STRAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 821, 15 November 1929, Page 17

STRAND

“BEHIND THAT CURTAIN” Tli© thrilling- story of Bruce of Scotland Yard, based on the book, "Behind that Curtain,” is coming to the Strand Theatre this evening as an all-talking-production. The story opens when Sir George Mannoring (Claude King), a man of wealth and power, employs Hilary Galt, a barrister, who makes a specialty of conducting secret investigations of persons. Galt is visited in his office by John Beetliam (Warner Baxter), an explorer of Far Eastern desert regions. A few hours later Galt is murdered and seemingly the only clues that the police can find are a pair of Chinese slippers. It is evident that Beetliam is in love with Eve (Eois Moran) Mannering, Sir George’s niece. The girl, however, effects a clandestine marriage with Eric Durand (Philip Strange). Eve and Eric sail for India. The groom proves to be unfaithful, playing about with native women. Eve receives a letter, supposedly written by the porter of the building wherein the victim had had his office. This missive reveals that her very husband is the criminal. Torn by emotion, she finally confronts her mate with the letter. He admits the crime. At this time she also meets John Beetliam, who is about to set out from India on an expedition into one of Asia’s most mysterious deserts. She finally persuades the explorer to allow her to join his expedition, i During this time Scotland Yard is still following every possible clue which might lead to Ga.lt’s murderer. Sir Frederick Bruce (Gilbert Emery) is in charge of the investigation. A year later, in San Francisco. Chan, a celebrated Chinese detective, and Sir Frederick are watching both Beetliam, on a lecture tour, and Durand, who also happens to be in town. Eve. unbeknown to any of them, attends. Beetliam, happy to see her, directs his lecture to her. Durand is blindly jealous. He fires at Beetliam, but strikes Bruce's shoulder. Chan’s men pursue and kill him. It is a breath-taking climax which unravels the tangled threads most satI isfactorily and brings John and Eve I their much deserved happiness. The excellent supporting programme i includes such outstanding attractions ! as views and sounds of the Melbourne I Cup, and a speech by Eloyd George. ■Ralph Dietrich, who is editing The ! Sky Hawk." the Zeppelin picture, has a : real name that is as long as Von Stroj heim's. He is actually Rudolph Julius Dietrich Reichsritter von Trouenfels zu Gtoeckelsberg. all of That—yet they i say it takes him only a few seconds to pass a given point.