MAJESTIC THEATRE.

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 75, 30 March 1939, Page 7

MAJESTIC THEATRE.

"Dead Men Tell No Tales."

"Dead Men Tell No Tales," which comes to the Majestic Theatre tomorrow, is considered by most London and New York critics to be the most powerful murder mystery film ever conceived, It is particularly interesting for several reasons—first, it is the adaptation of Francis Beeding's world famous novel "The Norwich Victims"; secondly, because it introduces the young actor-author genius of the London siage, Emlyn Wnliams. He it was who created the. role of. Danny, the uncanny murderer of "Night Must Fall" in the stage version. He not only created this role —he was the author of the story. It will be remembered that Robert Montgomery on a holiday visit to London was so impressed with Emlyn Williams's characterisation of "Danny" that he saw it eleven times and raved about the whole production so much that he did not rest until Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer bought the screen rights and allowed him to play Emlyn Williams's part on the screen. London critics considered Emlyn Williams's acting in "Night Must Fall" to be absolutely flawless. He is still under 30 and amazingly versatile. "Dead Men Tell No Tales" is said to be even more eerie and pathological than "Night Must Fall." It is a crime play that more than lives up to its ominous title—it is a study with terrific punch and tension. Emlyn Williams plays the key role, and his portrait of sly. diabolical villainy bears marks of genius. It is "Grande Guignol" stuff with a vengeance, and, as one London Pressman puts it, "Night Must Fall" is a bedtime story in comparison. The high mortality rate (there are three murders and a full expiation of crime) is not, however, responsible for lack of logic in story design. In the expert hands of Emlyn Williams the melodrama carries complete conviction, and grips with a cold hand. It is a really blood-curdling thriller in a class of its own.