New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-11-22
Slight Farce Last Play
on Washington Square
Programme
NOEL HADDON AGAIN
WITH THE PLAYERS
Condemnation of Bows for
the Applause of First
Nighters
BY HElWOOD BROIN

"Altruism" is the fourth play on
the bill ut the Comedy Theatre. In
reviewing the Washington Square
Players last week we stated that the
organization had set new mark for
itself. This estimate was made with
out consideration of "Altruism," but
it may stand. The last play adds
little and takes away nothing. IL is
neutral and trifing farce played
with good spirit. Karl Ettlinger wrote
il for the Germans and Benjamin +.
Glazer made the translation.
II is strange that any one should
take the trouble to tear so slight
piece away from its umlauts. How
ever, it has no national flavor. II IS
German farce about the French
played in English. The spirit is one
Of vaudeville.
Noel Haddon, who did so well as the
ship launching lady of Troy IN
"Helena's Husband" last season,
makes her first bow of the year IN
"Altruism." She gives good per-
Torrance, but there must be regret
that Miss Haddon has been assigned
10 the arduous task of making herself
plain and middle aged. John king
does well as the Beggar and Florence
Enright is amusing as low comedy
child of fearful temper and katzen-
TANNER proclivities.
Margaret Wycherly. of "The 18th
Chair" is an excellent actress, and she
deserves particular commentator for
her performance on the opening night
when she refused to step out OF her
part and bow in response to tumultu-
Gus greeting An actor or actress mas
no more right TO bow over the foot
tights during a scene than movie star
has TO look in the camera. But movie
stars don't and actors and actresses DO.
Major Pendennis, though Fastening
on a mission to save his nephew from
the wiles of the Fotheringay, had time
enough on the opening night to turn
souarely about with smile and a bow
for the folk who applauded him. To
DO this thing was in all practical re-
spects TO say: "Never mind this coat
and wig and all that stuff. You're
right. I'm not Pendennis. NJ. name
is Drew. John Drew, the actor.
The end of an act is time enough TO
acknowledge applause, and the end OF
the play is still better.
The charm Of Major Pendennis" is
greatly enhanced by the costumes and
the scenery designed by Caroline Dud'
ley.
The Mystery of Antony's infatuation
IS heightened by the half-page revela-
tiou that Cleopatra's foot was three.
ter'hs Of an inch longer than that OF
Annette Kellermann.
Charles +. Hughes has not seen The
18th Chair" and does not know who
thrust the knife into the back Of Ed
ward Wales. but h. is inclined to sus'
pect Hiram Johnson.
Every now and again we note The
Tribunes slogan. First 70 Last the
Truth" and proceed TO search our soul,
never in vain. OF late we have fallen
into the habit of using Charlie Chaplin
as a symbol of that which Is low and
base in things dramatic. while. as
matter OF fact, if backed into corner
and ordered TO answer yes" or NO
we would be obliged to admit that we
think Charlie Chaplin is very funny.
That is not the extent of our deprav-
ity. Less than month ago we re-
viewed pretentious motion picture,
one Of those which would have stopped
the war, although we left long before
the end Of the film. And the night be-
fore that we swore at an Office boy and
the day before that We promised to get
tickets for a man and forgot about It,
Fay Banter. Of arms and the Girl
still holds her lead for the season in
smiling. but Katharine La Sale, Of
"The 18th Chair" can give cards and
spades TO all the other young actresses
when it comes 70 crying.