Evening Star Newspaper, February 26, 1924, Page 9

) — p—— “The Woman Hunter.” A three-act treatise on jazs-mad- ness and gin-drinking as opposed to domesticity in the country club set presented possibilities which some- how failed to materialize When “The Woman Hunter” opened at the Shu- bert Belasco Theater last night, Lewls Sioden and James Tracey have written u play that has distinct- ive drama inculcated into it. with a fine appreciution for character-build- ing and the exhibition of varlegated emotions, but the much needed kick and wind-up thrill did not appear for the bhenefit of a large audience just waiting for some spine-tickling sen- sations 1 It is definitely announced the lines that a “sheik,” a “fascinating hruge,” is the character around whom the ction centers. His breaking up of the home life of an older sister. her sacrifice to have a much loved Younger sister from a sim lar oligh and the killing of the woman hunter | toward the end of the second act fu nish the high points of the perform- ance. All scenes save one are laid in the Jiving hall of the Langdons. The one | exception 1s the bedchamber of Grac Tangdon. The first act presents a tiff and separation of Grace Langdon und her husband Haywood because of the former's proclivities for dancing, drinking and Steve Wetherill, the woman-hunting shefk; and the bed- chamber scene {s the rendezvous of stage whispers between the (who has scaled the balcony and en- tered the boudoir) and Grace, hersel who has determined to give up shetk baiting and return to her husband. What happens in that boudoir, with | all lights out, changes all the wife's plans of immediate return to her husband and sends her into exile for a year In Europe. In the meantime, | Steve complicates matters for the} oung sister, Ruth, who has just been married. Grace hears of it and re- | turns. Things run along to suchl straits that before the end of the! second act she has kflled the shiek | he is about to as ‘boudoir, confident that the older s ter will keep quiet about the escaps 1o keep her own romantic skeleton secure in the closet of secrecy. Grace explains everything to the satisfaction of a repentant husband in the last act and Haywood gener- ously Informs the police that a dread- ful mceident has happened in which Steve tas mistaken for a burglar and shot. Then the curtain drops, finally, with one wondering exactly what view the police will take of this ex- planation. Somehow, _the idea percolates throughout that certain of the pl: ers are not as sure of themselves as | they could be. Halts at certain lines, | atements glaring in their trans parency, crop up from time to time to throw & bit of sand into what should he a smooth-running vehicle of drama. 1t is possible that it was the first- night hoodoo that swung his batlike Wings over the production. Marcia Byron's delineation of Ruth, tHe vounger sister, stands out in high relief. Malcom Fassett is creditable and convincing as Haywood Langdon and James Crane makes an admirable country club and beach shiek. Upon capable shoulders falls the comedy rellef of Carter Niles, played by Wal- ter Connolly. Charlotte Walker is ac- ceptable as Nina Sumner, friend of Grace Haywood, but Gail Kane is not entirely convincing in the dlmnul!‘ role of Grace. Stapleton Kent makes & .good butler as Banton. Jose Ruben staged the play, and Livingston Plat had charge of the scenic effects. Both deserve credit. Earl Carroll's “Vanities In the present-day world, with its unmistakable change in 'mannars, taste and sartorial indiosyncrasies, Something more than plain, ordinary reportorial ability 18 required to fair- | 1y describe the modern revue. Opin- fons differ widely, very widely, and what is meat for one is polson for another, so that a reviewer who has been endeavoring té take a_course in revues the current season finds him- self somewhat embarrassed in his effort to do full justice to a beautiful and entertaining show without seem- ing to make an ethical compromise for the occasion. Earl Carroll's’ “Vanities,” which opened at the National Theater last evening to a capacity audience, if the audlence knew anything about i 18 “almost, I¢ not quite,” the most en- joyable revue entertainment offered in" Washington this winter. It Is first of all beautiful; it overflows vith clean, wholesome comedy; it the prettlest aggregation of femininity that has been offered her. it moves with a spirited pace wit out ever a lag, and throughout it is melodiously attractive, even though there be no pretense at concert or grand opera vocal selections. It