MYSTERY AND COMEDY

Evening Star, Issue 22004, 13 April 1935, Page 10

MYSTERY AND COMEDY

COMBINED ON OCTAGON BILL On a double-feature programme, the Octagon is presenting the screen version of ‘The Green Pack,’ the last mystery drama written by that master of detective fiction, Edgar Wallace. It is doubtful if ever the genius of this great writer has been seen to better advantage than in ‘ The Green Pack.’ Here the indefatigable master of mystery and. thrills is seen, in his best form —ingenious, intriguing, arresting, and, above all, entirely fresh. The story is set in London and Portuguese West Africa, and in addition to John Stuart and Ailocn Marson in the leading roles, the cast includes Hugh Miller, the brilliant actor appearing in the stage play ‘ Counsellor at Law,’ in the role played' by John Barrymore on the screen, Garry Marsh, J. H. Roberts* and Michael Shepley. The plot concerns three friends who have been defrauded of a gold mine by a ruthless financier, and they decide that he shall bo murdered and accordingly deal a pack of cards to decide which of them shall commit the crime, it being understood that none of the three should know which of them had drawn the death. card, the Ace of Spades. . The film is a gripping one, in which mystery, / comedy, ana romance follow one another in quick succession, and is one that will hold an audience in suspense until the final climax. John Stuart, as Larry, and Aileen Marson, as Joan give excellent performances, acting with telling effect. Miss Marson in particular shows unexpected depth in her emotional sequences, and reveals herself as one or the most promising of the younger screen actresses. Hugh Millar, as the ruthless financier, and Garry Marsh as Tubby are excellently oast," Michael Shepley does good work as Mark, and J. H. Roberts makes a capable doctor. The first half of the programme is taken up with a smart comedy, ‘ Without You,’ starring Henry Kendal, Wendie Barrie, and Margot Grahame. • Without You ’ is an amusing magazine story type of film about a young couple who part for six months after a breakfast tiff They meet again under exceedingly unusual circumstances., and the husband has the novel experience of being obliged to act the part of co-respondent to his own wife. Singing and occasional bouts of wrestling between two of the individuals add extra brightness to the comedy. Wendy Barrie and Harry Kendall are the principals, and nothing too good could be said of their acting.