Variety (Feb 1948)

B2 EmsiniifATE Wednesday, Epbrwaiy 25, 1948 Hays Ont (rf Town io th«> World New Haven, Feb. 19. *lohh Houseman and Wininin R. Kiitzell production of fomeity in three at'ta (four it-eneia) by Allan ScoUi HLal'S A-lPretl Dvake, JMui'Sha. Hunt; feature.s Myi'Oii McCufmiclc, Morfis Cavnovsky, Clay c:itfni<!iit, Hugh Kennie. Mary IVelclj, Nina Tale. Staged by Jules Dassln. Setting, Harvy Hoi'nei*; co.stumos, Beverly Woodner; ligHL.ing, Jean Rosenthal, Opened at Shuhert, New Haven, Feb. 10,. '48i '13.80 topi. Mai-y Magllle...* Mary Welch Floyd..................... Mifhael XJreyCuSs Mildred .IjoIs Hall tedith Wham .Pcgsy Malcy J. Newton McKeon......Myron Mt:Cormiok Mortfmer Behrman. ....iljealie Ijltomy Btohatd Stanton.. ;..,v..MUBh Bennio isawtod P. XJonnoft.i. ..;..Ucrt IjYeed Alexander Soren....^*,.Alfred Drake Barbara Benton...,. ,^'ina Vale Henry Saintsbury.Walter r. Amiler ^Pilwortliy t * ••. Harris Brown Pt'. A, J; Wood.i,:.i,;....^..<Maraha Hunt et6ve Walton............ i, .Herbert Ita tner S. V. Hoouer Clay element pimltri Oumanslty l^nrt .KrapKner Sanip.ion .' Unl Hfi'.son Mr, Wilcox... Theodore Newton Hurry..i - • .Kam Uonneii Batti'Biiimsnteld. Siorrls Cavnov-sHy . Ordinary pruning -shears aren't fwing to be enough to handle the cut- ing necessary, for this one-^a full scale scythe would be more in Order. A compass might come in handy, too, in blasfing a direct trail througli the mass, of words and extraneous mate- rial which, in other hands, might well develop into a literary jungle. But patience in the matter' of heavy re- vision should bfe rewarded with sub- stantial success, once the play gets its proper bearings. Premiere ran longer than a mara- thon, with at least 30 minutes due for an axing. Breakin displayed consid- > erable waving on the part of pro-. duCiers as to whether they should present a straight comedy; primarily for .laughs or ofTer a crusade for a freehand in the production of bigger and better social significance films. If they can jell this combination, as it loolts they, might, they'll really have somehing. Indications are that best chance of {tutting a fundamentally sober mes- sage across in this instance is through the subtleties ot humor, rather than emphasis on harangue. A proper bal- ance of laughs and barbs, sparkplug- ging the already present elements of romance and tear-jerking, can build this play into good theatre. Analysis o;f th9 plot rates it a$ timely enough to .be regarded as an outia^opping of the Congressional Hollywood inves- tigation. Such is not the case, how- ever, as script actually ■ was com-, pteted prior to that ,eyenf. Alexander Soren, talented film producer in his early 40's, has , made a $peech to a congress of writers, a speech in which he declares it's time tor Hollywood to utUize its genius ior something more substantial than mere entertainment. The speech, which had been authored by a young compafly researcliier and which Soren had delivered without reading be- forehand, drops a bomb under the swivel chair of the studio's financial giant, J. V. Hooper,- who sees his in- vestment doing a quick fadeout if the current strictly entertainment policy is revised. Hooper • demands ■that Soren retract the speech in a nationwide ■ broadcast soon due. : In tracking down the actual author Of the speech, Soren learns that the youthful researcher, Anne Wood, is an attractive giri with high ideals on how Hollywood's talent should be employed to desseminate the truth about conditions as they exist today. The pair find njutual romantic inter- ests and the girl's sincerity induces Soren to tafckle as his next film a pic- Jure based on the life of Samuel Gompers, laborite. However, the only way he can get .it through is to re- tract his original speech, as de- manded by Hooper. " In agreeing to tliat deal, he loses the girl's respect hut later, when - Hooper doublecrosses him just be- - fore the broadcast, Soren goes on the air and repeats his speech. The eption results in his forced- resigna- tion, but he takes with him practi- cally the entire staff when he shifts over to producing for a former part- ner who., gives him carte blanche With his new policy. Alfred Drake, selected for the Soren role in preference to more sea- soned vets at this type of part, justi- fies the choice. He does a thoroughly Workmanlike job in the 85.