is admirably staged and there isgsome- thing worth while doing = every minute. _ Twenty-five numbers include “The Soul of a Harp,” an exquisite vocal and harp numbér. presented by Ruth Oswald as the singer, Carlena Dia- mond, an incomparablé harpist; Elsie Neal ‘as the child and Amy Frank, Olga Borowska, Lucille oore and Ami Rivere as “‘the vision,” that was stuged by Senia Gluck and defles comparison; also there are two terpsichorean features, “The Slave Mart,” with Renova as the premiere danscuse and Renoff as- the- slave dealer, With a corps de ballet, and ‘Adagio.” by Renoff and Renova, which have not been surpassed since the Imperial Ballet Russe. There are many other visions of loveliness furnished by the army of pretty girls that bobs on and off the stage in every conceivable kind and absence of costume, but'it is only fair | to the producer to say that he aims throughout at the beautiful, if mnot | artistic, effects, and that the sophisti- cated in the audience found mothing to resent, even If there may have been an occasional thrill. There is nothing ugly or suggestive. But there Is Joe Cook, and if there be nothing undone to 'make & big, bosutiful show of life that is theatri- cally daring, there is a full comple- ment of comedy to offset it. Not the slapstick, rough and moss-covered article, but an ever changing flow of honest-to-goodness fun and nonsense that keeps laughter always on tap and ready to develop into the loud ha ha on the slightest provocation. Cook is & marvel. 1f you have never seen him don’t mi the cl " Upholsterihg TO UPHOLSTER YOUR 3.PIECE PARLOR SUITE Labor Only Made Yo Furniture Xad By our experts at prices which .are 25 per cemt lo than amy other comcern in Washington. Slip Covers —made to order for any Three-plece Suite with best grade Belgian Linen, allow- ing 18 yards. New York Upholstering Co. 619 F St. NW. " Phiome, Write or Call Man Wil Bring Samples Phone Main 3687 | theme of ‘the revue, sheik | df AMUSEMEN" now he must be at his best. His sup- Ply of fun-making material seems 11- mitable. Oh, vew, there is also Peggy Joyee, she of the countless and costly jewels, and it xeemed as If the chorus throughout the evening were left to sing her pra which it did ulmost continuouxly. It is only fair to say that Feggy runs a wicked gantlet of comparison with the girls around her. and it must needs be a con- noisseur, indeed, who would award her the pul Th is another feature—hut the program d < n't help much in pick- She is probab! » revised Fanny Brice . S0 much better than Fanny not quite so independent as but her Yiddish_ speclalties se the more enjoyable for it. But even this does not hit all the high spots of the show. There are too m to write about, but not bne that you would like to miss {f you g to see Tl Carroll's “Vanities.” It seems proper to say that the . told in a little song at the beginning. is that “girlies were made for dancing.” And when You see them it is difficult to imagine th8y were not, Sir Hazry Lauder. Sir Harry Lauder {s with us aga) at Poli's Theater, the same Inimitably Scot, full of his old-time ardor and contagious good humor. The big au- was wholly captured ~last 3 It lent itself willingly to the Lauder laughter. It applauded his new songs an ng with him some of his old one Sir Harry said he was on his third annual farewell tou: with a deep chuckle—which, provoking a jolly re- sponse, drew from him the promise there would surely have to be & fourth annual farewell tour. Departing a bit from the easy hu- mor of fun, the entertainer jump- ed for a few moments into serious ein when he declared the world w ired of a “the nations of the moral under r, or it w s it was before. W sonable unle table and . and Songs were sung by the Scot in his own peculiarly happy way. Without a marvelous throat or voice, or won- derful range or fancy ability, Sir Harry Lauder seems to be endowed Irene THE EVENING STAR, WASHINGTON, with the aft of cantablle, 8o simple, straightforward and appealing to the innate feelings of heart and home as to make him well-nigh universal in_popularity. He can aiways make his audience sing ‘here 1s Somebody Walting for Me,” but such success as he attained last night in getting them to sing "I Like My Old Home Town" might sug- gest he try one easier for beginners to leurn. "Sir Harry!'s costumes and make-ups, enhanced by several spe- cial curtain. lend aterjally to the effects of his comedy and music. Of the long list of songs he will pick from he presented Jast night “Love Makes the World & Merry- Roamin' in the Gloamin'. Wus Twenty-on