometimes—very . seldom —two people meet who are made for each other and no one else . . . when it does happen il is almost a miracle. This is the theme, and Judy Linden's belief in its truth as a principle, upon which Keith Winter has written bis play. "The Shining Hour.’ It is an excellent play- Hs construction is admirable. Its characters are clearcut as individuals, and yet lit perfectly into (ho pattern designed by the author. The action of the play moves easily. Its conclusion is never so apparently inevitable as to weaken the dramatic tension of the situations as they arise: yet it is hv no means an actor-proof play.” The above extract was taken from the London "Times" when "The Sliiiring Hour was originally ;>rodneed in 1934. with Gladys Cooper i n the leading , role. _ Unlike the two previous plays. "The Shining Hour" provides excellent opportunities for smart froekiug and setting... The box plans for "The Sbin'ng Hour arc now at the D.I.C.