Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-09-13

n =
M aflame with righteous
v v indignation at the wan
ton worthleSsneSs of the
outstanding attraction with which
its new season in the legitimate
theaters was opened, Washington
happily may view with calm con-
tent. If not real satisfaction, the
wholesome comedy which marks
the beginning of the new era at
the National Theater tomorrow
evening. Peter Flies High" is
the work of Myron c. Pagan. who
has several real comedy hits to
his credit. The star is no less
than the brilliant young Glenn
Hunter, whose fame was eStab-
lished in Merton of the Movies"
continued in the fine drama OF
Young Woodley" and reached a
climax in George C. Tyler's re-
vival of old English comedy. The
company in his support, ii not one
of those original New York casts,
of which so much is written, is
unquestionably fine and adequate.
All in all, the Nations Capital,
for once at least, may feel truly
thankful, without ever sheer,
giggle or a whoop, for one never
can tell what may happen before
the gentle snow of Winter flies.
NERIFICATION seemed to follow
closely upon the heels OF
prophecy as to prospects for the
new season in New York, There
has been a great deal in the form
of mere announcement and sug-
gestion, but always with the eva
Sive if, perhaps to leave one doupt-
full of what really may come 1orIn
in time. There is yet hope, puC
still uncertainty. Feelers Will con-
Time to emerge in showers from
the fertile press bureaus. A teeler,
as one should know, is a clever
item setting forth what may pc
and what may not. II the pupilc
resnonse be encouraging, the
feefer may materialize into some
thing tangible and worth while.
washington at this particular time
is interested in knowing, not only
what is really going to happen,
but whether or not the happening
ie Iikely to arrive locally. Publicity
js the life of the theater, Dut
nevertheless much time ana
MANY words are wasted in the
vain effort to push bad plays 10
success.
CURRENT comment OF the big
~ things that are to dazzle New
York and later, perhaps, to de-
light the reconquered road
meaning the lands beyond the big
city-leads to the belief thai
musical attractions, perhaps, Will
comprise the biggest drama
that the metropolis will see or the
road hear about this season, when
prospective box Office returns are
ilnpleasant matters OF Specula-
ion THAT the melodic offer
inps will be especially dellght1ul
to the lover of good music is noIe
or less doubtful. Even the preSent
promoters seem to rely upon Smut
rather than sweet SOUNDS 10 Draw
their audiences. When colleglaCe
memories are eliminated. perhaps,
when the Saxophone is barred by
law. the muted trumpet declared
q crime and the acrobatic element
is purged out of the pit and on
the stage in favor of musicians
trained in the wonders of fine
music, something worth while may
be expected in the musical line.
For some time yet-no one knows
how long-glorified or deSecrated
femininity, glittering eye. spec
tacles and humor that for the
present purpose might be termed
chicksalian in character Is more
likely to be our portion. And yet,
think Of this one irrepreSsible fact
the Carroll "VanitieS," which
have excited the gentle morals of
the metropolitan critic, a wonder
in itself, drew $4,000 as its first
weeks reward in the spotlesS city
where everybody is denouncing it.
This might indicate that there
is something else to worry about
besides the rottenness in Den
mark.
TOR one reason and another
- and not always because the
production itself deserves it, or be-
cause the able Manhattan critics