-side role that has him almost eon.stantly on- stage. It's a far cry from his creation of Curly in "Oklahoma!" but it . should boost his straight acting stock considerably. Marsha Hunt, emerging from her Hollywood cocoon for a first fling at legit, is gracious, charm- ing and histrionically adept as the idealistic researcher. Signs point to her Broadway baptism bringing per- sonal success. Well-rounded cast helps to keep things rolling. Top support includes ■ Myron McCormick, as studio pub- licity head; Morris Carnovsky, in a bell-rinaing characterization of the . Goldwyn-typo film mogul who giv.s Soren the free rein; Clay Clement, as the hard-boiled financier, Hooper; Mary Welch, chief receptionist; Nina Vale, fading pic star, and Hugh Pennie, Leslie Litomy, Bert Freed, of studio's legal, story, management «epartments. Amusing bits are added by Kurt Kraszner, musical director; Lois Hall, hysterical secretary; Harris Brown, from the Johnston office, and Peggy Maley, blonde eyeful due for Direction, Which is still in the try- and-discard Stage, capitalizes on the frenzy that is Hollywood. The con- stant drive that is a part of picture making is well mirrored and excite- ment is on tap on several occasions. Despite play's excessive length, there's almost constant action, albeit a portion is on the wrong traclt. An exceptionally attractive set provides elastic working space for the frantic movement that frequently highlights the production. Good looking garb accounts for eye appeal in that department. - Bone.- Black John Dallas, Feb. 24. Theatre '■iS presentation ot comedy in two acta I>v liarton Macl„ane, adapted trom "The Czar of Halfaday Creek," by Jantea 11. Jlendryx. DiroEted by , Margo .fonrs. iSets, Jed Mace. Opened at Cxulf Oil, Uallafi, J'Vb. ii, 'JS, ■ .', ■ : Ono-Bye Ju!in..,.....i,.jonathan Seymour One-.\rm John......s.,..Marshall Yokelson The Klootch..'..'. ICatherine iSaulre Koae Larelle. ..........Frances Waller Honest John Boyd Hill Lyme Cushing ...........Jack Warden George Cornwalli.'s ......Wilson Brooks Black John.,.............011nton Anderson Harry.'............ ........'.. .Bob Kendriok Corporal Uownty Tod Andrews Goldie,...>...i............,..Jiary Fiimey. !U War Witii the Army (YALE DRAMA DEPT.) New Haven, Febr 18. Yale Drama Dept. proauction ot comedy In two acts (four .scenes), by James B, Allardlce. Directed by Frank McMuilan. Scttlns, Chandler ,'Potter; costuinea, AdOtr aon I'owcU; llglltlUK, WilUatn Coodhart. At Uniyerally, New HnvCn, Feb. 18f ''IB. With Doan K.'Cfalir, Charles Moore, Wil- liam Startln. WHllara A. t*iniHot, Joo MarOsz, .Myron Kcllln, Muit Forrest, Anthony Manzl, Tom Tyrrell, Wilson Hall, tleorge Mosel, D; L. I'olacheck, Anne Shropshire, Byrle Uass, Olive Atlttnsoiii Barton MacLane, better known as a film villain^ has written an amusing farce in "Black John," which had its world premiere at the Gulf Oil theatre here Feb. 9. It's a little hard to put a finger on the reason for - its success. The action is slow; the lines not. very original, and. the plot is sketchy. Yet it proves a thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing experience. Probably most of the credit should go to the brilliant di- rection of Margo Jones and to some fine performances by members of her reperatbry cast. Play has film and Broadway possibilities. The first part of the play rather too carefully lays the scene; little is left to the iniagination or intelli- gence of the audience. Not until the hero. Corporal Downey of the Cana- dian Mounties, dashes into the saloon Warbling "Rose Marie" is the audi- ence ■ sure that it is supposed to laugh. From that time on, guffaws grow more