Variety (Jul 1935)

Wednesday, July 17, 1935 LEGITBlii ATE VARIETY 63 Summer Theatres (NEW PLAYS) THE COWARD Lawrence Langner presents American pre- miere of 'The Coward,' toy Henry-Renee Lenormand. Translated by D. L. Orna. Btaged by Worthlngton MJper. Settlngn by Tom Adrian Cracratt. At the Weurport Country Playhouee. Charllec George Coulourle ProfeoBor Hertz Tom Powers Madame Ystad ; Ann Mauclair The Old Lady Kathleen Coniegys Thi' Spinster, Patricia Cnlvert Frlda , Phyllis Langner Jacques Robert Williams Thorese ..Frances Fuller Captain Boccardet .McKay Morris The Marquise d'Aqua-Tlnto..GertrudcRlver8 The Russian Boris Marshalov The Inti-rned Officer Alan Hewitt The Pierrette Ruth Chnrmnn The Hotel Manager E, B. Jaoohn Natacha Katheryn Laiighlln Etienne. William Packer The Doctor George Alison The first American performance of a play produced In Parle as early &s 1923, when It enjoyed. In Its French text, a considerable popu- larity, failed to excite its premiere audience at "Westport, made up chiefly of New Yorkers, with a gen- erous sprinkling of metropolitan critics. The necessarily limited fa- cilities of a country theatre, curtail- ing any effectiveness in production, an unsteady Job of direction and a negative performance, rot to men- tion a colorless and undramatic story, plus the heat, made the first view something less than an occa-. Bion, - In its French text 'The Coward' is said to be a rather sincere and elo- quent study of a slacker seeking refuge In a, Swiss hospital, trapped by the ghosts of the war, into espi- onage and eventually execution. "Written by the Important French playwright, Lenormand, It was con- sidered a certain bit bold in his first production, when it revealed certain secrets of the espionage system. This angle is only Incidental in • lawrence Langner's edition, and Is scarcely stirring enough to redeem the dreary record of the coward. Since most of the figures in the early half of the drama are desper- ately ill in the Swiss sanatorium, it Is' not precisely a cheerful back- ground. Jacques, the retreating Frenchman, fiees to the hospital, faking a malady, to escape service. Among the invalids are Charlier and Professor Hertz, one a member ■ of the French secret police and the other chief of the German spies. For three-quarters of the play they sit beneath blankets growling at ■ the Alps and the weather, aiid when they come to life it is only to tor- ture the coward, whose secret they have .discovered, and whom they at- tempt to use against each other. The mission of the author seemed not a little vague here at Westport, ' because of the muddled production. Role of the coward demands an actor of tremendous background and emotional expression. Here Lang- ner used. Robert Williams, young graduate of the American Academy, a youth of talent and sincerity, but not ready for such a Job. It was a tough -spot In which to push a new- comer. Frances Fuller, wife of Worthlng- ton Miner, the director, is starred in the production, taking the role of EIGHT (8) REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD INSURE NOW! 1— Insurance will cost you less. 2— Because you are insurable now. ^--BiDcause you will need In- surance. 4—Because Insurance establishes a definite program. 6—Because it will make you in- dependent. 6— Because it creates an imme- diate estate. 7— Because it is a conservative investment. 8— Because business men believe In it. The money you invest in Life Insurance is safe. It Is not sub- ject to the hazards which attend many other business ventures. Whatever happens to your other property, you can'be sure of your Insurance. For Further Details Write JOHN J. KEMP ■ 651 Fifth Ave., New York City - riionen ML'rrny HUl 3—7838-7839 - Service from Coast to Coast DICK and EDITH BARSTOW International Dancing Favorites the coward's wife, an inordinately sparse part, which Miss Fuller deco- rates with her easy charm, George Coulourls scores as the French spy, and Tom Powers makes much of the role of. the German officer, turning in a good performajice. Patricia Calvert, with the only good female role, does a. neat dramatic bit, that is not her usual featherbrained com- edy stock, and Kathleen Comegys and Gertrude Rivers are effective in smaller roles. Langner lavished time and money in the presentation, but it is one of the least successful efforts, and doesn't' see.m for Broadway. jDoMlen*. REMEMBER THE DAY (LAKEWOOD THEATRE) Drama In three acts by Phllo Hlgley and Philip Dunning. Produced by the Lake- wood Players. Staged by Melville Burke. At the Lakcwood theatre, Showhegan, Me,, July 8. 