The guardian., 1952-02-09
Detective Story

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great star come up on the hori-
zon when James Anderson, the
killer, kept the audience caught
in an emotional trap through a
full three acts. AS Charles Genin-
nj he amused, cajoled and then
Mortified the audience tearing at
their emotions every second he
was on stage. AS James Ander-
son he deserves a medal, for in
the true tradition of the theatre
he carried on as a real trouper,
even though his mother lay
dying in Boston hospital. With
heart sad and heavy, he did his
very best those three nights be-
cause his mother wished him to.
After it was over, his mother
passed away at five o'clock on
the morning of February 5th.
She held on until she knew he
could give in to his grief, his
job well done.
Cynthia Belgrave Jones,
name with lights and stars, turn
ed in a triumphant portrayal as
the shoplifter stamped bad" but
just confused. Although she had
been i'll prior to opening night
with a virus infection which left
her weak, she matched her usual
standard of superb portrayals
and kept the audience fascinated
throughout the entire production
though she never left the stage.
Who could truly pick the other
stars of this production? Each
was a gem in his own characteri-
zation. Lou Schiff was excellent
as veteran detective who knew
the right time to give a loser a
break. He delivered a finely
shaded performance as a tough
tender cop with an affection for
alcohol
The entire cast right down the
line turned in a set of singularly
skillful performances as Cole
mans direction deftly under
scored the knife-edged tension
and walloping impact of mem
orable drama full Of raw, stark
realism with language true TO
everyday life.
Jason Shultz captiVated the
audience as Detective Callahan
with his magnificently created
characterization. H. Jack Bates
continues to act rings around his
contemporaries. AS Detective
Dalzis he kept things going at a
smooth pace with his natural
movements and impressive voice.
M. Aldon Morris was the nom
chalant reporter and had com
mand of the stage and audience
at all times, making his role an
outstanding one. David New
combe played his role with the
authority becoming a police It.
who wanted the truth. Lincoln
Jones gave a splendid portrayal
as a small businessman "a man
of iron" who turned into an in
different citizen, with little en-
couragement. Eve Goldenberg
was tender as the young sweet
heart of the first offender and
made one wish with her, that
she could pay the penalty for
her boy friends mistake. Agnes
Roston Howard as the trollop.
Miss Hatch, turned the audience
inside out with her brittle an
swers and mannerisms. Henry
Paul Graziano was silky as a
former Suitor of Mary Mcleod.
His oily Characterization gave a
clear picture Of Tami Giasoppet-
Il. The well-known actress Vera
Carney was in her usual good
form as Mrs. Farragus. Josef
Harris as Detective Gallagher
made a creditable showing. Bur
ton White as Arthur Kindred
took the wrong step for a wrong
girl and portrayed Arthur with
sensitivity. Milton Meltzer is IN
forgettable as Endicott Sims at
torney for DR.. Schneider. Leon
Ewing looked like a copper and
acted the same way. AS partner
to Jim Anderson, Ray Davis was
a perfect Lewis" the second
burglar. Dina Rio Morris the
fiery Mrs. Bagatelle was a color
ful figure, making her role
sparkling success. David Mills as
Mr.. Gallantz provided comic re-
lief from the tenseness of the