Life, 1906-10-11 · page 15 of 24
Life — October 11, 1906 — page 15: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This page reviews a Broadway play called "The Genius" starring Nat Goodwin. The text criticizes the production as lightweight entertainment—a farce about a wealthy man who fraudulently claims credit for artists' work to impress society. The reviewer (Metcalue) finds it amusing but intellectually undemanding, though praising Goodwin's comedic talents and leading lady Edna Goodrich. The cartoon at bottom, captioned "Overheard in Pittsburgh," satirizes contemporary divorce proceedings. Speech bubbles show people gossiping about scandalous marital affairs—mentions of "correspondents" (co-respondents in adultery cases), divorce settlements, and infidelity. This reflects early 1900s society's fascination with high-profile divorce cases, which were public spectacles requiring evidence of infidelity. The cartoon mocks how eagerly ordinary people discussed such scandals, revealing the era's obsession with marital misconduct litigation.
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HLIZABETH KENNEDY AS Esther page of author's ordinary acting. It’s these flashe ability that make us wish him © great stage accomplishments. individuality is strongly marked and when he essays something on a more pre- tentious scale than light comedy or bur- lesque his personality as a fun maker is “LIFE: so pronounced that we wish to see him in no other capacity. “The Genius” is in all conscience light enough material for Mr. Goodwin in his most frivolous mood. It is an ingenious conception which might with advantage be wrought out more seriously, but the authors, the Messrs. William C. and Cecil De Mille, have made it a very local and very frivolous composition. Authors can not be quarreled with if they use their none too abundant supply of material to mect the demands of a public which seems to have no stomach for anything but the most frothy entertain- ment. The present piece f with the mild adventures of a rich young man who imposes himself on society as a genius by securing through purchase the credit of the work of three artists in paintin| music and sculpture. Incidentally there is a love affair, which enables Mr. Goodwin to do some very good love-making. The supporting cast is not notable, with the exception of the leading lady, Edna Goodrich, an unusually beautiful young woman, who has unnecessarily studied too closely the methods and intonations of some of her more noted sisters of the stage. In its entirety, “The Genius” is amusing without making the slightest strain on the thinking powers. Metcalfe. concerns. itse 4ll ifs fantidentinl eee “[aeatves Night's Dream.” Adequate production and fairly well interpreted Beasxo—" The Girl of the Golden West.” ably s d and well-acted American dram te e—Mr. Nat Goodwin in “The Genius.” See Casino—"* My Lady's Maid.” Musical play of the usual typ pan usual m| Em pire House in Order,’ Drew as the star. With the exception of so in the cast, an excellent performance of M interesting play Garrick—Rose Stab] in" Heackat- Ir, Hopkinson well-acted English farce, Herald Square—* About sical piece with excellent ¢ Hippodrome—Elaborate production of ballet, «pec tacle and circus, all on a large scale Lyric—Virginia Harned in “The Love Letter.” Notice later. Majestic—" The Tourist: play with usual handsons cast, headed Man Admit Town.” Conventional musical mounting and competent Srace Geot Very up-to-date light drama, well —Margaret Anglin and Mr. Henry Miller at Divide.” Notice later. —Hilda Spong in “John Hudson's Wife.” ly, interest unusually well | HAVE NAMED) YOU AS CORRESPONDENT § OVERHEARD IN PITTSBURG comicbooks.com