Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-01-22
Wicked Old Civilization
In Contrast to the Present
BY PHILANDER JOHNSON.

A new play WED with an estab-
nShed success, with one of the
conventional revue revelations as
a conservative background. A
thoroughly sophisticated public
no longer contemplates the revue
rs a startling exhibition, but &C
cepts il as a well formulated type
Of entertainment. The interest
consists largely in selecting high
points in the way of a musical
and comic episode.
The galaxies of girls and the
rainbow aerialiSIu of fiuttering
costumes are taken as matters of
course and much of the criticism
addresses itself to a study Of
period of time which may have
elapsed since the most recent
visit Of the cleaners.
s<
Scandals" is not a very cheer
ing watchword for a performance.
AS a matter of fact. the effort TO
be scandaIous is based largely
on the ideas OF wild life that
they obtain in Cedar Rapids or
Coshocton; and the show de-
ponds upon the industrious and
conscientious efforts OF the or
chestra leader, the dance director
and the patient chorister.
X
Revueg linger on regardless of
the apparent loss OF interest on
the part OF Florenz Zeigfeld. The
new idea Is the presentation of
large musical and spectacular eff
fects In legitimate association
with consistent plot with an ele-
ment of literary reputation TO
lend encouragement TO the more
bookish patronage.
A defiant demonstration OF the
quest Of novelty was made by the
play Six Feet Under" brought
Into competition with no less
completely established theat-
rical creation than THE Shang-
hal Gesture" No title could be
more depressingly mortuary than
six Feet Under" It was re-
nninder at the outset Of that
riotougly irreverent ditty and the
modern application In undercur-
rent advance talk ran over in
the cemetery they've been making
preparations for a new made
grave for Harry"
i. was Harry Deli who had the
show all his own way, enjoying
the prestige which the success Of
THE Family Upstairs" brought
10 an author who frankly as
serted himself as a student Of
everyday life Of those who toll
and struggle and In the face Of
all encouragement strive u keep
I'D appearances AS his human
document, Mr.. Deli selected the
member Of a household who Ii
willing and eager 10 assume all
It's burden and patncticaiiy silent
with reference 10 the cruel, though
unintentiOnal. lmpositions ~
which he subjects himself.
In addition 10 the title, the
play evolves some queer little
catch phrases. The family name
employed is kebbiepredder -
and a. question likely 10 appeal ~
every hard worked auditor is pre-
sented In such phrases as "Are
YOU Eebblepredder2" or, more
briefly. Are you just d kebb2''
The publicity printer relieves
anxiety as " the fate Of Elmer
shown at the final curtain still
Struggling with his responsibili.
ties. Ey the statement They tried
10 Law poor Elmer away, but FL
mer was q tough guy 10 kill"
In addition 10 writing Wen, Mr.
DeIf acts well. Not since tbs
play John Ferguson" has there
been more close and Intimate
study as 10 the amount OF tfou'
bic q man can acquire In onf
brief lifetime. II lacks the mel
lowing haze Ut distance "hicf
enables the observer 10 sogtne M
nina with the thought ma
while all this may be true, IL y
going on in a circle quite remote
from our own and Ia nothing u
be deeply concerned about thu