103B„ • Bell Boy : Owen Davis, Jr. Flower Girl .Virginia Dunning Dewey Robert Frankle Thomas Kate ...Mary McQuade Tom > Jackie Jordan Ellen Charlta Bauer Miss Price,.,: Kathleen Kidder Nora Trlnell Joanna Roos Dan Hopkins '.Ben Lackland Steve Joe Brown, Jr. Mr. Steel J. Hammond Dalley Edith Phelps Mary Rogers Mrs. Roberts Mary Philips Mr. Roberts Frank M. Thomas Reporter Iveenan Wynn This is an appealing play, hon- estly and sincerely written, but in its present form It Just misses. The theme Itself seems to lack import ance and the poignancy of the story arouses only a mild sense of trag e'dy ■ Play is set in period Just before the war and atmosphere and cos tumes . all lend themselves to . the rather quiet mood of the story. Plot revolves around Dewey Roberts, a sensitive kid about 12, who adores teacher, Nora Trlnell. Nora, a beautiful and understanding girl, is fond of the boy and recognizes greatness in him, When she falls in love .with the athletic coach and has an affair with him Dewey Is ter- ribly disillusioned and thinks she has made herself cheap and un- worthy of his respect. But the girl talks to him and explains that older people must grasp what happiness they can. Many years later when the boy has grown into a very suc- cessful man, the teacher recognizes him and speaks to him. But the man has obviously forgotten the in- cident which meant so much in his youth and the teacher is left with her sad memories. Frankle Thomas, well remembered for his performance In 'Wednesday's Child;' is perfectly cast as the *oy, and his sensitive, playing goes far toward heightening the appeal of the play. "Mary Philips scores as his mother, and Joanna Roos is sat- isfactory as the school teacher. Ben Lackland is badly miscast as the athletic coach, and Frank M. Thom- as, the young ictor's father, brings a heavy farcical note to his role which is out of key with the rest of the performances. The Skowhegan company includes many of the sons and daughters of famous stage folk and among those utilized in 'Remember the Day' are Mary Rogers', Keenan Wynn, Owen Davl.q, .Jr., and Virginia Dunning. Melville Burke's direction is good, but literal and Charles Perkins' settings are creditable for summer production. Play needs strengthening, partic- ularly in prolog and epilog and the romance between the girl and ath- letic coach at present lacks signifi- cance. But if re-wrltlng is success- ful this one has a good chance for succe.<;s on Broadway and should be a natural for pictures. Curse You, Jack Dalton (CASINO THEATRE) New comedy In three acts and four scenes by William DuBols, presented at the Deal Casino theatre by William A. firady, Jr., Malcolili L, Pearson and Donald E. Baruch for one week, starting July 15, '35. staged by John Hayden. Production de- signed by Tom Adrian Cracraft, Olive Alice Conrled Olaire Lee Patrick Harry Foster Frank Wilcox George Stanley Ralph Hertz \ed James^Todd .Mnnde .Spencer Beatrice Hendrlck Kvio D.-ilton,.". Hancey Castle Jack Dnlton Brandon Peters Alan Dnlton Frederic Forman An English Lady Helen Carroll William DuBols, who penned 'Pagan Lady' for Lenore tflrlc, has applied his talents to a delightful comedy which should catch the fancy of Broadway. The author has developed droll situations with lively line.'', punctuated by bits of racy dialog, while his humor finds ample outlet In a better-than- avernjie ))lot. Ml.ss T^ee Pntrirk Is charming and convincing as Chiire .Spencer, an ex- patriate 'Who has traded the .security and dullness of a home In .Sweet Grasff, M-ontana, for the role of a drcs.s cutter in a Parisian style shop. Mayor** Equity Card On Friday (12) Fiorella H. La