The Washington times., 1920-11-23
THE CAST.

..ll-
"cutie" Bird .............V .Vioist De Bieary
In proof OF the fact that things
are noI always what they seem. an
old verse had IL "Now don't get ex'
cited nor don't be misled"-and TINS
seems TO tit In nicely with the ex-
planation OF the title OF this weeks
offering at the Shubert-Belasco, The
Ruined Lady" for II isn't at all as
serious as Its name plate might I'M
ply.
After all. it's q perfectly innocent
adventure engineered by q most ests-
msble lady with a laudable purpose In
mind. and although unforeseen com
plications worked their way into her
affairs. as Unforeseen complications
Invariably do, yet these helped rath-
her tears were never at any time or
more than the crocodile variety.
Further than being a most delight
full comedy which at times borders
closely on the farcicai. and abound
ing in scintillating and epigrammatic
lines. "The Ruined Lady" Is to be
lsuded for bringing back to the
Washington stage ITS long absent
favorite, Grace George. And while
II is not always nice TO speak OF
years In connection with lady OF the
stage, MISS ttOTEt n HaS wv"
Il long one. and II is only In a COM
plimentary sense that one notes that
she Is just as charming and svelte as
ever and just as competent to inspire
spontaneous merriment.
"The Ruined Lady" is Ann MORT.
mer. beloved OF and loving Bill
Bruce for a period running over
eight years. And though Bill had
voiced his ardent affections through
at least six of these years, by reason
OF her feeling OF responsibility for
the care of Dorothy and Dallie. chill
dren OF her dead brother, Ann has
steadfastly refused MIN.
1t comes as a shock to her when
she realizes that the children are
now nearly grown, that she Is grow
ing older and that Bill, himself, has
become so resigned to the situation
that he accepts 1t as matter Of
course and no longer urges their
marriage.
Olive Gresham, a long absent
friend. shows her the way TO solu-
tion OF the problem, as result OF
which Ann goes to Bruce's home at
night, expecting to talk over mat
ters with him. But she Is drenched
in a sudden storm and when she ar.
rives, is informed by Bixby. Bits
man servant that he Is spending the
night at the club.
This Admirable Crichton then suR-
gests that since he himself Is to enjoy
a night out, that she dry her clothes
before the fire and spend the night
there. Capital! But Bill returns at
midnight and explanations are in Dr.
der. only TO have affairs plunged into
what seems an inextricable moss by
the sudden appearance of Dallie, the
young nephew, in company with
friend and two chorus girls. Dallie,
in callow wrath, insists his aunt has
been compromised and demands repa-
ration!
From this time on the action Is fast
and furious and the fun threatens at
times the safety valves which are sup
posed to protect the risibilities Of an
audience. The end which Ann mas
tirelessly pursued throughout the
three acts is only reached at the fall
of the final curtain and is not SO OBJ
vious as might appear.
Miss George portrays her role per-
fectly and John Miltern, as Bruce, ex-
ercises that restraint that only adds
fuel to the comedy fire. Ralph
Glover's Dallie Is just 'adolescent
and exasperating as would be expect
ed from a youth who has suddenly
realized that he has attained mans
AIMS friend, who starts matters and
finally saves the day. is satisfactory.
And certainly worthy mention is due
the Misses Rotoli and De Bicary,
chorus girls of opposing types, who
make gems of their small parts, a
mere incidental of which is q hair
pulling bout staged with full realism