MYSTERY OF “THE RINGER.”

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 2 May 1928, Page 2

MYSTERY OF “THE RINGER.”

ABSORBING PROBLEM PLAY. MAURICE MOSCOW ITCH COMPANY “Forcibly dramatic, gripping, and intensely fascinating, yet touched with the glamour of sweet romance ; these figure prominently among the descriptive Expressions- suggested by the four-act play in which Mr. Edgar Wallace invites solution of the mystery surrounding the identity of the “Ringer,” whose homicidal tendencies are directed towards relieving the world of certain unsavoury characters whose riddance is viewed with, popular appreciation. .Aisi presented at the Hawera Opera House last evening by Mr. Maurice Mosoovitch. and his company, the ingenious proposition, baffled an .audience which filled the building, and the elucidation caused) audible gasps of astonishment when the secret was finally revealed, while, following the disclosure, renewed 1 and swiftly moving thrills made nerves taut ere the curtain rolled down. Throughout the intriguing story the author has contrived to crystallise all the inventive methods familiarised in ilia novels in a remarkably clever manner. Skilfully avoiding the defect of stretching tbe tale beyond the limits of credence, Mr. Wallace provides < xplanation and justification of the various “red herrings” and points that puzzle, and the spectator is finally warranted; in appraising a daring but not improbable masquerade. So called because of his dexterity in “ringing the changes” on his appearance the “Ringer,” wanted for murder, eludes the Scotland Yard sleuths. Accompanied by an attractive girl whom he has married to enable her to escape the law, he reaches Australia. The relief afforded the man hunters by the news that he has been drowned in Sydney harbour later turns to consternation when it is reported that he has returned to England benton wreaking vengeance in th© terms l of the “unwritten law” on a scoundrel believed to be responsible for the suicide of the “Ringer’s” sister. His pretty and apparently care free wife has come back alone, and the Criminal Investigation Department, working on the theory that he will join her sooner or later, is confronted, /together with the audience, with the task of deciding whom among her acquaintances is the man being sought. Fine acting, with the assistance l of realistic settings, hut with only one secret panel, a disappearing light, a black out or two and some spooky music by way of effects, were combined in the success of last evening’s interpretation of the story. * Mr. Moscovitch gave a clever study of the villainous Meister. By day, prosperous criminal lawyer, pleading for the weaklings of crookdom whom he had duped, by night, drug-befuddled sensualist, lost in- a welter of veil’d classical harmony as his fingers strayed over the keys of his grand piano, Maurice Meister was a mercenary monster, as lacking in conscience as lie was suave. Mr Moscovitcli’-s portrayal of morphia, induced] ecstasy was graphic to a degree, while terrifying in its 'grimness was his interpretatoin of the paroxysm occasoned l by threatened Nemesis and the black out scene when the death blow was administered by an unseen hand. Another striking characterisation was given by Mr. Patric Ourwen . as the police surgeon, eccentric, whimsical and delightfully Scotch, with, an assumed catch in the voice which gave pointed emphasis to a unique and diverting study. Also acomplished was Mr. Nat Madison as Samuel Haekitt, ex-con-vict, bubbling with coarse wit, irfe-

sponsible, light-fingered, the typical sneak thief of London police courts, with the hangdog look of the gaol bird stamped indelibly on his scrubby face. Miss Mary MacGregor gave a dashing interpretation of the role of Cora Ann, the ‘Ringer’s” faithful and fascinating young wife, a. little hardened through contact with a hard. world, but with a heart of gold, while Miss Berta Riccardo was convincing as thb innocent secretary of the terrible Meister, both ladies being endowed with much personal charm. Though the role allowed* no opportunity for the appeal of beauty, Moss Kiore King revealed considerable ability in her impersonation of the gin-soaked, hysterical wife of the ex-oonvict.

Others’ who contributed prominent parts were Mr. Reginald Newson, who* gave a restrained performance as Deffective Inspector Wembury, _ D. 5.0.; Mr. Ashton Jarry, an emotional opposite as the ill-tempered Inspector Bliss; Mr Jack Diunne, as the secretary’s erring brother, dupe of Meister and spruce ticket-of-leave man; . Mr. Hal Percy, as Assistant Commissioner of Police; and Mr. Leslie Donaghey as a crook of no importance, while Mr. George Blunt proved' a highly amusing police station sergeant. Quick to appreciate the work of the entire cast, the audience gave, ungrudging applause on the conclusion of the performance; and when the veteran principal was left alone in mid-stage the handclapping rose in successive crescendos as the curtain was lifted and lowered several times, marking atribute such as Hawera audiences rarely pay.