The Brattleboro daily reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1913-1955, 1922-07-25
AMATEURS GIVE
PLEASING PLAY
Notably Good Talent Dis
played by Brattle-
boro Cast
NOTHING BUT THE
TRUTH PRESENTED
First of Two Performances Given Last
Night in Island Park Casino Under
Auspices of BrattlebOr0 Military Or

CARNATIONS.
1t is always a precarious undertaking
20 attempt to make congratulatory criti-
cisms of local amateur performance,
and fortunately it is not necessary, for
be most part, to make them in comment
ing on the work of the principals who
appeared in the performance of Nothing
But the Truth, last evening at Island
Park casino under the auspices of Brat
tleboro's military organizations.
The performance was well staged and
well acted, and it is a matter of regret
that there was an audience of less than
400 to see the production. 1t is ex-
pected that the attendance tonight, when
the performance viii be repeated. will
be much larger. for many patrons always
await a second performance with the
hope that it will be more finished pro-
duction. The play was somewhat
narred, especially for those patrons
seated III the rear of the hall and the
balcony. by the incessant snorting and
Wheeling of one or two locomotives that
insisted on switching cars on the tracks
opposite the casino at this particular
tInie on this particular evening. Now
Hat the initial performance is over, the
amateurs viii experience that feeling of
confidence so vital to finished produc-
ton. and with the rough spots worn off
and the weak points filled in. the per-
formance this evening without doubt viii
well repay those who are planning to
see it.
Few people there are who are not IA
miliar with Nothing But the Truth. 1t
is q three-act farce comedy by James
Montgomery and the story deals with
young man who makes a bet of $4,000
that he can tell the truth, the real, abb
soIute. unadulterated truth, for a period
Of "a hours. Needless to say, many
complicated and ludicrous situations de-
velop-a mans business is nearly ruined,
his reputation is almost tarnished, his
family ties are nearly broken. but the
Young man sticks 10 the truth and IN
she end wins his $4,000 and the girl
Of his heart.
As Mr. Ralston. of the firm of p. NJ.
Ralston & Company. who bets that 1t
is impossible to tell the truth for "A
hours. Ezra c.. Walck was the star of
the performance. His portrayal of the
clever business man alternately exhibiting
fits of anger and spasmS of laughter
brought much commendation from his
atmiring audience. Mr.. Walck demon-
strated perfect ease of action and showed
supreme confidence throughout his dift-
cult role. and it must not be omitted
fere that his work formed the strong
aucleous that enabled the play to be
success.
As Robert Bennett. the, young bust
ness partner who insisted that he could
tell the truth, Capt. Joseph @. Estey
rendered his part in an extremely cred
table fashion. Throughout the produc-
ton Mr.. Estey acted with natural poise
and an artistic ability that won for him
wealth of credit and applause from
his many admirers.
Mrs. Joseph g. Estey as Gwendolyn
Ra!ston portrayed her role of the daugh-
ter of Mr.. Ralston with much feeling,
AMI credit is due her for the manner in
which she essayed her part. 1t is hoped
I'll 1t in tonight's performance, the sentl-
mcnts of love between Gwendolyn anu
Robert will assume a more expressive
form which should attain perfection IN
the hands of Mr.. and Mrs. Estey.
Mrs Arthur II. Brasor presented the
role of Mrs Ralston in q truly motherly
manner and deserves high credit for her
charming portrayal.
As Bishop Doran, who became the un-
surpectfng and unfortunate possessor OF
worthless stock. Ernest NJ. Goodenough
showed himself to be an extremely good
comedian. His role was exceptionally
difficult and his rendition of the part
grew steadily better as the play pro-
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