Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1921-11-22
BERNARD HAS A THEATRICAL PLAY
Irene Returns-Trained Lions at Lyric

Barney Bernard appeared at English's
last night in the first of three perform
ances of 1.-TWO Blocks Away" a play
which failed to meet with sufficient box
office success either in New York or Chi
cagO to warrant long runs.
Personally. do not care if Chicago
and New York passed mp this show.
am occasionally reminded that plays /
have enjoyed and even endorsed have
failed in New York Several bowling
New York successes have failed to i'm
press me when seen here. AS far as I
am concerned. it isn't necessary for New
York and Chicago to become the judges
of plays
l admit that 1.-TWO Blocks Away" is
theatrical play in which the author,
Aaron Hoffman has attempted to tell a
modern fairy story of an old shoe cob
bier who suddenly becomes wealthy,
moves to a swell New York avenue palace
and for a time forgets his old acquain-
tances but in the end he realizes that a
man is wealthy only when his real
treasures are in his mind and heart
Mr. Bernard and his competent com
pany really entertained those who at
tended English's last night Mr. Ber-
nards Interpretation Of Nate Pom
merantz made up for the apparent
theatricalness Of the play as a play. He
gets into your heart and the memory of
his work will Inger for many moons
with you. Send us. Mr.. Producer. some
more plays that Chicago and New York
have passed up.
or course. 1.-Two Blocks Away" couldn't
happen in real life Just rs Il occurs on
the stage We don't demand that all Of
our stories and books be true to life SO
why condem show on the grounds that
1t is too theatrical? There are plenty OF
witty and heart-touching remarks in this
play although the audience knows that
II is only a story.
Inc play as a play has its faults when
considered under certain dramatic rules
governing composition. but when a play
and a player can give an audience as
much enjoyment rs Mr.. Bernard and
Two Blocks Away" ala at EnglIsh's
last night / am not going to condemn
It because Chicago and New York didn't
90 wild over them.
Mr.. Bernard IS better than the play
l would want him TO be. He is the life
saver to Two Blocks Away" The
author has been too generous with bis
stage tricks and the ability Of Mr. Ber-
nard has softened many Of tho tricks
that the author stages on an audience.
The first act. when Nate Is a poor man
In worldly goods. but rich IN fine
thoughts and actions, IS the real stuff UP
to nearly the end Of the act, when #
becomes theatrical-not the fault Of Mr.
Bernard, but the fault of the author
But yet, Bernard holds Your interest and
makes you want to see him in his swell
Fifth avenue home There he is any old
money bng and does not become human
until he realizes that his ward, Jane. as
played so sweetly by Miss Edna Hlb-
bard, IS going back 70 her old friends
two blocks away. He discovers that the
$4,000 he inherited does not belong 10
him and he dramatically and Electrically
as well returns the original inheritance
to his life long friend Blu Lewis. who
Is entitled to the money. BIZ doesn't
loose his grip on life and you get the
impression that Nate BIZ, Jane and her
honest-to- goodness lover. Tom Roland
are going to be very happy.
Miss Hubbard as Jane Is OF tho sweet
sweety type but not too awful sweet.
She is refreshing and you feol all tho
time that she Is such q square little
party that she VIII never give Tom the
cold shoulder" Robert Craig Is real
as Tom Couldn't improve upon him.
harold Russell Is more than satisfactory
as Bill Lewis, n carpenter, who longs 10
be a copper The others Of the cast aid
In aking the fairy story enjoyable en-
tertainment.
Two Blocks Away" is not a wonder
full play. but Tho fine work Of Mr.. Bern
ard brings that CHEEKY feeling 20 one
If play makes YOU happy-what's the
difference whether Chicago and New York
failed 10 declare It to be a whale Of n
success.
/ like me drama rs I want II and I an
not ashamed to admit that Mr. Bernard
gave me an enjoyable evening
Mr.. Bernard viii be on view tonight
and Wednesday night at Englishs. on
Thursday afternoon, Grant Mitchell opens
q tn ee-day engagement IN THE Cham
pion."-W II. D.