OCTAGON AND KING EDWARD THEATRES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17693, 2 August 1919, Page 12

OCTAGON AND KING EDWARD THEATRES.

Rallies, the Amateur Cracksman," is the titie of the new leading picture at the Octagon ,uid King Edward Theatres. It is a thrilling picture version of Hornung's novel which had a most successful season as a drama wherever it was produced on the legitimate stage. The storv is a most interesting account of the theft of certain jewels, and the subsequent hunt for tho thief provides many moments of excitement. The tale opens on a steamship where Raffles, posing as a Count, gains information through Mrs Vidal that a priceless pearl is in the possession of a certain man on the boat. Raffles cleverly steals it, jumps overboard, and swims ashore, but is seen by Mrs Vidal. He next appears in luiglajid with eaitry into tho most exelusive circles. H e steals for the love of stealing, and the excitement of the chase, but never robs the poor. At a house party tne home of Lord Amersteth whero Raffles is a. guest, the chief topic of conversation is the "Cracksman" and his numerous exploits. ' As Lady Amersteth owns a valuable diamond necklace, the services of Captain Bedford, an amateur detective, are obtained, for fear it might prove a lure to the " Cracksman." Mrs Vidal arrives at the house party and recognises Raffles, but keens silence, as she fa in love with him. ' The famous diamond necklace is stolen in due coarse, ttad everyone is at a loss as to the t'hief. Captain Bedford believes Raffles to be guilty, but cannot prove it. The rest of the story revolves_ around Raffles's clever elusion of the detective, and of his subsequent "get-away" after returning the stolen jewels. A Pathe Gazette and an amusing comedy are screened in support of this excellent film, and the whole forms a programme of more than ordinary interest.