DRAMA

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 75, 30 March 1939, Page 26

DRAMA

"My Life with Ernest Rule" is the title of an outstanding radio drama which will be heard from 3YA. Christchurch, tonight at 8 o'clock. The author is Horton Giddy who, it will be remembered, wrote that excellent radio drama "Off Finisterre." In "My Life with Ernest Rule" is told the story of a modern Bluebeard, and while the play deals with an attempted murder there is nothing that can be described as horrifying or macabre, but there is a curious sinister insistence that builds up an ever-increasing suspense that holds the listener spellbound. The production is by the National Broadcasting Service.

In these days when peace and war are paramount topics, interest is always aroused by a new aspect on either. The satiric comedy "Ultimatum" which is being presented from IYA, Auckland, oh Sunday night next, should therefore be of particular interest, for in it is suggested a means of gaining everlasting universal peace. That, war could be averted by the collective action of women is not entirely a new idea, but in the play the authors (Cedric Wallis and Florence Willat, both well-known waiters for the 8.8.C.) not only give a fine expression to the suggestion but also show exactly how it could be carried out. As listeners will discover, the results when the scheme is put into practice are both effective and decidedly amusing. The play is produced by the National Broadcasting Service.

From IYA, Auckland, on Monday next at 8 p.m. will be heard "Mayfair Mudd'e," which is the title of episode twenty-two of the entertaining "Exploits of the Black Moth." This will be followed at 8.32 p.m. by another melodrama in the series "The Old-time The-Ayter" entitled "A Child of the Pits" or "Not Too Young to Die."' At 8.45 p.m. will be heard episode twenty of the dramatisation of Mrs. Craik's novel "John Halifax — Gentleman." "Onwards" is the title of the next episode of the serial romance of the Middle Ages "Into the Light," which will be heard from 2YA, Wellington, on Wednesday night next at 9.5 p.m. This is to be followed at 9.35 p.m. by another chapter in that entertaining modern romantic serial "Soldier of Fortune," which is presented by James Raglan and Company.

Another episode of the dramatisation of Vicki Baum's famous novel "Grand Hotel" will be broadcast from 2YA, Wellington, on Monday next at 9.5 p.m. Following this at 9.50 p.m. listeners will hear episode eleven of "Trilby," dv Maurier's story of the little artist's model and Svengali, the master hypnotist.

Listeners to 3YA, Christchurch, on Thursday next at 8 p.m. will hear the first episode of a dramatisation of Wilkie Collins's famous novel "The Woman in White." This novel was first published in 1860 and immediately established the author's reputation as a novelist. Collins was the first England novelist to deal with crime detection^ and "The Woman in White" can be fairly described as a. mysterythriller.

From 4YA, Dunedin, on Monday next at 9.5 p.m. will be heard the National Broadcasting Service production of "The Second Round," a "Bulldog Drummond" story by that popular novelist "Sapper." Listeners will enjoy the duel of wits between "Bulldog Drummond" and the rascally Professor Carl Petersen which is contained in this excellent thriller.

April 6.—"The Woman in White." Dramatisation of Wilkie Collins's "Night Nurse," 3YA.

April 7.—Alfred Lorence, bass-bari-tone. "The Darkest Hour." Sacred Cantata by Harold Moore, 2YA.

Readings with musical interludes by Professor T. D. Adams, 4YA.

April B.—"London's River." 8.8.C. Recorded programme, 3YA.