Guardla, mayor of New York, was made an honorary member of Equity, presentation of the card being made at City Hall by Frank GiUmore, head of the actors' associatlon7 and Florence Reed, v.p. Gesture wais In return for his honor's activities in the free legit show presentations in schools, parks and institu- tions under the city and state's emergency relief programs. Jack Dalton (Brandon Peters), who has nary a claim on the U. S. Marines, but who holds the dis- tinction of having been Claire's foil in her first affair of the heart back In Montana, also hears first hand for seven years of the triumphs of his schooldays' amour. Handicapped by a small stage, the play has possibilities in a metro- politan theatre. There yfere no weak performances on opening night and the production was received better than either of the two previ- ous presentations. Bill. HOW LIKE A GOD (PARRISH MEMORIAL) Drama In three acta by '^'lllards Starhs. Produced by The Hampton Players Directed by Felix Jacoves. .Settings and costumes by Mary Merrill. At the Par- rlsh Memorial Hall, Southampton, L. I.. July ID. 1935. Paula Shepherd Virginia Campbell Jerry Shepherd Sbclton Earp Senator Stephen Batchelder.,..Ralph Urmy Miriam Ames Maureen McManus Palsy Dow Ruth Gates Senator Clarence Dow....Edward Fielding Fanny Southard Mary 'Wlleey. Lincoln Southard rederlck Forrester EUlnor Grandgent Ruth Matteson New Barrett Albert Bergh Dr. Cleanthea Ltacopoulos. .Emerson Earle This a provocative play of the story behind the scenes in Washing- ton politics. Based on the Dolly Gann-Alice Roosevelt Longworth feud which shook Washington some years ago, the play tells a frank story of the skullduggery and petty political machinations which com bine to wreck projects involving the lives of millions of people. Although dealing'with the present administra- tion the author makes no effort to comment on New Deal policies, con- tenting himself with a denunciation Of the Republican big business n^ethoda and their lust for power. The plot Involves the appoint- ment Of a new minister to Peru. Steve Batchelder, a young idealistic Senator, Is determined that the apr polntment shall go to McKenzie, a college professor who is interested in studying conditions in Feru in'the hope of preserving its peace. Sena- tor Grandgent, the most . powerful opponent to tne appointment, is equally determined that the ap- pointment shall go to a man who will lend a willing ear to the muni- tions Interests. Grandgent's beau- tiful daughter, Elinor, sets out to help her father by deliberately start ing a feud with the silly wife of Senator Dow, upon whom Batchel- der is counting to swing the votes for McKenzie. Batchelder meets Elinor Grandgent and although the two are bitterly opposed politically they fall in love. They realize, how- ever, that they have no chance for permanent happiness since each one is determined to' outwit the other, and in the end they part enemies, with Batchelder on his way to win the McKenzie appointnient. Obviously the story flies oft in too many directions and the author has not always made the best use of his material. Dialog is uneven, some scenes being tightly written,' others halting and aimless and, as it stands, a great deal of cutting and trimming la needed to clarify certain points. Nevertheless there is plenty of material here for an up-to-date and stirring play about the changing attitude in national politics.' The author's point of view is not always clear, however, and he has buried his important Ideas in .a morass of polite conversation anVI idle chatter. The play's chances from liow on depend entirely on what is done in the way of revisions but it does show definite posslbilites for both stage and screen. The Hampton Players, who are operating this summer in the ab- sence of George Halght and Henry C. Potter, have been ably directed by Felix Jacoves. As Stephen Batchel- der? Ralph Urmy gives a forceful, clearly defined performance that goes far toward making his role un- derstandable. And Ruth Matteson as the unscrupulous and daring Elinor Grandgent brings to the part a certain -courage and defiance