Stage Morals.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 March 1922, Page 1

Stage Morals.

SCENES AT A CHURCH DEBATE. NEW YORK, Feb. 14. An impromptu debate on the morality of the stage between Dr Roach Straton, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, one of the principal places of worship in New York, and Air William A. Brady, a leading theatrical manager, was the cause of disorderly scenes in the church yesterday. Dr Straton recently challenged All Brady to a debate, but the latter, objecting to the conditions, refused. Yesterday Dr Straton, who is widely known for his continual and unmeasured denunciation of the stage and the kinema, delivered an unusually bitter attack on both. At the conclusion of his address Mr Brady rose from his seat in the body of the church and, flushed with anger, demanded the light to reply. Mounting a platform amid a storm of cheers from a large number of actors and actresses, and boots and jeers from the remainder of the congregation, Air Brady faced Dr Straton. “Lot him who is without sin cast the first stone,” be cried. “After this I shall be glad to meet you in debate. I shall take pleasure in pointing out how ill the last 20 years-horrible crimes have been committed by ministers of the Gospel. I will prove, that more clergymen than actors have been convicted of murder and that there are more clergymen than actors in gaol. “In England the King knights his actors. Preach God and Christ to stage folk ; don’t slander, them.” An outburst of hoots and jeers from the congregation drowned Air Brady’s voice, and cries of “Put. him out alternated with cheers from Mr Brady s supporters. , ~ Finallv several policemen entered the church, and with their help Dr Straton restored order and obtained a hearing for his rival-