“THE SOLITAIRE MAN.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXIV, Issue 941, 11 December 1933, Page 3

“THE SOLITAIRE MAN.”

Thrilling Drama Presented at Regent. Superb acting by a distinguished cast headed by Herbert Marshall makes " The Solitaire Mun." which was witnessed by capacity audiences at the Regent Theatre on Saturday. one of the out—standing draniatic lilms of the year. The story, which deals with the operations. of a gang of international " crooks," abounds in intensely dramatic situations and ends with a sensational climax when the members of the gang are finally rornered in the cabin of a passenger aeroplane travelling from Paris to London The talented English actor. Herbert Marshal], who has had a rapid rise to fame since he beagn acting for the films, gives a finely—bal—anoed performance as a polished gentleman “ crook,” who has evaded the police of England and the Continent for seven years, and has his first clash with the authorities after he decides to give up crime and settle down to a life of respectability. Co—operating with him in his nefarious schemes are May Robssn, in the role of a broken down member of the English aristocracy, who disposes of stolen jewels to wealthy Americans by telling them plausible stories to the effect that they are family heirlooms: Elizabeth Allan. her companion. wh.» is in love with Marshall, and Ralph Forbes, l the fourth member of the. gang. who finally betrays the " Solitaire Man " 10‘ the police. The action takes plates in Paris and in the cabin ME :in aeronlane,‘ and rails for exceptional acting ahiliry,‘ but the tense drama is delightfully blended with humour. most of \vhir-h is provided by Mary Bolan l. a popular comedienne, who enters lh? Story as :l garrulous American travelling in Lon—don on the same. aeroplane. Lionel At—will. who has had the rule: of screen

“ terror ” in several notable pictures, also gives an excellent performance as a police informer who engages in a terrific battle of wits with the “ Solitaire Man ”on board the aeroolone. The thrilling situation which arises in the cabin of the aeroplane is a masterpiece of dramatic acting, and rhe climax is one of the most sensational yet presented on the screen. For the complete enjoyment of the play it is better that the denouement should not be known by the audience beforehand.

The supporting programme includes a lively Chari’e Chase comedy, a Pathe Audio Review containing several particularly pleasing novelties, “ Dance , Flaws.” an entertaining exposition of dancing, and the Metrotone News which, among other things, shows incidents in the recent revolution in Cuba, when a number of officers were besieged in a huge “luxury” hotel in Havana , and did not surrender until the building had been under shell-fire for many j i ■