Evening star., 1924-02-16
CHURCHMEN ASSA|L
D. c. THEATER PLAY
Wood Insists He Made
Changes Demanded in
"Simon Called Peter"

Vigorous protest against what they
term offensive theatrical perform
ances in Washington was made to
! Commissioner Oyster today by a score
of church and civic leaders. who de-
| bated the question of clean drama for
more than two hours at the District
building.
| Although the meeting started out
| with a discussion of the general sub
| ject of limitations that should be
| placed on the spoken plays. the meet
| ing soon resolved itself into an II
| dignant attack on the production.
| "e,imon Called. Peter being present
ed at the President Theater this
| Several spirited clashes occurred
| between Leonard Wood. jr.. producing
manager, and various speakers.
Oyster Promises Action.
| At the conclusion of the meeting &
tion that he would see to it that the
police department and the corporation
| counSefS Office keep in touch with
what Is being presented in Washing
ton theaters and take appropriate
action when necessary.
He said that if existing regulations
are not adequate he will welcome
=
Assistant Corporation Counsel Ring
gold Hart explained that the theaters
are licensed by the Commissioners:
that the police regulations forbid the
presentation OF anything offensive to
public morals or decency and that the
Commissioners have power to revoke
licenses when they find it necessary.
Capt. Browne of the first precinct,
Lieut. Nina Van Wrinkle of the wom-
ans bureau and Maj. Sullivan. chief of
Jai ct IA rp
taken by the department in connec-
ton with the show at the President,
which relates to the experiences of q
clergyman behind the lines in the
recent war.
1t was testified that after Capt.
conferred with Assistant Corporation
Counsel Williams. it was decided to
notify the management that two
scenes regarded by the police as sug-
gestive, would have to be modified.
At this point Lieut. Van Winkle
made the statement that the entire
show had been regarded as objec-
tionable, following the first perform
ance she witnessed. Capt. Browne
asserted that it contained features
had to be guided by the advice he re-
ceived from the assistant corporation
counsel in modifying the two scenes.
Wood Defends Play.
Mr.. Wood defended the presentation
of "Simon Called Peter" on the
ground that it depicted one phase of
life behind the lines during the war.
He insisted that he made the modifica-
tion ordered by the police.
Rev. w. L. Darby, secretary of the
Washington Federation of Churches.
headed the delegation and told Com
missioner Oyster that he felt it was
in the interests of the theater man
ayers themselves to cooperate in
pr esenting plays that would be above
question.
Rev. j. Henning Nelms declared
that in the main he had no complaint
to make against theaters and mo-
tion pictures, but that he was pres
ent to protest against Simon Called
Peter" and added:
God save us as city and a ma
tion if there is not way to keep out
such plays"
DR.. Nelms said it would be a pitt
full spectacle to have to establish a
board of censorS in the National Cap
ital, and that the best way to avoid
it was to seek the cooperation of
the theater men.
Deets Pickett, speaking for the
IMethodists, told Commissioner Oyster
that other plays are scheduled to
come to Washington that should not
be produced here.
Andrew Wilson also declared that
some productions are booked for
Washington that should not be ex-
hibited and that steps should be
taken now to prevent their appear
ance here.
others who presented their views
included Miss King, Y. w. G. A.; p.
NJ Etchison, Y. NJ. c.. A.; Mrs. Giles
Scott Rafter. Mrs. G. A. Kicker, Mrs.
j. w. Frizzell and c. A. Baker.