The Washington times., 1937-03-02
NOW
1887 PreUieW
Censored
MUCH ADO
BY HELEN ESSARY

This story might be called "The
Press Can't Take Its Own Medi'
cine"
Though it's title should be more
} amusing than this. For the tale
j is based on the lively skit Their
First Quarrel" presented by the
Woman's National Press Club at
its annual stunt party last night
at the Willard Hotel, where Mrs.
Roosevelt and other distinguished
women watched. THE Ten Best
News Stories of 1887" unfold-be-
fore they actually happened.
"Their First Quarrel" took place
Somewhere on the Riviera;
Sometime after April 81, 1887"
The hero and heroine were-one
guess is enough-the Duke and
Duchess of Windsor
The refusal of the Press to take
its own medicine occurred not at
the actual showing of the skit last
night (thank Heaven) but at the
dress rehearsal on Sunday.
When the curtain was drawn
aside for this particular number
the Duke and Duchess we're dis
covered Noel Cowardish-ly sitting
up in bed, quarreling.
A crown hung on one bed post.
A royal robe was over the foot
/ board. A big bottle labeled
aspirin" an ice pack for the
Duchess head, and a towel for the
Dukes hurting brow, were the
principal stage props.
The scene was unexpected in its
reality. At least TOO photogra-
pliers Gnvited in to take pictures)
Sprang forward and began snap
ping shots like mad. Bulbs flashed.
Cameras clicked.
The Duke and Duchess, though
startled, were flattered by so much
attention. But some of the other
actors, waiting their turns, we're
not pleased. Definitely not. Muir
murs of protest began Immediately.
Grew louder at once.
Miss Martha Strayer, director
Of the stunt party, hurried on the
stage.
Some club members object to
pictures being made of this scene.
They know perfectly well the lines
are harmless, but they don't like
the bed"
what" called the photogra-
pliers from tops of step ladders, be-
hind chairs and other quaint
points Of view.
How about you girls?" asked
!, Miss Bess Davis Schreiner, the
coach who keeps angelically sweet
through many stunt parties.
"How do you feel?"
"If it will make the act seem
more amusing, we don't mind eS-
pecially, do we?" said the Duke to
the Duchess.
Mono" replied the Duchess.
I'VE object" cried voices from
the floor.
"Then We'll put the matter to
vote" answered the Duke firmly.
Those who want-the-pictures-
will-please-say-aye - o pposed-no,
said Miss Strayer in one breath.
Loud cries of mo" and AYE"
Meanwhile The Duchess wrapped
herself tightly in her rose velvet
dressing gown. The Duke, in bor-
rowed blue pajamas, three sizes
too big, on purpose, sat on the
side of the bed and began to read
the London Times.
you'll just have to raise your
hands, can't tell what you want,
said Miss Strayer to the excited
crowd.
Groups were gathering in vari-
Gus parts of the ballroom. Ruth
Jones, Ruth Van Deman, Corinne
Frazier Bah Lincoln, Frances
Parkinson Keyes were among the
"Antis." "Disgusting!" "Undigni-
fied" bad PUBLICITY" "Impos-
sible!" what will Lady Lindsay
Think" Aunt Bessie won't like it
at ALL" were some of the remarks.
Doris Fleeson, Betty Hynes,
Hope Ridings Miller, Ruby Black
d1lu OdCA1C Ad1 I'LL WCIC d1lIOllS
those in favor of the pictures.
I'VE write stories and print pic
lures of other people without ever
consulting our victims. Surely we
ought to be able to take it our
selves. Besides it's the most in
nocuous stunt. Hasn't anybody
ever seen a bed before?"
"Oughtn't to have the skit any
how. It's too PERSONAL" said the
Ants quite clearly.
The argument ragged. The
photographers turned their cam
eras away from the Duke and
Duchess to the voters who, in cos
tunes of revolutionists, strike
breakers, Girl Scouts, the Russian
populace, devil dancers and Su-
preme Court Justices were hold
ing up their hands.
The noes had it by six votes.
mo pictures!" was the verdict.
mo pictures" cried the photog-
raphers. why, we've used about
40 plates"
"Well. if that's the case, do the
best you can," somebody said.
The rehearsal went on-a little
IInSteadilV. The wicked Skit proved