Evening star., 1928-04-09
uRERT.RELAsCo-~The Snider..

Headlined by the famous magician
Cllatran0 the Great. another excellent
program is presented. Sharing the hon
orS with him are two other excellent
acts Mack and Larlle, the skating mar
Vels and Iytell and FAINT, blackface
singers and dancers.
Unfortunately for the rest of the bill.
last nights opening performance was
interrupted by a very tragic incident.
During one of the acts a member of the
audience was murdered. This neceSSi-
tated calling in the police and holding
the entire audience as witnesses. None
objected to the inconvenience. since the
affair gave opportunity TO witness as
thrilling mystery as any regularly pre-
sented in the theatcr.
The tragedy burst suddenly upon the
gayety of the variety house, which uul-
lied the entire theater as stage set
ting. In the midst Of one OF the acts
there was an argument between play
er and a Mr. Darlington in the au-
6ience. Suddenly the lights went out
and shot was fired When the lights
went on Mr. Darlington was lying on
the STAGE, mortally wounded. Mr.. Sam
uel Youns manager. displayed rare tact
in holding the audience in its place un-
Ill the arrival of Sergt. MorriSSey of the
police. who ordered the doors closed and
everybody held. A doctor was called
from the audience. but his efforts could
not avail TO save the life Of the wounded
man.
Most Of the credit for the p rompt So
luton OF the mystery should be given to
Chatrand. whose real name, 1t was
learned. is John Halliday Mr., Halliday.
apparently incriminated by the circum-
stances Of the crime, was arrested al
most Immediately. He conducted him
self with great ceolneSs and presence Of
mind and was able 10 convince lnSpcc-
tor Riley. who took charge OF the IN
veStigation. of his ability 10 find the
criminal by means Of SpiritualiStic
demonstration and psychological eN-
pertinent Of bringing the scene OF the
crime back 10 the murderer" Mr.. Hall-
Gay displayed great restraint throughout
and most Of the credit for what hap
pened belongs TO him.
Scarcely less credit. however, should
go to Paul Nugent, who was known only
as Alexander. Chatrand'S assistant, until
the tragedy and its attendant investl-
cation revealed his identity. MFR. Nugent
was also held as the murderer and was
In the most trying position OF all, but
he proved to be SO fine an actor that ne
was able to hoodwink the actual
criminal until Mr. Halliday had wrung
q confession from him.
A word should be said about lady
and a mother known as Mrs. Wimole-
don. whose real name was found TO be
Merle Stanton. This person, by her IN
siStence on leaving the theater and by
her antagonistic attitude throughout.
was a constant thorn in the sides OF
those who were trying to unravel the
mystery. In spite of this she served to
amuSe the audience when its nerves
we're a bit upset.
The audience itself behaved splendid
Iy. so Splendidly, in fact, that there was
some doubt about whether it really be-
Meyed a murder had been committed or
thought il was all just part OF the
play. The reason for this may lie IN
the sophistication of present-day audi
ences or it may be on account OF
whispers that could be heard before the
performance Anyway. audiences should
not act like that
There were many, too. who suspected
the actual criminal before he was un-
earthed and who thought that Chatrand
who also suspected him. could have
shown him up without so much legerde-
main. However, 1t seems unfair to
suspect even a magician OF so cheap
bid for publicity when the safety OF
the girl he loved and that Of many
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