AMERICAN plays, like American novels, have in general a gusto
that is lacking in our own productions, but, on the other hand, they tend to depend too much on this very desirable quality. This is so with My Sister Eileen, which is described as a " comedy " whereas it is a farce, and a rather crude one at that, and it is not without significance that the distinction between the two is apt to elude the big men of the American theatre. This play about life in the Bohemian quarter of New York known as Greenwich Village shows us two girls inveigled into taking a basement flat by its owner, a Mr. Appopolous, who lives by letting rooms and paints " advanced " pictures. As soon as they have paid the rent for a month in advance there is a terrifying crash, plaster falls from the ceiling, the pictures from the walls and books and ornaments are sent flying across the floor. The owner blandly explains that it is merely the blasting for a new underground railway. The rest of the play consists of domestic details and the incursions of Bohemian neighbours for whom the basement is a rendezvous. The material would make an amusing music-hall sketch of twenty minutes, but I should have thought that only the adolescent could continue to find it fun for a whole evening. It is far less ingenious and amusing than the other American "comedy," lunior Miss, now running at the Saville Theatre, but, like lunior Miss, it is well acted, and the charm and attractive dresses of the two sisters, admirably played by Sally Gray and Coral Browne, compensate slightly for the appearance of their male acquaintances. Is it really true that in New York in the summer men wear nothing but their underwear? H it is, something ought to be done to make them look less hideous.
For anyone with a visual sense this play is an eyesore. , What a pleasure to see such a really intelligent, amusing and visually attractive light entertainment as Something in the Air. Jack Hulbert and Cicely Courtneidge are an ideal combination. I admit to an unqualified admiration for Mr. Hulbert, who has the unfailing ease, the sure poise, and the fine polish of a truly subtle and accomplished comedian. His representation of various European and Middle East pedples in a series of mime dances 3s a most brilliant tour-de-force and, throughout, his mastery and grace make him a pleasure to watch. I need waste no encomiums on Cicely Courmeidge, she is without an equal as a revue comedienne, an unfailing joy to see, and one of those rare stage personalities who seem independent of words for their effect. I must draw attention to the unusual grace and finish of the chorus in this piece, for as a rule the chorus in musical plays is without distinction in movement and dress. Here the dresses are delightful nd the dancers' movements fresh and expressive. A word of praise is also due to Gabrielle Brune, who has style both in her inging and her deportment. To hear her sing " Boopsie " would alone make a visit to the Palace worth while. JAMES REDFERN.
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