and more frequent. Play is laid- in Halfaday Creek in the Yiikon, refuge for social-outcasts. So many of the area's ,inhabitants are "wanted" men and so many of them have adopted the pame "John Smithy" that for clarity's sake they've come to be known as "Honest John," "One-Eye John," "One-Arm John," "Black John," "Red John,'.' etc. Central character is Black John, a huge bearded man who rules the creek with an ir6n hand. The action takes place in Lynpie Cushing's saloon, where anythwg is likely to happen, and does. A Jance-hall girl from Dawson creates havoc in the community; a couple of bandits make; an attempted robbery to be foiled by Black • John;, a belligerent wife from the states comes hunting her fugitive husband; a husband comes seeking his vagrant soni Ih the saloon, too, is the "hanging beam." The audience just iliisses seeing a couple ot string-ups. As Black John, Clinton Anderson looks and acts the part, playing with surety and skill. The choice lines fall to his pal, saloon-keeper Gush- ing, played by Jack Warden, who gives a stellar performance. Star of the evening, though is Wilson Brooks, as the meek, milque- toast farmer fleeing from his wife. Mary Finney adds a shrewd study as Goldie, the rampaging wife. Tod Andrews is dashing as the Mountie corporal. As the dance girl, Frances Waller shows a nice flair for comedy. Other regular Theatre '48 cast mem- bers come through with skillful oer- formances. Berg. Holiday for a llusbanil Los Angeles, Feb. 13. Michael Mark production ot a comedy In thi-ee acta (Ave scenes) by Howard Irving Young. Directed by Behita Booth. Opened, at the Masque theatre, Log Angeles, Feb. 1.1, '48; $1.80 top. .Stephen Bnriday.... Don Shelton Beatrice, bis wlte. Jane Hamilton ■Mar(jareti his daughter.. Felippa Hock Perry CfranviUe, her ilancec,Richard Avonde Commodore Van Ryper.. .NOrman Rainey Bthel, hi.s wife i.... .Boxanne Stark Judy Kimball, a sculptress.Barbara Wcodell Marion Vale . .Christine Larstin Bubbles, an artist's model.,Helens Stanley ■Tom Welxster. a reporter.Dehver Pyle Gordon Lang, a critic Tom Baokos Hatcher., the bntier;........Jack B. Foster Clihton Strond, a lawyer....Wallace Stark TCIppy. a drinKcr. ..Don Bradley Spencer, who Isn't anythingr. .Brant Hodges Juniper, a poet ................ Steve droves ■ In 1940, this comedy ran for a full week in Watford, England. A scheduled London opening was can- celled when the blitz levelled the theatre in which it was, to open. Current production is 'its American premiere, the reasons for which are obscure. . ' Plot line deals..with a banker who wants to write a 'o'ook, maintaining a secret Greenwich Village apart- ment in order to gratify his desire. The few possible laugh situations are apparent so far in advance that they grow hoary long before de- livery. - As a special valentine present to those coBce)rned, the efforts of cast and director will be quietly ignored. Kap. Some very funny material will go to waste if somebody doesn't grab off this collegiate effort and adapt it to commercial use. Fact that it's a one- lunger' with not too large a ca-st should be a boost towards getting it on professional boards. A production that provides a steady stream of laughs over a two- act stretch has been incubated by Yale's, drama department with enter- taining results. Script, based on life in a tank corps training camp in Kentuclcy in late 1944, lends itself to hefty guffaws in both lines and situa- tions. At times bordering on farce, play revolves around activities that POP up when a wolfish first sergeant becomes involved in an empending maternity case. Cast allows leeway for some excel- lent characterizations. Roster in- cludes typical samples ranging from the blustering colonel to the dumb private, with in-between characters representing everything from a Quirt-Flagg duo to/the camp tramp. Students have caught the spirit of this opus to an amusing degree and results reflect the good casting; Frank McMullan, who handled, theatricals as- his service