The Birmingham age-herald., 1920-12-12
The Seasons Best Offerings at the Local Theatres
THE DRAMA Miss Lulu Bett," by Zona Gale-News of the
 New York Stage
By MRS. B. IF. wILKERsON

never been noticed by a man before, , it is especially good. Quoting:
 You've been a blamed good looking
 woman," he said to her patronizingly
 A person she did not know, an un- suspected Lulu spoke for her:
 You must have been good look
 ing man once yourself" she answered.
 As an honest-to goodness conceit-
 puncturing retort, can you beat it? A society woman whose drawing room | training has lasted as long as Miss Lulu Bett's cook-stove experience, might have made a less apt and op- portune reply.
 And the man is pleased. His laugh rings out across the water.
 You're pretty good with that an- swer," he said, regarding her with ap- probation and new interest, Where did you learn that quick come back way of replying?"
 Miss Lulu Betts heart was beating painfully The effort to hold her own in talk like this was terrifying | And yet, when she was most at loss, l that other Lulu (the woman whom she ] has discovered within herself), seems to speak for her. It is thus the de- velopment of Miss Lulu Bett pro- ceeds.
 | The book is just brimful of drama 1 and comedy-"sure-f fire" play material, as the expression goes. I found my self wondering over and over, why the author Zona Gale, hadn't put this story in play form? And so I was 1 delighted when, few days ago, l read that this very thing is to be done. In fact, 'tis reported that dozen or more | experienced American playwrights l have bid for the chance of dramatiz- | ing Zona Gales novel, but MT. Brock l Pem berton, who is to produce the play, 1 has entrusted the work to Miss0Gale 1 herself, who, after considerable pe- r,od of hesitation, has dashed off her | own dramatization of the book. New York has been described as the city where a good play-meaning by this l good literature-may be produced at a profit to all concerned
 1 Miss Lulu Bett" is hailed by critics ] everywhere as the outstanding literary event of the year, and with Brock Pemberton back of it. who established | Enter Madame" and who is also George M. Cohans partner in the pro- i duction of "The Tavern Git was he who took the original play to MT. Co., 1 han) well, Zona Gale, you've landed! You're there. This Zona Gale is a 1 Wisconsin girl by birth and her home l is there still. She began her literary career by reporting for a Milwaukee 1 q | York paper, then later writing for l magazines. She has written one lit ] tie play called "Neighbors," but it is of
 no special merit.
 1 But unless all signs fail. by virtue ! of the play, Miss Lulu Bett," Zona i Gales name will be added to our list of foremost American dramatists. The next production of David Be- 1 lasco will be the Gnty- Barker play 1 "Deburan," as lofty play as he has 1 touched in 20 years it is claimed. 1 In this Lionel Barrymore will be
 featured as the greatest of the Pier
 rots. MT. Barrymore's wife, Elsie Mackaye, until recently leading woman for MT. Arliss in the Booth Parking ton comedy, "Poldekin," will appear with her husband.
 The way the forehanded Belasco ar | ranges is shown in the fact that foui
 or five weeks before rehearsals ot 1 "Deburan' had begun, the costumes of the principal players were made
 and finally fitted. Another instance of the directors thoroughness is con. tained in the fact that at every re- hearsal of the play since the first
 there has been present an instructor ot | French who listens critically to al
 that is spoken, making needed correc-
 tions when a French word is mispro.
 nounced.
 "Deburan" is to be given in New
 York at the Belasco theatre during
 Christmas week, and it's advent ii
 looked forward to, and regarded as on,
 of the worth while play productions o
 the season. In fact, interest center
 principally upon this play and Barrie Mary Rose" which, with Ruth Chat