THE CRIMSON PLAYGOER

Considering that "This Thing Called Love" consists of three acts and not of just one, it sums up to a rather low score. Did it consist of but the second act, it would be admirable fare. For this is sparkling, light, touched with wisdom. It has all the attributes of good comedy writing. Unfortunately, there are also from Mr. Burke's pen two additional acts, sandwiching this good one. As in all sandwiches, the meet is in the middle.

The title of the play is an excellent indication of the contents. In an attempted casualness Mr. Burke bandies words between his characters, these words having to do with the marital state and its attendant pitfalls. Somehow, the only relevant thing we can think of to sum the matter up is that "Young Love" was a much better piece. It was far less forced in its banter, had considerably more of a point, and had two good acts out of three instead of a mere one.

But don't let all this sound too harsh. The second act is easily worth waiting through the first and then you naturally want to see the matter consummated. Then it's all over. As a matter of cold act, as long as we have been but vaguely damning the first and third acts, the trouble consists in the first's being unbearably over-done, and the last's having no raison d'etre. To all intents and purposes the play ends with Act Two.

If you didn't see "Young Love" the chances are easily even that you will like the present offering. It does have its amusing moments. But if you did see the other comedy, you must go in a very open frame of mind.

Violet Heming and Minor Watson lead the cast and give excellent performances. In fact if it isn't too much to ask, the powers ought to advance Mr. Watson to Major.