assignment during the recent fracas,, has staged^ this one right out of the Army, manual. His direction has dovetailed" nicely with a well written script that peppers its four scenes with laughs running from chuckles to the belly variety. Sets, lighting and costumes are good examples of the technical quality that generally .reaches an upi^er grade standard in these Eli major productions. Bone. Current Road Shows ■ (Feb. 23-March 6). "An - Inspector Calls"—Cox, C;ncy (23-28); American, St. Louis (1-6). "Annie Get JTour Gun"—Shubert, Chi. (23-28); Music Hall, Cleve. (1-6). Ballet ■Theatre—Aud., L. A. (25); Aud., Pasadena (26); Aud., Ontario (27); Aud., San Diego (28); Aud., L. A. (I); Fox, San Bernardino (2); Lobero, S. Barbara (4); Aud., San Jose (5); Aud., Sacramento (6). ~ "Blackouts of 19^48''—EI Capitan, HoUywobd (23-6), "Blossom Time"—Nixon, Pitt. (23- 28); Shubert, Philly (1-6). "Burlesque"—American, St. Louis (23-28); English, Indpls. (1-3); Hart- man, Col. (4-6). • "Carousel" — Shubert, Philly (23- 28); Opera Hse., Bost. (1-6). "Chocolate Soldler"-^Ford's, Balto. (23-28); Natl., Wash. (1-6). "Harvey"—Hartman, Col. (23-25); Aud., Louisville (26-28); Aud., Nash- ville (1-2); Aud., Memphis (4*6). "I Bemember Mama" — English, Indpls. (23-28); Town Hall, Tolpdo (1-3); Palace, So. Bend (4); Parkway, Madison (5-6). ' "Jofaii Loves Mary"—Harris, Chi (23-6). "Joy to the World"—Forrest, Philly (23-6). "Lady Windermere's Fan"—David- son, Mil. (23-28); Aud., St. Paul (1-2); Lyceum, Mpls. (3-6). "Mary Had" a Little"—Shubert- Xafayettei Det. (23-6). "My Romance" — Shubert, Bost. (23-6). "O Mistress Miiie"—Selwyn, Chi. (23-6). "Oklahoma!" — Conv; Hall, Tulsa (23-28)'; Aud., Denver (30-6). "Pick Up Girl"—Locust, Philly (23-6). "Private Lives"—Cass. Det. (23-6). San Carlo Opera Co.-^Aud., Sac- ramento (24); Aud., Stockton (25); Aud., Fresno (26); Aud., L. A. (27- 28); Aud., "San Diego (29); Aud., L. A. (1-6). "Show Boat"—KRNT, Deis MOineS (23-25); Music Hall, K.C. (26-28): Shubert, Chi. (1-6). "Sleep It Off"—Capitol, Yakima (22); Lyceum, Mpls. (25-28); David- son, Mil. (1-6). "Song of Norway"—Aud,, Little Rock (23); Aud., Shreveport (24); Pache, N, Orleans (25-28); Conv, Hall, Tulsa (3); KRNT, Des Moines (4-6). "Student Prince"—Erlanger, Buff. (1-3); Shea's, Erie (4); Colonial, Akron (5); Park, Youngstown (6). "Sweethearts" — Erlanger, Chi, (23-6). » ' "The First Mrs. Fraser"—Shubert, N. Haven (5-7). "The Hallams"—Wilbur, Bost, (23- 28). "-The Linden Tree"—Nat'l, Wash. (23-28). "The Red Mill"—Blackstone, Chi, (23-6). "There Goes The Bride"—Shubert, N. Haven (26-28); Aud., Hartford (1); Lyric, Bridgeport (2); Court, Spring- field (3); McCarter, Princeton (4); Playhouse, Wil. (5-6). "You Never Can Tell"—Colonial, Bost. (23-28); Walnut, Philly (1-6). This first managerial venture of Sam Goldwyn, Jr,,- is a rustic tragedy that has no element of surprise, but is well presented. With a little more originality and suspense it might have given him an auspicious start on storming London. Ag it is, mur- der done byi for or.'through mental defectives is no longer a novelty, and its chances either here or in the U,S. are slim. A Sussex; farm is owned by a woni- an and worked by her two grand- sons—the younger isn't too bright and the implication is their dead mother was mentally unbalanced, Ned, the elder, is courting a flashy young hairdresser from a nearby coast town, but she scorns him as a farm laborer. In desperation he murders his grandmother and plants the evidence on his brother. As the boy was prone to walk in his sleep, he readily believes in his own guilt, The local doctor's wife, attached to the youngster,, is skeptical and by merciless questioning extracts the truth from the murderer. He is now frantic with rage as the girl refuses to give up. town life-anij- settle in the country, after he h^'s risked his neck to get her; ' Nancy Price is quietly dominating as the old woman and of the all- around competent cast, Bryan .