“I KILLED THE COUNT”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 6 January 1940, Page 2

“I KILLED THE COUNT”

J. C. WILLIAMSON PLAY. A mystery play with 100 per cent entertainment value is “I Killed the Count,” which J. C. Williamson’s New London Company is to stage for the first time in Masterton at the Regent Theatre for one night only on Monday, January 15. This play was acclaimed by Press and public in London and in Paris as the best detective play since “Ten Minute Alibi.” And it has first, concluded a run of 12 performances at the Opera House, Wellington. “I Killed the Count” has all the clever, witty, and novel elements that go to make an original mystery. Mattoni’s death occurs between midnight and 2 a.m., in a block of bachelor fiats. Four persons confess to the murder, and Inspector Davidson and iiis assistants from Scotland Yard ex- ; amine witnesses through a maze of motives. A blood-stained fingerprint, rubber-soled footprints, the changed position of the body, scratches from the victim’s finger nails, and a liftman’s uniform are exhibits with which the dramatist tantalises both detectives and audience. His brilliant and ingenious use of three flash-backs in the second act stimulates the action and intensifies the mystery. The novel scene and mechanical devices for the play have been brought over from Australia, and no expense is being spared to present the play in precisely the same way as it was in London. The box plan will open Wednesday next at W. G. Perry’s.