MAJESTIC

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 707, 5 July 1929, Page 15

MAJESTIC

“THE FORGER” Edgar Wallace —prime mysterymechanician of our day—maintains that he has never yet written a story that has not been based on real life. Most of them, he says, are "lots of true stories" joined together to make a work of fiction, and the critics only amuse him when they call his novels or plays “fantastic" or "improbable." "The Forger," he assures us, is no exception to his rule. When in Berlin some time ago he heard from the police of a case almost identical with that set out in this novel. Those who see it in its film form, therefore, at the Majestic Theatre this evening, will know that there is nothing far-fetched about it.

The great puzzle with which the picture teases the audience and holds its interest fast to the end is, of course, who is the forger—"the clever one," as he is called

Everyone is mystified. The evidence all points one way—to a rich and bewildered youth. The detectives are baffled. The evidence is not conclusive. Even when a murder seems to fasten the crimes on the young man suspect, a doubt still prevails. And meantime the on-looker follows with rapt attention every ingenious development, and, try how he will, the odds are all against his picking out the real "clever one." What the solution is ic would be unfair to give away here. Batrons of the Majestic should try for themselves, and we can promise them their fill of interest and excitement. “The Forger," which originally appeared as a serial in the “Daily Mail," is played by an excellent cast, beaded by Lillian Rich, the suspect’s clever little wife in the film.

The second big picture this evening will be a charming English story entitled “The Farmer’s Wife."

The story concerns a farmer who, on the marriage of liis daughter, desires companionship and contemplates marrying again. He marks down four possibles—a widow horsewoman, a timid old maid, a flashly dressed woman, and a barmaid —fully confident that one will accept him. He, however is mistaken, for every one turns his proposals down. He then offers marriage to his housekeeper and is accepted. Lillian Hall-Davis and Jameson Thomas are the stars.

Another feature this evening will be a new Yorke Gray stage presentation. “The Heart of a Flower.” Mr. White-ford-Waugh's orchestra will provide the music as usual.