“SCANDAL.”

Otaki Mail, 20 July 1923, Page 3

“SCANDAL.”

’ OTAKI—MONDAY. Tiie ‘Scandal” Comedy Co., winch 1 played on .Monday m Levin to a lull bouse, is unquestionably the lies! tiling that Ims visited 'Tile town loi ■some (jiue. Toe play itself is too wellknown to call lor description. Tin. Stage version of Cosmo i laiiiijlon s'ueeesslul no' ct oi ina-. name, it was produced in London towards end oi Hie war. to meet the emolioul requirements of a war-jaded population, too overstrung to relish any but well spiced dishes, and Jiving too close to tragedy not to be clamorous lor the relief of comedy, in -.Scandal” they got both, and although the period which was its justification has passed, there is still sufficient, comedy to make tire play interesting. Miss Doris Duane who took the part, of Beatrice Vanderdyke, Hie spoiled society beauty, adds decided charm and piquancy to great dramatic ability, from the moment "’lien, appropriately gowned in a daring name-coloured Dock, she made lief entrance, she held her audience, delighting at one moment with the sparkling shallowness of Hamilton's character, and in another rising to decided. heights of emotional acting. That more might have been made out of the scene with Sutherland Yorke j (Mr Harold Moran) must be admitted, but on, the whole the standard was a high one. Eric Hamilton as Pelham Franklin, was always convincing in Hie part of the strong, virile nuillimtllionaire, who takes the only way possible—according to Cosmo Hamilton —of bringing Beatrice, who has ghim into a decided difficulty, to realise the seriousness Of the position. Ilis attempt in this direction gives rise to the famous bedroom scene where having by sheer dominance hen ton down the spirit of the girl who would use him as the. tool of her capricious pleasure, he flu ally refused to take advantage of the victory. Harold Moran (Sutherland Yorke) gave a good representation of flie successful artist who is a successful lady-killer more through the folly of woman than ability of hi* own. intended only a~ a foil to the mastoriul Pelham Franklin, he makes Hie most of the situation, the scene in the studio being one of the thrills of the play.

Miss (iralmm-e Newton as Miss Honoria Vanderdyke, made an impressive aunt oi the heavy type, whilst Arthur Orbeil as Mnpor Barnett Thatcher, ft" blustering ineffectual, gay obi dog, who is nominal head af the house, wa = a derided success. Mary McGregor, a* Bogina Waterhouse, the charming friend of the heroine, was just light, whilst Lucie Cwt-c r a, t.he companion, Miss Brow", and George Proud as Pewsey, the man-servant, were convincing. ‘‘.•Vandal” is a play bristling with dramatic situations, well-handled by a company of more than average ability. That ttie big scene might have been made even more effective is possible, as by the cutting of Ihe situation immediately before Pelham Franklin ren.unices his advantage, what shou’ 1 be the most dramatic situation of the play becomes merely an anti-climax.