David Belasco, dean of American producers, who celebrated his birthday here yesterday, was the recipient of messages of congratulations from leaders of the theatrical profession from all sections of the world.
Mr. Belasco’s plan to spend the day quietly at his hotel was interrupted by the constant stream of telegrams, followed by visitors arriving to tender their best wishes in person.
Mr. and Mrs. Morris Gest of New York, son-in-law and daughter, motored to Atlantic City to spend the day with Mr. Belasco. The entire cast of “It’s a Wise Child, ” Mr. Belasco’s play now showing here, paid a visit to the producer.
A large floral offering was received from the members of the Belasco Theatre staff in New York. The Hotel Amsterdam, where Mr. Belasco is stopping, presented a cake with his likeness in chocolate and sugar.
Felicitations were extended to Mr. Belasco by Mayor James J. Walker of New York. Among others who sent greetings were: Constantin Stanislavsky of the Moscow Art Theatre, Max Reinhardt of Berlin, Daniel Frohman, Florenz Ziegfeld, Billie Burke, William T. Dewart, A. L. Erlanger. Beth Merrill, Louis Mann, Clara Lipman and Samuel Shipman.
DENIES RESPONSIBILITY FOR PASSION PLAY PLAY PRODUCTION
Mr. Belasco, in a letter published in a recent issue of the “Literary Digest.” which reproduced critical remarks against him by the “American Hebrew” in connection with the recent production of the Passion Play by Morris Gest, disclaims responsibility for the Hippodrome presentation.
“My only connection with the Passion Play was to attend the three final rehearsals. I am no more entitled to praise for the merits it possesses than I am to censure to rits having been produced,” he declares.
The “American Hebrew,” commenting editorially on Mr. Belasco’s protest, asks why he permitted his son-in-law, Morris Gest, to advertise in the public prints and in electric lights on the Hippodrome that the Passion Play was “directed by David Belasco.” The paper draws attention to the fact that the Passion Play is now on a tour during which Mr. Belasco’s role as director continues to be advertised.
JTA has documented Jewish history in real-time for over a century. Keep our journalism strong by joining us in supporting independent, award-winning reporting.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
