New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1920-08-22

things, the more intelligently handled
and executed works"
Mr. Harris is aware that upon see;rv
or hearing that a theatrical producer
remarks that authors are not turning
out acceptable plays of a high char
acter, there will be instantaneous pro-
test from them.
These protests" he says, may come
from men who think they are writing
material of a high grade. but who.
perhaps, are not. l do not think at all
thai we are bereft of talent in America
Tor producing fine manuscripts. 7
Know there are many men and women
who Will shortly surprise us with their
work, but they are not producing it
now"
An interesting sidelight into the real
inside" of the theatrical producing
BUSINESS was contained in Mr. Harris's
statement that never did we depend
upon the idle millionaire for patronar.
IN the serious and thoughtful play.
1T is the lower middle class and tn.
upper lower class" he said, that are
most interested in the higher strata Of
theatrical production. The great masse.
OF nome people, who love to talk over
and discuss the drama, compare situ-
atlons in it with their own conditions.
make our best productions successful.
The idle millionaire, with nothing to
worry about, cares little for the serious.
minded play. He wants music and girls
and absurd farces
The middle classes and the unner
lower classes, who have been caught in
the maelstrom Of World War, are
gradually regaining their composure.
and soon will assert themselves again
and make it known that they want the
better things of the stage"
Mr.. Harris is certain there Ia no rea.
son for alarm concerning present con-
ditions in New York. and is highly hope
full Of an interesting winter season
here.
Il have every reason to believe" he
says, that New York men and women
this year will see splendid list Of
attractions many of which will CONS
we'll up with the fine productions wa
saw last winter and have seen in many
seasons in the past
There Is no doubt that new writ
ing talent is TO be discovered from
time to time in this country. We
nave not had time as yet to see whas
has been developed in the way oe
paywriting talent since the war. But
we expect great development smoag
the unknown men and women"
If is his desire to see as manv ~
he really we'll handled plays by little
Known writer's as is possible, and a
department is in operation at his
e'Hces where reading of plays sus-
r1'tted to him is done exclusively. Oat
OF these scores CT manuscripts that he
receives each week he finds manv that
gave promise of real merit, and "A
many instances, if he thinks it prop.r.
ne advises the writer's as to whether
or not he believes they have a SUP.
Ject worth taking seriously
Referring to the part the theatri al
managers and producers play in tie
supplying to their patrons Of desira.
lie works, Mr.. Harris said:
The poor theatrical managerial
They are as eager to give the people
fine, high minded plays as they can be.
But they are not the writer's. Thew
only produce the play after it il
written. And am sure that with tho
settling down of people throughout
the country and the return to normal
the stage will settle back into its for.
mer place and cheap and common Of
1erlngs will give way to the mora
sennDse and tasteful and thought-pre-
ducNNg works"