The Washington herald., 1921-02-08


Because it presents an after-war
problem that one may readily con-
ceive is,jn the process of solution
n soms-American homes, this three
act play-of David Balch's may com
mand some attention, though its
frailtIes-of construction are just
now glaringly manifest.
The dramatist treats Of the mar
ital alliances contracted in war-torn
areas after the armistice, between
the impulsive, sturdy and honest
American doughboys and the French
damoiseales of questionable morals.
And he treats of it with brutal
frankness, with no subdued touch
or seeming effort to shade the sOr-
did and harsh features that might
we'll be whispered. In fact, to make
il certain that there shall be no
mistake that "Cognac" of the Caba-
rets is a woman of scarlet, her pitt
full past at the Cock dor in Bor-
deauI' Is discussed with crude bru-
tality ofsspeech in all three of the
acts, set in a homely Vermont home.
As to the story:
Elmer Stubbs, former member Of
the A E. F, returns from France
with his. war bride. The members
of his family, of rugged New Eng
land type are not too enthusiastic
about her. First, she is a foreigner,
a person they do not understand,
therefore looked upon with suspi-
eion; and secondly, she is OF a diff
ferent religion from these hard
shelled Methodists.
Her simplicity and charm win
ing happiness looms. Earl Watkins
a friend of the husband and former
doughboy appears and at once rec
oEnizes the war bride as "Cognac"
Of the cabarets. Meeting her alone
he presumes to capitalize his
knowledge of her reputation and
forces bis attentions upon her. She
repulses, his coarse advances and
when he is about to attack her
threatens to blow him up with
hand grenade her husband has
brought home as a souvenir of the
battIehelds.
Through gossip Elmer learns of
the earlier reputation of his wife
and casts her off, bidding her re-
turn to France. Eveptually his out
ragged pride is overcome by his deep
love and his problem is solved for
the conventional happy ending.
That this ending is obviously un-
convincing, although desirable, is
due perhaps to the constant. reiter-
alton Of the "Cognae" past and the
difficult task the playwright has
evolved for himself to create the
necessary sympathetic reactions.
Withal its transparency of plot
the average playgoer will find much
In the three acts that is appealing.
The love scene between Deborah,
the innocent and refreshing rural
maiden and her yokeI sweetheart
stood out as a rib tickling, sincere
bit of romance, quite as one likes
10 imagine 1t actually occurs with
put stage direction or expert advice.
And worthy of special mention are
The majority of the comedy touches
which find the playwright in a more
1t home. realm, than in his tragic
moments.
Sylvia Field cast as Deborah"
he delightfully frank and out
poken sister OF Elmer Stubbs offers
Characterization of the Bah"
ype that was exquisitely done. Her
.reatest opportunity was empha-
tied by the skiIlfuI playing of
seonard Doyle, who made an awk-
Fard but heart-convincing beau.
As "Cognac," Miss Olive Tell in
wo highly dramatic climaxes justi-
ed the prominence she has been
iven dough her performance
hould not fairly be judged until
ae Is fitted with more competent
airport for what are her impor-