NATIONAL

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 217, 2 December 1927, Page 14

NATIONAL

“THE THIRD DEGREE” Opening a week’s season at the National Theatre yesterday, “The Third Degree” is a powerfully dramatic argument against circumstantial evidence. A well-to-do man between forty and fifty years of age and of uncertain means of support is shot in his luxurious Fifth Avenue apartment. When the police arrive they find a young husband with whose wife the victim is thought to have had reltaions standing over the body in a dazed condition with a ladies’ size automatic in his hand. There is liquor on his breath and he bears the unmistakable signs of a rough-and-tumble struggle. All superficial circumstances point to his guilt, and the detectives, with minds made up, set about the task of making him confess by submitting him to the infamous “third degree.” At last, after long hours of mental torture, he is worn down to a confession. Hardly knowing what he does, he signs his own life away. With the circumstantial evidence backed by the confession any court in the land will convict him. Only one person can save him. and she is impelled to silence by the powerful motives of self-preserva-tion and mother love. Dolores Costello, well remembered for excellent work in “The Sea Beast,” adds to her long list of admirers for her portrayal of Anne, the circus girl wedded to the millionaire. .Tason Robards Dlays the suspected man. Louise Dresser, Rockliffe Fellowes, Kate Price. Tom Santchi. Harry Todd. Mary Louise Miller, Michael Vavitch, David Torrence and Fred Kelsey are also in

the cast. There are many dramatic moments both in the circus prologue and in the story proper. Supporting “The Third Degree” are a number of other interesting films, notably a five-

reel comedy, “The Self-Starter.” starring Reed Howes. % A special attraction at to-morrow’s matinee, the proceeds of which go to the Unemployment Fund, will be a dance recital by pupils of Miss Doreen Bullimore.