Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-06-27
LOUISE DRESSER AND
TOM WISE AT KEITH'S
These Stars, With Jim and
Marion Harkins, Are Decided
Hit in Good Show

The power of the home, whether 1t be
humble or great, is the message told In
The Christmas Letter" heart-gripping
playlet, which heads the bill at Keith's. 1t
is the work of Roy Atwell and won the sill
yer cup for the best sketch of the year
produced at the Lambs Club.
Thomas A. Wise, famed on the legitimate
stage for his success in strong character
roles, is featured. The story Is simple and
intensely interesting. 1t Is centred in the
dressing room of a theatre on Christmas
night. John Hope. the leading man. eN-
poets to hear any moment of the arrival of
an heir at his home, many miles away.
Dave for wasting his time on such SILLY
who yearns to be home with his wife and
daughter tries to cheer Hope by reading
n letter sent by mis- little girl The man.
ager of the company enters and discharges
Dave for wasing his time on such SILLY
sentiment" He also tries to destroy a
Christmas tree in the actors dressing room.
Hope denounces him and resigns. In the
midst of these complications a message ar
rives announcing that son has been born
at his home This awakens recolectionS of
the manager and he begs forgiveness.
Mr.. Wise gives many heart touches in
the role of Dave. He Is supported by Albert
Parker, Roy Fairchild and Edmund Shadet.
The playlet won emphatic approval
Louise Dresser, spretter than ever, sang
number of songs of the past and present
In that artistic manner which long ago made
her musical comedy favorte. Her best
number perhaps is Down by the Erie
Canal" In. this she was assisted by a
boy in the gallery, who aided largely in
bringing stropg climax to Miss Dresser s
Offering.
After a successful tour of Australia and
other countries. Jim and Marion Harkins,
two Philadelphians, made their first ap-
pearance at Keith's and scored an instan-
taneous hit, In order to crowd as much
comedy as feasible into their act and give
the audience the worth of it's money. Mr..
Harkins told stories while his fair partner
was singing. This caused some quick
complications and show down. The
comedian then found he had the stage to
himself In order to set himself straight
with the public he confessed that he was
somewhat smitten with another girl on the
bill. Mr.. Harkns then unfolded a lot of
interesting gossip about his coworkers in
the show. 1t was getting highly interesting
when Miss Harklns, looking very stunning
In brand new June gown. appeared and
HaIkins was compelled to cut the interest
ing news, much to the disappointment of
the listeners, especially the women The
HarlSins pair have a sort OF an "I-knew-you-
all-the-tlme" way of working which makes
quick friendship with the audience. This.
combined with their songs talk and original
business" reaped no end OF applause and
many bows.
Flanagan and Edwards were seen In their
familiar act. which seemed to go better
than ever. William Carton and Company
appeared In "A Regular Business Man"
Gautier's Animated Toy Shop. a clever
animal act. delighted the kiddies and grown
ups too. and Al Shayne and the Viegler
Twins and Ellworth won favor with enter
tanning offerings Charlie Schraeder leader
OF the Keith orchestra, Is the author of
THE Poor Richard Club March" which was
timely. j. G. c.