T a Las- Out fn° O-h-i-0," “Wee Hooxo 1 th' Heather” and “Dixie Girls nough for Me. of specialties open the program with sufficient diversion and abllity to provide considerable enter- tainment in themselves. ntaro, oriental top &pinner, thrill- ed with his tricks. Margaret McKee, whistler, guve an unusual exhibition of her art. Gaudsmith Brothers, Loi don Hippodrome clowns, prese! high-class act with tw own dogs. Olga Morselli, violin virtuoso, win ner of the first prize, National Con- servatoire, Paris, coaxed from i fine- toned instrument music of real char- acter. In a series of dance diver- tissement Mlle. La Bernici proved m' be endowed with resilience and vivid expression, “The Bat" Once More. “The Bat” is here again and it's just as thrilling as ever. This mystery play by Mary Roberts Rinehart and Avery Hopwood, sent shivers down the spines of those in the audlence at the Garrick the leader has them all under per- fect control as becorhes a conductor with the reputation carried by Lo- Pez. The descriptive airs played by the orchestra are the most enjoyable, notably “Indlana Moon” and “The Covered Wagon,” beth of which car- ried a scenic background surprising- 1y good in the detail work. The large audience applauded thesp numbers to the echo, and the conductor was re- called seéveral thmes to bow his ac- knowledgments. The program will be changed nighti, Jack Donahue, billed as “Dancer to His Majesty,” is undoubtedly the laughing hit of the program. Why #0 much stress should be lald on Donahue's dancing is a mystery, al- i though it is great. He is far and away a better comedian and there are few in the business who can hold their own_alongside this elongated stepper. Donahue comes on as a man apparently under the influence of liquor and for fifteen minutes does nothing but talk foolishness, but it is original and a big scream from |start to finish. The stage was darkened several times to get Dona- hue away, but the audlence held up the show for several minutes with its applause. A novelty for this locality Is of- fered by Arthur Wanzer and May. ‘I)elle Palmer, entitled “One Saturday Night.” The former is a quiet comedlan, who works with an easy patter that carries a laugh In every line. Phyllls Fair, with Roy Shel don and Robert Heft, present an at- | tractive dancing_act, “The Dancing Girl and Her Boy Friends. Rae Eleanor Ball and her brother play the {violln and cello artistically and score la hit. Earl Hampton and Dorothy Blake have one of those nonsensical jtalking acts, and George and Dick t night and certainly ought to thriil many others during the week. Those who have not seen it will find it a rare treat and those who have seen it ought 1ot to mind another trip. The present company, & good one, in- cludes several members of the original cast. he Bat” is one of those plays that plays itself and a story that can. not be told in advance without mar- ring the pleasure of these who see the play for the first time. Lizzie, the maid, remalns and it is a treat to sce worth in the role. on the job rsula Ells- Vincent Lopez.s Band. Another_ fine LI 15 offered _this week at Kerith's, headed by the Penn- sylvanis Hotel Orchestra, Vincent Lopez, conductor. From the beauty of the musio rendered it would ap- pear as though ¢very member -of the organisation is a star in his line, and 608 to 614 Philipsborn Month-End Sale of many lines of our high-grade” . s ShOGS In all, 380 pairs in this one group—embrac- ing 14 different popular styles . Reduced fO $6.85 Straps—-Oxfords—'Sandals There are fourteen styles, including models for street, afternoon and dress wear, of patent kid, colored suedes, black satin and tan calf. Some styles slightly broken in sizes, but.n the group are all sizes and widths to choose from. The réductions on every pair are absolutely emphatic for this special month-end sale. A most unusual opportunity to effect unusual sav- ings in quality footwear at this price. RS % In this other group—260 pairs—in 10 dif-» ferent styles - . Reduced to 5.85- Straps—Osxfords—Sandals They are ten smart styles, in materials of patent, black satin, colored suedes, and in every desired heel. Btreet Floor—North Section of the nose. % Use it daily for the saks of those around you. O'Donnell’s Drug Stores ELEVENTH ST. » 3 e 1 microgram of Redium costs cents. A few micrograms will re- lieve the most obstinate case of Radium Compound | makes you welcome” where you may have ! , been unwelcome—but didn’t know It ends —sickening odors of the nasal tract —foul catarrhal breath —nose and throat congestion it. —dangerous