MYSTERY' DRAMA AT THE CIVIC THEATRE.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 63, 16 March 1931, Page 3

MYSTERY' DRAMA AT THE CIVIC THEATRE.

“ The Last Hour ”, a drama concerning the invention of a “ death ray ” and a battle of wits between British secret service officers and Continental spies, is the principal attraction at the Civic Theatre this week. The “ death ray ” is a machine capable of bringing instant destruction to the most powerful aircraft. It can be understood that a nation in possession of such a weapon would rule the world, and in “ The Last Hour,” there is conflict between the nations on this account. The plans of the death ray are stolen, and their loss is atributed to a Continental spy organisation, of which the unscrupulous Prince Nicola de Ivovatch is chief. An airship is employed to take the plans out of England. The spies are successful up to the point of actually getting aboard the airship and are sailing gailv away with the plans when the death rav is brought into operation, bursting tlie airship asunder so that it crashes in flames. The spies are. killed, and the secret of the death rays remains with Britain. Stewart Rome plays the role of Prince de Kovatch, ami succeeds in being most convincing. Richard Cooper is also responsible for some , fine work as the English “ Johnnie.” who turns out to be a vital link in the chain cf intelligence officers, who are commissioned to track the spies down. Kathleen Vaughan, as the fiancee of the chief of the intelligence officers, plays her part well, and James Raglan, as Charles Lister. is quite able to go tit for tat with the scheming Prince of the spies. The supporting films are of a good standard.