Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-07-10
ADJUSTMENTS
NATIONAL PLAYERS-"Three Wise
Fools"

NATIONAL FLA 1EkS-' nree Wise
Fools"
Not 50 many years ago, before youth
began 70 have its fling along present
lines and Young folks were less serious
in their viewpoint Of life. AUSTIN Strong
wrote q play called Three Wise Men,
which now, to suit the changed condi-
tions is called Three wise Fools"
This play vas presented last evening
20 a very large audience that seemed
thoroughly 10 enjoy it. even overlook
Ing The weather and other distractions.
nnIv a few Of which were supplied by
the National PLAYERS, who as whole
made a good Job of their work.
Three Wise Fools" the title. refers
TO three old BACHELORS banker, q
doctor and a Judge-who IN their youth
had all so loved one girl that when they
lost her they lost interest in woman
kind and had lived their lives crustily,
Il is true. but nevertheless with sort
of devotion each to the other that could
be better appreciated when the play
was first written than now. perhaps. To
these three old chaps came message
In the form of a viii deviSing to them
the child of the woman whom they had
loved. II caused CONSERVATION, of
course. but then like good fellows they
determined to accept the trust and to
do their best for her boy, named
Shirley. What was their surprise. when
the child arrived very shortly afterward.
20 find that ii was a beautiful, lovable
girl. in her teens.
Did that weaken their decision? Not
much. They quickly learned to adore
her and to lavish upon her all the
pent-up affections of years. When, 10
and behold! the police appear in search
of Ben, the Duck who is bent upon
assassinating the Judge. and soon after
Ben himself arrives. Ben doesn't XIII
the Judge but he Is assisted in making
d getaway by some one within the
house. and il ultimately proves that
Shirley is that some one.
That's as far as plot recital seems
necessary. but the story holds within its
confines a great deal of enjoyable hu-
NOR and many laugfable episodes as
well as few tears and very pretty
romance.
The National Players handle this
story very well, indeed, with excellent
dramatic work by Charles Hampden,
Edward Arnold and Robert Brister, as
the three wise fools: Leneta Lane,
cutie q charming Shirley; Adelaide Hib-
bard, as a lovable as well as amusing
housekeeper; John Warner, as the not
hignly-prized nephew Of the banker.
MIC 1G7&E III tOSE &tb4l GILL; GAAA FAOFNS
a fine friend in her greatest hour of
need: Billy Phelps, as Ben, the Duck;
Denis Connell. as the police detective:
Arthur Rhodes. as man servant, and
Helen Wallace, John Shellhaas and
Dana williams, in less important roles.
but each. nevertheless, contributing to
q delightful performance.
Miss Lane easily won the sympathy
of her audience as Shirley, part that
drew upon her emotional powers as well
as upon her ability to be just that
sweet. innocent sort Of girl who might
capture the hearts Of her old guar
dams. and Mr. Warner did another bit
of good acting when the trouble came.
especially when he did not have Ito
make love- No matter how cast. Ed
ward Arnold seems always TO fit his
part and to live it without acting. as. in
deed. did Mrs Hubbard in the humble
station Of housekeeper last evening. Mr..
Hsmpden again demonstrated his fine
ability. this time along humorous lines.
There is no doubt at al that the
large audience was delighted with the
play and its presentation throughout.