“THE BLACK ROOM”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22675, 13 September 1935, Page 7

“THE BLACK ROOM”

STATE THEATRE'S UNUSUAL FILM '■■

Those who remember the thrilling and terrifying happenings of " Frankenstein," in which the " monster "played by Boris Karloff was a screen creation not easily forgotten, will have some idea of the entertainment expected from " The Black Room," which gives Karloff another opportunity of displaying his own particular histrionic powers. This new film will have its initial screening at the State Theatre this morning. The picture is what may be termed a " thriller," in which Karloff is seen as a fiend who preys on beautiful women. Once they have fallen into his power they disappear. The element of mystery which figures so largely in this picture centres about " the black room," and the events which take place arc reported to' keep the audience in a state of continual nervous apprehension. The picture has been produced with a view to making the' most of the eerie situations, and the theme of the picture allows of the introduction of huge, awe-inspiring sets, against which weird shadows crawl. Karloff can l>e relied on to make the most .of the atmosphere of the picture, and he has the support of a cast which includes Marion Marsh, Robert Allen and Katherine De Mille. Dunedin audiences should be particularly interested in this film owing to the fact that Colin Tapley has an important role, and is said to give the finest character portrayal of his screen career. There is varied entertainment/however, in "The Black Room," which is not entirely a series of terrifying happenings. The story is said to be an excellent and highly interesting one, and blends romance, drama and mystery in aa acceptable manner.