SIR GERALD’S LAST.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20365, 24 July 1934, Page 3

SIR GERALD’S LAST.

“Scotland Yard Mystery” Starts Saturday. The great art of Sir Gerald du Maurier, whose recent death is regretted throughout the English-speak-ing world, has been perpetuated by several splendid British films, the last, and by no means the least of these being “ The Scotland Yard Mystery,’ which comes to the Theatre Royal on Saturday. In this splendid thriller, the late Sir Gerald is starred in the role of Chief Inspector Stanton, of Scotland Yard. - Although Sir Gerald’s fame was acquired mainly through the theatre, Christchurch picturegoers will remember his outstanding performances in “ Lord Camber’s Ladies ” and “ I Was a Spy.” “ The Scotland Yard Mystery ” is an exciting drama of a crook who swindles an insurance firm by the use of a serum that promotes temporary “ death ” in hired “ corpses.” Ostensibly a police physician, he makes huge profits by insuring various men, injecting them with a serum which produces a state of catalepsy, and collecting on the policies. Later, the “ bodies ” are revived by an anti-toxin and sent abroad to start life anew with a share of the ill-gotten gains. Sir Gerald du Maurier gives an excellent performance as Chief Inspector Stanton, who solves the mystery after a grim struggle in a battle of wits with the master crook. The latter role is played with complete conviction by George C’urzon, whilst other members of the cast who give valuable assistance are Crete Natzler, Belle Chrystall, Leslie Perrins, Walter Patch, Henry Victor, Herbert Cameron and Frederick Peisley.