Indiana daily times. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1914-1922, 1921-05-10

Such a word as delicious still exists.
1 found 1t in old man Webster's best
seller on page $50.
1t applies to Ruth Gordon and a merry
little comedy by Adelaide Matthews and
Martha NJ. Stanley, called Scrambled
Wives"
In this comedy, which moves along
like a Twentieth Century Limited, Miss
Gordon has a role which exhibits her
light comedy talent like the Kentucky
derby exhibited the speed of Behave
Yourself. Last night when the Indian
apolis public was permitted to witness
this comedy for the first time on the
spoken stage eve have had it In the
movie houses), one had the feeling that
the authors must have had Miss Gordon
in mind when writing the role Of Lucille
Smith, the divorced wife of John Chiv-
erick. If you happen to have the idea
that Miss Gordon is suited only for lit
tie napper roles, change your opinion,
because she can do up her hair and
make you believe that she is the sweet
est little divorced woman in the world
The authors were very generous in CIV
ing Lucille Smith many deliciously funny
lines to utter and a whole lot Of COM
edy business" Miss Gordon is i'm
mense when she utters under her breath
role of John Chiverick, who was Lu-
Giles first husband, Il wish you would
sneeze your damned head off" This
happens in the funny second act when
John is attempting to prevent his Jealous
second wife from learning that his
former wife is a member of the same
house party. Lucille does not want
Larry Mcleod to know that she is a
divorced woman because Larry does not
relish anything that looks like a gutter.
And besides, Lucille thinks that Larry
would make a fine second husband. The
uncomplimentary remark of Lucille IS
made when John, who is in hiding be-
hind the curtains in Lucille's room,
sneezes while Larry is in the room. Then
tho situations become more mixed up,
but in the end John kisses his jealous
wife, and Larry and Lucille hike off
to q minister's house.
Scrambled Wives is not a bedroom
farce. although it Is nearly closD
cousin have limited at the plot in the
above paragraph. Much of the splendid
success Of the play last night was due TO
the lively manner in which Miss Gordon
handled the Lucille role. She never al
lowed the action to run away with her
and she kept the entire play keyed up to
the right pitch. l need make no apology
In saying that MISS GORDON reveals her-
self as a deliciously capable comedy
actress. Scrambled Wives" is a COM
edy triumph for Miss Gordon.
Nearly forgot to tell you that hr.
Kelly wears the 'cutest" mustache (the
adjective used by a woman who sat near
mel in this play. He gets the most out
of this lively role. The truth is when
Miss Gordon is not convulsing you,
Kelly is.
Harry wagstar Gribble nnds the role
Of Larry very much to his liking. An
gela Ogden Is sufficient as the comedy
helper of Miss Gordon. Beulah Bondy
aids IN the general mixup by playing the
role OF Margaret Halsey. Byron Beasley
has very little to do as Benjamin Halls
sey, but the little he does fits into the
picture. One would expect 1t from so
fine an actor as be. have paid my re-
spects to Grace Hayle as the second Mrs.
Chiverick. The remainder OF the cast
have very little to do
The two settings used in this comedy
are tastefully done and aid In the gem
eral pleasure of the performance.
Opinions II you want TO exercise your
laughing apparatus and also see a fine
example Of comedy acting as done by
Ruth Gordon then do not pass up
Scrambled Wives" 1t Is not naughty;
Il is delicious.
At Engllshs all week-W. d. II.