Illusion

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7199, 23 April 1930, Page 9

Illusion

With a play that is excellent (“Illusion,” which opens at the De Luxe tonight, is based on the novel by Arthur Train) and actors who are equally superior, it is difficult to judge which is the more deserving of commendatory preference. Buddy Rogers and Nancy' Carroll grew up together in a circus; they are partners in a magician act. Nancy loves Buddy, but be is ffiOre interested in June Collyer, society heiress. His charm and handsome appearance make him a favourite in society. Regis Toomoy, son of ease and wealth, secs Nancy in the magic arc. Four rifles are fired at her, but she is unharmed because she has substituted graphite bullets for the original lead ones by a slcight-of-hand trick. Toomey is interested in Nancy. Meanwhile Buddy wins at bridge in tho fast society set and loses interest in Nancy. They split their magic act. Buddy makes a play for the hand of Juno Collyer. They attend a society circus show. They see Nancy going away with Toomey, apparently to his apartment. Buddy, still drawn by his unadmitted love for Nancy, goes to the apartment and discovers that Nancy lias not accompanied Toomey there, but has gone elsewhere. The next day, at the society, circus event, Juno tells Buddy that she has found out that he i 3 only a vaudeville entertainer and that she will not marry him., Angered, he joins the circus performance and does an eloquent ballyhoo for them, to show that his heart is with the troupers. Later on he goes to a theatre where Nancy is doing the illusion act with a new partner. He does not notice that she fails to exchange the lead bullets for graphite ones. The rifles arc fired and Nancy falls to the stage, wounded. Buddy rushes to her, and in his arms she promises to live for him.