THE STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 70, 14 June 1927, Page 15

THE STRAND

“THE MAN UPSTAIRS” The ingredients that go into the making of a good mystery story must contain all the elements of true life. Of course, certain liberties can be taken to enhance the story, but the fundamentals must ring sound, and that is just the thing that makes “The Man Upstairs,” Monte Blue’s latest starring vehicle for Warner Bros., the real thriller that it is. In the first place it was written by a man who knows just what creates mystery. His story “Seven Keys to Baldpate” is still regarded as one of the premiers of mystery, and “The Man Upstairs” is another like it.

Earl Derr Biggers is an old-time newspaper man who knows how to weave a truly dramatic story. lie has the sense of proportion of knowing just how long to hold the suspense and when to inject new angles to carry out his ideas. The plot of “The Man Upstairs” was taken from “personals” that appear daily in the metropolitan newspapers. It is a mystery yarn in which murders, police and innocent victims are involved and yet all with a touch of humour.

This is Monte Blue’s fourth starring vehicle for Warners this year the other three being “The Limited Mail,” “Red Hot Tires,” and “Hogan’s Alley.” Dorothy Devore is delightful in the feminine lead, and Heinie Conklin and John Roche give excellent performances. Roy Del Ruth directed “The Man Upstairs,” which is now being shown at the Strand Theatre, and which is one of the best comedy dramas of the screen season.