The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1910-02-22
Iohn Drew Returns TO the
Capital In "lncon-
slant George"
PRODUCTION FULL
OF INCONSISTENCIES
Play Saved BY Stars Own Work.
Support Is Good, But Stu
atoms Impossible.
By M. HUNTER MCINTYRE.

John Drew's return to the Capital
m his new comedy, 'Tnconstant
George" served TO draw a packed house
at the National last night, and
welcome that was but reminder OF
former trfunphs was accorded him
Just how much of this welcome was
duo TO Drew's popularity and how much
was due to the production itself IS
problematical
Possibly the most noticeable feature
Of this new vehicle OF John Drew is
its incongruities. First and foremost
among the inconsistencies is his own
role AS a stage lover. John Drew IS
IN a class all by himself. He Is the
Beau ByumneI OF modern stagedom. but
70 accept him as a youthful lover, with
three fair charIners madIy infatuated
with him, while he is unable TO decide
which one Re really is devoted 10, is
a severe strain upon the imagination,
even Of matinee girl
when one IS asked TO accept also
the role Of MIcherine. which even the
charms of Mary Boland cannot keep
from being an impossible one. the ell
max is reached.
Story of Comedy.
The comedy is adapted from the
French and the story IS all about the
pe-ichant of George BuIlin for beautl-
fu; women and his absolute inability 20
make up his mind which Of them he
likes best, or. incidentally, about any
thing else. All OF these problems are
decided for him by the wiles OF youth
full and innocent Bncheline. who, in or
der 70 win this occidental-minded Ro-
n1eo. pays him visits at Unseemly hours
Of the night in his apartments, making
her entree at one Of these visits through
his bedroom window in the wee sma'
hours
At this impromptu reception. George
receives in an deliberately decorated pair
OF pajamas and resorts 10 many comedy
stunts TO draw the laughter that IN
the past has been his almost without
the asking Later, this determined
young woman writes a note, TO which
she signs her name, tc each Of hel
rivals, thus ending his chances with
them.
Now we see her again IN his apart
ments, the hour midnight. but the Co.'S
tune Of her host ths more regulation
dinner clothes. After naive COMES
sion Of her shortcomings, for which she
processes 70 be dreadfully sOrry. shC
falls asleep upon the couch and GeOrg,
writes an ardent appeal for her hand, As
she sleeps there peacefully with III,
spotlight full upon her. OF course fl
all ends happily.
Credit Due Star.
whatever Of credit is due goes T.
George Drew and his individuality. witt
more than a little aid by Desmond Kel
ley in the role of Vivette. music hal
singer; Adelaide Prince, as Odette, and
Jane Laurel, as FanchOn- True, thu
latter two had little TO DO save 20 IooI
their parts. and this they did very ac
ceptably. As Vivette. Miss Kelley wa!
given an opportunity for some goot
work. which she took advantage o.
fully, her Interpretation Of the role be
ing natural and easy.
AS for Mary Boland her role is i'm
possible, and even the youthful attrac
tiveness Of the iRgenue fan to max,
IL acceptable.
One Of the redeeming features Of tn
production is the really clever lines tina
time and again bring a laugh. None .
these opportunities are overlooked by tn,
star, and 70 his personality and Clcve
handling of his lines is due the fac
that the performance is smooth ant
pleasing despite It's very glazing short
Comings.
Save for a more apparent bid for ap
plause in his comedy work. he is IN
same John Drew of former successes
and there is no stTaying away from tn
lines OF clean and polished comedy.