Adapted for the stage by George Darrell from Marie Corelli's novel of the same name (1895), the story concerns Geoffrey Tempest, a penniless author who one day receives three letters. The first is from a friend in Australia who has made his fortune and offers to introduce him to a good friend who might be able to lift him from poverty. The second is a note from a solicitor detailing that he has inherited a fortune from a deceased relative, the third is a letter of introduction from a foreign aristocrat called Lucio, who befriends him and proceeds to be his guide in how to best use his new found wealth. Unaware that Lucio is the Earthly incarnation of the devil his life descends into misery depsite his new-found wealth. He eventually realises that he has been tricked by the devil and in renouncing evil he returns to society penniless but content with the chance to purify his soul.
1897 : New Zealand Dominion tour ; ca. January - March.
1902 : Princess Theatre, Melbourne ; 30 October -*. [no details; ctd Bulletin 8 November 1902, p10].
1905 : New Zealand Dominion tour ; ca. April-May. Dir. George Darrell ; Troupe: McMahon-Darrell Dramatic Co. - Cast incl. George Darrell (Prince Lucio Rutland).
1907 : Theatre Royal, Hobart ; 19-20 November. - Troupe: Lillian Meyers Dramatic Co.
1908 : Theatre Royal, Hobart ; 3 January. - Troupe: Lillian Meyers Dramatic Co.