New-York tribune., 1912-02-27
"THE TRUTH WAGON"
Hayden Talbot's Newspaper Play
at Daly's.

Telling the truth is a familiar enough
idea. Almost every one has heard OF IT,
has speculated on It's imaginary phases
and discarded II as impossible. That Is
perhaps why II has never $50 far as can
be ascertaned) been made the theme of a
play, because plays are held 10 he refiec-
tons of Iife-sometimes reflections upon
life.
Mr.. Talbot's Truth Wagon" goes even
further in its novelty Of theme than hav-
ing mere ordinary. private people tell the
truth. He has newspaper telling the
truth, and that, according to immemorial
tradition, is unreasonable even as a sup
position.
The young millionaire, who has been busy
all his life doing nothing but playing prac-
tical jokes and winning for himself the
soubriuuet of the greatest liar on earth.
Is suddenly persuaded by-of all people!-a
young newspaper woman to tell the truth.
He buys a newspaper, which is inappro-
priately called "The Truth" II is run on
the usual principles of newspapers, accord
ing to tradition, and begins at once TO print
facts without reference to-anything. The
young mans father is running for Gov
ernor at the time. And not that the boy
has anything against his father, but the
truths the truth. The fearless young edi-
or nominates his own man, announces his
rlan of running a newspaper that will have
no competitors. because It tells the truth.
and jumps the circulation from 1900 to
10000 in two months.
The play has an interest winning story,
which is not goirg to be told here in any
greater detail than this. The outcome
should not be spoiled for future audiences.
Although the principal part OF the play
to the average spectator will be Its ex-
hilaratlng. optimistic story, it's breeze and
dash and clever lines. the main thing to
write about Is the way It was staged and
produced. For its staging and production
form the strength that lies back Of the
play, and without which It could hardly
hold its own. This is the second piece OF
Stage work that oliver Morosco, the Cali
fornia manager. has offered New York
this season Ghe other is The Bird OF
Paradise'D. and notice should be taken Of
the smoothness with which the play runs
It's course. The actors show a confidence
in their entrances. exits and in their team
work on the stage, which plays often lack.
and when they do lack It the cause is
usually confusion behind the scenes and
absence OF a manager. in the real sense
Of the word Max Figman. who played,
and played with skill and spirit, the part OF
tho young millionaire. was also the stage
director for the production. The sharp.
decisive character OF his acting is reflected
in the work Of the others sufficiently clear
~ to show how important part Mr. Fig
man must have played at rehearsals.
Edwin Arden as the editor Of The
Truth and later truthful candidate for
Governor put a deal OF quiet feeling in
his work Frank Sheridan was forceful
politician Murie Starr was brighter and
more CONFIDENT than usual in the part Of
Helen Dean, young newspaper woman.
Sammy the office boy, as played by
George Mack, made the chief hit with
the audience with his rapid-hre character
izatlon. but slightly oyer-emphasized, OF
a newspaper office boy.
Hayden Talbot came ont and said Thank
you" but not It'll the end OF the play.
This young dramsust seems to have good
ideas and high spirits-both were evident
enough in The Truth Wagon"