The Wheeling intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1903-1961, 1913-10-24
DAMAGED GOODS
TEACHES LESSON
6rieus Play 6ares Hitherto Yelled
Facts with Their Awful
Consequences.

Many ideas. theories and facts on
various subjects. all having as their
prime object the betterment OF the
living conditions OF humankind. are
being set forth in these DAYS OF pro-
gressiveness through variosls agencies
but II is doubtful II any one OF these
agencies will teach as strong and as
beneficial a lesson as that being pre-
scented by Richard Bcnnett's co-work-
ers in Eugene Brieux's pathological
drama. "DamaGed Goods" which last
night began an engagement OF three
days az the Court theater. Judging
by the manner in which the vital los
sons impaired by this play were re-
ceived. IL is safe 10 say that the en-
gagement of Damaged Goods" in this
city is regretably short
Damaged Goods" is not a play In
the ordinary sense II is medical
treatise in dramatic form II should
be seen and heard by everyone. and
II the producer of this remarkable
drama. Mr.. Richard Bennctt has his
way. IL will be. for we are informed
that IL is Mr.. Benefits intention to
present Damaged Goods" in every
city. town. hamlet OF place where he
can get an audience. II g. in this
way he hopes TO accomplish the pur-
pose Of the play
Highly Endorsed.
Seldom has literature produced nor
has the stage been the setting OF
work more capable OF doing good than
Damaged Goods II has been argued
10y some critics that this piece VEN
lures on dangerous ground in its treat.
ment OF questions Of science: never.
theless. il has received the endorse
ment OF ministers. leading medical
men. social workers. public men and
a representative general public
The lesson taught IN Damaged
Goods is based upon the awful re-.
suits Of that disease that Is the re-
suit OF social profligacy Briefly told
The story Is this: George Dupont. a
young Frenchman OF wealth and posi-.
ton, has fallen victim OF the dis
ease. He Is about 20 be married. lie
sees specialist, who advises him OF
the horrible conditions sure 20 result
In the event of marriage and urges
delay Tor several years that a com.
pIcte cure may be effected DUPONT.
though apparently accepting the doc.
tors proof OF the effects IN other
cases. refuses to believe such could
be- trup OF him. and rs married
IL lie only when the little baby girl
Of Dupont and his young wife is found
10 be a sufferer by heredity from The
disease of her father thar DUPONT re-
allies the folly of his failure To heed
the warning OF his physician. Then
begins the agony which rends his
happy home and robs him Of all that
had made his life one Of joy during
the first year OF his married life. For
tunately things had not gone so far
as 70 prevent a happy ending.
Very Powerful Lines.
There are some powerful lines and
some tense situations in Damaged
Goods The first and third acts are
written practically in the form of a
discussion OF the evils OF the disease.
In the second act. however. some tx.
tremely clever and artistic dramatic
work is seen.
Mr. Howard Halls earnestness and
sincerity in the role OF the doctor. is
convincing. while Mr. Raymond Bond
contributes an excellent performance
as George Dupont Isabelle Winlock
displays dramatic ability Of a high or
der as Madame Dupont the mother 81
George. Miss Arlesn Hackett presents
an attractive picture as the Young
vile ana scores strongly In her one
emotional opportunity Each OF the
other parts is IN the hands OF compe-
tent actors. who add 20 the complete
ness Of the presentation
The presentation Of Damaged
! Goods is without the aid OF the or.
Chestra Music would be out Of place
"a discord ON such an occasion.
10 is announced thar matinee will
be given on Saturday afternoon