“FOUR MASKED MEN.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20447, 27 October 1934, Page 25 (Supplement)

“FOUR MASKED MEN.”

Well-acted British Mystery Drama. Following on their very successful film, “ The Wandering Jew,” Twickenham Studios have now turned out another great success in “ The Four Masked Men.” which began at the Civic All-British Theatre to-day. W ritten bv Cyril Campion, this dramatic storv has been adapted to the screen by F. Fowler Mear, who recently revealed his genius in the adaptation of “ Lilv of Killarney.” “ The Four Masked Men” is not a shilling shocker or an Edgar Wallace thriller, as the title might convey, but an elaboratelystaged and superblv-acted society mysterv drama, relieved with a touch of brilliant comedy. The very popular star, John Stuart, heads the cast, with him being the new British “ find,” Judy Kelly. Judy Kelly is another of the many Australian beauties who are at present earning fame on the English screen. Other members of the cast include Miles Mander, Athole Stewart and Richard Cooper. The story opens on the eve of Arthur Phillips’s departure for engineering work in Peruvia. His brother, Trevor, their friend, Lord Richard Clyno, and Rodney Fraser, a somewhat mysterious man around town, have gathered together for a farewell party. In Peruvia young Phillips is invited to the President’s ball, where he meets the charming Patricia Brent. When the ball is at its height the dancers are suddenly confronted by four masked men. This gang later turn up in England, and the story moves on through many interesing happenings to a surprising climax. “ Derby Day ” humorously described by a clever Cockney comedian, and the latest Pathe Gazettes, showing scenes of the third cricket Test and the Wimbledon tennis finals, complete an excellent programme. Box plans are now open at the Theatre, where seats may be reserved at no extra cost.