The New York herald. [volume] (New York, N.Y.) 1920-1924, 1920-11-21

sometimes shocked If they did not
confuse. Henry Mcbride is the first
OF the noted art critics to say that the
piece represents the ideas of the Gu
bists as applied to drama, which may
well be true. The theory at least ac-
counts for the state of contented
amazement into which the three acts
throw all who see them.
Cubistic Methods in Drama.
But the adoption Of the cubistic
theories by the dramatists does not &C
count for the varying quality OF the
acts. The first seems to entertain all
who see IL more than any other part
OF the play. The second gets only harsh
criticism for its share of the prevailing
comment. while the third is somewhat
more highly commended. 1t is not alone
the inordiuate length of the second act
which makes the listeners uneasy. They
have heard the Shaw talk for the open
ing division of the play Some of it has
sparkled and some has not. There
should be even somewhat more brilliant
conversation or else there should be
action. There is neither. and the audi
erce Is. after the second act. all but e.
hausted by more OF the same, rather a
second hand same at that. The compar-
the roar OF the Zeppelin produce an
emotional stimulus which is lacking in
the long second act: so there is a sense
Of improvement to carry away from the
theatre.
In spite of criticism which seems al
most unrelievedly unfavorable, II is irr-
possible not to feel n certain degree of
interest throughout all the scenes. OF
courSe there Is known degree OF
fw4A o. .f,. Zee.
But the grip OF "Heartbreak House"
comes from no such quality. Tt is sin
guar to hear the critical praise of such
trite emotions as Tsllle's observation
that after the heartbreak there Is the
end OF happiness and the beginning of
peace. Certainly this thought is faml
lar. After the storm and stress OF
youthful emotions and the torments OF
passion are ended. there may be never
the same turbulent happiness in life.
the delicious cross of the italian can
never be borne again. But the calmer
contentment with its own rewards IS
still 70 be enjoyed the peace that
passeth all youthful understanding is
still to dwell In the heart.
nest Drawn Character In Play.
Shaw did not have to seek far in search
OF this opinion. Possibly It's forceto some
hearers CoI1eh ITOfIl It's association VIII
the best character in the play. None
OF the Shaw women are ever so we'll
drawn as the hard, cerebral girls Of
which the heroine OF "Heartbreak
House is an example. They wear a
veneer of worldlI-ess which ordinary
experience could never scratch. Miss
Risdon has not only the good fortune
OF acting the best drawn character in
the play but she happens TO give the
best performance. This conjunction Is
not. however, novel In the theatre.
Something like a new Shaw or per-
haps the older shaw In a tenderer mood,
a lyric mood indeed that is scarcely
recognizable. peeps through the speech
81 Hesionc, we'll disposed to all affairs
Of the heart. The visitor Ia telling her
of love affair and the older and
much experienced woman answers:
eft makes the hours go fast. doesn't
i.f No tedious waiting TO go to sleep
AZ nights and wondering whether you
will have bad night. How delightful
II makes waking up In the morning!
How much better than the happ.est
drpamj All yfe TRANSFERRED No more
wishins or hat a. interesting book