CRIMINAL’S DOUBLE

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 792, 12 October 1929, Page 16

CRIMINAL’S DOUBLE

‘MASQUERADE'’ AT THE j MAJESTIC SUCCESS OF VANCE THRILLER A Fox movietone production of thrills and suspense from first to last is “Masquerade,” film adaptation of the Louis Joseph Vance story, screened at the Majestic for the first time last evening. Supported by a strong sound and talking picture programme, it provided entertainment of first-class calibre. thriller films have succeeded in capturing tho atmosphere that is sustained throughout ‘Masquerade.” It is as though tho author’s flair for devising exciting’ situations has been re-created in a clever and resourceful producer. As tho plot unfolds, each moment is tense, uncertain, and filled with interest. “Masquerade” is the story of a wealthy bachelor who returns from abroad to seek pastures new. He finds excitement from the moment lie steps inside his own front door, for it is discovered that his flat lias been entered, and a search made for valuable jewellery. The haijd of a woman is found on the table, and a little late.r he sees a beautiful girl running from the apartment. Fascinated with her, he follow's, and finds himself plunged into a series of amazing adventures. A criminal who the exact double of tlie loading man; a stupid butler who allows tlie pursued crooks to escape time and again; a detective who is always about half a reel behind tlie case; a girl who is trying to save her father from imprisonment; and a small gang of most enterprising American reporters—these are the principal characters of a story with an entirely new twist. To describe “Masquerade” fully would be to spoil it for the audiences Who will extract full enjoyment in the coming week. Sufficient to say that tlie screen tale runs smoothly and intriguingly from tlie first to tlie last scenes. At the head of a strong cast is Alan Birmingham, a comparatively new picture player, but one who appears to have a decidedly bright future in talkies. He handles one of the first dual film roles that has been attempted by an actor in tlie new pictures, and makes a thoroughly convincing bachelor and criminal. The scenes in which the “two men” appear together are wonderfully wrought, the faking being so subtle that it is difficult to believe one player lias portrayed both characters. Next is Leila Hyams, an attractive blonde with —Thanks to the Fox casting bureau —a really good voice. Though she is decidedly an American, Miss 1-Iyams’s voice is clear and melodious, assisting to prove that it is lack of vocal culture and not nationality which is condemning so many motion picture players, especially* those of the fair sex. Clyde Cook, the popular Australian comedian, of whom so little has been seen in past years, makes a welcome reappearance as tlie comedy butler of "Masquerade.” Speaking clearly and satisfyingly, Cook draws a Cockney character excellently, supplying practically all the comic relief of tlie film. Other well-cast characters of “Masquerade” are Arnold Lucy and Farrell Macdonald. The production scheme is a happy one, enabling speedy 1 action, and tlio photography and sound effects generally are most realistic. On the , same programme, “In Holland,” a novel talking comedy, featuring Clark and McCullough, was an outstanding support. A clever burlesque of the newly popular travelogue, it was entertaining throughout. “Eaglet’s Nest,” a really exciting nature study film, in which a man battles with a giant bird, was another support. In these releases, XJ.F.A. has achieved a nice blending of information and action. Fox News, including the eruption of Vesuvius, in' sound, adds to an admirable show.