ENTERTAINMENTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24084, 1 October 1941, Page 10

ENTERTAINMENTS

Roxy and Tivoli Theatres. —A highlyinstructive conception of ttic possibilities for injustice in trial by jury upon circumstantial evidence is presented in 1i.K.0.-Radio's "Stranger on the Third Floor," which heads the doublefeature programme commencing at the Koxy and Tivoli Theatres to-day. An unusual crime drama, it deals with the plight of a young reporter, who, having by his testimony sent an innocent man to the death-cell, finds himself the victim of a similar situation and in danger of going himself to the electric chair. Heading a distinguished cast is Peter Lorre, who makes several very effective appearances as a homicidal maniac. As .Michael Ward, the reporter, John McGuire gives a convincing portrayal. After the case in which he has given evidence, Ward is worried and lie is troubled during the night by a, dream in which he links a series of actual happenings at his lodgings within the past few days into a circumstantial chain of evidence which would hang him; he dreams that his nextdoor neighbour, whom he hates, has been murdered. Waking in a frenzy, he eventually discovers that his neighbour has been murdered. Thrilling entertainment is provided in the sequences which follow. The feminine lead is taken by Margaret Tallichet. The associate attraction is "Western Caravans," a Columbia production featuring Charles Starrett and Iris Meredith. A" rousing western dealing with the cattle rustlers and nesters of the "good old davs" of the West, it provides endless entertainment. The supporting cast includes the Sons of the Pioneers. Sara Nelson was the director.