The Washington herald., 1921-12-11

In different rein but equally iHHHtiHoiiHg CH D"
found 7. r. StribIros HOreI, "Buthright.'
running seridIly IN the Century.
This department -confesses a reErettabIe laxity
Of duty toward the manager Of the Garrick Theater
l. stoddard Tsylor-in having failed this far
properly acknowledge the Unceasing efforts Of Mr..
Taylor to improve the physical aspect OF the Car
rick Theater property, for which he is
sponsible.
Since leaving the Belasco and taking over The
management of the Garrick Mr.. Taylor has labored
without ceasinG to improve the aspect the tone
and the comfort OF this playhouse and IL is only
just say that his efforts, far the power
within him lies have been appreciated by Garrick
patrons In a recent chat with Mr.. Taylor how
he expressed the opinion that adequate jour
nalistic support Of the Garrick was5the requi-
site factor in creating Atmosphere" OF culture
artistic value for the playhouse.
To a certain extent this IL true. but one Of the
greatest handicaps thus far imposed the Gar
rick and its manager has been the tendency to
route into that playhouse a rather formidable lis;
of dramatic experiments which, when offered at s.
per plus the tax, have proved in some
cases. at least. bitter dsappointments
1t is of course. Invariably a pleasure as well as
a duy to impress upon the theater-goers OF 4 city
the dramatic value and profundity inherent in
play like Eugene O'Neilrs The Emperor Jones" 20
which have already alluded and which begins it,
Garrick run tonight 1t is just a plea
to join in the chorus of enthusiasm that fol
lows the presentation of plays like Miss Lulu
Bett." Nor need csviI at raising some small
paean praise over such acceptable acting as was
evidenced in "Bluebeards Eighth Wife"
Something more than nerspoper support. torr,,er.
offset the HHfdrordble reaction that fol-
lotos the tcoke Of such hdfb0ked adventures pro
dTcing as "The Nav Dog" "The Fair Crcdssian,"
"In the Mountains" or, for that matter, The Noun
Man"
Some weeks back I referred at length to the
H.
Harrington, who seems have embraced the drama
in a whole souled. generous hug. There comes
to hand a copy OF Harlequin and Columhine"
doubleday, Page and COD, by Mr.. Harrington.
The book is described a romantic satire.
based on the temperamental tantrums OF Talbot
Potter, a species of histrionic that is all
common in the theater by virtue of the public's
worshipful alteration of good dentistry nne clothes
sleek hair and egoism behind the footlights The
newspaper critic. by the way comes in for some
exceptionally well-deserved fun-poking Tarking-
toms hands in which the foibles of a cocksure
gentleman of the press rather mercilessly but
ludicrousy exposed. along with the shallow vani-
ties of the Broadway whom he attempts
patronize.
As educational pabulum for the theater-g oer
IL is capital stuff, though its style uncom-
monty stted in spots for a writer who his
effects with such apparent ease. However, in
foreword which sounds suspiciously like press
agent Harrington, rather than the suthorial Tark
ington. is told that Harlequin and Columbine"
written some ten years ago (the Beauty OF the
Jacobin Era" ers) and that then the aspects
of the theater offered view in the satire were
faded and passing away"
Probably than traces could he
found remotely lingering says Mr.. Harrington
in his foreword for the theater has been moving
a long way toward truthfulness. That II has
moved must be acknowledged as due in no little
part the impulse of journalistic criticism, and,
although the writer has sometimes querelously
complained of the very critics who stir forward
advance, this small book is heartily inscribed
to them"
Perhaps q Is true the theateT has moved, for
Ibsen tpas laughed a dozen years ago and BU5oHe
OMEN might hare been throrH from playhouse.
On the other hand, corresponding productior -
sI1sh seems prolific than though mt b
admitted that the failures Of poo mounting
BY the dose~. Perhaps Mr.. Torktng e, 'se main,
kos txeoermed ths k0h1t