New Plays in Manhattan

The Happy Husband. As in most brittle comedies of bad manners, not very long after The Happy Husband begins it is evident that adultery has been done in the south room. Spectators have a justifiable opinion that Harvey Townsend's partner in sin has been Dot Rendell, who is furious with her husband for regarding her, as she thinks, beneath suspicion. The people seated on the stage suspect the languishing wife of a visiting American. When he too loudly voices his suspicions, Dot Rendell is compelled to admit that she, not Mrs. Blake, occupied the danger post in the south room. Her happy husband cheerfully goes on believing in her innocence. Only when pique has driven her to the point of desperation does he shoulder his obligation to be indignant. His wife, satisfied, then surprises some members of the audience with the information that an effective interruption had occurred in the south room just before the moment of going to press.

The play is full of easy-going wit which requires no pregnant pauses to speed it on its way. The people are lazy and likable. All went well with Billie Burke, although perhaps she sometimes twitched too violently in her efforts to emphasize her charms. Many of the other members of the cast were with The Happy Husband when it ran long and breathlessly in London.

Here's Howe! When spring comes to Manhattan, the theatre season dies. Its swan song is heard, drifting slyly into the noisy streets, from playhouses wherein musical shows now blossom brightly in the dark. This one was written by famed Roger Wolfe Kahn who again displays his competence to write songs which, though they may be faintly derivative, are gay and engaging. The action is well cared for by Allen Kearns; he is required to represent a character whose name, as may be guessed, is an Indian greeting and who loses his love and gains her again with nonchalant devices of gallantry. Ben Bernie, who is justly celebrated for his ability to guide musicians with his left knee or a baton, contributes constantly to an evening of excellent diversion.