([i "-Forbes' unexaggerated jMrtrayal of the harmless, dull-witted boy is out- standing. Production is smooth and story holds interest, but its success will depend on whether the appetite for this type of thriller is satiated. Clem. Plays Abroad Galliering Storiii London, Feb. 19. Sliiplion Mitchell and Sam Goldw.vn, Jr,, j)),'Csentatlon (tor Lomlon 'i'hpatrlOal Pro- diictltths, ,Ijtd.) ot tragedy in three acts by Gordon Olennon and Reynei" Bitrton. Di- rected by'Miles'Malloson, At St. Martin's, .London,. Feb. Iff, ''IS. Mrs. .tlardlcstone............. ..Naucy price Hrs. Humble................ ,2-Ielene Burls Dr. James,, .'Inn b^lernlng Mra.' Jtmios.Ruth Du.nnlng. l/'rankie JIardlestune. . • *.. .. . ..Bryan Forbes Ned IJardledliune...,..vavi...IfimryH .Tones Myrtle Urey,, , .Mary M^xckenzle Le Dlable Boiti^ux (The Lame Devil) .1 Paris, Feb. 18. Pierre BeteDle proflncUon o£ comedy in three acts (nine scenes) by Sacha Gtrltry, stars' (Jultry. Directed by Ouitry. Set by Rone Rcnoux, assisted by Bolund Itbumil- hac, Budtground music by Nelly Golettl. <Vt Sheatte Edouard VH, Paris. M. ae Talleyrand Sacha Guitrv CharleB X...... .Maurice Tcynao Napoleon I i .Emile Drain Louis XVIIt .Henry.I.,avergn« Louis Philippe Philippe Richard Mrs. G. F. Orond ,I,ana Marconi t'omto de Montrond.......George fipanellv Conite do Romusat..Robert Dartols Marie Therese Jeanne Fuslei--C3ir Mmp, de Dino Marie PrancBy Comte Roedejer , PiOne Ix^coq Prince louls Napoleon,... .Georges Blvlcro Helle..........,i.F. de Snllaz Lord CasUereagh,L, Paris For his return to the stage after the war, as part of his comeback which includes films and lectures, Sacha Guitry has left nothing un- done to insure a smash, and got it in full. The years, and what he has been through, may have aged him a bit, but he . hiis gained a mellow quality which makes him well-nigh perfect in his part. He has .never been getter as an actor. . As an author, a certain "bitterness has made him write lines which though applying to the kind of cav- alcade he has built around the life of Maurice de Talleyrand, are obvi- ous references to current politics. The play is highly entertaining, and for the educated French audiences Guitry writes for, is a bullseye. It's a pity that international chances are marred by the fact that the play requires a fair amount of knowledge of French history to be enjoyed, and above all, it needs being acted by Guitry himself. - If he screens it himself, it will ■be a cavalcade of the life of Maurice de Talleyrand, who was born shortly before the French Revolution, was a grand seigneur, a great roue in private life, a bishop who at the sanie time married Mrs. Grand and one of the great statesmen of all times. As a production, Pierre Be- teille and Guitry have given the play everything The cast is excellent and introduces Lana Marconi, who may still have much to learn but who has a delightful personality. The sets by Rene Renoux are a thing of beauty and the period cos- tumes and dresses are fresh, beauti- ful and authentic. The background ^^l^A "'^i . scenes. Is played on the piano offstage by the «nH^i''^^"' Nelly Golelty, and adds t9 the general atmosphere Guitry, in the title role, is ex- emplary. Before he comes on staiTc never practically to leave it after- wards, his character is established bjf a conversation which takes place between his servants. He then ar- r!ve.s, limpms, which explains the title of Lame Devil" since Talley- rand liad a club foot, From begin- ning to end, he characterizes the man who combined statesmanship, snobbishness, personal cunning, and P.H^suit of women with admirable .skill. He uses many of Talley- rand s witticisms but has added some which apply to his own ex^ periencc since the war, as a subtle protest against the treatment given him by his enemies. s'ven . Guitry's new find, Lana Marconi IS very nice at first as the womai' he conquers, who later becomes w fe. Later, she does Paulitie de Dino, the young relative. JeannB Fusier Gir justifies her rep as ! fine comedienne m the part