Evening star., 1937-09-21
4 Hope the Play Meier Closes,'
Last Words of Osgood Perkins
Actor Expires in Hotel.
McCrath, Understudy,
to Take Role.

Osgood Perkins, As, a leading fig
ure on the American stage and widely
known on the screen, dropped dead in
his hotel suite here early today a few
hours after the curtain fell at the
National Theater on the opening per-
formance of Susan and God" COM
edy drama. in which he was co-starred
with Gertrude Lawrence.
Mr.. Perkins had complained of indi-
gestion earlier in the evening, but had
not appeared seriously i'll and had won
acclaim for his portrayal in the new
play. His wife, the former Janet
Rane of Boston. revealed to friends
in the company that they were chat
ting in their room at the Willard after
returning from the theater and the
actor remarked
Il like that role. hope the play
never closes"
A moment later, he stepped into
the bath room, and his wife heard
him fall. She summoned a house
physician, who pronounced Mr.
Perkins dead, apparently from
AASoAb dttdSh-
The play will go on with its sched-
uled run tonight and the rest of the
week, it was decided today after
conference.
Paul McGrath, who had minor
role in the play, will step into the
lead opposite Miss Lawrence. He
had understudied the part.
The noted English actress was re-
luctant to go on, hoping the produc-
ton at least would stop for a night
as mark of respect to player she
greatly admired. But when the deci-
sion was made, she accepted it with
the customary courage of a good
trouper. Friends said she was
shocked and saddened by Mr..
Perkins sudden death.
Mr.. Perkins, it was learned, re-
Gently suffered a severe attack of
influenza, and his wife, feeling that he
had not fully recovered, advised him
not to take on play so soon, but
the actor went ahead.
Revised This Season.
Susan and God" by Rachel Croth-
ers, played for q short time in Phil
adelphia last season, but was closed
for revision, and plans were made to
launch it in Washington this season
and then take it to Broadway.
Osgood Perkins was born at West
Newton, Mass, May 16, 1892. He
was graduated from Harvard. During
the World War he served in the Army
in France. He began his theatrical
career in 1920, entering motion pic
lures with the Film Guild. He had
roles in a number of successful pic
lures, including "Tarnished Lady"
and "Scarface"
He made his stage debut in 1924 as
Homer Cady in "Beggar on Horse
back" After that he rose rapidly
toward stardom, appearing in sue
cession of II Broadway plays. He
was best known for his portrayal of
the suave man of the world.
Mr.. Perkins took the part of the
managing editor in the original stage
production Of 1.-The Front Page"
Other successes with which he was
identified included ION Stage" Loose
Ankles" and Ceiling Zero"
Well Known Here.
He was well known to Washington
audiences. He had appeared here in
numerous plays, notably in End
of Summer" with Ina Claire, last
year. and in revival of School for
Husbands"
MIR. Perkins body was taken to
Hysong's and is expected to be sent
to New York later in the day.
Mr.. and Mrs. Perkins lived on East
Sixty-sixth street in New York. Their
5-year-old son, Tony, remained there
when they left on the brief road trip.
McGrath, who steps into the role of
Susan's husband in the play, had been
playing the minor part Of Michael
OHara, but Is widely known as a
leading man. He appeared opposite
Miss Claire in lode to Liberty" and
was Helen Hayes leading man in
''The Good Fairy"
McGrath's former role will be taken
by Douglas Gilmore, who came from
New York today to fill in the gap.