infections Pévples Druz Stores EEEEEEEI—EEEEEEEEEEEE@EEEEE eight | Rath offer an acrobatic turn, Ca- milla shows her well trained bird circus, and the usual house attrac- (tions fill out the big program. A Trip t;'Hit Land.” Eight young song writers who have won more or less of fame with their ballads, comics. jazz numbers and sweet sentimentals sent a shock into the Cosmos Theater audience 1ast night with a typical song on the Teapot Dome and oil trouble at the other end of the Avenue that was answered with roars of laughter and applause which fairly made the welkin ring. It was an unexpected {hit of no mean proportions and was sprung for the first time on an stage as a sort of finale to thei highly entertaining musical act. Five of the voung men know how to handle the plano in the modern way . . they were Introdced to present their own compositions, which more. or less shared In the applause of the evening. But the Teapot Dome num- ber, lke its namesake, stirred things to the very dregs. It was a good bit of showmanship and will be con- tinued throughout the week. The show opens with one of the best composite offeringa of the sea- son by the Novelty. Perettos, w start with a dainty and graoeful Plerot and Plerette dance, pass into acrobatic dancing features and close with a remarkable series of aerial 10ses on & rope suspended from a trapeze. Don, a canine curfosity who became famous as the intoxi- cated dog in Mary Pickford's ple- ture, “Daddy Long Legs,’ won the screen star's heart and himself a handsome crystal collar, s put through an amusing exlhibition by Officer Vokes, his owner and trainer. Moher and Fldridge entertaln with scng and amusing dialogue, followed by Joe Holland and Cathleen O'Den, in comedy. “nut” nonsense and orig- inal quips, and Bobby Adams, the HE Laun—Dry-Ette whirls a whole tubful Deforsed with a vengeance, and one by one B == B = A == == = I = D = I = e D e D e I = D == D === (o] =——=]o|—lol——D]al——2] The House 608 to 614 of Courtesy C, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1924 well known personality girl, and company, in songs that are new and full of the indescribable thing they call “pep.” The screen version of Zane Grey's “Horltage of the Desert” in which Bebe Daniels and Ernest Torrence are featured, a well acted story of early American ploneer days in the far west, is the photoplay for the week. Colored pictures of the Pathe Review and a two-reel Buddy Mes- singer film complete the program. 4 'The Marion S}IOW ." Dave Marion, known to the great majority of burlesque patrons under the titie of ' “Snuffy the Cabman, heads his own company at the Gayety Theater this week, with a show that is 4 mixture.of song, dance and a good deal of roughhouse comedy. Sev- eral new features are found this year, but_the main feature is Dave Marlon, with his peculiar mode of epeech. The company {8 a large one, with a cast of principals made up of Mary Conners, May Marvin, Lillian Elliott, RN=—= Electric Washing Ma- chine has no wringer and needs none. It wringer-dry without a wringer in 1 minute. Instead of wringing . creases into the clothes—the Laun-Dry-Ette leaves them crease-less. “It decreases my ironing mileage and cuts at least one-| day work” says one user. May we tell you or, better still, show you its service features? Phone Main 6800, call or write. alf hour off my wash- paymen ts NatioNAL ELECTRICAL SuPPLY 1328-30 New York Avenue ELEVENTH ST. Walter McManu: Willlam Purl and Josephine Sable, Gaordon Bennett, Rube Walman. A number of speclalties fill in the time between scene changes, among them & song offering by May Marvin, a whistling stunt by Rube Walman, a specialty by Mary Conners and toe dancing by Lillian Elllo A “bunch of ponles” from the chorus execute Dretty dance steps, and some of the scenes are a de- parturc from the usual burlesque at- tractions, notably the one of the Val- Fitted Cases English Kit Bags Bricef Cases Bellows Cases Owvernight Cases Handbags Ladies’ Hat Boxes Oxford Bags “QSHKOSH” Wardrobe Trunks Full size, with all Osh- kosh festures. Drawer locking devices, eto. . Largest Ladies’ Exclusive Apparel Shop in Washing- " ton. 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Coroner Nev- itt gave a certificate af death fron: natural causes. of all - Luggage LOWERED PRICES DURING THIS SALE make for additional satis- faction. EVERY LINE HAS BEEN EFFEC- TIVELY REDUCED. SECKERS Leather Goods Company 1324-26 F St. N.W, m lfl o] fll o] N a m o] 0] = [olc——=]ol—=[al—2lol —Xll——|o[e—]o[—=|o|—= o]l =——]o| —=]o | ——|o] —= o] —= || c—=|0| 0— 0| —]|