“BUSMAN’S HONEYMOON”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26113, 28 March 1946, Page 8

“BUSMAN’S HONEYMOON”

REPERTORY SOCIETY SUCCESS Miss Dorothy Sayers is probably one of the most accomplished of contemporary writers of the style of mystery novel which employs es its central character a detective, generally of amateur status, who combines the ability of a Sherlock Holmes with the social standing of the aristocracy and the manner of a nearidiot. “ Busman’s Honeymoon,” which was presented last night by the Dunedin Repertory Society, is a straight-out murder mystery for the most part wellturned comedy, but laced with something stronger in the way of drama —a body, three or four suspects and a considerable number of “ red herrings.” In Its adaptation to the stage. " Busman’s Holiday ” has lost something which the book had, and has gained something which it lacked. To bring all the characters within the compass of the stage has meant a little sacrifice and recourse to artificiality, but it has permitted the characters to live in a manner which no amount of skilful drawing by the author could achieve. The play has no moral to point, save the obvious one that crime does not pay, and no psychological aspects except, perhaps, those which concern the mentality of the murderer and his hunter. As such, it is a production which was right into the hands of the Repertory Society, and the members of the cast, with one or two exceptions, appeared to enjoy and appreciate the opportunities presented. Only faults which may probably be put down to a first night prevented the presentation last night from being a distinct success. The prompter’s voice was rather too prominent, and there was too much stumbling over words, even by the principals, for it to be said that the initial presentation was altogether , a smooth one.

Physically. Mr Bernard Sullivan may hot. be Miss Sayers's conception of Lord Peter Wimsey, the blue-blooded detective, but then neither, probably, was the film actor Ronald Colman “ Sapper’s ” Idea of Bulldog Drummond. Mr Sullivan created his own character fairly skilfully and he blended his poetry-speaking inanity with his serious moments of "detecting ” in an accomplished manner. He did not seem to mind having his honeymoon rudely interrupted by the discovery of a body in the cellar of the house he had just purchased—an occurrence which brought him into immediate contact with a number of delightful village characters. His sure stage presence and good speaking voice carried him through a performance that was marred only by his stumbling over words and some rather artificial gestures. Mrs Anita Oliver, as Harriet, his wife, was not called upon to do a great deal, but she was always sure of herself and made an admirable foil for her husband. To Mr Richard White fell the part of Puffett, the village " jack of all trades ” and ha seized the delightful opportunities presented to him for some real comedy with both hands. He revelled in his part and the large audience revelled with him. He is an old hand so far as the amateur stage Is concerned and he knew exactly what was required of him. He struck a Jarring note, however, in his first scene when he peeled off a succession of Jerseys, two of which would be more familiar on a Dunedin football field than in an English village. Miss Sylvia Seelen’s Miss Twitterton, a niece of the body in the cellar, had some excellent moments both •of comedy and drama. As an ageing spinster frustrated in love and a suspect of murder she was often in hysterics, but she surmounted the difficulties so presented fairly comfortably. Bunter, Lord Peter’s valet, was played by Mr Bruce McKenzie, whose pompous manner, admirably done, would have been more successful had his speech been slower. His facial make-up, too, conveyed haggardness, rather than dignified age. Mr Jim Haleis was excellent as Mr Mcßride, a Jewish personality who was more interested in the deceased's debts than in his unfortunate demise. He was free of suspicion of murder and could let himself go. Mr Les Weatherall, who, as Prank Crutchiey, the gardener, had a good motive, biit an equ&lly good alibi, had a “ straight ” part in which he was fairly well at home and he came through a couple of emotional scenes with credit. Mr. John More made an excellent vicar, but would have been more effective if he could have been heard at all times. In minor roles Mrs Betty McPhail, a housekeeper; Mr Murray Pinfold. a constable (and a suspect); Mr Chris Clementeon, .police superintendent; and Messrs Ronald Schlonback and Jack Cain were entirely adequate. The producer, Mr Russell Wood, has a •deft touch which was apparent throughout the production. Mr J- A. Wallace’s student orchestra provided an overture and selections between the acts. “ Busman’s Honeymoon” will be presented nightly until Saturday.