New-York tribune., 1914-11-17
The Play Shows Itself Played,
Written and Sold During
Three Acts.
1.-THE Big Idea by A. +. Thomas and
CLAYTON Hamilton. 81 the Hudson.
Il, HECrnR TrRNBULL.

Conan & Harris seem to be able to
produce an unlimited number Of un-
usual plays i'm this season of novelties.
"The Big Idea presented last night at
the Hudson Theatre, is their latest, de-
spite the fact that the programme an
nounces the play presented by one
Charles Gilmore. This character. who
i'm every. day life is known as William
Courtlcigh. begins the evenings enter
"a nment by informing the audience
that they are about to see "a slice Of
life that he has just saved man
from suicide and q family from dis
grace by paying $4,000 for the idea,
and he is sure IL was well worth the
money. Subsequent events proved, at
least, that the play is an extremely
clever and interesting affair, and that
it may possibly repay the generous
manager his investment.
At any rate, the first nighters ap-
peared TO think so. and TO present a
play of this kind TO an audience of first
nighters must necessarily be its most
severe test. After the alleged man
agor has prepared the audience for
something quite unusual, the curtain
rises upon a darkened library. A
Young man who has just learned that
his father has misappropriated the
funds Of his bank and is facing ruin
and disgrace for lack OF $4,000 sets
about 10 comfort him. When the boy
realizes that there is no possible means
Of raising the money in time 20 save
disclosure ~ the bank be decides 70
commit suicide IN such manner that
his life Insurance will be paid to his
father and paid in time 10 replace the
money lacking at the bank He con
ndes his purpose 10 his chum, an in
surance agent, and Is about TO put ms
affairs in order when a young girl,
friend OF his sister, accidentally learns
Of his desperate plan.
She refuses TO believe that suicide "a
the only salvation, and when she hears
the whole story she suggests that ne
set il all down IN play form and sell
i to a manager she knows. The boy
catches at the idea, and together they
begin work What they do and say Is
faithfully reported In manuscript form,
and when the play wants but an ending
they take il 20 the manager. Upon his
decision rests the ending, happy OF
tragic. OF course. he pays the $4,000
and the play ends happily and not with
ont the necessary heart interest as
the couple have fallen IN love while
writing the play.
Strangely enough, even though one
ureposterous incident follows another
ia rapid succession, the authors have
so cleverly contrived 20 enyelop the
whole with curious atmosphere OF
reality that the audience cheerfully
swallows everything and does not be-
come critical until the play is done.
The dialogue, too. as well as the situa-
tions, works 10 this end, and before the
audience can scor, the players or the
authors cnange their tactics and ridi-
cule their own behavior. There Is, too,
"a fine balance OF hehtness 10 the more
tragic episodes and the authors have
wisely obscured, after the first act, the
air OF real disaster with much excel
lent comedy. In this they were greatly
helped ny The cast Of players provided.
Ernest Glondinning, who is undoubted-
lv one of the most able players or his
wears. made the son u convincing fig
urc. and 10 give p scmblance OF sin
coritv 10 such a role was no oasv task.
Desmond Kelly played the Nassar girl
who began the big idea and fell in love