DETECTIVE DRAMA

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 10962, 26 July 1921, Page 6

DETECTIVE DRAMA

"MRS GOKELNGE'S NECKLACE-'* MR CULFOKD BELL'S THESPIANS. An entertaining four-act play, entitled "Mrs Qorringe's Necklaoe," was produced at the Town Hall last sreDing by Me Culford Bell's TTionpinm The production. as from the pen of Hubert Henry Davies, and is a cleveriy-constructed detective drama, in which, the authon has drawn some very distinct characters. The plot is based upon the thefts by a visitor to a society famitr of a diamond necklace, the paopertr of another guestThe culprit is • weak-kneed individual* who commits his indiscretion in order to retrieve his fortunes, so ..that he may, be able to marry her hostess's stepdaughter, to whom he is engaged. Ai detective is called in, and the thief allows suspicion to rest upon a fellow* arrnv officer, the only person who has si clue to the identify of the padoiner of the diamonds. Hoping to lue young, friend a lesson, he challenges the suspicions thrown upon him, bnt unexpected developments ensue, end there is a happy ending. Hie performers-gen-erally gave intelligent interpretations of the characters in the cast, though Mr P Lestock Jones could have displayed more severity and firmness «e the retired colonel, and Miss Hand Maitland could have been "made -wp" mote, effectively as the colonel's wife. In her of the part of leader of' society, however, she made a lot of her opportunities. Miss Isabel Halligan, as the would-be bride of the thief, gave an excellent performance, which was up to professional standard. MriA. Hale Spencer likewise distinguished as the philosophic sympathiser of the repen tent author of all the trouble. He treated the part carefully and veil Mist Fannie Nicholas appeared as the flirta> tious and affected owner of the diamonds, and was very amusing in the light oomedy ode allotted to her. The irresolute thief was played by Mr Barton Ginger, who was also suited to his responsibility, and was fairly convincing. Miss Aggie Atkins made a most natural flapper. Mr A If. Kingston commanded just the right touch of abruptness and sternness to fit him as the detective. Minor parts woo played bv Mass phylUs Adams and Mr Tom Crosbie A second performance of the play will be gives this evening.