that Is sympathetic. -Edward Fielding as the vaciniating Senator Dow, and Ruth Gates as bis socially minded wife are excellently cast, and Shel- ton Earp, 'Virginia Campbell, Ip^mcrson Earle and Mary Wllsey are all seen to advantage. Mary Mer- rill, has designed a very attractive scries of settings and the entire production has an air of distinction quite up to the standard set by this company in the past. One should hear more about "How Like a God." Wisdom in Women (RED BARN) . Comedy drama In three acts by Joseph C. Kesselrlng. Produced by D. A. Doran, Jr., and Arthur Hanna. Directed and staged by Harry Wagetaff Cribble. At the Red Bam theatre. Locust Valley, L. I., opening July 15, 1033. Tony Cooke Glenn Anders Ella Jane Bancroft Margttlo Nordoir Ruth Weston Leon Nordofr Walter Pldgeon Irene Ploettzer Francos Maddux Carl P:oettzer Erik Barbour Mrs. Carter Mary Homo Morrison Hon. Paul R. Carter Eoyd Davis Henri Lheureux Joseph Kalllnl Cecilia Wandover Verna D. HUlla Newest offering at the Red Barn is a smart, sophisticated comedy played to the hilt by an excellent cast. Though reminiscent of 'No More ■' Ladies' In pattern this one has enough in the way of amusing situations and swell characters to get by on its own. Laughs are plentiful, especially in the first act where a party scene furnishes the highlight of the comedy. Plot comes under the heading of variations on a familiar theme. This time it is the wife of a famous mu- sician who finds that he has sue cumhed to the deliberate charms of a scheming little blonde. Wife de- cides to fight for her piano-playing Romeo and lays a trap for the girl which is highly successful, so much so that the husband is ready to for- get his blonde siren and come back. But the wife decides that she has had enough of his playing around and prepares to walk out for good In the end, of course, she changes her mind but only after a scene of emotional indecision, Ruth Weston as Margalo, the wife, walks off with the acting hon ors in no uncertain manner. Her amazing variety and ability to switch from comedy to pathos con- vincingly carries the play along at a high tempo that.seldom lets down As the wandering husband, Walter Pldgeon is stalwart and handsome and handles his comedy expertly Glenn Anders suffers from, a sparse- ly written role but he rises to his few opportunities in distinctive fashion. 'Verna Hlllle, a newcomer from Hollywood, is all that the part calls for in looks but she lacks dra matic force and conviction. The oustandlng bit of the evening was contributed by Joseph Kallini whose portrayal of a French tenor, determined to sing, brought shrieks of delight from the audience. As the nouveau' riche wife of an im portant financier Mary Home Mor rison is excellent and Frances Mad- dux, the entertainer, making her first professional appearance as an actress is light and charming.' , Under the direction of Harry Wagstaft Gribble, who has taken advantage of every opportunity for comedy, the play moves swiftly and amusingly. - John Root, the scenic. designer, pays no attention to the usual limitations of Summer theatre pro duction and has designed a beauti- ful and tasteful duplex apartment that is an amazing achievement in the small space at his command. There is no reason why 'There's Wisdom in Women' shouldn't hit Broadway since it has all the ele- ments of popular comedy drama with a special appeal to women. It Is, of course, the type of play the screen will snatch at eagerly. As it stands there Isjieed for cut- ting and trimming and no doubt this tightening will strengthen some of the weaknesses of the script. When the necessary revisions are made, however, this one should have more than a fair chance in New York. Minsky's L A. Cast Hollywood, July IC. Herbert Mlnsky has set the prin- cipals lor 'Life Begins at Mlnsky's' opening at the Hollywood Play- house July 18. Show will sell at $1-65 top with two evening per- formances on Fridays and Satur- days. Mats Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. Cast includes Charles 'Red' .