of » woman who is not hep to the e?anrt manners. The cast has been ve?v Well chosen, many of them aetiw two or three parts, all done bv players who, 1 ke Maurice Tevnan are stars in their own right anrf getting the limit- out o( whit amoVHits to'secondary parts Guitry directed the show With ut most care and telling results was staking his old rep on the 8h"w' and It's his personal answer fn hil^ Retractors. It's his 117tdVV^! The Indifferent Shepherd London, Feb fi Sherek Players presentation (bv •,11-.n™ m"/}' will. Bronson AIber.v an, i " a™" elation with Arts Council) o£ drama in ?hree acta by Pfiter U«fl&ov. Directed bv man ^Marshall.- At CrtterioB.'lioilaK, F?£ lil'i',''' !■"»"■ ■ • •Charmlan 13yr» HuKh v\ lb-more Andrew CVuicksliank Homy A.'ipen , Francis TlToi JVallcr CartwrIght-Godwal..Charle» CulSS This story of moral lapses in an . English vicarage holds the mirror up to nature in a disconcertina fashion and is likely to jar clericS susceptibilities, only two of the characters being chaste. Main at- traction is Gladys Cooper's return to the London stage after 10 years, and her delineation of a nerve* harassed, (paladjusted wife is a worthy one. Play is slight in theme, but with her name and suitably^ chosen supporting cast, might be worth a gamble fii the U.S. A countr^' clergyman, ineffectual and 'well-meaning, suffers from an inferiority complex amply fed by his wife's irritable condemnation of anything he says or does. Mishan- •dling the confession of his young housemaid's pregnancy results in her attempted suicide. She is restored from hysteria by the calm logic of his brother-in-law, a hearty young Army padre, who .is. on a visit Distracted by the. departure Ot^ her lover, the wife is goaded to con- fess the illicit relationship to her hu.sband, who astounds her by as- sorting he knew it all along and is only sorry the object of her affec- tions was so unworthy of her. To help 'her through tlus abject humili- ation and to adjust their lives he admits his own guilty association with her dead sister and through this mutual understanding of their frustrated lives comes reconciliation. There is a sensitive, sterling perf formance by Francis Lister as the chastened nonentity humbled by his wife's constant belittling, trying to live up to the concepts of his cloth and .battling with human emotions, He garners the evening's honors. Andrew Cruickshank gives a good complementary characterization of the younger minister. Anna Turner turns in ■ a competent portrayal as the visiting niece who makes no .«iecret of her. belief in free love, Charmian Eyre has some tense, pathetic moments as the betrayed housemaid reluctantly rescued from a watery grave. Philandering father and his neurotic, disapproving son are adequately portrayed by Charles (Nullum and Peter Street . Norman Marshall's direction is creditable.- Clem. Tallu $23,400, Milw'kee; 'Naughty' Report Helps Milwaukee, Feb. 24. After 26 weeks in Chicago, the Tallulah Bankhead version of Fn- vate Lives" enjoyed a profltaWe stay last week at the Davidson, though not quite capacity. J^"" Windermere's Fan" plays the house ne.\t week. " Estimate for Last Wee''/. , "Private Lives," Davidsoti (single week) (1,500; $4.20). Long run m Chicago and reports that. it Wa» "naughlty" boosted business to a good $23,400 for eight performances, lary'Mere $10,500, Mpls. - Minneapolis, Feb. 24. ^ Critics staged a saber dance on "Mary Had a Little" last week, and word-of-mouth didn't help, Mary got very little. Weather was _ no explanation, as two days were lair and three more poor. U"f°'2 tickets could have been used to neat the theatre. . Estimate for Last Week "Mary Had a Little," Lyceum- (single week) (1,900; $3.00). Slow opL-niiig got no help from, the nexp day's newspapers; sad $10,500 seven performances. Lynn Bigrgs, in seclusion some- where on Long Island, is nearing completion on a new play. His "Green Grow the Lilacs" provided the story for "Oklahoma." Garrett Leverton, of Samuel French, will handle.