A play in three acts by Elmer Greensfelder; directed by Arthur J. Beckhard; settings by Tom Adrian Craeraft; produced by Thomas Kilpatrick. At the Little Theatre.
Althought the author of this play about a Pennsylvania Dutch with doctor might have been able to fashion tegether a smoother play, the material he used is so powerful in itself that the result is a drama that it both moving and entertaining.
It concers itself with one Emil Hofnagel (William F. Schoeller), a severnth son, who belives that he has been endowed with supernatural powers of healing. His farmer neighbors have complete faith in this powers and he is quite a boy in the community. A sincere man, he advice and is an expansive fellow willing to help anyone. He hates but one class of men-physicians, and when his daughter marries a medico he is of course pretty sore. A baby is born to the couple and at this point the old conflict between science and superstition is trotted forth. The baby becomes ill and its father, the doctor, wants to treat it but the old man says that the baby is “hexed” and insists upon treating it by approved methods of witch-doctoring. A struggle ensues between the two men and the son-in-law is shot leaving the field clear for the old man. the fild clear for the old man. He tries pow-wowing but the baby dies.
Despite this failure old Emil refuses to believe that his powers are at fault and the community continues to belive in him.
The background of the play is well done and gives the author a chance to show his knowledge of Dutch folkways. Mr. Schoeller as old Emil is convincing. His portrayal of a difficult role is well done and the audience is convinced of his sincerity. Honors, however, go to Victor Kilian, who as one of the minor characters, gives the play a flavor it needs. The rest of the cast do not quite measure up. You never are able to forget that these actors are just characters in a play, not people.
DRAMA NOTES
Jsephine Weiskopf, wife of D. H. Weiskopf, has been engaged by Crosby Gaige, to superise the costuming and dressing of the forthcoming production of “Ragged Army,” the Beulah Marie Dix-Bertram Millhauser play. Mrs. Weiskopf performed a similar function for “A Hat, A Coat A Glove,” which Mr. Gaige produced. Lloyd Nolan will be the featured player.
THEATRE GUILD PLAY
The Theatre Guild is rounding up the cast for its forthcoming production of John Wexly’s play, “They Shall Not Die.” The cast of eithty-two includes a number of well-known players, many of whom have appeared in former Guild productions.
“GENTLEWOMAN”
The Group Theatre, whose production, “Men In White,” is one of the outstanding hits of the current season, is preparing “Gentlewoman” for an early production. According to a recent announcement, several player from “Men In White” will be replaced by others, os that the former may take part in “Gentlewoman.” Stella Adler, gifted daughter of the late Jacob P. Alder, will be in the cast.
GEORGE WHITE IS BACK
George White, creator of George White’s “Scandals,” is returning from Hollywood, where he made a picture for Fox Fims. Mr. White will set plans in motion for a Spring production of a new “Scandals,” and is reported to have engaged several cinema celebrities for it. Among the nunmber is Gregory Ratoff.
NEW PLAYS COMING
New plays comming to Broadway this week are: “Queer People,” Galen Bogue’s production of the popular novel of the same name. Hal Skelly is the featurd player, and the Natioanl Theatre will house the comedy…. “The Shiming Hour,” by Keith Winter, will come to the Booth Theatre. Mox Gordon is the producer Allen and Raymond Massey are in the cast…. “Richard of Bordeaux” will come to the Empire Dennis King heads the large cast.
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.
