BAFFLING MURDER MYSTERY

Evening Star, Issue 21823, 12 September 1934, Page 11

BAFFLING MURDER MYSTERY

OCTAGON'S COMING ATTRACTION The story of a baffling murder always makes a film of gripping interest, and ‘ Tlie Four Masked Men,’ which will fie presented at the Octagon on Friday, is no exception to the rule. The plot is handled with subtle cleverness. Immediately following an intriguing murder several baffling clues arc paraded and suspicion is allowed to rest on numerous players. One by one they are eliminated, the story working up to a totally unexpected climax, ‘ The Four Masked Mon ’ is one of the finest examples of a film depending for‘its interest on the principle of suspense. One of the largest and most beautiful sets seen in a British film was used for the final scenes, and occupied twothirds of the floor space available at Twickenham Studios. It was constructed by James Carter, the art director, and represents the presidential palace in Pcruvia, on the occasion of a' ball held by the President. During the activities masked men invade the ballroom and hold the company up, while others rob them of their jewels. The scene is the key scene to the picture, because it is during this daring hold-up that Sebastian Shaw (as Arthur Phillips) recognises one of the bandits —a discovery which is later to cause his own death. A well-dressed crowd of nearly 200 extras throng the dance floor, and later a specially-picked group of dancers perform a graceful tango in this brilliant scene, which promises to be one of the most spectacular over sepn in a British production. Twickenham arc determined to live up to their announcement that no expense would be spared in the production of their British pictures. Judy Kelly, who plays the leading Icmmmc role, was horn in Australia in 1913, and she is supported by playvi's of the calibre of John Stuart and Athole Sicwart.