The Theatre: New Plays: Sep. 20, 1926

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What's the Use? An indecently boring comedy of Jewish domestic life on Washington Heights was written by Pauline Fain, produced by Aaron Fain. As all the Fains and their friends have seen the play, it has probably gone to its rest by now.

No Trespassing. Here is a Broadway account of the adventures of a Christian missionary among wild Long Islanders. The natives of the smart set of the isle drink too many cocktails, bounce the Charleston, whang the ukelele, fall into drunken stupors in the wrong bedrooms, yet observe strictly the sanctity of marital ties. Hence the title. Into this abandonment, wanders the Reverend Mr. Druce, on temporary absence from his missionary duties in Matamarangabok. Zoe Gait, the set's infallibly ravishing flapper, bets she can make the handsome clergyman "fall for her." Needless to say, the young lady is completely conquered by his stern, honorable virility. She forsakes the shallow life of Long Island to sail for Matamarangabok, where life is earnest, real. She says, at one point: "I must go now, but I leave my reputation behind."

Edwin Nicander, as a tipsy social leader, affords considerable amusement. Kay Johnson is pretty enough to lend a temporary validity to her reputation as a temptress. The play succeeds in mildly tickling the more ordinary risibilities and will probably prove popular.

Castles in the Air. Out of Chicago, into Manhattan, floated lavish, colorful Castles in the Air. An extremely sentimental musical comedy it is, dismally lacking in humor. A little U. S. heiress falls in love with the prince of still another one of those mythical kingdoms. The cruel conflict between love and duty dissolves into pure happiness when the Queen relents and permits the Prince to wed out of royalty. So much is the unhappy worst of it. Far better are the song favorite, "Lantern of Love," the charming doll-baby dance, the outrageously handsome J. Harold Murray as Prince Charming of Latavia, the color effects, the nimble, engaging ladies of the ensemble. Also, there is Bernard Granville, popular, supple, dancing comedian to help explain an entire season's run in the metropolis of the West. 2 Girls Wanted. A pleasant comedy sauntered into the Little Theatre last week, offended no one, charmed a great many. It concerns a sensible, whimsical little country girl. She braves Manhattan, toils as stenographer, as parlor maid. A big business deal transacted with some violence affords her an opportunity to win a handsome husband, frustrate a wicked plot. The lines are witty enough to create more than usual merriment, yet mercifully lacking in slangy wisecracks. An excellent cast headed by Nydia Westman, and skillful staging by Winchell Smith add greatly to the evening's enjoyment.