The Birmingham age-herald., 1915-01-05
ADJUSTMENTS
Potash an5 PerImutter,

The much discussed comedy, "Potas
 and Perlmutter" dramatized from
 series of humorous stories written fo
 the Saturday Evening Post by Mon
 tague Glass, was presented for the frs
 time at the Jefferson theatre last nigh
 and proved to be hilariously funn
 With an undercurrent of seriousness
 that was strongly appealing.
 Prepared in advance for a mirth
 provoking performance, theatre pat
 rons were not disappointed The pla,
 evoked gales of laughter, while it
 sentimental parts were well sustained and there were moments when tn, | lovable side of Jewish character ros, superior to all material considerations | From the first real laugh, created by Abe Potash trying to shake checks ou | or his business correspondence to thu 1 exciting and diverting finale, there wa: l no cessation of interest
 The business methods of Potash ant | Perlmutter, who specialize In cloak. and suits, furnish the background foi
 most of the comedy, although there i, plot that concerns two love affairs 1 and the kindly efforts of the two part l ners to save from extradition to Rus. sian on a charge of bomb throwing, 3 young Russian Jew who is in their em- ploy The refugee is the f1ance of Abe Potashs daughter and on the advice of Abe, who has been led to believe that there is technical loophole on accoun. cf which it will not be necessary to forfeit a $20,000 bond if the young man escapes he starts to flee to Canada The loophole is in the meantime closed Ey the astute attorney of the Russian consul and the partners are face to face with bankruptcy.s
 The crisis helps Mawruss Perlmut- ter to win a promise of marriage from the firms stunning and highly success ful woman designer. At the last mo- mentor rather. a few moments be- fore his return would have been use- 1css-Boris Andrieff, the young Rus sian whose flight has jeopardized the
 firm, returns to New York. In the meantime the state department at Washington has made inquirieS and the innocence of Boris has been estab- lished.
 In the play there are number of admirably drawn characters. in addi- titon to the partners, Potash and Perl rlutter. The racial shrewdness of the two merchants and their comical wrangles do not obscure the innate kindness of heart which characte rizes both of them and the humorous traits of Jews are not exploited at the ex- pense of their better selves. Both Abe and Mauruss are very human in their foibles and very engaging In their af- lection for each other. as well as in their consideration for other persons. with whom they come in contact.
 The company is an excellent one. Ev- cry member is well cast and compe- tent. There is a gratifying complete ness about the performance that leaves no weak spots. Harry First as Mawruss and Phil White as Abe are capable comedians who are splendid fols to each other and make the most of their opportunities. Samuel Howard as Marks Pasinky. buyer; Harry Semels as Boris Andrieff the young Russian Jew; Dore Rogers as Mozart Rabiner, q saesman; Gus Cohen as Henry D. Feldman. a lawyer; Jack Grey as Sen- tor Murphy; Lottite Kendall of mu- sica1 comedy face, as Ruth Goldman; Maggie Meredith as Mrs. Potash, and Lillian Cook as Irna Potash are con- spicuously good. Miss Kendall, who Is a handsome woman, plays the part of the designer with much sympathy and womanly charm.
 "P&tash and Perlmutter" will be pre- sented at matinee this afternoon and 2 gain tonight. ending the engagement It is brimful of the most refreshing comedy quite free from any sugges- tion of coarseness and seasoned with just the right amount of sentiment Anyh ody who has not seen the play san :ll afford to miss 1t.