*Iat- shall. Jack Greenman, Jack Dia- mond, Joey Faye, Kurray Leonard,- Sid Fields, Don Giovanni, and Bob Pitner on the male end. Strippers are Patsy O'Neill and Louise Stew- art. Peggy Ware is prima donna. Dances are being staged by Max Schcck. BROADWAY REVIEW Grand Guignol Plays Presented by International Playera; pro* duccd and staged by George K, Arthur at the Chanin Auditorium, July 11, '36. SOMETHING MORE IMPORTANT Man Leo Kennedr Woman Dorla Packer Boy Robert Johnson Inspector Herbert Warren Detective Jac Maclennan Constable Jerome Sheldon THE OLD WOMEN Sister Doris Packer C^oulse Virginia Mlln* Doctor Herbert Wairen Madame Robin Valerie Bergerv Woman Florence Auer Hunchback Virginia Qregorl House Physician Robert Johnson OgresA E & O E James Smith Leo Keenedr Mary Smith,.. Virginia Mllna Jane Macintosh ...Florence Auer Charles Crosby,. Jerome Sheldon Henry Stone T.Herbert Warren George K. Arthur, formerly well known in the coast's film colony, presented this bill of three melo- dramatic thrillers out there durlngr the past spring. Introducing them here on a torrid night in the tiny skyscraper theatre on the east side seemed a strange Idea, but the play- lets are not diverting, so It probably won't matter much. 'Grand Guignol' is quoted, leaving some doubt as to whether the mel- lers were played .in that Parisian spot originally. Irnportatlons from there were presented on Broadway at-the Princess, 20 years ago, and In a village house, about 10 years ago. Did . rather well both times, but in both cases were much better, and the draw was not only one of novelty but of names. None of the present trio of plays were among the previous showings. One of the three, 'The Old Women,' by Andre De Lorde, stands out, the others being mediocre. 'Women' is a real spinal goose-pimpler, set id a French insane asylum. Dormitory shown has three oc- cupants, two old hags and a girl who is ncaring maturity. Louise baa recovered from the madness, of melancholia and is due for dis- charge. She pleads with the doctor that a convent sister remain In th« room all night, fearing harm from the a.k.'s, also one in another room referred'to as an ogress and 'snp- posed to be bedridden. Sister dis- obeys orders and leaves to attend^ services for another nun, who died that day. Louise is awakened, hearing the old women planning harm. The sup- posedly locked door opens and tho ogress Joins, the party. While the poor girl's screams are partly muf- fled her eyes are gouged out with darning needles. The old dame be- lieves she has the spirit of an owl and covets'the eyes. This repellant story would have been more telling if the ogress didn't turn out a male dolled up in a nightshirt and wig. Voice Is unmistakable. 'Something More Important,' by H. F. Maltby, is the opener. Boy is slugged in tho quarters of hia mistress. and when he accldently dies they plan getting rM tff thd body. It is ' stuffed into a sailor's chest, offstage. Police come and when the man drags the chest downstairs, saying he is shipping for Valparaiso; he is permitted to ea- vcape. Cops really came to.raid a night club next door. Woman left alone hysterically screams for th« curtain, 'E and O E,* by Eilot Crawshay Williams, is last. Supposed to be a comedy, but of a perverted type of humor. Husband is abed after being run over and is about to die, yet he Is loquacious enough when ex- plaining to his, young second wlife and her mother why he did not make out a new will. He reads from, a little black boolc about the 'errors and omissions' charfired against the women, and In pounds sterling.- A- solicitor is on the way, but the old boy passes. A second, cousin- la substituted and when the lawyer ar- rives, ho calmly double crosses the women and wills everything to him- self. In a chase after the lawyer leaves, the corpus delicti falls from the clothes closets . , Valerie Bergere does well In the 'Women' playlet, as does Herbert Warren. Virginia Milne is best In that play, too, but not so good in the finale, Doris Packer does the screaming In the opener and, too, stands out as the nun in 'Women.' ■ Other bills of similar kind are planned. Jhee. ma „..,/ / /// Showfotb Shoe Shot! 1552 BROADWAY Optn till 9 p. m.