“DRACULA”

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 690, 15 June 1929, Page 24

“DRACULA”

SYDNEY WOMEN SHUDDER THE LATEST HORROR Women screamed and fainted at the first presentation of “Dracula,” in Sydney. Several left the theatre. When Bram Stoker wrote “Dracula” he made the hair of the world stand on end, for the book was translated into every language, and when presented on the stage in England and America, created a sensation. Although one may scoff at superstition, especially in the superstition of the existence of vampire men and women —the undead who seek the blood of the living —yet, in some parts of Russia the belief still exists that the howl of the .werewolf and suchlike, foretells the coming of terrifying and strange beings. Dracula is the strange being in the play. He has been dead for 500 years, but emerges at certain times from his tomb, preying on mortals by sucking their blood, without which his awful existence cannot continue. In the cast of the eerily thrilling “Dracula” are Nat Maddison, who gives a splendid performance in the dramatic role of Renfield, a victim of the vampire Count.; Ashton Jarry as Dracula: Bertha Riccardo as Mina; Ellis Irving as John Harker; Andrew Money as Professor van Helsing; Bert Barton as th,e warder; Arthur Cornell as Dr. Seward; and Helga Rolunde as the maid. Dora Maughau delighted the packed audience at the Melbourne Tivoli on Boat Race Night. Her charm of manner and subtle artistry made a big appeal. There was a surprise in the second part of the programme when Aliss Maughan appeared for a second time—to assist with humour and song. Walter Fehl, “the good boy” of London. Miss Maughan has a big following in London.